Monday 25 March 2013
Naming the Thriller
Naming our thriller was influenced by TV Drama's, such as Dexter, for an eponymous Hero which resulted in naming the thriller 'Crowe'; the surname of our main character. The simple title makes it memorable, and gives the audience a small insight on who the film will be about before watching it on a screen (assuming they'd somehow missed the trailer). Crowe also fits in with the theme and style of thrillers as Crowe sounds like the crow bird, which are nasty, annoying little rats with wings which are usually seen in a thrilling or tense part of a film or story.
We did take other ideas into consideration such as a title which is symbolic to the thriller opening sequence, however we did not want to give what happens away in the title before the sequence had even started. Our thriller starts giving no clue as to where the plot is heading. It's not until the alley half way through do we have some insight, and that's where the climax happens.
Titles such as "Se7en" and "Casino Royal" are brilliant and what because they're symbolic and doesn't give too much away so that the audience had already guessed the story before it's started. The problem for us was we did not film a full thriller, but just the three minute opening so the title would not be justifiable if its about the plot later on in the film.
Question 6
Technology!
Different Media resources used!
During my whole media As Level I have learnt how to use many media programmes to present work in which i did not realise was available. For example PhotoPeach. I didn't realise this website existed and it is such a simple easy way to present photo's in an attractive and stylised presentation. All that is needed is a profile, upload photos from your computer and the website does all the hard work of creating the presentation. Next step is to upload music from either music available on the website, or from a youtube video. The website again placing the music to the presentation and it is complete!
Powerpoint have been used in a few of my blog posts for my media coursework. For example i used it during the evaluation of my thriller (Question 1). A power point is just a slide show to present information in sizable chunks with the addition of pictures. I did not learn over my time doing As media how to make a power point, i learn hot to place one on my blog.
To embed a powerpoint we need to use scribd. It is a website to upload a power point to present to an audience over the Internet. Again all we need to do to upload a powerpoint is choose the selected file and the website will convert the file into a format which is compatible. To add to our blog all we need is the embedded code.
One of my favourite ways of presenting information is using a Prezi as your not limited to what you can do, nor is there a set route or path you have to take. You're able to upload youtube videos or pictures to relate to the text on screen which can be shown in bitesize chunks. Prezi is also a collaborate programme which allows more than one person to work on the same prezi on different computer. It's great for group projects when working together.
I got the video or the powerpoint from youtube, a well known resource of finding videos to watch for free online and can be a helpful stepping stone for aspiring film makers to get their work known to the public eye. The great thing about youtube is that you will always find an audience, there will be at least one person who likes what you have created as youtube is such a big company accessible from anywhere with the Internet. I always knew how to work youtube and upload videos, but what i didn't know was how to upload a video.
Pixton is another multi-media side where we are able to create comic book strips, and is creat for storyboarding ideas together. Unfortunately i had been unable to use Pixton up until now. It's encouraging those who use it to be creative and will coax those who are not as much of a wiz on the computer to have the opportunities to be creative as those who are by the availability of templates!
Our teacher spoke to us about digital citizenship, a sense of confidence when using technology and to be apart of this growing community supporting the use of technology.
During production we used a HD canon camera. Canon's are known to be reliable and good quality and the HD proves to be useful and affective when editing our work on the quality of the image. Within the industry the quality of what is shown on screen has always been a key aspect in the media and proven the importance by the release of HD camera's and televisions "with an even better image" than the one released just a few months before.
Owning an SD card was vital if we wanted to keep hold of the footage and not have it deleted off the camera by another user. It allowed us to always know where footage was at any given point and is light, small and effective in it's use.
I learnt to use the non-linear software of 'Adobe Premiere Pro' when editing my thriller 'Crowe'. With this software i learnt how to edit, use transitions and effects to a professional level. Premiere Pro encourages creativity as it provides no templates or structures you have to follow. The creator is in complete control as to what they would like to do; the only limitation is their imagination. Premiere Pro is all in one, the sound, text, clips ect. Everything can be done on one programme which made it more simple to use than if we had to use different programmes and piece each piece together.
Different Media resources used!
During my whole media As Level I have learnt how to use many media programmes to present work in which i did not realise was available. For example PhotoPeach. I didn't realise this website existed and it is such a simple easy way to present photo's in an attractive and stylised presentation. All that is needed is a profile, upload photos from your computer and the website does all the hard work of creating the presentation. Next step is to upload music from either music available on the website, or from a youtube video. The website again placing the music to the presentation and it is complete!
Powerpoint have been used in a few of my blog posts for my media coursework. For example i used it during the evaluation of my thriller (Question 1). A power point is just a slide show to present information in sizable chunks with the addition of pictures. I did not learn over my time doing As media how to make a power point, i learn hot to place one on my blog.
To embed a powerpoint we need to use scribd. It is a website to upload a power point to present to an audience over the Internet. Again all we need to do to upload a powerpoint is choose the selected file and the website will convert the file into a format which is compatible. To add to our blog all we need is the embedded code.
One of my favourite ways of presenting information is using a Prezi as your not limited to what you can do, nor is there a set route or path you have to take. You're able to upload youtube videos or pictures to relate to the text on screen which can be shown in bitesize chunks. Prezi is also a collaborate programme which allows more than one person to work on the same prezi on different computer. It's great for group projects when working together.
I got the video or the powerpoint from youtube, a well known resource of finding videos to watch for free online and can be a helpful stepping stone for aspiring film makers to get their work known to the public eye. The great thing about youtube is that you will always find an audience, there will be at least one person who likes what you have created as youtube is such a big company accessible from anywhere with the Internet. I always knew how to work youtube and upload videos, but what i didn't know was how to upload a video.
Pixton is another multi-media side where we are able to create comic book strips, and is creat for storyboarding ideas together. Unfortunately i had been unable to use Pixton up until now. It's encouraging those who use it to be creative and will coax those who are not as much of a wiz on the computer to have the opportunities to be creative as those who are by the availability of templates!
Our teacher spoke to us about digital citizenship, a sense of confidence when using technology and to be apart of this growing community supporting the use of technology.
During production we used a HD canon camera. Canon's are known to be reliable and good quality and the HD proves to be useful and affective when editing our work on the quality of the image. Within the industry the quality of what is shown on screen has always been a key aspect in the media and proven the importance by the release of HD camera's and televisions "with an even better image" than the one released just a few months before.
I learnt to use the non-linear software of 'Adobe Premiere Pro' when editing my thriller 'Crowe'. With this software i learnt how to edit, use transitions and effects to a professional level. Premiere Pro encourages creativity as it provides no templates or structures you have to follow. The creator is in complete control as to what they would like to do; the only limitation is their imagination. Premiere Pro is all in one, the sound, text, clips ect. Everything can be done on one programme which made it more simple to use than if we had to use different programmes and piece each piece together.
Question 4
I do not believe our thriller is primarily aiming for one gender more than the other as we have covered already a lot of content within the opening sequence which is aimed for each gender such as the underlying plot of the love interest between Damien and Iga and what happened for them to find themselves in the alley. We then have the main plot which involves guns, betrayal and an attractive seductress which always attracts some attention. Also the mix of both genders means that each member of the audience has a chance to connect with someone on screen, even if it is a loose connection which is solemnly on gender.
I would say the target audience age range of our thriller is young adults (20-35 years old), due to its modern take on a nitty, gritty, nasty thriller. However the thriller could appeal to those as young as 16 due to the involvement of action which comes hand in hand when a gun appears on screen. I say this because of video games; the licenced age to buy a video game which involves the action of pointing a gun at another living being is 15 years old, however the audience must have some levels on intelligence as there will be many unanswered questions.
Meet Mathew
Meet Hannah
Hannah loves to watch "Dexter" as its about a male morally ambiguous character who is convinced that he is murdering to the greater good, however is considered a bad person because as being a killer is never acceptable.
Meet Harry
Actors
Character : Damien Crowe
Actor : Joseph Murry
Origionally Damien Crowe was going to be played by two other different actors, however logistics got in the way and Joseph Murray kindly stepped in for the role who is another media student. Changing actors to Joe did not effect the character profile as he is still appears to be a smartly dressed young man and can give the enigma illusion, especially with his hood up which Joe had suggested during post production of filming the sequence. He was able to protray Damien's emotions for the close-ups well, and it also helped that he was not camera shy due to experience of being filmed for his own personal projects.
Costume choice was kept to a big dark coat which covered most of his body so he could blend into the shadows easily and dark trousers to match. The hood we did not ask for, however worked well and came in handy; a nice idea on Joe's part.
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Character : Ms River
Actor : Alicia Arnold
Ms River appears in Damien's flashbacks for not a long period of time, however acting was required due to the close-ups on her face. We also needed someone with enough confidence to be able to portray this strong, seducing woman. Alicia was the perfect choice because she has the pretty appearance with her fare skin and long blond hair (this was before we decided to put this scene in black and white). Alicia took drama GCSE and passed with an A grade so she was able to perform in front of the camera and not be camera shy.
Costume stayed to traditional Femme Fatale, the fur coat for glamour, pear necklace for class which Alicia suggested for the character.
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Character : Iga
Actor : Iga Madejowska
Iga Madejowska was always originally going to play 'Iga' within the opening sequence of our thriller and the character was styled on her. As she was the main character on screen a lot of acting was required which she was able to do and achieve what was wanted.
Iga decided on the quirky leggings so she is always recognisable on screen.
Character : Veronica
Actor : Megan Edwards
Veronica was a small character who we needed Iga to interact with and pass on the confidential note for the story looked like it was going somewhere. Megan, a member of my group, offered to play the role. A lot of acting was not required as not close-ups were required and when she was on the screen the focus was not on her, but the transaction between herself and Iga. However this being said, she did do a good job.
Actor : Joseph Murry
Origionally Damien Crowe was going to be played by two other different actors, however logistics got in the way and Joseph Murray kindly stepped in for the role who is another media student. Changing actors to Joe did not effect the character profile as he is still appears to be a smartly dressed young man and can give the enigma illusion, especially with his hood up which Joe had suggested during post production of filming the sequence. He was able to protray Damien's emotions for the close-ups well, and it also helped that he was not camera shy due to experience of being filmed for his own personal projects.
Costume choice was kept to a big dark coat which covered most of his body so he could blend into the shadows easily and dark trousers to match. The hood we did not ask for, however worked well and came in handy; a nice idea on Joe's part.
.jpg)
Character : Ms River
Actor : Alicia Arnold
Ms River appears in Damien's flashbacks for not a long period of time, however acting was required due to the close-ups on her face. We also needed someone with enough confidence to be able to portray this strong, seducing woman. Alicia was the perfect choice because she has the pretty appearance with her fare skin and long blond hair (this was before we decided to put this scene in black and white). Alicia took drama GCSE and passed with an A grade so she was able to perform in front of the camera and not be camera shy.
Costume stayed to traditional Femme Fatale, the fur coat for glamour, pear necklace for class which Alicia suggested for the character.
.jpg)
Character : Iga
Actor : Iga Madejowska
Iga Madejowska was always originally going to play 'Iga' within the opening sequence of our thriller and the character was styled on her. As she was the main character on screen a lot of acting was required which she was able to do and achieve what was wanted.
Iga decided on the quirky leggings so she is always recognisable on screen.
Character : Veronica
Actor : Megan Edwards
Veronica was a small character who we needed Iga to interact with and pass on the confidential note for the story looked like it was going somewhere. Megan, a member of my group, offered to play the role. A lot of acting was not required as not close-ups were required and when she was on the screen the focus was not on her, but the transaction between herself and Iga. However this being said, she did do a good job.
Question 7
Question 7
Very first thing I learnt in the preliminary task was the vital importance of the 180 degree rule, before filming started, and how important it is to follow it to avoid confusion and disorientation to the audience; by crossing the line, the actor appears to have moved from facing one direction, to the other. This rule in camera work is always seen in sports television programme. The camera stays on one side of the pitch so the players don’t appear to always be running in opposite directions making the game easier to follow.
Next I learnt how to keep the audience entertained based only on camera work; variety. Having the camera in one place with no movement or editing will make the scene look extremely dull and not very entertaining. Even if the scene is of one person talking performing a monologue, theoretically the camera could stay on that one person throughout, however it wouldn’t make the scene very interesting. In conversation, the speaker always has pauses unconsciously, which is why the variety of shots is important to breakdown a scene. Within the preliminary task, I learnt how to take a variety of shots well; not cutting off someone’s arm, or part of their head.
After the preliminary task, I felt like I had enough knowledge to make a good opening to the thriller with my new editing, and camera work skills and thought things would go smoothly; this was ignorance. At the start of the film project, very quickly I learnt planning ahead for any complications is a very good idea. The locations my group had chosen, for the opening establishing shots especially, are quite populated areas. Choosing the right time to film was a skill we had to require in order to get the shot we wanted. Having the shot over populated didn’t give off the right mood we were trying to aim for. The simple solution would have been to stay out in Norwich for late hours when no one is around. Few things wrong with this idea, first being no one liked the idea of staying out late on school nights, and on weekends was even more unappealing as that’s is when the majority of Norwich is out drinking. The second was that one of our locations involved being in an alley next to a gambling club and a pub. To resolve this as we had no intention to change locations as the one we found was perfect, we started to film as soon as it appeared dark enough to give the illusion it was late at night but wait for the rush for getting home was over so there was minimal chance of people walking through the shot when they were not wanted.
During the preliminary task lighting was not a factor we really took into consideration we filmed within a building, in one room where the artificial light source was bright enough to light up the whole room and we had not thought of using it for any effect. During the thriller it was different; lighting can be used to create harsh shadowing for an unsettling mood. Within our thriller, we discovered that it could be used to give an impression off for a certain character as being morally ambiguous; by only lighting up one side of the actors face by using a black light angled at whichever side that it is you, as a director, would think will work best.
Personally, I did not find editing to be that much of a struggle and grasped the technique rather quickly. However, I did learn that through editing the length of time a scene is on the screen, it changes the pace of the thriller dramatically, and can give and edgy mood. For example towards the end of my thriller ‘Crowe’, jump cuts worked extremely well as he is walking away from the scene of the crime. It gave him the sense of enigma which we had initially been trying to portray.
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