Example of POV Shot

This is a good example of a point of view shot. This is effective for showing someones point of view and lets the viewer see what the character is seeing.
We are planning a POV shot in our thriller opening but in a different way as we are planning on showing a very rushed shot which shows little detail to leave the viewer on the edge, wondering what is happening. This shot will help create a scene of madness and danger, leaving the audience feeling uncomfortable. We are then going to restrict the POV shot to a view through a cupboard door. This will create a restricted view which worries the audience as they will not be able to see what is going on.
There will be diegetic sound but the audience wont be able to see exactly where it is coming from. POV shot will end with the consequernces of what the audience can hear but cannot see. This consequence is a dead body, the brother of the character that the POV is from.

Comparison of torture scene

The clip from James Bond has a very clear antagonist which is the torturer. Also James Bond is clearly shown as the protagonist as he is tied up, naked to a chair being whipped. The initial idea of the man tied to a chair is very similar to our idea. We're planning to not include violence although it will be clear that it has taken place.
The lighting is dark and grimy but concentrated on the 'Protagonist'. This is what we would like to do although it will be almost impossible as our scene is in a wood and with the equipment we have, we will be unable to do this.
We will be using squibs to make the scene look more realistic and effective as we will have blood on our face. Also we will use makeup to make Saul look like hes been put though the wars.

Feedback from pitch.

Questions

"How will you make sure Will doesn't look too young?"
Need to clarify time difference between flashback and torture scene because we need to make our actors look different in both the scenes, however we don't want Will looking too young as we are not allowed to use children in the film.

"Where will you go for the flashback scene?"
We need to find a suitable scene for the flashback, somewhere with a surface with enough room for Will to hide under. There is an area in D Block at college we can use.

"How will you make sure its a opening scene and not a complete scene?"
We shall make sure not too much of the story is revealed and build up enough suspense/tension to make viewers hunger for more.

Thriller Idea

Crime/psychological Thriller-

Crime is taking place and someone is being pushed, mentally, to the limit.

Locations:

School (classroom), Shed/Warehouse/Dark chilling room. The reasons why we need a normal setting for the flashback in a conventional house. For the torture scene we need a dull "creepy" setting.

We have a twisted scene with entwining stories, the main character (the torturer) is repaying his fathers death that becomes apparent during the clip.

Actors/Characters:

Saul - The Tortured,
Hakan - Brother of torturer
Will - Torturer (looking for revenge)

Director:

Jack

Related film/s: Reservoir Dogs.



Title:

Our credits will appear each time a character is introduced, naming them. The font will be quite jagged to suit the 'eeriness' of the film. They will be placed in the corners of the frame so they do not take the audiences attention away from the action.

Music:

We will have some contrasting music to create a freaky scene. We will use upbeat and happy music to add to this. It will make it look like the torturer is enjoying it.

Shots:

There will be a flashback that will be in black and white. The shots used in this will be jump shots and a close up of wills face to show his reaction to whats happened. The torture scene will also include jump shots and close ups to maximize excitement and emotion.

Certificate:

The certificate will be at least a 15 because of the level of violence and blood, however it is still TBC.

Certificate 12

The certificate, '12', has exactly the same regulations and rules as '12a' except a '12a' puts all responsibility, in letting a a child to see a certain film, in the adult who accompanies them.

he rules apply as follow for the certificate:-

• Discriminative behavior is only allowed to be shown if it is clearly condemned.
• Any use of drugs should be without detail and information, infrequent and shouldn't glamorize the idea
• Moderate psychological and physical threat is allowed as long as these disturbing sequences are not frequent and continuous
• Risky behavior, for example, suicide, hanging and self harming should not go into detail and shouldn't perceive it to be pain free
• Rude language is allowed but words, such as 'fuck', should be infrequent
• Nudity is allowed but if used in a sexual context must be brief and discreet
• Sexual activity may be, discreetly and briefly portrayed. No crude sexual comments may be used and only suitable references should be used.
• Mature themes are okay but should be adjusted to suit young teenagers
• Violence is allowed if detail isn't overdone. No emphasis on injury and blood but occasional moments of, justified, gore is acceptable. Sexual violence must only be implied or indicated and must have a strang justification for its use

Analysis of a production Ident,

LIONSGATE Ident:-


'Lionsgate' uses an interesting Ident that attracts the viewer by using animation, which effectively keeps the viewer interested enough to keep the production companies name in there head. The writing is very square and bold and covers the majority of the screen which draws the attention of the viewer to it. The background is dim and plain to avoid eyes wandering off the production name.

Classification of an 18 certifiacte

The classification for an 18 rated film is that it is suitable for adults only. Therefore persons under the age of 18 may not go to see the film at the cinema or go and buy/rent the film.

An 18 may accept the following...

Any detailed drug use which could promote the drug to the viewers. As they may view the drug in a positive way.

Any detailed sexual violence which may eroticise or endorse sexual assult.

Any detailed violence or dangerous actions.

Moving on to R18...

More explicit sexual scenes which cannot be justified will be rated as a R18

12A certification by Jack

12A Certificate

The 12A certificate means the person must be aged 12 or over and accompanied with an adult. An adult is considered 18 or over and must watch the film with the child, not just pay for a ticket. 12A replaced the 12 certificate in cinema, but not video.

This is the classification for 12A:

• Mature themes allowed, but it must be suitable for young teenagers.
• Strong language (eg 'f***') must be infrequent and racial abuse is also of particular concern.
• No nudity is allowed, but sexual context is allowed if it brief and discreet.
• Sex can be mentioned/implied and sexual references must be suitable.
• Violence must not be too heavy and injuries should not be emphasised. Sexual violence can be implied/indicated but only discreetly.
• Weapons should not be glamorised and self harming in any way should not appear “harm free”.
• Gory moments allowed but only very occasionally.
• Drug use must be shown only a few times and should not be glamorised.
• The film must not offend a person’s religion, colour, gender, sexuality or disability.

Analysis of past opening scenes

Jack's Analysis

The yearbook photo at the beginning immediately lets the audience know that this person is of significance. The extreme close up of the eye is effective as it creates an uncomfortable atmosphere which the viewer can feel. Jump shots also contribute to this as it quickly shows the viewer something uncomfortable that they see long enough to know that its something creepy. The next extreme close up shows someone violently circling a name, which indicates there a target. The next sequence involves a good use of squibs which effectively reveal the thriller genre as the blood/violence is a typical convention. The props also reveal the genre and general theme of the film, as a razor blade and blood covered nails indicates its a violent thriller. The title of the film also shows what the film will be about, as its called "The Yearbook" and the previous scenes involved someone scribbling on the pictures of people in the yearbook and circling round what possibly are targets.

Will's Analysis

The first few shots indicate the main characters, with the girl tied up in a confined room hence the title "stolen". Also the boy standing over her giving us the impression he is the culprit. The soundtrack in the background intentionally builds up atmosphere and tension also the jumps shots to the cantle in the corner to the girl which creates suspense. The extreme close up of the boy's eye giving a variety of shots.

Analysis of past students work

Parallel analysis:-


In the thriller opening we chose to analyse, two characters are introduced. They are both filmed living individual lives, 'parallel lives'. In these seperate lives they are both doing the same thing, showering and getting ready for the day. There are very good uses of editing skills in this clip, for example at 25 seconds into this opening the shot flickers between two shots, showing the two characters in the shower.
The group demonstrated a good ability to hold the shot steadily and a good ability to frame. There are plenty of examples, throughout the clip, of this being shown.
There is a good mix of diagetic and non-diagetic sound in this opening sequence. The use of the sound of water crashing to the shower floor is an example of diagetic sound and the added music is an example of non-diagetic sound. They both work well together.

Achieving a Top Grade

Marking Criteria Level 4 - 48/60

Demonstrate Excellence in the Following:

• Holding a shot steady
• Framing a shot, including/excluding elements as appropriate
  
• Using a variety of shot differences
• Shooting material appropriate of the task
• Selecting mise-en-scene appropriately
  
• Editing so meaning is appropriate to the viewer
• Using titles appropriately
  
• Introducing main characters
• Revealing the themes of the film
• Introducing setting/location of film
• Should have an idea of the narrative structure
• Music should indicate the genre of the film
• Indication of characters personality

Action thriller analysis

I am legend clip:-


There are many conventions fulfilled in this clipped which places this film firmly in the genre of an action thriller.
Excitement and tension is built as the creatures become closer and closer to breaking their way through the glass to Dr Robert lab. Music added to this scene emphasises this tension and adds to the drama. The drama is there because we see that this man is giving his life to save many others. Because we follow this character, as a protagonist, throughout the film we feel greater emotion in this clip. This is a perfect example of a protagonist in peril except this time he does not survive.
This scene also shows a race against time as we see Dr Roberts rushing the child and his mother into a safe while collecting the blood of the cured dog to give to them. He is rushing as he is worried the glass might break.
There are two examples of opposite sex driving him in this scene. The first is when the women who saves him, when previously in peril drives him to keep on working on the cure. He does this at the very end and ensures she is safe with it. The other drive in this clip is when he is about to commit suicide. He looks at a photo of his family including his wife and this seems to drive him onto doing what is right.

Crime Thriller Conventions

Conventions:

- Suspenseful account of successful or failed crimes.

- Features - murders/robbers/shoot outs/double cross.

- Can glorify the rise plus fall of a criminal - often based on a real person.

- In large crowded cities to provide a viewer with an insight into a secret world.

- Characters have ambitions desire for success or recognition.

- Rivalry between binary opposite characters is strong.

- Many locations - seedy interior settings.

There are many conventions fulfilled in this trailer which places it in the Crime Thriller genre.

There are many suspenseful accounts of the crimes which have been committed, leaving the viewer to keep guessing whether they were successful or not.

We have the essence of mystery in the film linking with the title Usual Suspects.

Action Thriller Conventions

Conventions:-

• Obvious antagonist
• Obvious protagonist
• Race against the clock scenario
• Features more violence than other sub-genres
• Disruption to equilibrium requires protagonist to use action to solve it
• Protagonist must be skilled in combat and regularly antagonists are skilled
  
• Usually involves character of the opposite sex to drive narrative
• Protagonist loyalty is questioned

Political thriller analysis

Blood Diamonds, rebels attempt to take the capital city.

The two characters and many civilians are put under threat as the political surge of rebels attempt to take over a capital city. In doing so many civilians are killed and the protagonist is put in peril. The rebels gain political power throughout the film and this is the switch of power in the film that affects everyone. There is an obvious couple of characters who are aiming to sort out the problem that faces many civilians and people in the film.

Conventions of a Psychological Thriller

- Drama/Mystery.
- Danger is on a mental level rather than physical initally.
- 2 or more characters preying on each others minds to create conflict. or. one solitary character in mental conflict with themselves.
- Characters try and discover their purpose.
- Characters often have a fear or fascination with death.
- Narrative - confusion over what is real.



The Silence of the Lambs




The setting of this scene is dark, gloomy and gritty creating a mysterious atmosphere. The slow paced, different camera angles make the audience wonder what she will discover, leaving the viewer on edge. The music also contributes to this.

The main character 'Clarice - FBI agent' clearly has a fear of death, as you can tell by her slow movement, facial expressions and the way she is violently shaking in the dark. Also, not only does the antagonist have a fascination with death, he is obsessed with the Protagonist and plays with her mind. This leaves the Protagonist in peril.

Conventions of a Political Thriller

- Threat is set against a back drop of Political power struggle.
- Plots are designed to give Political power to someone.
- Opponent characters are set up to try and prevent people receiving power.
- 2 sets of characters, ranked in authority.

Analasys of SE7EN opening scene

SE7EN Poster








































Mise-en-scene:-
The mise-en-scene is key to setting the mood in this opening and for the rest of the film. All places on camera are either dark or uncomfortable in some way this sets a scary and uncomfortable mood which lets the audience know its going to be a thriler. The only place which makes the character feel comfortable is M.F's apartment which is seen as a, sort of, safe house. It looks warm and bright and is focused around the bed which makes it feel cosy and comfortable and allows teh audience to relax as they know he is safe. Everything else like the rough streets in the rain and the house with the dead body in are made to feel very uncomfortable for the audience. The character of MF is shown when his 4 important items he takes woith him to work is his pen his glasses a wallet and his knife are all neatly lined up on the desk near his door.

Analasys of Vertigo thriller scene

Vertigo Rooftop Scene



Conventions of Vertigo
an obvious crime has been committed because you can see the potential protagonist chasing the antagonist. Suspense is built in the scene because we do not know what the crime is or whether he will get away. Suspense is built, again, when the protagonist is left hanging on the gutter, on the side, of the building as he slips off of the roof. The policeman comes back to help, the protagonist, and in turn falls to death himself. This tricks the audience and leads them to believing that the protagonist is in an impossible position. Jump shots are used in the scene to create excitement when the protagonist is hanging. The jump shots change with the music from a point of view shot, of the man looking down, to the reaction shot of the policeman.

Analysis of Microelements by Jack

Analysing the microelements in a film clip

Props – The props in this scene produce much tension. Firstly, the guns are used to show power and also show the characters for what they really are. Jake has the gun to do justice with and return the money for evidence however, Alonzo wants to get rid of Jake and keep the money which creates suspense and the viewer wants to know who will win. The police badge is effectively used to show that Alonzo is not doing his duty as a police officer and Jake snatches it from his neck. The part where he goes to pick up his cigarettes builds up a quick burst of tension because it looks like Alonzo is going to pick the up gun.

Setting – The setting reflects back on Alonzo and what sort of person he is. The setting is a dark street which represents a “hood”, which shows that its not only a dangerous place but where Alonzo had once been powerful because he was a dirty cop.

Camera Angles – Lots of high angles are used on Alonzo to represent losing his power. Jake is shown with low angles to show the viewer he is the “hero” of the scene. There’s a mid shot of a person in the background with a gun which immediately makes the viewer think he is going to shoot someone, however the camera then tracks the gun to show it being put on the floor which relives the viewer. As the scene progresses the Alonzo gets up and the camera angles are even, which produces even more tension for the viewer because the fight between the two looks as if its equal. There is also a close up on Alonzo’s face just before he goes to pick up the gun, which shows his determination of getting the money. Another close up on Alonzo’s face after he tries to pick up the gun and gets shot to show the viewer his anger and emotions A tracking shot is used when Jake is walking off, which shows that Jake has won the battle.

Colour/lighting – The colour of the scene is dark and so is the lighting to represent Alonzo and his past. The darkness also is used to show that anything can happen and it’s unpredictable.

Make up – Fake blood is used on both Jake and Alonzo the show the fight they have been through. It also shows that both characters have been through a lot .

Sound – The scene is dialogue led so does not have any background music while they are talking. I think this is used to make the viewer focus on the characters over anything else. The diegetic sound used in this scene is the cigarette lighter which makes a gritty loud noise, and the gun which when it is loaded creates suspense and when its finally shot, it shocks the viewer. Non-diegetic sound is used when Jake is walking off as slow music plays, which makes the viewer feel emotional as Alonzo breaks down.

P3-69 Preliminary

The Matrix


Analyse the use of Micro-elements:-
Sound:-

• The sound in this clip is both diagetic an non-diagetic. It uses a non-diagetic backing track which is a hard-house/techno tune so very fitting to the action on screen. It keeps the audience excited throughout the scene which is good to make sure the audience are in the right mood for the action. There is another use of non-diagetic sound which switches throughout the clip. It is a man on a radio that you can hear in the background talking to those on screen. He is also seen speaking when the scene changes in the clip. This lets the audience know that he is in contact but not with those on scree.

• There is also the general realistic diagetic sound in the clip with some sounds exagerated. For example the sound of the blade cutting through the air and fighting sounds like punches.

Mise-en-scene

• There are many props used in this scene like vehicles but the most interesting prop that gives the audience a different feel is the samurai sword. Even though this is a historic item putting it in an action scene in the future makes is seem quite futuristic. All of the other props such as cars and trucks create the busy and crowded feel making it seem like a bad situation for an action scene. The use of the vehicles is also very good as the vehicles are all going the same way and are all in order as they should be this makes the futuristic characters stand out and look different.
• The setting of this scene is very neat and normal, this is good to make the characters stand out. It is set on a high way with a lot of cars and trucks all driving the right way and doing what they should do. This is good to make the characters look different. The high way is seen as a very dangerous place and this factor adds to the tension and risk that the futuristic characters are taking.
• The light used is very natural and kept realistic to ensure the world the characters are in is seen as the normal world.
• Make-up is used very little in this scene and only used to show cuts on faces.
• Costume is a big factor to how the audience sees the characters. The characters involved in this scene are futuristic and are shown like this by wearing long black cloaks and tight black leather. This helps them to stand out. The bad guys in this clip are dressed in very 'straight' and normal plain black suits, this creates the feel that normal is supposed to be bad.

Editing

• Editing is used in this scene to differ from 2 different places the place where the guy is on the radio and the high way. It uses a normal switch of scenes to show this and nothign different or special.

Camera angles/shots

• Camera angles are very important in thrillers because they give the audience good understanding of the happenings. There are many different shots and angles in this scene. One regularly used is the 'point of view' shot where you see what the character can see. This is used a few times when the character, Morepheus, is hanging on the edge of the lorry in the middle of the fight. It builds up tension with the audience because you feel in an impossible situation.
• A lot of slow motion is used in this scene along with panning shots in the slow motion. It is used when Morpheus jumps in the air and suddenly the shot slows down. This builds tension and excitement of what the outcome of this would be. It is also used when the two lorry's crash.
  

SFX

• SFX is used in this scene right at the end where the two lorry's meet head to head and crash. CGI and piro technics are used to simulate a real crash and it looks very realistic. This is very affective as it creates a dramatic and interesting end to the fighting.
  

Storyboard

Prelim Task

We are doing this Preliminary task to prepare ourselves for our main thriller project and to familiarize ourselves, again, with the equipment and skills.




The first few minutes of the clip is an establishing shot of the North Pole, which is recognizable by the white landscape, frozen seas and glaciers. It is effective because it makes the audience ask questions and wonder why they are there.




In this clip, there are plenty examples of close ups and extreme close ups. This is very effective as it shows characters reactions and could make the viewer uncomfortable as it is the only thing they can focus on. It also makes