As posted recently. We were exited to let people know that Warwick Davis! – YES, Warwick Davis was going to be viewing our film. We have some feedback from him, as posted on YouTube!:
Hi Charlotte, Gina & Rachael,
After a hard days filming on 'Harry Potter' I viewed your film just before going to sleep. Big mistake! Right from the start, you create an atmosphere that disorientates your audience, bringing them into the action. The use of b/w was effective, as was the use of 'old-film' style grading. Some good camerawork gave the film pace, but I feel the editing could be tightened up further in places. The soundtrack and sound-effects suit and are used well. All in all - fab!
We would like to thank, Warwick for taking the time to view the film and hopefully keep in touch with any of our future productions.
Thursday, 14 May 2009
NEWS FLASH
Important news:
'Harry Potter' star Warwick Davis aka Professor Flitwick, has kindly agreed to view our film via YouTube and give us any feedback. In addition take a copy of the film and let some of the other cast and crew watch it!!!- More news coming…
'Harry Potter' star Warwick Davis aka Professor Flitwick, has kindly agreed to view our film via YouTube and give us any feedback. In addition take a copy of the film and let some of the other cast and crew watch it!!!- More news coming…
Thursday, 7 May 2009
To view our final production click on the hyperlink below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZo34kMy0Po
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZo34kMy0Po
Concept of Slasher
Our film is a thriller-horror film but the sub genre of horror the production comes under is "Slasher". The conventions which our opening follows from a "Slasher" is:
- The killer uses a knife to stab 'n' slash to kill their victims.
- Isolation is also a main theme as the majority of victims become lost in a chase scene.
- We also named the killer "Psycho" as a dedication to Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho, which is often credited with creating an early basis for the slasher genre. The way in which a mentally disturbed killer, disguised as they stalk their prey, sneaks up on female victim in a vulnerable moment and literally slashes them to death.
We also reflected on modern reality for inspiration, such as the knife crime which is in mass media circulation at the moment, especially in London.
Wednesday, 15 April 2009
Age rating for our production
The age rating which our production is best suited is 15. '15' is suitable only for audiences 15 years and over, therefore no-one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video or DVD. The boundaries for a 15 film are:
Language - There may be frequent use of strong language (such as 'fuck'). But the strongest terms (for example 'cunt') will be acceptable only where justified by the context. Continued aggressive use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable and would be pushed up to the 18 boundary.
Violence - Violence may be strong but may not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. This occurs frequently during our opening as the kill moments are short and move quickly on to the next part of the film.
These are the two aspects of a 15 rating which affect our opening and may suggest what the rest of the film would be like.
Language - There may be frequent use of strong language (such as 'fuck'). But the strongest terms (for example 'cunt') will be acceptable only where justified by the context. Continued aggressive use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable and would be pushed up to the 18 boundary.
Violence - Violence may be strong but may not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. This occurs frequently during our opening as the kill moments are short and move quickly on to the next part of the film.
These are the two aspects of a 15 rating which affect our opening and may suggest what the rest of the film would be like.
Thursday, 9 April 2009
The Strangers inspiration
The Strangers film was a big inspiration , it helped provide the mask ideas and the use of the weapon being a knife. Compared to our initial ideas of using a gun or other such weapons were changed, as the knife was alot more threatening and as shown in the film made the killing alot more personal. In our actual project the mask we used changed twice but we prefered the mask that looked less similer to the one on the middle. Racheal also added different effects to the mask, like blood splaters that, as conventional with a thriller showed that something bad has happened to the victims but dont actually get to see the killing. We also liked the forest setting and it was isolated. But our project was designed more as a thriller then a horror so its more about the chase in our forest location. There are also alot of old buildings and walls which can be made to look like very scary surroundings. We also had similer target audiences which would be older teenagers and adults. This kind of scary film would appeal to this age group, we chose it because its our age group and we would have a good idea what we like. 
Ella and Jamie
Ella, one our victims and a big help! This was day 1 filming in the dark so we had to use nightmode. Jamie our killer is in the background. 
About to film
Ella, Gina, Charlotte and Jamie figuring out the safest way for Ella to fall on the floor. Also Charlotte is about to film Ella running and tripping.
Charlotte and Gina Filming
This was part of day 3 filming, about to shoot:)/film Ella on the floor. What is Gina doing?
Our Gantt Chart
The original Gannt chart that we did was alot more structured but this second version is more based on what we did and when. 
Wednesday, 8 April 2009
Day 4 filming
Day 4 filming: We manly finished off the filming during this day, this included te final scences of the opening sequence. We also filmed victim 1 falling into a ditch useing thec camera and tri - pod. Plus we adapted the narrative to include the opening sequence as part of a dream.
We used the same equipment we had used in previous days. The setting changed however to another part of the forest to accomidate the scene. The dream part was filmed in a completly different location at a house, in the main charcters supposed bedroom.
We used the same equipment we had used in previous days. The setting changed however to another part of the forest to accomidate the scene. The dream part was filmed in a completly different location at a house, in the main charcters supposed bedroom.
Day 3 filming
Day 3 filming: We filmed the killer walking through long grass and bushes. We also filmed victim 2 falling over in the chosen woody location.
We used both the cameras and this time included a tri - pod that actually worked. This made it easier to film the shots such as the victims running past as we could keep the camera steady. One way to film the foot tripping over the branch was to lay on the floor, this ingenious idea allowed us to get a clear close up that we couldn't have otherwise have filmed if we were standing. Props included the three different branches which we changed each time until we found the right size, this made the tripping of the victim more realistic. We also used everything we used the other days, mask etc.
We did encounter some problems with the branch as it was hard for the actor to trip and not fall.
We used both the cameras and this time included a tri - pod that actually worked. This made it easier to film the shots such as the victims running past as we could keep the camera steady. One way to film the foot tripping over the branch was to lay on the floor, this ingenious idea allowed us to get a clear close up that we couldn't have otherwise have filmed if we were standing. Props included the three different branches which we changed each time until we found the right size, this made the tripping of the victim more realistic. We also used everything we used the other days, mask etc.
We did encounter some problems with the branch as it was hard for the actor to trip and not fall.
Friday, 3 April 2009
Day 2 Filming
Day 2:
On day two we filmed the three main characters running, this is a predominante part of our thriller opening.
We also added to the video diary by filming the backstage, preparing actors and setting
We included bascally everything we used from day one in day two. This was the two video cameras, props etc.
We did however face some techniqual difficulties which involved the tri - pod. A part of it was missing but we overcame this by doing differant shots we needed to finish, such as the rest of handheld shots. We also had some group problems with some of us disagreeing minor issues but they were sorted out quite quickly.
Day 1 Filming
Day 1 Filming:
We did mostly night shots of the killer as once we got to our location it was too dark to film anything else.
We also started the video diary and video evaluation , this was filmed by Charlotte but also mainly by Ella as the rest of us were organising characters, setting up props, setting the scenes for filming and actual filming.
What we used:
We used 2 cameras, one for filming and one for the video diary.
We didn't use a tri-pod as we wanted to have a hand-held effect for the night mode shots.
The props included we: The mask for the psycho, the knife (also used by the psycho and was supplied by Rachael), we asked the psycho to where either all black or really dark clothing and the other characters to make sure that they wore the same costume throughout the filming.
Problems that occurred on day 1:
Lighting - this was a big issue as we had originally intended to film some of the other scenes on day 1, but once we had arrived at the location it was too dark. To overcome this we decided that we would film some shots in night mode as another effect to accentuate the atmosphere and tension in the film.
We did mostly night shots of the killer as once we got to our location it was too dark to film anything else.
We also started the video diary and video evaluation , this was filmed by Charlotte but also mainly by Ella as the rest of us were organising characters, setting up props, setting the scenes for filming and actual filming.
What we used:
We used 2 cameras, one for filming and one for the video diary.
We didn't use a tri-pod as we wanted to have a hand-held effect for the night mode shots.
The props included we: The mask for the psycho, the knife (also used by the psycho and was supplied by Rachael), we asked the psycho to where either all black or really dark clothing and the other characters to make sure that they wore the same costume throughout the filming.
Problems that occurred on day 1:
Lighting - this was a big issue as we had originally intended to film some of the other scenes on day 1, but once we had arrived at the location it was too dark. To overcome this we decided that we would film some shots in night mode as another effect to accentuate the atmosphere and tension in the film.
Wednesday, 11 February 2009
Memento Research
Mementos opening sequence is a large contrast to conventional thriller films. Mainly due to the main character having short term memory lost and remembering the day before by using Polaroid pictures. Because of this, the film starts at the end and works backwards, so that end is the beginning and the beginning is at the end. Therefore we see the film threw the main characters perspective, to emphasise this each day starts with him looking around a motel room and questioning why he is there. He then explains to the audience the "system" he has to help him remember what he has done and what has happened the previous day. Apart from the main character "Lenard" also known as "Lenny", we are introduced to "Teddy" the person whom Leonard has been searching for and "Bert", a small character in the opening sequence. we are also told that Leonard had a wife, but is now dead due to a accident, which had caused Leonard's short term memory, and was caused by Teddy.
In our film we are going to use elements of mystery, but not as much as in Memento due to lack of funds and that we will only have two minuets for our clip.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfLooGcvU6A
In our film we are going to use elements of mystery, but not as much as in Memento due to lack of funds and that we will only have two minuets for our clip.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfLooGcvU6A
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
Signs reasech
We looked at the first two minutes of signs for music and title inspiration. The background of the titles is simple but affective, with a blue background the audience is able to the see the black stylised font which forms the names of actors, directors and producers. To add to the dramatic introduction there is also a spotlight affect to emphasise the titles. it also reminds the audience of an alien spotlight from a UFO, Also it being round it also resembles a crop circle.
The music is fantastic and does its job well. It raises the tension and make the audience realise that there would be some scary or frighting scenes within the film later on.
To see the clip for our inspiration follow http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyDrBDAvQfs
The music is fantastic and does its job well. It raises the tension and make the audience realise that there would be some scary or frighting scenes within the film later on.
To see the clip for our inspiration follow http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyDrBDAvQfs
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
Intial Ideas
Narrative: we had lots of ideas in the beginning of different narratives surrounding the horror/ thriller genre. But in the end we choose a chase scene, There are three characters, aged about 17/18 who are being chased by an unknown psycho. we thought it would be easier if we choose the characters to be the same age as ourselves as we could relate to them, making it more realistic and we could use our friends as the actors. This is also stereotypical for the horror genre as the teenager mostly gets killed first; such as in Scream. To make to it more of the thriller genre we used the cliffhanger at the end of the sequence to make the audience want to watch on, find out what happened to the missing friends and find out who the killer is.
The mise-en-scene also relates to the narrative and the genre:
The costumes: The victims costumes, as they are teenagers are very casual. Stereotypically hoodies, jeans, trainers etc. An idea could be to smear mud over the clothes to make them look as if they have been running from the killer for a long time, without the audience actually watching. The killer is wearing all black to make him look threatening, he is wearing a mask so you cannot see his face adding to the mystery.
The Props: The victims don't really have any props making them more venerable. The killer is carrying a weapon, a knife which adds to his personality and makes it more personal he has to get close to the victim to kill them unlike a gun which you have to shoot the victim from a far away. He also has a mask so you cant see his face as explained in the costume section.
The setting: Is very streotpical of a horror/thriller. Its in a cold, dark forest. as it is winter at the time we are filming the trees dont have any leaves on them makeing them look bare and scary. The surroundings are threatening as the victims clearly dont know how to get out and being surrounded by trees gives them the feeling of entrapment. The ground is covered with leaves and other things in the forest whihc make them make alot noise when they are trying to escape.
lighting and sound: The lighting is going to be very dark, amibent as it is set in the evening/night this adds to the feel of the extract. There isn't very much sound, only the sound of heavey breathing as the vitims are running away this also adds to the suspence as the killer getting closer. We might have music when the main character is left on there own but we havent decided on the choice yet. There will some dialogue, the vioceover of the killer saying worrying things to scare the auidence as well as show the obvious distress the characters are under. Also the audience will hear "sounds or the forest" various things like wind through the tress and rustling leaves, we may add the running footsteps for effect.
The mise-en-scene also relates to the narrative and the genre:
The costumes: The victims costumes, as they are teenagers are very casual. Stereotypically hoodies, jeans, trainers etc. An idea could be to smear mud over the clothes to make them look as if they have been running from the killer for a long time, without the audience actually watching. The killer is wearing all black to make him look threatening, he is wearing a mask so you cannot see his face adding to the mystery.
The Props: The victims don't really have any props making them more venerable. The killer is carrying a weapon, a knife which adds to his personality and makes it more personal he has to get close to the victim to kill them unlike a gun which you have to shoot the victim from a far away. He also has a mask so you cant see his face as explained in the costume section.
The setting: Is very streotpical of a horror/thriller. Its in a cold, dark forest. as it is winter at the time we are filming the trees dont have any leaves on them makeing them look bare and scary. The surroundings are threatening as the victims clearly dont know how to get out and being surrounded by trees gives them the feeling of entrapment. The ground is covered with leaves and other things in the forest whihc make them make alot noise when they are trying to escape.
lighting and sound: The lighting is going to be very dark, amibent as it is set in the evening/night this adds to the feel of the extract. There isn't very much sound, only the sound of heavey breathing as the vitims are running away this also adds to the suspence as the killer getting closer. We might have music when the main character is left on there own but we havent decided on the choice yet. There will some dialogue, the vioceover of the killer saying worrying things to scare the auidence as well as show the obvious distress the characters are under. Also the audience will hear "sounds or the forest" various things like wind through the tress and rustling leaves, we may add the running footsteps for effect.
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
The Preliminary Task
Our preliminary task consisted of, deciding an idea and then designing a storyboard of the different camera angles and the different characters we used. Gina and Charlotte produced the storyboard and Rachael organised characters, props and set design. The storyboard took quite a long time to finish due to the choices of camera angles and different times in the task. The story was quite a simple idea, a police interview where a character gets interrogated.
The setting was a simple white washed room in our school corridor. we used a table and three chairs to make the situation more realistic. We originally decided to use a tape recorder but due to technical difficulties and time problems, we re shot without it to make the task easier and quicker. The hat was the focus as it was the main reason that the character was being being questioned.
The conversation between characters consisted of a few minutes and would have typically featured in a crime drama. certain words we included were "confess, evidence, detective," but we also decided to add humour by naming the detective "Noodles." The characterisation of the suspect being interrogated was nervous and confessed easily, we used this outcome so we didn't have to spend long filming it. The other character that we included was the solicitor, this also made the situation more realistic.
The camera angles and editing that we used were in the brief that we recieved from our teacher before starting the task. These shots and editing were:
Establishing shot,
Close up,
Match on action,
Reaction,
Long shot
and the 180 degree rule.
To veiw the final product follow this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hDKq-34TNQ
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