Evaluation Q1

Q1

In this essay I will be writing about how my media product uses challenges and develops conventions of real life thrillers. I will also be writing about why they relate to these conventions and why this is good or bad.

One convention that my product uses is the use of non-diegetic music within the piece to build tension. I have chosen a type of spooky music that has been used to create a sense of fear. This is similar to other thriller movies such as “Dead Silence” which also has a very scary type of music to it to build the tension. I feel this was a good idea as it helps build tension in the piece and overall makes it a better production.  I think it was a good idea conforms to this convention as it shows what type of subgenre my thriller is and that it has had influence from other thrillers that the audience may be familiar with.

I have also used another convention from other thrillers that make the characters seem normal and that they are normal people (person) who has been dragged into a situation they are not familiar with. I have also chosen to use the characters own clothes as the costume as they can also relate to my target audience which is teenagers. This relates to them as they may have similar clothes to the characters costume. This may also mean that they understand the character easier and thus, create a type of empathy between them. I feel it was a good idea to use this convention as it means the piece is easier to understand and that the character is just a normal person.  One thriller what uses this effectively is “The Cabin in the Woods”.

                      "The Cabin in the Woods" characters costumes.    My characters costume.

Another convention that I have used is the use of some fast paced editing. This is very common in thrillers as it makes it seem as if there is a sense of pace to the product. I have used this in my thriller opening when the character is running away through a small shortcut and it cuts between different shots of them running. This is also evident when he is running across the field. Other thrillers such as “Skyfall” use the same idea of using fast paced editing for pace. This is especially evident in chase scene as it is in my thriller opening. I feel it was a good idea to use this convention as it speeds up the pace of the thriller and builds tension as well as adding pace.

Another convention I have used is the idea of a monster. I have used this because it creates a sense of threat for the character. I have taken influence from such thrillers as “Alien” where a monster is used to create threat and horror but also as a way to speed up the thriller as I have done here, this is also evident in the “Jurassic Park” movies too as music is also used to the same effect. I obeyed this convention as it is fairly easy to do on a low budget if initiative is used and thus, make an effective yet simple opening to the thriller. I have also used a monster as many other thrillers have monsters as the villain and have used them to create thrills.

 

 

 

           Xenomorph (Alien)                        point of view from monster in my opening



I have also developed some ideas from existing thrillers. One of these is instead of adding a title over the top of the movie as seen in many movies. I have actually incorporated them into the movie. This is rather hard to do; however, when used correctly it can be an effective way of showing credits. I have done this because it is out of the ordinary but can also look good. I feel it was a good idea to do this as it creates a new idea from an old one. I have taken influence from James Bond movies, even though these are action-adventure, which have credits that have been animated and put into the main movie and I have adapted them so it fits into my movie in a way that shows them as real instead of animated.

One of my filmed credits.

Another convention that I have adapted is the use of sound. Most movies have sound put over the top of the movie; I have done this in my opening however, and do not use ambient sound. In my opening I have used music that I have put over the top of the movie, but when appropriate I used ambient sound. This is particularly evident when I used a bush rustling as ambient sound and then incorporated it into the opening. I feel this is effective as most sound in movies has been put over the top or recorded at another time and put in.

 

Another convention I have developed is a duel narrative between two characters. Where this is common in thrillers, especially in chase scenes, I have used it to create a parallel between the character and the monster. I feel this was a good idea to incorporate as not many thrillers have a duel narrative between the two opposing characters. I have received influence from the opening of “Casino Royale (new version)” where bond is chasing a villain and it cuts between them. This also helps show what both characters are doing and helps understand the movie easier.

 

 

 

 

The duel narrative between the main character and the monster in my opening and the idea of perspectives. This also relates to the horror genre as it is also done in a similar way in “Halloween”.

Another convention I have developed is one about perspectives of the main character. Most thriller movies have used ideas that just follow the main protagonist’s story and not the villains, however I have developed this to show both the protagonists and antagonists. I could be seen as challenging this convention as it is out of the ordinary and is not done much within thrillers. This also challenges it as the main perspective generally follows the protagonist.

Another convention I have developed is the idea of sub genres and hybrid genres. Usually, a thriller would fall into a sub-genre such as action thriller. However, I have incorporated ideas from horror movies (monsters, fear and black and white effect) as well as thriller movies (fast paced editing and effects). This is developing the idea as it improves on the idea of subgenre and creates a hybrid genre. However, this could also be seen as challenging the genre as the opening is not just seen as being a thriller, but also as a horror, this means it is not based on one genre, this is unusual in thrillers. Even though this is not particularly 

I have also challenged a few of the standard conventions of thrillers. One idea I have challenged is editing. I have used a mix of editing throughout the opening and in a short sequence like my opening, only one type is used. However, I have used fast paced and slow paced editing. I have used slow at the start to create a normal day for the character, but it then speeds up as the opening goes on. This is good as it shows that I have used a variety of techniques in the editing and also makes the piece build tension as the pace is increased later on.

 The black and white filter I have also used could be seen as challenging the conventions as well. This is because most modern thrillers are all colour, but I have reversed this as I have added black and white. However, in my opening I have used it to help tell the story better. This makes for a more engaging watch and makes the whole opening more tense.

 

 

 

 

Black and white effect.

Another convention I have challenged is the use of special effects to add in objects to the scene. My opening goes against this as it has now effect other than transitions and black and white. This goes against thrillers such as “The Avengers” because there are no special effects like there are within “The Avengers”.

Another convention I have challenged is lighting. Most thrillers that have fear in them use a lot of darkness and/ or are shot at night. However, mine is shot in the afternoon. I going against this convention which is not that good as it reduce a sense of threat and danger. This could be seen as reducing the tension of the piece. One film that uses darkness well is “Sweeny Todd”. However part in my opening shows a shadow that I have used from influences of expressionism. Shadows can also represent some things such as mystery and darkness. Also darkness also represents fear.

 

 

 

A dark attic area in “Sweeny Todd” where darkness and expressionism is used.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The shadow in my opening.

Another convention I have challenged is the idea of abandonment. I have challenged this as there are many cars around the area that I was filming in as well as many houses. This reduces the idea of abandonment because this connotes that people are around the area and that it is not abandoned. This reduces this aspect and also slightly diminishes the tension. One film where abandonment is used well is “The Chernobyl Diaries”.

 

 

 

 

 

The main characters van in an abandoned area.               One shot that goes against abandonment.

One more convention I have challenged is that the film follows the protagonist in third person. I have gone against this were the character was running and we get a point of view shot. I feel this was effective as the character is running and we can hear his hard breathing. This heightens tension as we can tell he is struggling. Overall, even though this challenges a convention, it has been used well and with good effect. “Blair Witch” also uses a similar technique apart from the character using the camera. It also happens temporarily in “Chronicle”.

 

 

 

 

From the handheld camera part in “Chronicle”.

 

 

 

 

The characters POV whilst he is running.

In conclusion, I feel that my thriller opening is good overall but could have been better if more conventions were used and if the mise-en-scene was better as these influences the thrills that are gotten from the opening. I feel I could have gone better as I have challenged many conventions of thrillers that did not go as intended. However, there are some good parts that work with the conventions and show a verity of camera shots within it.

 

 

 

 

Evaluation Q2

Q2

 

 

 

This character is the main victim of the opening of my thriller. I wished to convey a normal teenager who leads a normal life and is no different to the target audience I targeted. I feel this character was appropriate as the victim character as he is shorter compared to people of a similar age. This makes him seem more vulnerable compared to others. I have also chosen a male actor as the character as the stereotype of males is that they are stronger than females. However I have reversed this and used a male as the victim to show how strong the monster is compared to people. I have chosen this costume for the character as it is something that most teenagers will be familiar with as it is modern clothing and may create a type of empathy link between the target audience and the character. I have also chosen to use the red trousers and red inside of the hood to represent danger towards his character whilst he still represents the stereotypical teenager look. I have also chosen to use no make-up as the character needs to look like he normally would in an everyday environment. I also used the environment to represent the social group of teenagers to my audience as it is an area where there a lot of houses. This could be seen as representing them as teenagers are usually seen by adults, especially older adults, as antisocial and the area is built up and is a normal haunt for some teenagers.

I have chosen this character from “The Cabin in the Woods” as a basis of mine. I have chosen this as they are both dressed in a similar fashion to how some teenagers dress in the normal world. Compared to my character there are some similarities such as clothing choices. However, there are some differences between the characters. This character is seen to be unkempt as his clothes are rather grotty and fairly untidy compared to mine. I chose to change this as teenagers are seen to be like this but I have semi glamorised my character so he is not as untidy. Another difference is that my character is younger than this one. I have chosen this as it shows him as more vulnerable compared to an older victim and makes him seem weaker compared to others.

I also have taken influence from this character from “The Chernobyl Diaries”.  I have also chosen to take influence from this character as well. This character is similar to mine as he is shorter than the other males. This means that he is the most vulnerable and may be targeted first. This has influenced my choice of actor. I have also chosen to take ideas from the characters costume as he is also dressed in an outfit that is represent the teenagers-pre adult stage of life and is similar in that respect to my character. I also took the idea of red as use within the outfit to represent that he may be one of the first victims as red represents blood and danger.

I also used cinematography to present my character as vulnerable. I did this when the character was on the floor and taking a high angel of him. I took influence from “Goodfellas” as it uses a high angel shot to show vulnerability of the character. This attracts the audience as it also shows the character as vulnerable and this means they will either feel sorry for the character and will get the effect passed to them of being in danger.

 

 

 

Evaluation Q3

Q3

I chose to base my company name and Image on one that has initials as its name. One such as this is CBS Films. I have based my logo and name on this due to it being simple looking and that it is also easy to remember. I have also chosen my name and logo as it is also effective and is very simple but also catches the eye of the viewer as red on black with text on front also looks good as well as easily fitting into what could be edited into the credits with a fade or other transition from black.

A production company helps with the creation of a film. It does this by assisting with casting, budgeting, scripting and scheduling among other things. It does this to keep the film making process go as smoothly as possible and to prevent hiccups and problems during production. A film distributor company also helps with the production as it is in charge of advertising and getting the film out there to be viewed by the public. This makes the film being released faster and speeds up sales.

One distributor who could distribute my thriller could be Entertainment One Films. I feel they may distribute my thriller as they have distributed thriller/ horror movies. One film they have distributed is “Insidious Chapter 2”. EOF is based in America however they have Entertainment One Films UK which are based in London. EOF is owned by Entertainment One LTD who are based in America. I feel EOF is appropriate to distribute my film as they have experience with my thriller distribution and low budget films.

They funding for my film could come from the UK Film Council who give funding to up and coming directors to make their movie. I feel they could fund my movie as they have funded many low budget films and have experience in different genres of movies. This makes them a good choice to help fund my Film.

Some films that have been released in the similar way to mine are movies that have been distributed by Entertainment One Films. Movies distributed by  EOF would have also been funded by other companies as they are both big movies and companies would want to have a part in them. This gives them a similar release as they are both distributed by EOF and have both received funding.

 

Evaluation Q4

Q4


I would identify my audience as teenagers aged 13-18. I would say that it is aimed at these ages as it does not have any adult themes (swearing etc.) and does not actual show any scenes that are too childish. I would also say that my product is aimed at both genders as it is not based around male movies (stereotypically action thrillers) or aimed at female (who are stereotyped to watch romance movies) this means that it is suitable for both audiences. I would however say that my movie is aimed at people who live in a city as the main location is in a built up neighbourhood with a field next to it. This makes it more appropriate to them as they can relate to it.

Teenagers are also stereotyped to be on their phones and or browsing the internet. This is true to many respects and I have tried to aim my thriller at that audience. Most teenagers also of this age group have started to watch more mature movies such as action and horror movies instead of cartoons so I have also based my thriller around this. Also teenagers are surrounded by media with TV, music, film and video so they will also have a high amount of multimedia that they use or are involved in (YouTube etc.) they would possibly also use many social networks. Also, teenagers generally don’t shop in grocery stores so they would mainly be in shops such as Primark, GAME and other mainstream stores. This could put them into the mainstreamer demographic as they follow all of the latest tech and media. Teenagers also start listening to different types of music around the 13-15 ages and would listen to a variety of different types. However the most popular type at this age would be Pop music. They would possibly also start watching movies such as “Skyfall” as it is not too adult and is not to childish and is an action thriller. Especially at the 15+ age they may start watching horrors as most have an age of 15 and they will watch them to experience different types of movie.

I researched my audience by asking questions to the targeted audience about what they do when they are not in school. The main research I found was that males either spend a lot of time playing sports or playing on computer games where females generally went shopping more and more often went round each other’s houses. I targeted my research at 12-18 year olds as they would be the audience of my thriller. I also asked them about what movies and media they watch and use and many said that action and horror movies where their favourites, whereas when it came to TV programs they usually watched comedies(Mainly “Friends” and “How I Met Your Mother”) or series such as “Doctor Who”. I also took influence from this as “Doctor Who” has monsters creating a sense of horror although with a slight side of action in certain parts.

When I asked them what they would like in a thriller movie, the two top outcomes where monsters and action. This had an influence as monsters are easier to create with a low budget than action movies are, this makes them easier to produce but have the same effect on the audience. Another audience expectation that I found out was that many of them like chase scenes in an opening such as in many James Bond movies where he is chasing or running from a villain.

I feel the BBFC may rate my opening as a 12A, 12 or at a push PG. I feel this because there is no swearing or violence within my opening and there is only threat and fear created. This means that it is not to discreet for 12. However, it could be seen as a PG as there is no suggested violence in it and it is not actually shown. This means it could also be viewed by almost anybody outside of my target audience, however. Also the BBFC state that horror films be passed 12 or 12A. They say “some horror films are passed at this category. Moderate physical and psychological threat is permitted at 12 or 12A as long as disturbing sequences are not too frequent or sustained.” They also state horrors can be passed at PG. “As far as horror goes, we allow some 'jump' moments and scary scenes, but sequences showing significant or realistic violence, horror or threat must not be prolonged.”

Evaluation Q5

Q5

My character may also attract the audience as they maybe the same age as them. This attracts my audience as they will feel more attached to the character and create empathy link between them. It may also attract them as they are possibly similar in appearance as well. This also means that they may also understand the narrative better as it is being based around someone who is similar to them.  This may also attract the audience as it makes them feel at vulnerable as the character does. This makes them experience an even more intense fear effect. I have also used some influence from my audience as my research also said that they would prefer a teenage character they could relate to rather than an adult they would not have similarities with at all. I received evidence for this through my questionnaire and talking to members of my audience.

Another way I have tried to attract the audience is with unusual editing. This attracts the audience because it is a new idea that they may have not seen before. This makes it more interesting to the audience. One way I have changed it from the conventional editing is with the heavy use of cross cutting, black and white and transitions (fade to white). This attracts the audience as it is unconventional, especially the black and white. The black and white attracts as it is usually used to show camera footage, however I have used it to fit into the story. This means it attracts because it is out of the ordinary. However, most of my questionnaire results said that black and white would not work within a modern film, I have however gone against this. My audience also gave me feedback saying that “the editing of black and white worked surprisingly well.” And “the transitions between shots kept up a faster pace.”

Another way I have attracted the audience is the idea of mystery. I have done this by not actually showing what the monster looks like. This makes the opening attract the audience as they do not know how big the monster is but can only speculate from the point of view shots from it. This attracts the audience as they want to figure out what the monster looks like. The sounds I have also used to portray the monster are also confusing and shrouded in mystery. I have done this to attract too as to start off with the monster hisses in a similar way to a snake but then growls and roars more like a larger animal. This means that the mystery sense is also increased as they do not know if it is a snake like monster, a larger monster or a hybrid of the two. This keeps the audience guessing at the monster.

 

the audience would be familiar with, a housing district in this case.  This attracts the audience as they may live in a similar place as well as knowing what type of area it is. This also means that they would be familiar with the life that the character would have been leading. This makes it easier to understand for them whilst also attracting them due to familiarities between the mise-en-scene and between already know areas. My audience however did give some negative feedback about this saying that “the setting did not really create a sense of fear.” However, one of the audience said “the setting was unusual which made it more interesting.”

I also used a narrative that was meant to attract the audience. This narrative was simple as it was easy to understand (character attacked by a monster). This makes it attract the audience as it is not hard to understand. This makes it easy for the audience to watch. However, this could mean it gets boring fairly fast. I have also used this attract the audience as they may have seen something similar before, such as “28 days later.” Or other similar monster based thrillers. This also attracts the audience over from that type of movie, expanding it greatly.

Simple narrative of characters curiosity.

Simple narrative about characters fight for survival.

 

I have also used sound to attract the audience. I have used music that is fairly freaky as it has a deeper tone than some other sound, as well as having a background drum which sounds slightly like a heartbeat. These changes part ways through where the music becomes a more supernatural tone. This increases the fear effect. I have also used this to finish off the opening as the music changes sound slightly to an even more paranormal sound when the title is shown. It also “fades” into this sound. Some feedback that I got said that “the music was effective as it was rather scary.” Another said “the music was also very appropriate and suited the characters fear.” I also received research from my questionnaire about this. Most people answered that a fast paced music is there favourite in a thriller, however some also answered that a slow paced music could also be used if used correctly.

 

 

 

Evaluation Q6

Q6

One thing I have learnt about camerawork is how to keep a shot steady with use of a tripod. This has helped me film effectively as shots that require no movement are rather hard to do without a tripod. Using a tripod has also taught me when to use steady shots effectively, such as when filming a character walking from the side or from behind to show where they are going. This has also helped me to master the shots that need the camera to pivot. This allows following the character easier and also making the film look as smooth as possible. I have used these techniques to show how the character has moved though the environment he is placed in as well as guide the opening through the action that is on screen.

I have also learned that lighting also has a huge impact on how the camera films. I learnt this by filming in different lights to see how the quality differs; I found out due to this that the camera works the best in a bright area where light is plentiful and that it seems to reduce the quality of the filming at night. This means that I have had to move the camera around the set to find out where the camera worked the most effective as it was an area where there was a mix of light. From this I have learnt that it is harder to shoot in dark places than in light and is also more effective not use a mixture of lighting within the piece to make it more dramatic.

I have also learned how to use composition to the best effect. I have used this to cut out certain marts of the shot that are not relevant as well as making the shot look the best whilst including things such as branches and shadows as well as excluding uncontrollable elements such as cars and houses. This has also made it easier to use the rule of thirds as well to keep the action in a more central location. This also made my opening easier to film as it let me keep track of onscreen elements easier and make it easier to film.

Action is in the centre.

The golden mean has also helped me film as it has also helped me keep track of the action on screen. It has also helped me maintain that the shot it filmed correctly and that it is not off angel or anything wrong with it. I have used this technique most when he is entering the main forested area and bends down. Also, lighting seemed to work better if it was down the golden mean, so I used this for effect.


I have also learnt how to add effects appropriately and transitions within iMovie. This has helped make my opening flow and also make it have a pace as well as giving a duel narrative due to the monsters view within it. The transitions I used were mainly fade to white. This worked well as the monsters view was black and white so fitted in well with it. I also learned how to use sound effectively such as the music in the background and the how to use the diegetic sounds such as wind. This made it seem a more natural area as well as being scary.

I also learned how to import new footage from iMovie. This helped me learn how to use iMovie effectively and how to make the movie itself as I needed the clips. I also learned how to make an effective ident from influences from other idents as well as production names. I also learned how to burn of a DVD and make a menu using iDVD and using the magic DVD option to create the menu. This means I have learned the basics of using IMovie as well as how to make a DVD.

The timeline of my thriller. Music, clips and other sound effects.

 

 

 

 

Evaluation Q7

Q7

One way I have developed my skills is by the way a shot is framed. In my prelim, many of my shots included too much in the room it was shot such as doors, other students walking by and items that should not be in the shot. I have improved this by choosing carefully instead of recklessly where the camera was shooting from. I have also learnt due to this how to compose a shot correctly. This was a major problem within my prelim as we were in a large room with many items that should not be in the shot, but I improved this in my opening and if there was something that was not correct I tried to cut the obstruction out of the scene.



 

Two shots where we broke the 180 degree rule

 

In my prelim I also many shortcomings of the piece such as breaking the 180 degree rule, rule of thirds and golden mean, these are major parts that we mainly ignored during the prelim and this made it looked rushed and reckless. I improved on this during my opening as I addressed these issues and made changes in the shooting. As with the 180 degree rule, if I did break it in my thriller, I showed the camera actually breaking it instead of just switching placement of the camera. We also ignored the rule of thirds to some extent; I also addressed this and made the action take place in the centre of my opening. The golden mean was also mainly ignored and I improved this as I included it more often and tried to film it along the mean in my thriller.

One of the skills I have developed is editing. Before I started my thriller I had little experience of editing a video, But I soon after I started, I found out how to add filters, effects and transitions as well as changing audio. Learning these skills also helped me create a more successful piece as well as improve the flow of my thriller so it looked appropriate and did not look reckless as was the case within my prelim.

I also developed the use of continuity within my thriller. I did this throughout to make the thriller move at a correct pace as well as make it look as natural as I possibly could. This was useful during shooting and editing my thriller as when I filmed, it looked more realistic but also it was easier to edit as the shots seems to flow correctly into each other and make it look natural.

I also used my own type of shot reverse shot within my thriller. I did this in an unconventional manner as usually it shows two characters talking or something like that. However, I made it different in my own way. I did this by flipping the views of two of the shots within it where the camera is behind the character looking into a bush, I then reversed it from the monsters point of view. This was useful during my editing as it also made it easier to find which shots fitted together correctly and which ones did not. This helped me find “junk” clips and ones that can be used.

My versions of shot reverse shot.

I also used the 180 degree rule within my thriller. This was very hard to maintain all the way though as many shots that I wanted included breaking the rule, however, I came up with alternate shots to not break this rule. It was useful during editing as it made the shots seem easier to put together. However, when filming, it made it harder but it paid off as it made the thriller look more realistic.

This sequence was hard to film as I had to change camera angels to make sure I did not completely break the rule.

 

 

I also used a small amount of match on action within my thriller. This was rather easy to do during filming as it was not hard to do. This is because there are many places it could be done. This also made editing the clips easier as they connected and made cutting between them look better.

 

This sequence of MOA also made it easier to film the credits as I added in the production name here as well as making a good looking cut between the three shots.

I feel overall that my thriller opening was good as it had many elements of a normal thriller movie as it had fast paced editing, a narrative and also created some kind of atmosphere. However one area I would have improved was the mise-en-scene. I would have improved this as it is not a very dark location so it reduced the fear effect. I would have changed it for a forest or a possibly wasteland area to create this. But I feel apart from this, that the thriller is good. One of the strengths of it is that the shots are original ideas and that they are barely used within real thrillers. This makes it more engaging and interesting for the audience. Another strong point is the pace of the editing in some parts of it. This is strength as it adds pace to the opening as it gets faster as the action happens, this makes it seem more like a real thriller than if it was slow. However, one weakness would be the choice of mise-en-scene as it reduces the fear effect and also seems to not fit in with the thriller genre.