planning opening credits-miss georgiou

The credits in a opening thriller are vital as it explains the roles within the thriller and also can create a sense of suspense and sets the tone for the rest of the opening scene. moreover the credits can also explain the genre of the thriller as the back round may be eery and dark. it also recognises the people who worked hard on the scene and shows what there roles are. 

also, we analysed a thriller to help our inspirations for the opening credits, the thriller we analysed was a thriller called 'seven' The order of which they appeared was as follows: Production company, director, actor, title of film, actors continued, casting, music, costumes, editing, production, camera operator, co-producer, producer, writing and the director again. when the credits appeared there was a dark background and low key lighting.  The colour of the words on the credits were white and this had contrasted with the black background, these credits were conventional to the thriller because it created a sense of suspense and created the tone for the rest of the thriller. we will use these advantages of the credits to help create our own, as we will be using a similar font and black and white contrast to make our own thriller have a similar effect to the audience as 'seven'

furthermore As well as looking at the credits for se7en we decided to also look at the credits used in Black Swan. The credits used had similarities to those of which used in se7en but, also had a it's very own distinctiveness that made us a a group very inspired and educated for our own. The use of music hurting the credits was of a high pitch and was creepy and uncomfortable to listen to. This is conventional to the genre as a thriller is to do those things but, it made us an audience engaged and excited to view the following after the credits had been seen. The black swan allowed us to see how important credits were, as the actors names were of a familiarity which, enticed us to continue to read the following after as, it had caught our attention. We hope that by using the inspiration from both The Black Swan and Se7en that our our credits featuring in our video will be as effective as their's was.

In conclusion the use of credits within our film will allow us to inform our audience into the creation of our thriller and to give recognition to those who had an involvement. By using and watching other thrillers credits we were able to see and take inspiration from the credits which, in result will improve our own. Overall, the research into credits has educated us as a group and as individuals into credits and the importance of them.

In our thriller film we have decided what type of credits we would like to use. We have gathered this from watching our inspirations, taking notes and taking our own thriller concept into account. We have decided that we are going to use a black font, which, will stand out on our chosen background and also knowing that the colour black will connote fear and danger. Here is what we would like our thriller credits to look like:



As we can see from this font it is rather jolted and the letter lengths are irregular which, makes the audience feel as if the thriller itself will be un-easy. Below is a font that as a group we decided would be the least likely font for us to use:




This is due to the font being quite flowery, girly and of a 'pretty' nature. This would not fit our concept of a frightening thriller as the font would connote something else rather than this.

To conclude our choosing of opening credits we are happy with our choices and feel like we have taken a lot of great care and detail into the choosing of them due to, the research, discussions and group meetings we have had regarding them.

Our Thriller Film:
Actors- Tiernee Long, Isla Hearn, Director- Sophie Elliott, Music- Emma McComish
Costumes-Guneet Bathla, Editing- Sophie Elliott + Charley Kay, Production- Guneet Bathla
Writing- Erika Gardiner, Co producer- Holly McComish

 

planning cinematography - miss miller

Cinematography is the art or science of motion picture photography. The importance of cinematography in films is to both shoot and develop the film. Planning cinematography is required in order to produce excellent sequences, as different camera shots and angles can portray different feelings and emotions to the audience. For example: A low angle shot, would represent to the audience that the person in the shot is fierier and is of a matter of importance as they look bigger and dominate the shot. One simple shot can tell this to the audience and can create a relationship between what is on screen and who is watching it.

firstly, we use our first camera shot when the girls get on the train. as the girls get on the train there is an over shoulder shot, this decision was made so that we could give the antagonists point of view and give the the impression that the killer is behind them, this shot will also show the audience who's point of view the story is told from. this is conventional to the thriller genre as the over shoulder shot can create suspense as the audience can see how close the antagonist is, moreover we can not see the antagonist's appearance therefore is shows hidden identity and will create fear and will set the tone for the rest of the thriller.

secondly we have chosen to use a long shot of the train carriage once the girls have boarded the train, this camera angle is chosen so that the viewer can see the setting as a whole and can also see the content of the carriage and the setting. our setting is one of the key features of our thriller therefore it is important to show the whole setting. furthermore the long shot will also show where the antagonist is and whether he got on the train or not. this will also help the audience familiar with the setting so than they can establish the scene.

Thirdly a high angle shot is used from the bridge of the station looking down at the girls on the platform. We have made this decision in order to show who is fierier and who is inferior. This angle makes the girls look smaller, highlighting and emphasising the fact they are the victims, and as it is from the killers point of view it appears him as high up and therefore, in a higher more fierier position than them. This is conventional to a thriller as the killer is always more powerful and has more capability than the victim as the victim is normally (and is this case) stereotypically, blond, female and less at an advantage.

When the victim is attacked we use a close up. We have made this decision in order to show the audience her reaction of to which has happened. We hope from this shot that the audience will sympathise with the victim as they will see her int ital reaction immediately when it happens. This is conventional to a thriller film as, it creates a relationship between the audience and the victim which, then makes whatever happens to them thus more effective. By using this shot, we will be highlighting this relationship that the audience should make.


To conclude by using cinematography my sequence will be more effective in terms of creating certain emotions/reactions and displaying them to the audience well. By using selective cinematography we can fall into the conventions of a thriller genre for example: using high angles to make characters look inferior, long shots to establish scary settings and show where the characters are present,

research into inspiration-miss miller

Throughout the past few weeks i have analyzed and discussed different films and their different techniques such as sound, characters, camera angles and mise-en-scene. Many of the different clips i have looked at, have inspired me for ideas for my thriller opening scene.
The first clip i analyzed that gave me inspiration was the cinematography used in silent hill. The cinematography used in this clip included: point of view, mid shot, establishing shot and close up. The close up really inspired me to use this camera angle in my own idea and clip as it allows the audience to see the importance of the object close range, and to have a better idea of what is happening in the clip. It also allows them to build a better relationship with the character as the audience can relate more to the character if they know more about where they are and what is happening. I'm going to use this camera angle to establish my surroundings and characters in my clip this will help in making my narrative more clear and easy to understand.

The second clip i looked at was focused on the editing styles on the clip human centipede. The editing styles used in this included jump cuts, reaction shots and various different timing shots. The reaction shot used when the girl realises the killer is behind her inspired me to use this shot in the same sort of way as it helps guide the audience in knowing what to feel and why the character is reacting in that way. I'm going to use this shot using the same idea showing the girls reaction to seeing the killer for the first time so it helps the audience understand the narrative better and why the character is behaving in a certain way.

my third inspiration is based on conventions of the thriller genre. The conventions mentioned in this clip were: female victims,low key lighting, non diagetic horror sounds, jerky unsteady and camera shots. In my clip i have made sure i'm going to include a range of conventions such as making sure i have a female (prefferably blonde due to the stereotype) victim, this will show her vunrability to the audience and create suspense and they're waiting for something to happen. I am also going to include non diagetic horror sounds and low key lighting, both of these will create suspense for the audience as the horror sounds will emphasise what is happening and shock the audience more, I'm going to include train doors closing, the voice announcing stations and the train rattling. The low key lighitng i'm going to use will be present when the train comes out of the station, this will shock the audience as it will contrast the high key lighting used in the previous shot, this will make the audience prepare themselves for something bad to happen as its conventional for dangerous things to occur in the dark, emphasising the fear of the unknown.

The last clip i looked at focused on sound, the clip was from scream the sound techniques used included non diagetic and diagetic sounds. I'm going to use a lot of non diagetic sound in my clip which will include the train doors opening and closing, eery creepy off screen music and the rattling of the train tracks. All of these sounds will be emphasized to make the audience feel more involved with what is happening and help them to guide them how to feel.

In conclusion all of the clips i have analyzed in the past few weeks have given me inspiration on what i am going to include in my opening thriller scene. The techniques i will include will make the audience more involved in the scene and what is happening with the characters, make the plot and narrative more relate able for them and guide the audience in knowing how to feel at a certain time in the scene.in addition to this i will take inspiration from the camera angles used and will apply them to my own.

planning editing styles-miss georgiou

Editing styles are important within a thriller film as they combine different scenes together and helps the flow of the film and can also correct common anomalies, that may occur during the filming. Also by having a better flow it can create a better suspense that will be conventional to for the thriller

The editing styles we are going to include in our thriller clip are different timings of shots, we are going to use this the most at the beginning and the end of the clip, by using different timings of shot we create a contrast between when the victim is safe and than in danger. This will create tension for the audience as when there are faster shots it will portray that there is danger and therefore make the audience feel scared especially as faster shots are harder to make out what is happening in the scene, thus creating mystery and creating an emotional distance with the audience.

  

The second editing style we are going to include are jump cuts, these are when the camera suddenly focus's on something, therefore making the audience focus on a particular element. when the main character is in danger this editing style will come into play,  We are also going to include this when she has woken up back on the train and sees the killer once again, it will focus on the killer therefore making the audience think about what has happened more.

The third editing style we are going to use are is a reaction shot, this is to show to the audience what the character is feeling and to show what they're reacting to. This makes the audience focus on a particular element and therefore think more about what is happening. We are going to include this editing style when the main character realizes she is unsafe and there is a killer trying to attack her. This will be effective as it will show to the audience what she is feeling at this time and why she is reacting in a certain way.

The 180 rule is a hypothetical line drawn between the actors and the set that the camera can not pass. It is a universal rule used with in all film genres to keep the scene from a majority of one angle and view point. It is typically used so the audience does not get confused as to where the characters are in the room and gives them an element of special awareness when the camera focuses on different characters. By keeping to the rule it allows the director and camera men to keep the scene looking as realistic as possible. As a result of doing this the film is able to relate to the audience more as not only does it stop the audience's mind wondering in regards to where they are in the room ensuring the audience members full focus is on the scene it also manages to engage the audience more as by being realistic it allows them to relate the scene back to their own life creating an emotional bond towards the characters as they do. In the clip when in the main room, the right hand side of the room and wall is never shown at all during the scene. This will be conventional to the thriller as the thriller will be on public transport.

The editing styles we are going to include are conventional to the thriller genre as they all make the audience think about what is happening more, for example when the reaction shot shows the characters emotion and the thing they are reacting to, will make the audience focus on what is happening in the scene meaning they are going to concentrate more as they are interested in whats happening. Reaction shots are also conventional to a thriller in my clip as they show what the blond female victim is feeling, showing her vulnerability to the killer and making the killer look like he has more authority and power over her. Different timings of shots are conventional to a thriller as when the shots are fast, it creates suspense and mystery for the audience as it creates the illusion that something bad is going to happen as it focus's the audience's attention more on whats happening as the shots are fast making is unclear what is happening. Jump cuts are also conventional in this way as it jumps from different places and focus's on something important, making the audience think about it more, creating more mystery and suspense.

The different editing styles used are going to make the audience feel more involved in whats happening as they will create relationships with the audience due to the reaction shots as they are typically going to be feeling the same emotion portrayed from the character. They will also feel surprised as the different timings of shots will build the suspense and therefore make them more focused on whats happening.furthermore with the editing styles it may correct any final errors in our thriller.

research into conventions-miss miller

 

'Conventional' refers to the elements that are common within different film genres. It is a constant pattern that can be used which allows the techniques to become almost predictable with in a film. Through featuring in many films some iconography and camera angles and lighting can become automatically associated with that particular genre.The film clip that I am going to be analysing is from the film cassadaga. This scene is one of the final clips of the film where the story line reaches it climax.

Unknown location
In this scene a dungeon or almost workshop is used to portray an enclosed area. The locations where abouts is never revealed when the man comes and goes from the workshop which adds to the element of unknown. This room has no windows and a door emphasising that there is only one way to leave. The fact there is no windows suggests that the location is possibly underground and creates a suspense of claustrophobia as it like being in a cupboard and suggests limited air. By not showing where the dungeon is the audience become unaware of the surrounding so as she escapes it sends a panic through the audience as they don’t know where she should run to either. 

Woods
As the girl escapes from the dungeon she opens a door way which leads to the floor in the middle of the woods. She then looks around at her options where to run which all seem as far as each other from civilisation and therefore possible help. Through being so isolated in the woods it creates an extra element of suspense as we believe once she’s escaped from the room that she is therefore free and has as it states ‘escaped’ however to then be thrown into her second conventional setting of the woods you begin to wonder if she’s ever going to escape.

Chase scene
After the girl chooses her way in which to run the man then catches her up and starts to chase after her through the woods. A chase scene is very typical and conventional of a thriller as they show how desperate the victim is to escape as they often put themselves in dangerous situations and add an element of suspense as you know the victim usually doesn’t escape and if she does its often very close. However in a more conventional chase scene it usually features the victim running away often slowly as they are weak from what they have endure and the villain typically walks slowly behind them suggesting a certain smugness and arrogance as they know they’re going to get catch them in the end regardless which makes the audience tense and nervous as you wonder why the villain is so calm as even though to us it appears his plan is falling apart his dedication to staying calm makes us believe he thinks otherwise.

Weapons
A weapon is used in the form of a workshops knife. A metal cutter is also used as a potential weapon as when the man is sharpening it up we imagine that he is planning to use it. This adds to the scene and makes it seem more realistic as it is a tool you would find just as you would find another type of knife in a kitchen. This allows the audience to put themselves into the scene and grabbing the knife as it happens to be the one familiar object available. As well as this through most people in their life having held a knife before through watching her stab him they can again imagine what that sensation must feel like which allows them to relate to not only the scene but victim which helps build a relationship between them both. As well as this as the villain begins to sharpen his tool as the sparks fly off it add to the intimidation to both the victim and the audience as it almost seems as though he’s trying to make a show of it which seems unusual. As well as this it adds to the desperation and fear as we know she doesn’t stand a chance. A weapon and in particular a knife is very conventional to the thriller genre as they allow the villain and victim to have more contact during their fight scene. This means in order for an incident to happen they have to be very close together which makes chase scenes more tense as they appear to close the distance between the victim and villain. A knife is also more commonly used as it creates a more gory death as multiple wounds are usually achieved as a result. As well as this through using a knife it also allows there to be a momentary struggle where the victim has to fight with all their will power to get the knife away from them and aimed towards the villain. This allows there to be more suspense as the scene can be dragged out as a death by knife is slower and more theatrical then the other more action conventional methods of a gun.

Female victim
The victim in the room is a young girl. This is conventional to a thriller as a female is typically seen as the weaker sex and so by trapping a female it makes the audience members feel more empathy towards them creating a bond built of fear for the victim as the villain is usually a man suggesting he is bigger and stronger than the victim suggesting to the victim that they are defenceless. However more typically a blonde female is used as they manage to portray more innocence to the audience emphasising their position as the victim.

Handheld
A handheld camera angle is used when the girl is running away and also in the fight scene. This camera movement creates a jerky unclear image which helps shows how desperate the girl is to get away as well as portraying that the scene was a chase scene. Handheld movements are very popular in thrillers as they seem less professional and so add a realistic touch to the clip as it seems more spontaneous. The realistic touch can relate then to the audience as they can imagine getting chase and what that must feel like. As well as this the jerky images created as a result of only someone’s hand being used to support the camera adds to the urgency of the scene. From being unclear this then helps to portray that the scene is a chase scene and express how desperate the boy is to get away. Through the camera being jerky this then appears to be how shaken up the actor or actress is as if they were to be holding the camera the shots would be both unclear and shaky which adds to the sense of fear shown by the character. 

research into editing-miss georgiou

in this blog i will be analysing different editing styles and techniques within a film from the thriller genre, i will be analysing a scene 'your a sick man' from the thriller human centipede.

firstly in the beginning of the scene there is shot reverse shot being used, shot reverse shot is a feature from a classic Hollywood style which emphasises transitions between shots such that the spectator perceives one continuous action that develops linearly it is an example of the eye line match. shot reverse shot is used in the beginning of this scene when the two character are held to the bed and struggling for survival, this feature is used to promote the emotion in each of the girls faces,this enables the audience to feel the the distress between the girls, this is how the relationship from the characters to the audience is made and helps keep the audience interacted immediately, this relates to the thriller genre.

secondly their is a reaction shot, this shot is when one of the girls tries to escape and as they are sprinting, the camera switches to view the evil character in the scene to emphasis the fear in the girls and also to make the scene fast pace this also creates a relationship with the audience as they to will see their point of view and help keep the audience in the scene, this relates to the thriller genre as it increases fear in the scene.nevertheless

planning mise en scene-miss georgiou

                                                                 planning mise en scene 

 The five elements of Mise-en-scene are....

• Setting and iconography
• Costume/Make up (hidden identity)
• Body Language
• Lighting/Colours
• Positioning

why is mise en scene important within a thriller film?
mise -en-scene is everything the audience sees on the screen . this includes sets,props,actors,costumes and lighting.mise-en-scene also includes the positioning and movement of actors on stage including facial expression. this is important because the mise en scene consists of five elements which differentiate thriller films from the others. mise en scene also shapes the narratives and can usually create an emotional distance with the audience. This will be helpful in our thriller clip because we will be using these five elements to help improve our thriller.

what is the mise en scene of your thriller & why? (5 elements)
setting and iconography: the setting and iconography in our clip would be the train station and the main form of iconography would be the train, this setting will be in broad daylight at first and than end in a dark setting thus fitting it into the thriller genre, this setting will promote the tone for the rest of the clip.

costume and make-up: in this element we will be using hidden identity for the villain protagonist this is used to create a mysteries character witch foreshadows the unknown danger it may cause later on in the thriller, this is also used to once again create fear from the audience and also to create a reaction from the audience. this will also improve our thriller.

body language: the female characters will be very energetic and this will contrast the ending furthermore the villain will be stealthy and than change his pace will change during the scene.

lighting: the lighting will generally be low key lighting due to the thriller genre. because our thriller is based on a attack on the train, it will easier to portray low key lighting.

positioning: the evil character will always be presented from a distance as, it will remain as hidden identity.

my mise en scene will consist of all five key aspects, and the main aspect will be setting and iconography, as this is what will convey our thriller thoroughly.

how is the mise en scene conventional to a thriller?
the mise en scene promotes five key aspects;body language, costume and make-up,lighting,positioning and setting and iconography, these aspects make the base for the thriller, each aspect creates a distance with the audience and enables them to understand the thriller, the mise en scene also explains the narrative through these aspects.


how can your thriller build a relationship with your target audience?
my thriller will build a relationship according to the mise en scene, they aspect of our thriller is the setting and iconography, the setting in our thriller differentiates itself from other typical thrillers, this will strengthen the relationship between the audience whereas if they come across a typical stereotypical thriller they will find it cliche, moreover our thriller consists of the typical blond victim and hidden evil character just with a slight twist in the end, this helps the audience to stay on their feet at all times throughout the thriller, my target audience will be of the age certificate 15, and the type of setting and characters we are using will reinforce the teenage stereotype and will also allow them to relate their own experiences with the thriller.