Production - Long Road To Ruin - Final Cut

Evaluation: In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

Evaluation: Who would be the audience of your media product?

Evaluation - Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

Here is my preliminary task. In it it included match on action and a shot-reverse shot sequence that applied the 180 degree rule. Whilst it correctly applied these aspects, it did lack a lot of key techniques and skills of which I have since developed. 

One aspect was sound. The only sound which I used during my preliminary task was non-diagetic dialogue. This, whilst not really hindering the clip, could have been improved in order to make it a more successful, dynamic and profession task. Since that point, I have improved my ability to include foley sounds into my editing, as shown within our task - 'fart shoes'. This is perhaps one of the most useful skills throughout my progression from my preliminary task to my final product. This is because, as stated above, it allows the media to sound effective and professional, which, in my opinion, is one of the most important aspects of editing. Another thing I learnt during the progression from my preliminary task to my final product was the method of producing these non-diagetic sounds. We achieved this by pre-recording the sounds, in this case, the voice over and 'fart' sounds, and edited them separately into the Adobe Premier Pro software. Indeed, this took some time to get get used to, especially as I had to constantly crop single sounds to make them in sync with the footsteps of the character. This was perhaps the most difficult skill throughout my experience with foley sounds. Nevertheless, I was able to apply them successfully into the piece, allowing it to sound effective and believable. Therefore, another thing which I learnt throughout my progression was the control over the sounds on the software. Here is the foley task in consideration:

Another aspect of my progression from the creation of my preliminary task to my final product was the use of camera techniques. This involves the effective application of camera movement, effects, equipment and shots. To start with, there was very limited camera movement within the preliminary task. Although I was not directing the camera at that point, I did have an influence towards the use of the camera. However, as it happens, we were not the most educated in that department. Since then, I have learnt a vast amount about the use of camera movement to achieve desired affects, including; the types of camera movement available - my post about my research into camera movement outlined this, and what effect they achieve. For example, a simple pan and tilt can be used to give more information to the viewer by revealing an important aspect of a scene. It can also be used for connoting power as a low-angled tilt could be used for such an effect. A crane shot could also be used to such effect, such as that in Alfred Hitchcock's 'Psycho', where Norman Bates is seen fleeing his 'mother' into the basement. This type of shot created an omniscient narration where the viewer is almost disembodied as they aren't positioned with any character in particular. My progression of camera movement is exemplified through my final product, especially in the second scene where a figure walks across a grave yard.

In this scene there is a pan over the church which introduces the audience to the fact that there is a character in the scene. Then, the second use of camera movement creates an omniscient narration, just like that in Psycho, where the audience see the action from a third person perspective. For these reason's I believe I have learnt a huge amount about camera movement and its application into media products. 

My use of equipment has also taken a huge leap during my progression. Within my preliminary task, there was limited use of equipment through the SLR camera and a tripod. This limited use of equipment restricted the number of effects I could achieve as a tripod has very little maneuverability. However, throughout my progression I have learned about different equipment which, evidently, have improved my filming skills. Perhaps most notably is the use of a dolly which I included in my final media product. Here is an example of how I used this piece of equipment to effect: 

I was very happy with the shots I achieved with this piece of equipment, because they allowed me to produce connotations towards the characters. For example, an zooming tracking shot connotes a growing of power and dominance, whereas in contrast, a reverse tracking shot could connote weakness. Therefore, my development of knowledge towards the dolly came in very handy; helping me produce more effective shots in my final piece. 

Editing is another aspect which I was able to enhance both my knowledge and application of. This was perhaps one of the trickiest aspects to get a grip of because I was starting completely fresh, whereas I had used the likes of a camera and tripod before. My main progression has already been outlined in another evaluation question. However, in short, I have improved a lot. In my preliminary task, there was limited use of  transactions, such as dissolves and fades, as well as a lack of other effects such as cropping and colour correction. I feel I have learnt to apply these successfully, among others, in my final media product, making it a more sophisticated, professional piece. 

Finally, and perhaps most crucially, I have learnt tonnes about successful directing techniques which came in incredibly useful towards the creation of my final product. Such skills included organisation of settings, mise-en-scene, and my ability to communicate effectively with actors. My organisation of settings, notably the application of mise-en-scene, in the preliminary task was almost non-existent.

I had little knowledge of how the mise-en-scene of a scene could effect how the characters are perceived and how it may impact on the rest of the production. Now, however, I have been able to successfully apply that into my film opening through the use of my almost cell-like setting and low key lighting. I also had little knowledge of how a character's clothing could have the same effect. My preliminary task showed no evidence of this knowledge, however I was able to produce a whole character biography for my protagonist, displaying detailed knowledge of how their image was to connote the personality of that character. Indeed, there is evidence of a large amount of progress in the organisation and application of mise-en-scene, which is undoubtably a key aspect of a successful film opening. 

 

 

Evaluation - How does your media product represent different social groups?

Within my media product, I represent only a couple of different social groups.

The first of these social groups is young men, as my character, Sean Saunders, is age 19 and falls perfectly into this category. This character is perceived in the piece as weak and vulnerable, as, in the story, he has fallen victim to another character. This could be echoed for much of the youth nowadays, especially as there is an increasing emphasis upon safety of young people as a result of recent abductions.


However, you could say that this representation of youth is perhaps challenging modern conventions. This is because many young people could be perceived as intimidating and aggressive, especially towards the elderly members of society. Indeed, this is the case in films such as 'Kidulthood' where the stereotypes of young people are represented as just that. Nevertheless, 'Long Road To Ruin' is pinpointing the more vulnerable members of modern youth, which, despite going against modern conventions, still represents a large number of young people today.

Like in this scene, where the high- angled side shot connotes weakness and allows the viewer themselves to seem higher up and therefore more important. This contrasts the intimidating steriotypical image of that portrayed by 'Kidulthood'.








The second social group is represented by my character Dr. Banes, who represents more mature, perhaps those further up the social ladder, members of society. He is definitely the more dominant of the two characters, which is suggested through the use of shadows as it connotes mystery and power. Such characters are used in films such as 'Lord of the Rings' in Saruman.



To conclude, my media product, whilst only representing only two different social groups within the opening two minutes, demonstrates contrasting members of modern society; the naive, innocent, vulnerable youth and the dominant, successful social group.

Evaluation - How did you attract/address your audience?

For any film to be successful, it must have an audience, for it to have an audience, it was interest them and hence attract and address them. The audience research I did (audience interview, biography of my typical viewer etc.) gave me a chance to address multiple people and created a sense of the audience I can attract. 

I concluded that my target audience would be the mainstream-plus category, whilst being mostly males and being in the age range of late-teens to middle-age. This helped my to consider how my product has addressed and attracted this target audience. 

Use of low-key lighting allowed my media product to attract
more sophisticated members of my target
audience. 

I believe that I addressed the older aspect of my target audience through the use of low-key lighting, reflecting the sophisticated style of perhaps earlier media products, notably, Alfred Hithcock's Psycho. Therefore, they were able to relate to it as they, having perhaps previously experiencing media products like this, would be able to relate and therefore be inclined to travel to the cinema and watch it. Furthermore, the use of sophisticated mise-en-scene, such as the suit which Dr Banes wears, could have had the same effect. Therefore, there are a few aspects through which I have been able to address, and therefore attract, this aspect of my target audience. Indeed, the fact that my film very much uses the convention of the patriarchal hegemonies of 'men ruling the world' could also relate to these older, more sophisticated media products. It reflects the pre-feminism era, which could attract certain members of the elder audience. 

Sean Saunders - attracting the younger generations within
target audience. 

Also, my choice of character was also a way through which I was able to attract certain aspects of my target audience. Most notably, Sean Saunders could be a relatable character with the younger members of my target audience. The character is, after all, 19 years old and therefore likely to be the same age as some of the viewers of the film. For this reason, my media product has addressed the younger generations within my target audience. 

I believe I addressed the mainstream-plus group of movie goers by use perhaps more obsquere camera angles and shots, such as in the graveyard when I use almost omniscient narration when you're witnessing the action in 3rd person. In the case of this shot; its almost a POV shot from another being which is hiding among the gravestones. This contributes to the eerie atmosphere which I hoped to produce within this scene, and allows the mainstream-plus movies fans to perhaps be enticed into the story.
Indeed, the setting of the story is also perhaps challenging the mainstream conventions of media products since they are usually set in urban settlements. However, here I have been able to promote the idea of a specialised piece, thereby attracting the mainstream-plus group.

Overall, I have attracted/addressed my target audience in a number of different ways. My creation of specific characters has addressed both the older members of my target audience by re-creating the sophistication of 19th century media products, and the younger generations through the use of a young character, who reflects the ignorance and innocence of this group. This, among other things, has provided evidence towards the techniques used to address and attract my target audience. 

Evaluation - What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?

Media institutions are very specific towards the kinds of media they distribute. Every distributor will have a type of movie that they believe will satisfy their target audience, and produce the greatest profit. An example of this is would be Universal Studios which distribute mainstream blockbusters such as Jurassic Park, and more recently; Oblivion.

I believe that my media product would be distributed by a more independent, British distributor such as Warp Films, as they would be more willing to experiment with up-coming productions, such as Long Road To Ruin, than the multi-national mainstream production companies. This is partly down to the specific genre which these larger companies must stick to in order to satisfy the more mainstream audience. On the other hand, Warp Films distribute a lot more of the less mainstream productions to appease to the aficionados of film viewers. For these reasons, Warp Films would seem a much more likely solution towards distributing my media product.

Another possible solution towards the distribution of my media product would be the independent film distibuter 'Anton Pictures', who states "The greatest movies start with independent film makers". This sort of distributor would be perfect for my film. Not only because its a small-scale production company, but because it has already distributed media of my genre, such as an American version of Sherlock Holmes, released in 2011. 

Evaluation - What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

I believe I have learnt masses about technologies throughout the process of making this final media product. To say it bluntly, I was not the sharpest tool in the box when it came to computers and working with software such as Premier Pro or After Effects, yet I feel, being almost at the end of my final product, that I have become very much familiar with software, and indeed some of the hardware, involved in making my final media product.

To start with, the use of computers was never my strong point, and it was clear that, although ideas may have been radiating from my head, that I may find it difficult to animate them into the masterpieces which I imagine. Here are is my first attempt at an After Effects animation, in which we tried to re-make the beginning of the 'Teletubbies' opening sequence.

As you can see, there was plenty of room for improvement as transitions were jumpy and not in sync. However, from this I have been able to develop my skills and use them effectively into my final piece. One of the main aspects which I took away from this was perhaps the use of key frames which enabled me to control when and how images, and in fact anything on the screen, would appear, evidently becoming essential towards the creation of my title sequences of my final film opening, not to mention the creation of my company ident which would also be a crucial aspect of my film opening, Here is my final ident version, which allows you to see the development of my skills using the software. So, here is one area which I have learned and developed my skills.

I believe that, in order to get an idea of how I far I have come, we must go right back to the start to when editing was a new horizon. Here is my very first piece of editing, which involved an opening of a film in the genre 'Thriller', titled 'Homecoming'.

My cutting was dis-jointed and didn't really have a flow. I included little use of effects and no transitions between cuts, which I have been able to manipulate and use in my more recent pieces. Another area which I was inexperienced at was cooperating foley sounds into my work. As you can see in the 'Homecoming' piece, sound was a bit of an issue, especially when some sounds were louder than others, making listening to it a rather unpleasant experience. This is demonstrated more clearly in this clip which was made following an exercise using the 180 degree rule during a shot-reverse shot sequence.

Here, sounds was definitely an issue. However, I have been able to develop my understanding of the software to introduce relevant, balanced audio.

 This was a task set by our teacher to introduce foley sounds into our work successfully. This was definitely a learning curve for me, as not only is it something which I had never done before, but it would also allow me to improve every piece of work which I would do in the future. This task also allowed me to demonstrate some other aspect which I had developed; such as including transitions between shots, and my overall editing skills.

So, in conclusion, I have learned an awful lot about technologies from the process of constructing this product. I have developed my editing skills, animation skills, navigation of software and application of sound. Not to mention my handling of the camera (if you hadn't noticed).

Production - First draft: Feedback

Here is some of the feedback following my first draft of my production piece:

• "Love the lighting, angles and feel of this."
• I felt this was a key part of my original plans for this two minute opening piece which, seemingly, has worked effectively as my audience seems to have noticed it.
• "The lighting works very well"
• This reflects the point made about how effective the use of low key lighting has been. 
• "The shadowing was really effective" 

Some areas for improvement have also been pointed out, which include: 

• "I'd suggest making the cuts between shots smoother. Plus audio, obviously."
• I think the transition between shots is an area which I could focus more on, and if it would allow the audience to connect more with the film then it is something which I will definitely consider. I did initially try to make the piece and disjointed as I could without distancing the audience from the story line, and in doing so I extended the transition between shots. However, this feedback helped me to realise that perhaps a greater compromise is needed in order to fully allow the audience to engage with the story line, thereby making it a more successful piece. 
• Audio is also an important issue which I intend on facing. This first draft has allowed me to get an idea for the type of music which I think would work best for this piece. It also allows me to clearly see where foley sounds are needed, which are: Character dialogue, footsteps (to be included in the transition between the ident and the first cut), a light switching on, paper sliding across a table, wind, footsteps (to be included in the graveyard scene). Voices are a necessity for this piece and I intend on including them in my second or third draft. I feel these would enhance the piece, making it more effective and engaging. 
• "I would spend more time working on titles" 
• This is a very crucial aspect of a film opening. It introduces the actors and acknowledges everybody behind the making of the film. In order for this to be a successful movie opening, I must spend more time on making the titles suitable yet effective. In my first draft, I included titles introducing myself as writer and director, and a title for which a music producer would be inserted. I intend on introducing more titles, thereby making it a more successful film opening. 

Production - Second draft

Here is the second draft of my 2 minute opening film. In this draft I have added a non-diegetic sound track as well as some footsteps at the end of the piece. The point behind these changes is to just get a greater feeling towards what my final productrion piece will end up like after all of the non-diegetic sound has been added.

I also modified some of the video footage for added effect. This includes video transactions between shots which creates a more uneven, dreamy atnosphere to reflect the situation of the main character.

Please leave feedback!

Production - First Draft: No Audio

This is my first draft of my final production piece of my AS course. It has no audio since I am still in the process of recording Foley sounds and producing the background music to go with it.

 

 

I have got a few ideas of ways in which I can use non-diegetic sound to good effect. There will be a continual drone which is played throughout the piece, and will increase in dynamics during the part when Sean Saunders says "I can't" since this is an important section of the film opening. I will also include footsteps during the black transition between the ident and the first shot of the film. I believe this will have the viewers engaged from the beginning. The footsteps will also get gradually louder and the climax will be during the first cut to the scene. 

Evaluation of equipment - Dolly

The equipment I used to film my film opening proved to be very useful which, for some, came as quite a pleasant surprise. For example, the dolly which I borrowed from the school, I thought, may be very cumbersome and difficult to achieve smooth and effective shots. However, as it came to filming day, I used it to achieve shots like these:

 

 

I found this use of camera movement extremely helpful, and effective, as it enabled me to give a greater impression of the characters by distancing the viewers from them. Also, it allowed me to give greater infomation to the audience about the scene, for example, the close up on the handcuffs gave the audience a clue about the character's situation, and allowed them to make up their own judgements of the plot. This is a part of what I hoped to achieve in my film opening. I wanted to make it as opaque as possible, thereby making the audience think for themselves, and getting them more engaged in the story. 

Planning - Script - Fourth Draft

FADE IN:

INT. DARK ROOM - NIGHT

A lamp flashes on and reveals a man, SEAN SAUNDERS, slouching in a chair on one side of a table, wearing a hoodie and jeans. The lamp shines directly into his face to reveal bruising and blood coming from his mouth. He slowly opens his eyes. He squints in the light.

DR. BANES

Mr Saunders...

SEAN SAUNDERS lifts his head. He is handcuffed to the chair. At the other end of the table is a second man, DR. BANES, who is leaning back in his chair. His face is partially hidden beneath shadows. He lights a cigarette.

DR. BANES
Is it done, Mr Saunders?

SEAN SAUNDERS

Yeah, it's done.

DR. BANES lifts a cigarette to his mouth. He blows a cloud of smoke before grinning. 

DR. BANES

Your father would be proud.

SEAN SAUNDERS leans forward in his chair sharply. His voice is raised. 

SEAN SAUNDERS

You don't speak about my father. I thought we had a deal.

DR. BANES chuckles gently. He pauses. He pulls out a picture from his blazer pocket and slides it across the table. His silver watch gleams in the light from the lamp.

DR. BANES

I need you to do one more thing.

SEAN SAUNDERS glances at the picture in front of him. He looks up and shakes his head slowly. 

SEAN SAUNDERS

I can't...

DR BANES smiles gently. He mutters under his breath.

DR. BANES

Pity.

DR. BANES reaches over to the lamp. He flicks the switch. The room turns pitch black.

CUT TO:

EXT. GRAVE YARD - NIGHT

DANIEL SEYMOUR'S silhouetted figure walks along a path towards a deserted church yard. He pauses at the entrance and adjusts his watch. He walks through the entrance and into the grave yard, as he does so he glances up at the clock on the church and straightens his tie.

Planning - Shot types - First Scene

Here is the current basic shot list of my film opening for my first scene.

• POV close up on lamp
• Reverse tracking shot of Sean Saunders - beginning with ECU on eyes to a mid shot which reveals the second character in the scene.
• Interspersed in the progression of this shot will be a side shot of the lamp - reflecting the side shot of the shower head in Psycho - and blurred POV shots of the ash tray
• After the second character is revealed there will be a low angled shot of this character lighting a cigarette.
• A reaction shot of Sean Saunders squinting
• POV ECU of cigarette being lit in SLOW MOTION
• Another reaction shot of S.S
• "Is he dead?" - overlapping reaction shot
• Shot reverse shot between two characters during dialougue; low angled shot of Dr. Banes whereas cropped, high angled shot of Sean Saunders.
• Shot of handcuffs
• Occasional ECL of Dr. Banes' mouth whilst smoking.
• Scene will end with ECL of lamp whilst turning off

This is subject to change. I will update my shot list if any changes occur.

Planning - Script - Third Draft

FADE IN: 

INT. DARK ROOM - NIGHT 

A lamp flashes on and reveals a man, SEAN SAUNDERS, slouching in a chair on one side of a table. The lamp shines directly into his face to reveal bruising and blood coming from his mouth. He is handcuffed to the chair. At the other end of the table is a second man, DR. BANES. His face is partially hidden beneath shadows.

DR. BANES

Is he dead? 

SEAN SAUNDERS nods slowly. 

DR. BANES bites off a pen lid from his pen and ticks a sheet of paper. As he removes the lid from his mouth he grins. 

DR. BANES

Your father would be proud.

SEAN SAUNDERS raises his head. His voice is raised. He leans forward in his chair. 

SEAN SAUNDERS

You don't speak to my father like that. I thought we had a deal. 

DR. BANES chuckles gently. He pauses. He pulls out a picture from his blazer pocket and slides it across the table. His silver watch gleams in the light from the lamp. 

DR. BANES

I need you to do one more thing. 

SEAN SAUNDERS glances at the picture. He looks up and shakes his head slowly. DR BANES smiles gently. He mutters under his breath. 

DR. BANES

Pity. 

DR. BANES reaches over to the lamp in the center of the table. He flicks the switch. The room turns pitch black. 

CUT TO: 

EXT. GRAVE YARD - NIGHT

DANIEL SEYMOUR'S silhouetted figure walks along a path towards a deserted church yard. He pauses at the entrance and adjusts his watch. He walks through the entrance and into the grave yard, as he does so he glances up at the clock on the church and straightens his tie. 

This is the third version of my script for my opening 2 minutes of a film. The changes I have made from my second version include: 

• Changing the name of a character to Dr Banes. I did this because I thought the original name was a little cliche and I needed something which was realistic, yet had the same effect. 
• Changing the second scene to only including a single character. I thought this would show the character off more than when a second character is introduced. This is because the character may act differently when alone, and, since he is one of the main characters, I wish to let the audience to know who this character is therefore allowing them into the story. 

Planning - Application of Mise-En-Scene - First Scene

Settings and props:
Within this scene there will be a wooden table in the center of a room with a desk lamp on. There will be two figures sat, one on each side of the table, on chairs facing each other. There will be very little else in terms of props in this scene, as this will connote the blindness of the character as he is unaware of his location. In almost puts the viewer in the point of view of the character. On the table there will be various sheets scattered around. The setting for this scene will be inside my friend's garage, which is exactly what I need, as it is a large, empty space sort of reflecting an interrogation room scenario.

Costume, hair and make up
One of the characters in this scene, Sean Saunders, will be represented as weak and immobile, therefore I need his image to reflect this. I am hoping to get my actor, Mason Button, to wear almost normal, teenager clothes since this will show the audience the context of the film, and that we are dealing with a very much ordinary character, who has had rough experiences in the past. In terms of make up, I wish to have slight cuts on his face, and perhaps something which will show some sort of bruising on his face. This will allow the audience into the film by showing them what may have happened, instead of telling them.
My other character is this scene, Dr Banes, will be wearing black suit with a red tie. This will connote danger, allowing the audience to see into the character. It will also, however, connote passion, which will suggest something else about the character, perhaps something hidden, therefore foreshadowing something which may happen later in the film.

Facial expressions and body language
Sean Saunders will have incredibly dosed facial expressions, which will reflect a recent event which happened, perhaps involving being drugged, again allowing the audience to be able to engage with the film through being shown and not told. Dr Banes on the other hand will have somewhat sterner facial expressions, resembling the stereotypical bad guy in interrogation scenes.
The body language of Sean Saunders will reflect his facial expressions, as he will be slouched on his chair with relaxed shoulders, only showing any signs of movement when he leans forward as stated in my latest version of the script. Dr Banes' body language will also be sort of relaxed as he will be leaning back on his chair whilst smoking on a cigarette. This will let the viewers know that the character is not too serious about his position, and perhaps does this on a regular basis.

Lighting and colour
This is very simple, because I want the lighting for this scene to be incredibly low key, with a single light source in the whole room. This will allow the audience to sympathise with Sean Saunders as they are almost in the same position as him in terms of knowing where they are.

Positioning of characters and objects
The two characters will sit on either side of a table which will sit in the center of the room. Neither of them will move from these seats throughout the duration of the scene. In terms of objects, a single lamp will sit either on the table facing Sean, or behind Dr Banes, unsure at the minute which one would create the best effect.

Planning - Story Types

Here are just some story types which are available to the production industry...

The Romance:

• A character is seen to be emotionally lacking/missing something/someone.
• Something/someone is seen as a potential solution to this problem - the object is desire
• Barriers exist to stop the character reaching a resolution with the obect of desire
• The story is complete when the character is seen to have resolved their emotional problem and unites with the object of desire

An example of a Romance story:

The Unrecognised Virtue

• The character with a virtue becomes part of someone else's world
• The character falls in love with a powerful character in this world
• The character seeks to prove that they are desirable to this powerful character but the power relationship undermines this
• In attempting to solve the problem, the character's virtue is finally seen by the powerful character

This is the story of the prostitute in Pretty Women:

The Fatal Flaw

• The character is seen to have a quality that brings success
• With this success they gain opportunities denied to other characters
• They use opportunities for their own gain
• They recognise the damage they have done to others and set themselves a new challenge
• The quality which brought them success leads to their failure in the face of the new challenge

An example includes Dracula in Dracula, Prine of Darkness

The Quest

• The character is set a task to find someone/something
• The character accepts the challenge
• The character searches for someone/something
• The character finds the someone/something
• The character is rewarded, or not, for their success in the quest

I believe my story relates most closely to 'The Quest'. This is because it involves a man who is being ordered to kill someone, similar to the first bullet point outlined above. This character must "accept" this challenge and succeed in his quest. However, there are difficulties along the way along the way. 



Planning - Character Biography - Sean Saunders

Here is a biography of my film's protagonist: 

Name: Sean Saunders
D.O.B: 13th August 1994
Age: 19
Relationship with family: Mum - died whilst saving him from their burning home when he was 4 years old. Dad - left his family when he was 10 after Sean found out he was a murderer and it was not safe for them to stay in contact any longer. They have not been in contact since. Sean has been in foster care for the last 9 years. Siblings - No known siblings, although his foster family have two daughters.
Phobias/Fears: Afraid of heights and the dark.
Bad Habits: Slouches when he sits

Mason Button: Actor for Sean Saunders

Sean Saunders left school when he was 15, after being kicked out for threatening to kill someone's father. He got a job at the local shop, and worked there for two years. He was fired after being accused of stealing a packet of cigarettes. Sean has never had many friends, but had a pet lizard which he called Sanity which kept him company whilst living in his foster home. He enjoys watching films by himself. He never made an attempt to get a girlfriend after his first love broke his heart when he was 13. He rarely lets anyone into his life.

Planning - Application of Mise-En-Scene - Second Scene

The use of mise-en-scene in my production work is crucial towards its success. This is a post reflecting my thought of the application of mise-en-scene in my work.

Setting and Props:
Within my film opening I will be including two different locations, as reflected in my script. Of the two, the latter will be in a church graveyard. I chose this as a location because I think it would be a good introduction to one of the characters; Daniel Seymour, as, being the detective in my production work, I want to portray his enthusiasm to find the answer to a mystery. In addition I wish to shoot this scene at night which will, since the church is well lit, cast large shadows connoting mystery and reflecting the character's fearlessness as he is almost taking the setting in his stride, unlike perhaps the large proportion of the audience.

This clip shows the location of my second scene

The props in the scene will largely reflect the whole churchyard feel. This will include grave stones, the church and spooky trees; especially as the time of year which I will be shooting this scene will mean the trees will have lost their leaves and will reflect the stereotypical spooky scene.

Costume, hair and make up:
Costumes within this scene will have to be carefully chosen. Daniel Seymour, the detective, will be wearing a long, black coat with a suit underneath. The blackness of the coat will almost blend in with the background, again connoting the mystery and danger of the character. Here is the image which I have in mind for Daniel Seymour:


Daniel Seymour

The actor which I will chose for this character will be selected carefully, since the character should have a smart, cropped hair cut which, again, would contribute to the characterisation of an intelligent, yet slightly hidden, character. I will also have the character wear a red tie, since this would connote danger, but also passion, perhaps hinting something towards his past. These characterisations are all adding up to a complete and complex character, of which is an essential part of my production work.

 

Positioning of characters and objects:

Within this scene the use of the rule of thirds will be applied throughout, so as to capture the feel of the setting by having a gravestone or the church in the corner of the screen, for example. I will also use shots with a lot of black space, because this character has a particularly dark past and this will be displayed through the use of empty darkness.

Planning - Script - Second Draft

FADE IN: 

INT. DARK ROOM - NIGHT 

A lamp flashes on and reveals a man (SEAN SAUNDERS) slouching in a chair on one side of a table. The lamp shines directly into his face to reveal bruising and blood coming from his mouth. He is handcuffed to the chair. At the other end of the table is a second man (DR. FINSTER). His face is hidden beneath shadows.

DR. FINSTER

Is he dead? 

SEAN SAUNDERS nods slowly. 

DR. FINSTER bites off a pen lid from his pen and ticks a sheet of paper. As he removes the lid from his mouth he grins. 

DR. FINSTER

Your father would be proud.

SEAN SAUNDERS raises his head. His voice is raised. He leans forward in his chair. 

SEAN SAUNDERS

You don't speak to my father like that, I thought we had a deal. 

DR. FINSTER chuckles gently. He pauses. He pulls out a picture from his blazer pocket and slides it across the table. His silver watch gleams in the light from the lamp. 

DR. FINSTER 

I need you to do one more thing. 

SEAN SAUNDERS glances at the picture. He looks us and shakes his head slowly. DR FINSTER smiles gently. He mutters under his breath. 

DR. FINSTER

Pity. 

DR FINSTER reaches over to the lamp in the center of the table. He flicks the switch. 

CUT TO: 

EXT. GRAVE YARD - NIGHT

DANIEL SEYMOUR is taking a picture of a grave stone. His camera flashes. 

DANIEL SEYMOUR 

You know what I think about this guy, Tinsey?

DANIEL SEYMOUR looks at the screen on his camera at the picture he took. He is wearing a silver watch. 

Planning - Characterisation vs. Character

Creating a complex and diverse character is essential in the success of any film. There are two important aspects:

Characterisation: This refers to how the character behaves externally.
E.g:

• What they wear
• How they talk
• Do they have a twitch? etc

All of these little characterisations can contribute to the character's perseption.

Character: This refers to the character's internal bahaviour. Such as their true beliefs and opinions and how they would act in pressurised situations.

This is outlined in Robert Mckee's book 'Story' as he explains that Characterisation is "the sum of all observable qualities of a human being". He also goes on to say that "TRUE CHARACTER is revealed in the choices a human being makes under pressure - the greater the pressure the deeper the reveation the truer the choice to the character's essential nature."

Therefore within my Character design I need to concentrate on the "TRUE CHARACTER" which allows my film to be more sophisticated rather than just the Characterisations.

Another thing which Robert Mckee outlined in his book was the "Character Arc". This describes how the character's perception is changed through the revelation of the person's "TRUE CHARACTER". For example in 'The Vedrdict' protagonist Frank Galvin appears as a Boston attorney dressed in a three-piece suit. Unfairly handsome. These characterisations imply he's an upper-class/well off businesses man. However throughout the screenplay the characterisations are peeled back to reveal a corrupt bankrupt self-destructive irretrievable drunk who hasn't won a case in years. The character has not changed it is just how the film has developed out understandiong of him through his actions that has allowed us to see further into his character.

Planning - Audience Profile

In order to fully grasp my target audience, I am going to introduce my typical film viewer:
His name is Jason Scott, 19 and a student who has recently gone off to university to study Geography. He now lives in a city, with a cinema down the road to his apartment. He's single, and enjoys going out with his friends on nights out to bars and clubs etc. He does like to follow the crowd but also has a taste for more specialised films. He played a lot of sport at high school but has quite a shy personality. His last girlfriend was 3 years ago when he was 16. Jason currently works at a restaurant as a waiter, and earns £4.22 per hour which he spends the majority of on running his car. Because he is a student he has had to cut back on spending, however likes to treat himself to a night out with his friends to watch a movie. Sometimes he may go by himself to watch a particular genre of movie.

I feel this character would suit my film because he fits nicely into the Mainstream Plus group. He enjoys Mainstream movies, but likes to venture into specialised films. Because he is a student who enjoys a night out, I feel he would search for something more than the mainstream blockbusters that are out there.

Planning - Target Audience

It is very important to establish your film's target audience before you begin the movie-making process. This allows you to specify who you film is aimed at, and therefore produce a film which that group of people would enjoy, and pay to watch.
It is important to know that there are four main categories of film fans:

1) Mainstream only
These people rarely venture off the Hollywood blockbuster films. They're very unlikely to seek any foreign/multicultural films. Films of which would attract this group of people include:

These films experience endless advertisements and usually have big budgets.

2) Mainstream Plus
This is the second section of film fans. These people are principally looking for 'good' films, despite the genre. They will attend the cinema as regularly as once a month, and will enjoy a mainstream film every now and then. They like to dip into specialised films, as well as mainstream.
This is the sort of group I will be aiming my film towards. It is important to understand why these people enjoy these sort of films, so that I can achieve the most out of these film fans. 

3) Aficionado
These people are more likely to venture into specialised films. They like to portray themselves as more discerning then other film-goers, even to the extent of calling themselves 'anti-Hollywood'. They do, however, still predominantly see mainstream American films. These people take regular trips to the cinema, and make more of an effort to seek out specialised films.

4) Buff
This group are 'film fanatics'. They have their identity strongly bound up in film. They make strips out especially to go to the cinema and go more than once to see the same film. They express a strong liking for films which do not fit neatly into any genre. They will, however, see mainstream films for different reasons, e.g. to appreciate special effects.

Appreciating your target audience is one of the most important things to factor into your film making process. It can determine the success or failure of your film, which is why analysing it like this is crucial.

My film be targeted towards the mainstream plus audience. It will be targeted at people who enjoy specialised films, however, are fans of the Hollywood blockbusters. 

In terms of age, I believe that I will be aiming towards the older-teen up to middle-age since the specialised stance which I am taking has proved, in the past, to be quite attractive to this range of film-goers. In addition, a large majority of these film-goers will fall into the mainstream-plus category, therefore also making them suited towards my film.

Planning - Storyboard

This is the storyboard for my two minute opening film. In it I have included detailed sketches of what I want within my shots, as well as some director's notes as to camera movement and dialogue. I have also shaded in some of the shots in which the lighting will play a major part.

Planning - Camera movement

I have recently been looking at how to get the best out of my camera through camera movement. Here is a short video outlining the key aspects which i have been looking at:

Planning - Mise-en-scene

Mise-en-scene is everything that is seen in a shot. It takes into consideration 5 different elements:

• Setting and props
• This includes all of the objects seen in the shot. Such as furniture, pictures on the wall, etc. It also takes into account the setting which the scene was taken in. This is used brilliantly in Psycho during this scene between Marion and Norman in his parlour, as the birds in the background are used to great effect.

Another example, if it was taken in a desert - such as 'Wild West' movies - it becomes almost another character.

• Costume, hair and make up
•  This is important as it is much more character-specific. It not only tells us an incredible amount about the character, but it also tells us about the mood of the character which could be influential to the story. For example, if a character was to wear a black jacket, it could connote mystery with a sort of noir-ish effect. Whereas if a character was to wear red lipstick, it could connote passion and danger.

• Facial expressions and body language
• This is more down to the actor's performance. It provides an insight into the the character and how they're feeling - a lot like the costume aspect of mise-en-scene.

• Lighting and colour
• This aspect looks at how the lighting and colour effect the way in which the scene is represented. For example, if the scene has very Low Key lighting, the film's feel will to contrasting to that which uses very High Key lighting. These are two contrasting images, one with low key lighting and the other with high key lighting.





• Positioning of character/objects
• Again, this aspect of mise-en-scene is important. It can reflect the a lot of things about a character, such as how they're feeling. The rule of thirds is a great example of character/ object positionimg.