Possible genres

Possible genres for our own opening two minutes

      Sci-fi – Sci-fi films revolve around special effects and the technology and resources needed to create these in a realistic manner are unavailable to us. Sci-fi films are also extremely expensive to make and require a large amount of time and effort in order to successfully create something that is interesting to watch. For our group, we do not think this type of genre suits us and the access to resources we have as we want to make a well made, professional looking film, and I think that the type of special effects we would be able to use would just make it look cheap and amateur-ish.
        Action/Adventure – Action/Adventure is easily re-creatable on a low budget which means it could be an option for us. These types of films consist of faced paced editing, exotic locations and some type of quest or mission usually partaking in a fight or battle. Although not all of this would be possible for us, with there being an extent to how ‘exotic’ our location can be, I think that action or adventure is definitely a genre to consider as I think we could produce as well made, interesting and appealing film with what we have.
    Crime – Again crime is another genre that could be an option to us. It requires a low budget which is a main aspect for us, and is re-creatable in environments that we have access to. It is also a genre that we as a group are particularly interested and enjoy, which means we have lots of ideas for the plot and would find it interesting and enjoyable to make.
   Fantasy – The fantasy genre is not really an option for us as it is too expensive and something we are uninterested in. We also this it would be a bad genre to pick for our opening two minutes as little would happen, making it difficult to create a plot which would entice or interest and audience, as well as film well which is a priority for us.
  Horror – Horror is an option as again it is re-creatable on a low budget, however it may not be the best option for us because this genre is very ineffective unless make properly. Horror’s focus on the scare factor and for a group of teenage girls on a low budget, the scare factor may be difficult to create well which means it may just come across as amateur-ish and badly made. A good plot would be easy to make as often a lot of action takes place at the beginning of this kind of genre which is something appealing to us as it would be easy to film.
   Supernatural – The supernatural genre doesn’t really appeal to us as it is something we do not know enough about, meaning we would need to do a lot of extra research before being able to start thinking about the plot. It would also be expensive and require a lot of technology unavailable to us.
  Animation – Animation requires a certain set of skills which we as a group do not have. With the budget we have it would be almost impossible to create a successful animated opening scene and it is not a genre we are interested in or know enough about. In my opinion it would be very difficult to make an animated opening scene as very often little happens in the first two minutes, meaning it would take a lot of work and the outcome would not be very interesting or beneficial to any of us.
  Sport – Sport would be quite an easy genre to do as it would revolve around one main theme, however it would be difficult to make interesting without the use of famous actors/actresses which are unavailable to us. It may also turn out to be more of a documentary style which would be easy, but not something we are particularly interested in.
  Western – A western would be impossible for us due to the lack of money, actors/actresses, props and location.
  Drama – A drama is something we have been thinking about as it would provide opportunity for us to display our knowledge and show our ability with the different uses of camera techniques. It would be quite easy to think of an interesting plot, and would be creatable with what materials are available to us.
    Musical – A musical is not an option for us as the involve actors which can sing and we do not have any of these. It would also be far too much work to have to script original and songs and we would not have to money for all the music or time for all the necessary rehearsals.
   Romance – Romance is a possibility, however it would be hard to create an opening that was interesting in two minutes. We would need good actors/actresses but it may turn out to be too difficult and end up becoming too cringey. In my opinion, it would be quite difficult to come up with an original, interesting plot and be able to include enough camera and editing techniques.
      Thriller – A thriller is a genre which appeals to us as we think it would be easy to re-create effectively. We have many opportunities around us which enable us to find suitable locations which would effectively build tension and engage the audience. It would be difficult to create an interesting plot which we would be able to make professional, however it is an option for us and is something we will think about.

Preliminary Task - Evaluation and Cinematography

Preliminary Task using Match on Action and Dialogue, Following the 180 Rule

Our preliminary task was to film and edit a short scene involving match on action and dialogue, whilst following the 180 rule. Overall, as a group we are pleased with our first attempt however there are a few aspects we need to work on for our final opening two minutes. In order to follow continuity, Eve’s hair needed to stay the same the whole way through, however it starts with all of it behind her but does not finish in this way. Although it is not that noticeable, it is something we will keep in mind as it breaks the continuity and makes it seem less realistic. Another focus point would be the angle in which we film from. Although the close up shot on the door handle is effective, it jumps slightly from the previous shot, making it less realistic. Looking back, we have realised if we had moved slightly to the left, creating a wider angle it would have looked more effective and made more sense as you would have been able to follow what was happening. Again, this is not a major issue as it was still clear what was happening, however to improve it is something we need to look at. Lighting was not something we gave much attention as we didn’t have much time, however it worked in our favour as well as against us. The lighting coming in from the side of the blind works effectively as it moves across Eve’s face when she goes to sit down, making it look sophisticated, however once she has sat down, this is not the case. The block of lighting across Eve’s body puts her face in the shadow and her body is the light which confuses the audience as it has no purpose. The shadow on the floor behind works effectively in setting the scene, however lighting is a main issue we need to focus on and learn more about as it can successfully help us gain certain settings and evoke emotion if used properly. The final point we need to work on was the mise-en-scene. Although Charlotte was supposed to be a person of authority, her swinging on the chair suggested a childlike manner taking away from the sense of authority the dialogue suggested, however again this is not a main concern just something to take note of.

In our Preliminary Task we used a variety of shots to display our ability to compose the different shots required to make the task effective. We covered the basic expectations and a few wider techniques. Here is a rough list of the shots and techniques we used: These different shots and techniques were established well through our filming and editing. It shows our creativity by using the different techniques in an abnormal scenario. Despite the unprofessional acting, the action taken place was executed correctly. An effective technique we used was the shot/reverse shot when Eve was entering the room and the camera showed the action from both angles. This was effective because it was done smoothly, showing a smooth cut between the two shots. It was done in a very lethargic way, which we thought was stereotypical to the way the teenagers are perceived to act. Another effective technique we used was the 180 Degree Rule, typically used in conversation style. The shots were not delayed with the dialogue and they showed the whole person always in the right margin of the frame, this was done to emphasise the 18- degree rule being used. Throughout the task we never used a tripod, which is shown through the lack of shakiness, even though the quality isn't brilliant, it wasn't bad for our first film. By not using a tripod, we were able to involve the audience a lot more and allow them to became aware of the understanding.

- Medium Shot

- Close Up

-Extreme Close Up

- Over The Shoulder Shot

- POV Shot

- Long Shot

- Match On Action

- 180 Degree Rule 

- Match Cut

- 30 Degree rule

- Shot/ Reverse Shot

- Eye-line Shot
  

It shows our creativity by using the different techniques in an abnormal scenario. Despite the unprofessional acting, the action taken place was executed correctly. An effective technique we used was the shot/reverse shot when Eve was entering the room and the camera showed the action from both angles. This was effective because it was done smoothly, showing a smooth cut between the two shots. It was done in a very lethargic way, which we thought was stereotypical to the way the teenagers are perceived to act. Another effective technique we used was the 180 Degree Rule, typically used in conversation style. The shots were not delayed with the dialogue and they showed the whole person always in the right margin of the frame, this was done to emphasise the 18- degree rule being used. Throughout the task we never used a tripod, which is shown through the lack of shakiness, even though the quality isn't brilliant, it wasn't bad for our first film. By not using a tripod, we were able to involve the audience a lot more and allow them to became aware of the understanding.

There were only a few shots which we didn't use, due to practicality:

- Two Shot 

- Birds-Eye View Shot

- Low Angle

-High Angle

-Tracking Shot

Reasons for not using a two-shot, was because we felt it was very simplistic shot which can be executed easily, we wanted to push ourselves and challenge ourselves by using the 180 Degree Rule. A Birds-Eye shot was irrelevant with the task we had to do and the limited amount of time we had to do this in. It would have been hard to accomplish as well. A low-angle and high-angle shots were the two shots we felt we could have used if we had more time and thoughts. They would have been effective to display the high and low authority. A tracking shot wouldn't have fit in with our task as there was nothing to track, we felt using match cuts were more effective for our first few times of filming.

Different Types of Genres

 Genre Definitions

•   Sci-fi - Science Fiction film is a genre that incorporates hypothetical, science-based themes into the plot of the film. Often, this genre incorporates futuristic elements and technologies to explore social, political, and philosophical issues. The film itself is usually set in the future, either on earth or in space. Traditionally, a Science Fiction film will incorporate heroes, villains, unexplored locations, fantastical quests, and advanced technology.
•     Adventure - Adventure film is a genre that revolves around the conquests and explorations of a protagonist. The purpose of the conquest can be to retrieve a person or treasure, but often the main focus is simply the pursuit of the unknown. These films generally take place in exotic locations and play on historical myths. Adventure films incorporate suspenseful puzzles and intricate obstacles that the protagonist must overcome in order to achieve the end goal.
•     Crime - Crime film is a genre that revolves around the action of a criminal mastermind. A Crime film will often revolve around the criminal himself, chronicling his rise and fall. Some Crime films will have a storyline that follows the criminal's victim, yet others follow the person in pursuit of the criminal. This genre tends to be fast paced with an air of mystery – this mystery can come from the plot or from the characters themselves.
•     Fantasy - Fantasy film is a genre that incorporates imaginative and fantastic themes. These themes usually involve magic, supernatural events, or fantasy worlds. Although it is its own distinct genre, these films can overlap into the horror and science fiction genres. Unlike science fiction, a fantasy film does not need to be rooted in fact. This element allows the audience to be transported into a new and unique world. Often, these films centre on an ordinary hero in an extraordinary situation.
•     Horror - Horror film is a genre that aims to create a sense of fear, panic, alarm, and dread for the audience. These films are often unsettling and rely on scaring the audience through a portrayal of their worst fears and nightmares. Horror films usually center on the arrival of an evil force, person, or event. Many Horror films include mythical creatures such as ghosts, vampires, and zombies. Traditionally, Horror films incorporate a large amount of violence and gore into the plot. Though it has its own style, Horror film often overlaps into Fantasy, Thriller, and Science-Fiction genres.
•     Supernatural - Supernatural film is a genre that centres around supernatural elements, such as ghosts, gods, goddesses, and miracles. Supernatural films deal with the unknown questions of life; therefore, they tend to incorporate religious elements into the plot. Since they emphasize the unknown, Supernatural films are considered quite suspenseful. These films often cross over into other genres, creating hybrids like Supernatural-Comedy and Supernatural-Drama.
•     Animation - Animated film is a collection of illustrations that are photographed frame-by-frame and then played in a quick succession. Since its inception, animation has had a creative and imaginative tendency. Being able to bring animals and objects to life, this genre has catered towards fairy tales and children’s stories. However, animation has long been a genre enjoyed by all ages. As of recent, there has even been an influx of animation geared towards adults. Animation is commonly thought of as a technique, thus it’s ability to span over many different genres.
•     Sport - A Sport Film revolves around a sport setting, event, or an athlete. Often, these films will centre on a single sporting event that carries significant importance. Sports films traditionally have a simple plot that builds up to the significant sporting event. This genre is known for incorporating film techniques to build anticipation and intensity. Sport films have a large range of sub-genres, from comedies to dramas, and are more likely than other genres to be based true-life events.
•     Western - Western Film is a genre that revolves around stories primarily set in the late 19th century in the American Old West. Most Westerns are set between the American Civil War (1865) and the early 1900s. Common themes within Western Film include: the conquest of the wild west, the cultural separation of the East and the West, the West’s resistance to modern change, the conflict between Cowboys and Indians, outlaws, and treasure/gold hunting. American Western Film usually revolves around a stoic hero and emphasizes the importance of honour and sacrifice.
•     Drama - Drama film is a genre that relies on the emotional and relational development of realistic characters. While Drama film relies heavily on this kind of development, dramatic themes play a large role in the plot as well. Often, these dramatic themes are taken from intense, real life issues. Whether heroes or heroines are facing a conflict from the outside or a conflict within themselves, Drama film aims to tell an honest story of human struggles.
•     Musical - A Musical interweaves vocal and dance performances into the narrative of the film. The songs of a film can either be used to further the story or simply enhance the experience of the audience. These films are often done on a grand scale and incorporate lavish costumes and sets. Traditional musicals centre on a well-known star, famous for their dancing or singing skills. These films explore concepts such are love and success, allowing the audience to escape from reality.
•     Romance - Romance film can be defined as a genre wherein the plot revolves around the love between two protagonists. This genre usually has a theme that explores an issue within love, including but not limited to: love at first sight, forbidden love, love triangles, and sacrificial love. The tone of Romance film can vary greatly. Whether the end is happy or tragic, Romance film aims to evoke strong emotions in the audience.
•     Thriller - Thriller Film is a genre that revolves around anticipation and suspense. The aim for Thrillers is to keep the audience alert and on the edge of their seats. The protagonist in these films is set against a problem – an escape, a mission, or a mystery. No matter what sub-genre a Thriller film falls into, it will emphasize the danger that the protagonist faces. The tension with the main problem is built on throughout the film and leads to a highly stressful climax.

Planning - Opening two minutes ideas/analysis

Planning and research for our own opening two minutes using the film Se7en for inspiration

At the moment, my group and I are looking into the horror genre in the hope to develop some ideas/inspiration for our own opening two minutes. We have decided to start looking into this particular genre as it seems to be the easiest to successfully represent with what equipment we have, as well as the most fun, however this may change as we progress in our research.

Looking at the trailers from the film Se7en, it is evident that the editing pace is very fast, in order to confuse the audience, making it unclear as to what is happening. Different focuses are used too such as the deep focus, shallow focus and focus pull, for the same purpose as the editing pace, making it difficult to see clearly or drawing the audience's attention to something in particular. A range of different shot types are used, with emphasis on the close up. With the fast editing pace, this makes the scene look very unbalanced, making the audience feel uneasy. Different lighting is also used, however it is all relatively dark, showing the different settings but making the audience have to pay attention at the same time in order to try to understand. The non-diegetic sound track is an important feature in the credits as it plays a main role in setting the scene. It is this that makes the audience feel so uncomfortable as the discordant, eerie percussion/music is precariously unstable constantly making them feel on edge.

From this, I have learnt the importance and the different purposes of some of the techniques used in filming and entertainment. It has become more obvious as to why these aspects are used, and my group and I would like to attempt to replicate them in our own film. The most important techniques we have decided to focus on are the different types of focusing as they are shown to have a strong affect on both the understanding and the tension/suspense that is created. The other technique we are going to focus on is the music. Although this scene in Se7en is only the opening credits, it has an immediate effect on the audience, establishing the genre, target audience and setting the tone/theme of the film, and we find it very successful at doing so.

Planning and Research Targets

Planning and Research Targets

Well done Eve! A good start to your research and planning. Exceptional considering your late start. Your group needs to work well together to plan your film to the highest standards possible - and your planning needs to begin now, and you need to blog regularly. For your analysis of opening two minutes make sure you always comment on the following things to show a broad understanding and appreciation: Target Audience, Narrative Characters, Use of titles, Pace of editing, Mise en Scene, Camera Composition, Use of sound and Genre conventions. A really good start Eve - you now need to begin to evidence detailed planning for your production, which needs to be detailed and thorough.

Different Filming Techniques

Filming Techniques

There are many different types of filming techniques used in the industry in order to help with continuity. An example of this is the 180 Degree Rule. This rule is used to set the scene and establish the characters in space and time in order for the view to be able to follow the plot. The 180 Degree Rule states that two characters in a scene should always have the same left/right relationship to each other. If you don't follow the 180 Degree Rule, or break it intentionally, it disrupts the scene disorients the audience. When you break the 180 line, a person who was originally facing left in a scene is all of the sudden facing right, which can confuse the audience and make it seem like the person is talking to his/herself.

Shot/reverse shot is another type of technique used to enable the audience to determine the characters emotions. It is known as a staple of editing in dialogue sequences, and follows the principles of the 180 Degree Rule. Shot/reverse shot is a film technique wherein one character is shown looking (often off-screen) at another character, and then the other character is shown looking "back" at the first character. Since the characters are shown facing in opposite directions, the viewer unconsciously assumes that they are looking at each other. The primary elements of a shot/reverse shot sequence are derived from the three camera set up. This means that there are usually three types of shot used – a long of medium shot displaying both of the characters, an over the shoulder shot over one of the characters and then an over the shoulder shot over the other character, providing the full range of appropriate angles. A match cut, also called a graphic match, is a cut in film editing between either two different objects, two different spaces, or two different compositions in which an object in the two shots graphically match, often helping to establish a strong continuity of action and linking the two shots metaphorically.

A match cut, also called a graphic match, is a cut in film editing between either two different objects, two different spaces, or two different compositions in which an object in the two shots graphically match, often helping to establish a strong continuity of action and linking the two shots metaphorically. Essentially a match cut refers to when a director cuts from one scene to a completely different scene, but keeps objects from the two scenes graphically matched so as to establish continuity and flow.

The 30 Degree Rule is rule used in film making with the purpose of creating continuity between different shots within a larger sequence of shots. When moving the camera between shots it should be moved a minimum of 25 to 30 degrees (with a maximum limit of 180 degrees) to avoid jarring transitions also known as jump cuts. This helps to seamlessly piece together a larger sequence of shots in a harmonious manner. Big transitions like this help hide small continuity differences (especially when you cut on the action) which is helpful if you’re shooting a film or documentary with only one camera. 

 

Up Opening Scene Analysis/Lion King Opening Scene Analysis

Up Opening Scene Analysis

 

Pixar’s Up has a very special opening in that it outlines the entire background of the main character before the story even begins. It very cleverly introduces the audience to the main character, but also creates a relationship between the two, making the audience feel like they’ve known him for years. This is effective as the audience can’t help but empathise with Carl– the main character, taking them too, on his emotional journey. Due to its animated nature and its unusual opening sequence it is difficult to analyse as it does not have a specific location or plot. Despite the premise of the film appearing to be targeted solely towards children, its life values and heart wrenching relationships also gives a much wider range of audiences including the parent, pleasure.

The lighting plays a large role in the opening scene as it dictates the mood of the characters to the audience. As there is no dialogue for the first five minutes, it is important that the audience are kept focused by the mise en scene, music and camera/editing techniques. On the surface, Up seems like a very simplistic film aimed at young children and easily understood, shown by the slow paced editing and the everyday situations that take place in chronological order. A very basic colour coordination scheme is used, as shown by the bright colours when the characters are happy, and oppositely, the dark colours when the characters are sad. The story of Carl and Ellie to children may just come across as a fun story with a sad ending, however to the older audience their story is more significant as it allows them to immediately connect and understand him, evoking emotion for his great loss.

A very light hearted, upbeat non-diegetic sound track is played in the background, creating a positive, cheery atmosphere making the film enjoyable and causing the audience to warm to the characters. The fast paced music obviously represents the happiness of the couple and like the lighting; the slower paced music represents their unhappiness. Again this appeals to children as they are easily able to read the characters emotions; however it also helps to set the scene and the mood, evoking emotion from the range of audience audiences. The lighting also helps to show the passing of time and the different environments they are in.

The editing is also very simple, shown by the way the number of different shot types slows down during the devastation to emphasise the drastic effect it has had on the main character. The fast paced editing towards the beginning suggests that the couple are happy and that time goes quickly when they are together, creating a noticeable contrast after Ellie dies. Many different camera angles are used for different effects, allowing the audience to see the surroundings and the character’s emotions. Objective shots are used in important locations to the characters, such as under the tree, and this is made obvious to the audience as the editing pace slows down and so more time is spent in those certain locations. Close up shots are used effectively in order to clearly portray the characters emotions to the younger audience, evoking emotion from them too.

The Lion King Opening Scene

Walt Disney is shown to represent The Lion King which would attract the younger audience as it is a very well known, highly thought of company respected for its ability to make successful children’s films. In the opening scene, unlike Up, an establishing shot clearly sets up the location for the film, and makes it obvious to children that this is where the characters will be introduced. Similarly, all the different characters are quickly introduced, enticing the targeted audience as this animals may be something new or unusual to them. The use of animation makes it more friendly to young children, and also makes it more relatable is it is probably something they would be used to.

The editing in The Lion King is very slow, allowing the beauty of the locations to be admired, as well as going slowly allowing the young targeted audience to be able to notice all the different aspects as well. The slow editing pace further helps the children to learn about the different relationships between the different characters, and it also helps to educate them as it would teach them about the natural surroundings for these types of animals. The main characters, such as the lion are clearly given more prevalence, introducing them to the audience as the main/most important characters. The music is fast paced, upbeat and enjoyable, helping to set the scene and the mood as well as being enjoyable to listen to. The build-up of music as it comes towards the end helps to shows that it is the end of a big introduction and the beginning of the film. The colours used are also very bright, suggesting happiness and friendliness towards each of the characters, allowing the audience to determine the genre of the film as an animated adventure.

There are many similarities in these two animated adventure films, such as the uses of bright colours and music. It is clear that they are editing techniques which point out the obvious, which is why they are used and appeal to the younger audience. I have learnt that the speed of music and editing helps to set the scene and helps the audience to relate and understand the characters and their emotions. Both The Lion King and Up have long opening scenes before the plot actually begins, which is effective at introducing the location and characters before the adventure starts, which helps to create a bond between the audience and the characters.