A genre is a style, or category, of (in media terms) film, music or television series. One example we could use for fixed elements in genre would be horror. In a horror film, we conventionally expect to see a group of youths (typically teenagers or young adults as it connects with the target audience) in a dark, creepy environment with something scary on the loose and out to kill them. Another example would be in an action adventure film, where conventionally the protagonist would be on a hunt for a prize e.g. treasure.
The repertoire of the elements in a horror film would be divided into different sub-genres, in which in each we expect the antagonist, or the "thing try to kill the characters" to change, along with the props used and the location setting e.g. in a paranormal film, the supernatural would be located in a house or a building and require no props, where as in a slasher film the antagonist would usually be in an outdoor location with a prop such as a knife or a chainsaw. This has developed from the fixed elements as audiences become more demanding for a wider range of horror themed films.
Throughout the decades, their tastes changed according to what was considered scary at the time (for example, vampire's and monsters were considered scary in the 1950's, but considered boring in the 80's when audiences thought that crazy psychopaths with chainsaws and knifes were scarier and more realistic). This then created a division between the different film types, leading to different sub-genres which then the film makers would then base film ideas around the sub genre rather than the overall genre.
Genre and audience
Genres are useful for audiences as they develop themes and stereotypes which the audience can recognise and determine whether it matches their personal pleasures and whether they are going to spend their money on that film or not. Genres also set expectations of conventions, using fixed elements, so the audience know what to expect within a certain genre, which is useful as the film can take these expectations and create plot twists and turns which catches the audience off guard and creates a sense of excitement and hype.
For example, the conventions of a narrative to a romance film would be boy meets girl, fall in love, heart break and then they get back together again. Audiences can use these guidelines so they know what to expect but film makers can take these expectations and creates twists which the film more interesting e.g. female protagonist dies, film ends on heartbreak.
Genre and institutions In cinematic terms, genre has developed to suit the detailed pleasures and interests of the target audience, creating a sub-genre within a genre. These sub-genres also relate to the audiences pleasures in terms of time period and what pleasured the audiences needs during that time period e.g. horror (sub-genre would be slasher, very popular in late 70's/ early 80's but soon became boring and predictable by the 90's). Genre is helpful towards institutions as it sets the codes and conventions for the institutions to follow, allowing them to develop ideas about the film as well as plot twists to shock the target audience. Genres also give institutions an idea about which actors to use for which films, or a "star system". Certain actors are then expected of the target audience to stay within that genre, in which encourages the fan base to stick with the genre and creates a wider audience for that genre.
This film is called Anchorman and was made in the year 2004. It has been certificated 12A in the UK and was produced by Apatow productions as well as distributed by Dreamworks pictures. The film was directed by Adam McKay and made $90.6 million worldwide in total theatrical run.
Target audience
The target audience for this film is 12-50 year olds, but largely bases its fan base around older teens and young adults. This film also focuses on the genre of comedy, or for fans of certain stars that feature in the film such as Will Ferrell and Steve Carell.
Title and credit analysis
The aren't any expectations when it comes to the conventions of a comedy film. The typography and layout, however, should somehow relate the to the theme of the film and give the audience hints about what the film is going to be about. The typography used to introduce the distribution/production company gives off a "glow" effect. It is underlined using the same effect, and the use of underlining the text makes it stand out more and make it seem more important. Also, the use of capitals makes the text seem bolder, making it stand out more and giving it more importance. The use of introducing the actors using text tells the audience the importance of that actors role in the film. The fact that the text uses the same typography as it did with introducing the distribution/production company links in with the characters and the film. This text style is then used for introducing the title of the film, in which further relates with the film. The fact that the character was introduced before the film title tells the audience the importance of this character and their roll in the film. Also, using the character along with the title screen of the film further tells the audience that the film is about this character. The sound used within the credits is dialogue from the character shown on the screen, which helps to set up a narrative for the audience as well as gives hints about the characters personality, where they work, etc. The frame used around the edge of the video clip in the title credits, makes the character appear as if we would expect to see on a vintage television set, which gives hints to the audience about what the comedy is going to be about. Within the mis en scene of the clip, there are props used as well as the costume on the character, in which the audience would associate with a television news setting. We know this through the conventions of a television studio set up e.g. desk, television studio logos in the background, etc. The costume used for the character within the scene is one we would also typically expect to see on a television news report e.g. smart casual suit, well groomed, etc.
Preferred readings
In the establishing shot, we can see a city landscape setting, which tells the audience where the film has been set. The use of tracking the helicopter in the shot has the effect that someone important is travelling within the helicopter, as we associate helicopters as being belonging to someone rich or important, but we could associate it with action adventure when there are lots of chase scenes in helicopters. The sound used in this shot is non-diegetic, but uses both a soundtrack and a voice over. In conventional terms, a voice over in a comedy would help set up a narrative and also introduces us to the protagonist, which is what they did in Anchorman. The soundtrack used is uplifting and works well with the narrative which gives the audience a feel good feeling, but also helps them to connect well with the protagonist. The location the helicopter then lands in appears to be a very sunny, clean location with lots of palm trees, which again we would associate would be where someone who was important or rich to live in. The shot then cuts to a close up of a foot stepping out of the helicopter. The use of showing the foot before the face creates an atmosphere, building up to the face which tells the audience the character is important if they are "saving the best till last". The use of costume within this shot also tells us that this character is important and our protagonist because the shoes used are a bright white, which shows he is rich enough to afford to keep his shoes clean or buy new ones, and also the trouser leg has no creases in it which further tells us that he can afford smart, crease free clothing. The camera cuts to the close up of an on-screen script, which tells us more about the characters job and lifestyle (we'd associate on-screen scripts with television studios which links back to the narrative as well as the voice over introduction). It then zooms out and pans over to the location, in which we can see a small area with two cameras and a map in the corner, which again we would expect to see in a television studio. The camera then cuts to closeups of the protagonist getting changed. Each shot shows a different item of the outfit being placed, but still not showing the protagonists face so it builds up suspense and leaves the audience hanging. The camera then doesn't reveal the protagonists face until it introduces the actor along side it (title). After the title credits, we then get some narrative about whats happening in the film. At this point, the target audience now know about the protagonist, his job as well as what the film is going to be about. The dialogue is then laid out as if it were an introduction to a news report, but also uses this to introduce the other characters involved in the film. It introduces the main character first, which we now know is the main character because of his feature appearance before the title credits and during the title credits, which put the character before the film title which signifies importance. The use of the character introduction along with the narrative gives the audience the idea about what the character personality is, as well as what they do, etc. The order of introducing the characters is also important as it ranks the characters in order of importance in relevance to the film. After the introduction of the main character, the camera cuts to a mid shot of a man with a baseball bat and, what we would associate to be a a "western" styled hat. Even without the voice over, we can tell that this character is going to be the "sports man". This is because the use of prop of a baseball bat gives us hints about the characters preferences, but also the name "Champ Kind", in which the word "Champ" is shortened from "champion" which means someone who is skilled at sport or is "victorious". The camera then cuts to a medium close-up. The man within this shot has big glasses, sideburns and a neat haircut. This tells us that the character is very tidy and formal, maybe even seen stereotypically as a "geek" in terms of "high school cliques". The setting is in a barbers shop. We know this because within the mis en scene, there is a prop of a barber shop pole, which conventionally we would expect to see in a barber shop. This setting tells us about the characters personality, as if it is used as a character introduction then the character must feel like he has a personal connection with the shop, or that he visits there frequently, which tells us that his appearance is important to him. The camera then cuts to a medium long shot of five guys wearing glasses and drinking/smoking. This tells us that the next character is more sociable and mixes well with other people. The use of costume tells us that the character in the middle is one of the character involved in the film, as he is wearing a suit and tie (which matches along side the dress code of the other main characters) where as the others are wearing casual clothing. We also know that he is the main character as the camera then cuts to a close up of his face, in which he then takes off his glasses in a melodramatic manner, almost as if he was revealing his identity to the audience. The use of walking towards the camera as a group collective, tells the audience that these characters work alongside together. The effect of the character walking in after being introduced adds to that idea that they must be a main character if they are working alongside the protagonist.
This film is called Texas chainsaw massacre and it was released in the year 1974. It was certificated rated 18 and produced by Vortex production company, as well as distributed by Byanston Pictures. The film was directed by Tobe Hooper and earned $83,352 in the US box office (estimated).
Target audience
The primary target audience of this film are people aged between 18-40, who are fans of horror and thriller films. In addition, the secondary target audience would be considered fans of "slasher" sub-genre horror films.
Title and credit analysis
The opening narrative sets up an atmosphere for the target audience. There is no incidental music or soundtrack, but a voice over narrating the paragraph scrolling up the screen. By using a voice over instead of incidental music creates just as much tension because there isn't any sound to build up the tension, which is instead set by the paragraph. Conventionally, a horror/slasher film uses the term of phase "based on a true story" to set a nerving atmosphere, which makes the audience feel nervous as they know that if it is a horror film based on a true story then they are not safe and the events that happened in the film aren't entirely fictional. Texas chainsaw massacre uses this term of phase to help set up this type of atmosphere, as well as to set up a narrative.
The conventions for a title of a horror would contain what we might typically see in a horror film e.g. blood, gore, etc. The background of the title screen is a mix of black and red "splatters". Typically, black would represent "evil" or "darkness" which links back to the ideas created in a typical horror film. Also, red would typically be associated with "blood" which, with the splatters, could be seen as blood splatters on a black background, furthermore links with the horror genre as it is what we would expect to see in a slasher film.
Preferred readings
The first shot is of a title screen that reads "August 18, 1973". This links back to the previous claim of the film being "based on a true story" and by giving it historical dates makes the film more factual and accurate, which adds to the tension and the narrative. As the title screen fades out, the screen appears blank whilst there is some non-diegetic "rustling" sound effects. The effect this has on the target audience makes them nervous, as we can't see what is happening, but we also don't know what is causing the rustling noises, which then leaves the audiences imaginations run wild and adds to the suspense.
The sudden flashes of high key lighting, as well as the sudden pitch change in the incidental sound, then catches the audience off guard, and is often referred to in media terms as a "jump scare". Within these sudden flashes of high key lighting, we can vaguely see the outline of some "gory" props to give the audience more of an idea of what is happen, which further adds to the suspense and tension of the narrative. As these flashes become more frequent, we then see more of the props used, or what the audience can then determine to be a "corpse", further adding to the suspense and narrative of the film. We also conventionally expect to see a "corpse" in a horror film, in which the audience uses these expectations to make assumptions.
The make-up used, or what we can make out to see on the corpse, also tells us that this is a victim. The skin has an uneven texture which we wouldn't usually expect to see, but also with the rustling noises in the background adds to the uneasiness of the situation. The camera then fades into the next shot, in which is a close up of what we can assume is the corpse that was being "prepared" in the previous shots. The high key lighting in this shot allows us to see the "disturbing" features on the corpse, adding to the tension and narrative of the film.
The make-up used on the corpse (prop) is "disturbing" as we cannot see the conventional features we'd expect to see on a human face, which may make the audience feel uncomfortable or unnerving. The colour of the skin also appears to be discoloured and uneven which, again, we wouldn't expect to see in everyday life. The news report in the background (non-diegetic) also helps to set up a narrative, but also helps to create a tension as it makes the situation seem more "serious" and formal, which makes the audience feel nervous and links back to the idea that the film was "based on a true story".
The camera then continues to zoom out of the corpse, showing a second corpse as well as the location it was placed in (establishing shot). The setting appears to be in a graveyard, which is a conventional setting for a horror film. The idea of using a graveyard as a location for a horror film links in with this idea of "death" (a heavy theme within the horror genre), in which is ironic in this scene as the bodies seem to have been massacred on site of a graveyard.
This film is called The Matrix and released in the year 1999. It is certificated 15 and the production company that worked with it was village roadshow pictures, along side distribution studio Warner Bros. the film was directed by The Wachowskis and earned $463,517,383 in the box office.
Target audience
The primary target audience of this film are fans of science fiction or thriller films. In addition of this, another target audience for this film would be mature teenagers or adults between the ages of 15 (the certificated age recommendation) to 50.
Title and credit analysis
The green filter effect over the distribution/production company logo sets more of an effect and gives the audience clues about what the film is about before it has started. The colour green can be associated (in media terms) with mystery or "evil". The incidental music used also helps set the atmosphere, as it uses load instruments that fade in and out, creating an unnerving atmosphere.
The use of computer lines (or "code") that appears on the screen before the title also gives hints to the target audience about the type of film it is going to be. Stereotypically, computer codes are associated with "sci-fi" or "thriller" films which further appeals to the target audience. The conventions of a sci-fi title screen would feature the title in typography in which would relate to the theme of sci-fi. The matrix sticks to these conventions by using bold, spaced out letters in the typography, like you would expect to see on a computer code, in which the idea of "technology" sticks within a sub genre of "sci-fi".
Preferred readings
The use of a phone ringing sound effect (non diegetic) on a blank background sets an atmosphere but also lets the audience know what is happening without showing on the screen. The text on the screen links back into the title as it uses the same font and the same colour which gives off the effect of "computer code". The dialogue over the text works well as the muffled effect on the phone links in well with the idea of computer code and "technology". The dialogue also sets up a narrative for the audience, but also because we can't see the characters creates an "nerving" atmosphere.
The next cut goes to lines of computer code, whilst the narrative acts as a bridge. The sound effect used in this scene adds to the effect of the computer lines "calculating", making it sound futuristic and technical, which further appeals to the target audiences taste. The camera then zooms into the numbers, in which become more pixelated as it zooms in, further adding the effect of it being "futuristic". When the dialogue finishes, it then transits into the next shot by focusing on the number "0", in which appears more number lines and codes, in which the camera uses high key lighting to cut into a flash light, which is considered to be seen as an action match.
The camera then pans across to a close up of a police officers face. We can tell, even from the close-up, that he is a police officer as he is in a low key lighting setting, which is assumed to be considered "mysterious" and somewhere you'd typically associate a police officer to investigate. Also, we can see within the shot the man is wearing a black hat and holds the torch up to his face, in which both props we could associate a police officer possessing. The camera then goes out of focus, and the focal point shows other flash lights behind him. At this point there is no dialogue, and a lot of low key lighting which further tells us that the police officer has "backup", which gives us hints about the narrative, and what's about the happen.
The camera then cuts to a low key setting of a dark corridor, and there is no incidental sound or dialogue. The effect the flash light has shows us small areas of detail, which makes the audience feel nervous as they can't see everything within the shot. Stereotypically, the use of a dark corridor is the conventional set up for a horror/thriller film which may be of secondary interest to the target audience. The use of guns in this shot makes the audience feel even more nervous, as guns suggest that what the police are after is considered a "threat".
The camera then cuts to a shot of a door in the corridor. We know this door has significant importance as the police are pointing all their guns at the door showing that the "threat" is behind the door. We also know it is a significant door as they are all pointing their torches at the door, meaning we can see defined detail on it such as the number on the door. The camera then crabs so we can see a view of a police officer knocking down the door, to which the camera then cuts to the door coming down from the other side, creating an action match and adds to the suspense of the action.
The camera then cuts into the next room, where again there is a lot of low key lighting. The flash lights then all point in one place (to which then becomes the focal point of the room) in which we see someone sitting in a chair. We know this is a person of significant importance as they become the main focal point of the shot and all the high key lighting from the flash lights are pointed in that direction. The camera then cuts from a high angle so we can distinguish the mysterious characters gender. We can tell the character is a woman from the use of makeup. As the camera pans up, we see more of the woman's outfit which appears to be black, which is a colour associated with being "mysterious" or "sinister", but she isn't giving the camera direct mode of address and appears to be looking at what's on the desk, suggesting that she is hiding something, or "plotting", and adds to the suspense of something about to happen.
This film is called The breakfast club and released in 1985. It is rated certificate 15 in the UK, and the production company was A&M films and the distribution company was Universal pictures. The film was directed by John Hughes and earned $51,525,171 in the US box office.
Target Audience
This film didn't target around a specific gender or fan group audience, but instead based it around an age group. The primary target audience for this film were teenagers between the ages of 13-18.
Title and credit analysis
The conventions for a film opening is to include opening titles and/or credits that relate to the theme and tell the audience what the film is going to be about. It would typically list the production company, title and director before the cast names, as this film as has done. The opening credits list the cast, and specifics that it is "in order of appearance" which may tell the audience that it doesn't necessarily specify a main character to follow and that the characters all have equal importance.
The typography is quite smart, yet also informal because it has a rounded effect and uses yellow text on a black background to stand out. It flashes on the screen in time to the soundtrack. At the end of the title sequence, there is a quote from a famous musical artist (David Bowie) which breaks the rules of the codes and conventions of a film as we wouldn't have expected to see it in a typical film.
The text style and colour changes completely and sets a different atmosphere to the one created by the title and credit typography. This has been done like this to relate to the audience and set up the narrative for the film. This is because this quote is about educating difficult children, which foreshadows the plot of the film and therefore sets up a narrative to the target audience. Also, the star who made the quote may be idealised by the target audience and makes them feel like they can relate more.
Preferred readings
The soundtrack from the opening credits acts as a bridge from the credits to the establishing shot. Also, the smashing animation transition seems like almost someone smashed it with a blunt object, the it was intentional and can be seen as "rebellious". The sound effect of smashing glass also adds to that effect as it sounds rather brutal, as if it were applied with force.
In the establishing shot, it shows a large building with "Shermer high school" written in big letters on it. This setting has used high key lighting to show the time of day, but also shows that the school is empty so therefore must mean it is early in the morning. The voice over (non-diegetic sound) starts off like they were reading a letter, but also tells us the date, location and time, letting the target audience know information about the setting and details about the setting (for example, the voice over says its a Saturday, which explains why the school is empty). The voice over acts as a bridge, as well as the soundtrack, to which the camera cuts to different shots from around the location that has been set out for the audience.
The first shot cuts to a clock face, from a low angle shot, which tells the audience the time in the current location. It then cuts to a long shot of a hallway, which further tells the audience about the location and gives details about what it looks like. As the voice over starts reading out the letter, the camera cuts to different locations on what can now be established as a school from the first few shots.
There are also certain shots that relate back to the quote that was used at the beginning of the film, such as close up shots of graffiti written on desks or lockers. This further relates to the audience as teenagers, stereotypically, have a sense of rebellion about them which was what was mentioned on the quote in the opening credits, which links back to the graffiti as that's what school children typically do when they are "bored". This further adds to the stereotype of teenagers being "messy" and "reckless" which can be established in certain shots showing litter lying on the floor, or lockers that have been broken into.
In terms of relating to certain groups, or "cliques" within the target audience, some of the shots establish well. The voice over goes on to explain certain groups by giving them names (e.g. the "geeks" are referred to as "the brains" as stereotypes tell us that geeks are smart, and have the sense to use their brains both morally and mentally). With this, the camera then cuts to certain locations as the voice over mentions these group names in which relate to that group type in terms of stereotypes.
When the narrative uses the term "brain" to describe the "geeks", the camera cuts to a computer lab, which is where you would expect someone with a reputation of "brain" to be working or for recreational use. The setting could be considered to be very formal, and laid out like you would expect to see a classroom to be laid out, which links back to the stereotype of "nerds" in that they are well educated and want to learn. The voice over then bridges into the next cut, in which uses the term "athlete" and shows the shot of a sports locker room, typically associated with man sport. An "Athlete" can be associated with someone who was heavily orientated around sports and devotes their lives to sporting, which relates to the props used within the shot. We can tell its a male locker room by analysing the props within the mes en scene. Stereotypically, men are known to be the messier gender, which can be shown in the clip by the use of sports gear lying all over the room. Also, the male gender typically have larger feet, which is shown by the type of shoes shown within the shot.
The voice over then bridges over to the next shot, in which then describes "a basket case". A definition of a basket case would be "a person or thing regarded as useless or unable to cope" in which the description matches the props within the mes en scene. The sign on the desk, for example, says "guidance counsellor" which would be associated with someone labelled as a basket case as if they are unable to cope, then they would be spending a lot of time visiting a guidance counsellors office. In addition, we know this is an office as the props within the scene (such as the pen pot, desk, table and bookshelf) give it an office layout like you would expect to see within an office. The voice over then cuts to the next shot, using the descriptive term "a princess". We can associate the term princess with someone of "royalty" or "higher social class", which we would expect to be (in terms of school environment) someone who was rich, or "popular". Within the shot, there is a prop of a sign that says "vote for your prom queen", which in a school environment the prom queen would stereotypically be considered "popular" or "pretty". The use of glitter on "prom queen" emphasis the importance of the role and glitter can be associated with royalty as it is shiny and a deep red colour, and red can considered to be the colour of royalty as stereotypes tells us. The voice over then finishes off the list of clique group names in the last cut by using the term "criminal". In this shot, there is a close up of a locker, which tracks down the locker to show the typography and props used within the scene. The use of the term "criminal" in a school environment would describe someone who stereotypically would get into a lot of trouble and doesn't fit into the society around them. This clique nickname relates to the shot as there is a small noose tied to the locker, as well as the words written out "open this locker and you die!" written in big, black letters which tells us that the individual both has something to hide that they don't want others to see and that they would go as far as using death threats to protect it. The voice over may use these titles (or nicknames) to label the individuals as it may foreshadow the future of the individual being described, as a schools social standards also reflect the social standards set out in the workplace environment. These shots that relate to the nicknames help us introduce the character before we have met the character, so we can get an idea about the type of person they are going to be like and their interests. These shots also link into the next scene when we get to see the characters and match them up to their label. We can do this by analysing the costumes and props used within the scene without analysing the acting. The first cut in the new scene shows a close up of a clean silver "BMW" badge, and tilts up from a low key angle to a high key angle to show the rest of the car. This already tells us that the owner of the car must have a lot of money in order to afford a good brand label, as well as to keep it so clean, which would already tell us that this may be the car of "the princess". The costume design reflects on the characters personality and group belonging. the actresses in the car had brightly coloured hair, which tells us she can afford to colour her hair. Her make-up is also very bright and her outfit is stylish and "trendy", which tells us that she likes to keep up with trends and likes to fit in/stay on top. the camera then cuts to the characters in the next car, in which the camera focus is on the male character. You can't see much of his costume as it is covered up by a big, brown coat, but the orange wooly hat may tell us that the character likes to wear, what is considered to be "dorky" woollen hats, hinting that this character may be the "geek". The camera then cuts to the next car, where (again) the camera focuses on the male to the far left, telling us that he is the more important character. This characters costume consists of a blue jersey with sports badges sown onto it, which is the style of clothing that would stereotypically associated with a "jock". The fourth character is introduced to us, not in a car, but walking alone into school, which hints that either his parents couldn't afford to take him in financially, or didn't care enough to take him in. In the long shot, we can see that he is huddled over in a big long coat, boats and sun glasses (even though its not sunny) which tells us that he may prefer to keep to himself (the sunglasses may be seen as secretive and mysterious) and doesn't care of what others thinks of him. This may then further tell us that this is the criminal. Also, he didn't even flinch when the car nearly hits him, which further adds to the idea of not caring enough. the final character is introduced to us in the long shot. By default, this character must be "the basket case" but the use of costume adds to this idea. We can see that she wears black, baggy clothing, and black is the colour stereotypically associated as being a "depressing" or "mysterious" colour which may reflect the fact that she may be unable to cope, and may have issues like depression or anxiety. The is also no dialogue with the parents in the scene which may also reflect the issues this character faces with parents, relating the the issues of the target audience and setting up a narrative before the film has even started.
This film is called Goodfellas and was realised in the year 1990, with certificate rating R. The film was produced by Irwin Wrinkler, directed by Martin Scorsese and distributed by Warner Bros. Goodfellas performed well at the box office, grossing $46.8 million domestically, well above its $25 million budget. The film won five awards fromthe British Academy of Film and Television Arts, including Best Film, and Best Director.
Target audience
The target audience for this film for this film, typically would be either mature adults (18-40 years) or fans of thriller/action adventure films. This is shown within the film title sequence, as the text comes "zooming" onto the screen with non-diegetic background sounds of a car. This would appeal to the target audience as fans of thrillers, or males, may get thrills out of high speed car chases, so with the typography coming onto the screen in that sense would attract the audience.
Title and credit analysis
The "speeding car" effect introducing the title screen of the distribution company as well as the production company draws the target audience in as the idea of speeding cars would appeal to them, particularly if they are fans of action adventure/thriller films. Using a speeding car relates to the idea of high speed car chases and fast moving action which is why it would appeal to the target audience. By introducing the actor before the film title gives the audience an idea about their relevance in terms of importance in the film, but also their position in the film (e.g. protagonist/antagonist, etc). The typography used is very basic and formal, yet with the effect of speeding car (along with the sound effect of the car) relates in terms of conventions of an action adventure/thriller film. The title screen itself is different in terms of colour and size of the introduction of the characters and production company. This stands out more and shows that it has more importance. The use of red for typography colour relates back to this idea about appealing to the audience and linking in with action adventure. Conventionally in action adventure films, there is a lot of blood and gore, and by using red typography relates to this idea about blood, which then links back to the genre.
Preferred readings
In the beginning of the film, there is an establishing shot, tracking past a fast moving car. This effect makes the audience feel as if they are overtaking a car in traffic, and also sets up the location and gives hints as to the type of film it is going to be. The effect of the car being driven at night (low key lighting) adds to the mysteriousness of the film as well as the diegetic sound of the car in the scene sounds as if it were travelling fast, which adds to the tension and implies the travellers are in a hurry. The camera then cuts to a title screen with factual information about the historical setting of the film, to make the film feel more formal and sticking to the statement of it being "based on a true story".
Conventionally, a film opening would introduce the main character first before any other characters. In the next cut, three characters sitting in the car used in the establishing shot, with the main character sitting closest to the camera. we can tell this is the main character as the camera has been set at a medium close up, so the first thing we see is the main character, but the other two characters are visible in the same shot. Also, the focus shift has been assigned to this specific character to show to the audience that he has significant more importance than the other characters.
One last thing that shows that he is the main character is that he is the driver, and therefore has control of the car which may foreshadow his roll in the film. There is a lot of low key lighting within the car to show that it is night time, however there is a soft glow focus on the driver in the scene to define his features, whereas the other two characters features aren't as viable and almost merge in with the background, in which this also could help define the importance of the characters.
Conventionally, the setting to a thriller film would consist of low key lighting, or night time setting to create mood and atmosphere. The setting that the camera cuts to when the car pulls over consists of low key lighting, which sets a dark and moody setting. It is also set on the outskirts of a forest which, stereotypically, is the set up for a scary film. The use of the diegetic sound effects of the banging from the hood of the car adds to the tension, and the red lighting used for the headlights almost foreshadow that something bad is going to happen, as it is a common archetype that red means danger, or "evil". The costumes used in the opening gives the audience clues as to the type of people they are and the type of work they do. In the first cut in the car, the men are wearing suits without ties which tells us that their outfit isn't formal enough for an office environment, but the work they do is still important. They are also well groomed and smart which tells us that what they do earns a lot of money and that they are very successful. The use of props puts everything into perspective and gives the audience a clearer image on the characters. When one of the characters pulls out a knife from inside his suit, it almost as if he was hiding his true identity under his smart clothes and sets him up to be an edgy sort of character. The body in the trunk of the car could be considered an important prop to unravel the characters identities. The fact it is covered in blood and wrapped in cloth in their boot tells us that they didn't want the public to know that they have a body in the boot, which further tells us they are not to be messed with. Also, it would explain why they might be driving at night time, so to keep their identities hidden and create atmosphere and mood for the target audience. Conventionally, a thriller film about gangsters would have a narrative involving violence, murders and betrayal. The narrative sets the audience up for this film by making a brief introduction to the main character. It doesn't reveal his name, but it shows his importance in the roll in the film, and also tells us that he is serious about what he does as in the final part of the introduction, there is a bridge voice over that says "As far back as I can remember I always wanted to be a gangster". We also know that he is the most important character as the other two characters in the scene finish off killing the body in the boot for him, so he could be an important in the sense that he "doesn't want to get his hands dirty". The atmosphere create could be considered to be anti-climatic. Its starts off with the setting of a horror film when there are strange noises coming from the boot of the car. The sound effect of the banging on the car, along with the low key lighting and forest setting creates a tedious atmosphere that the target audience don't know what to expect next. The climax built is then ruined when the characters open the boot to a half dead body, to which they start stabbing which creates a twist in the story, in that the bad characters to be feared where the ones driving the car rather than creating the banging in the boot.
For my preliminary film, me and my group created a 30 second film clip of someone being late for an interview. At the beginning of my film, there is a long shot showing the audience a location of the setting and then the character late for the interview appears, running down the corridor, to which the camera cuts to the interview and cuts back to the late person running and then entering the room.
Evaluation - planning
When planning, we had to consider the different camera angles, the time it would take to film and edit it whilst keeping to the length of between 20-30 seconds. We planned everything out using a storyboard to give us an idea about how long each shot will take, which shots to use and which shots we need to take in and leave out. Another way we planned was by visiting the "sets" we were going to use for filming and taking photos and videos on our phones and cameras to make sure the shots would work and to help keep to the 180 degree camera rule.
Process of filming
We filmed our preliminary film over the course of two days. in the establishing shot, we had a extreme long shot to show the audience the location and to give them an idea about what time of film it is going to be and to set atmosphere. We had the character in the scene run towards the camera to make the audience feel like the character is running towards them. By doing this, sets an atmosphere and creates more of a tension.
The incidental music used in the scene helped to create this atmosphere as if it were something out of an action film. We then got the camera to cut to the second character in the scene, but also have the incidental music cut out to create an anti-climatic mood. The second character then looks to her watch, to which the first character also does the same thing. The use of this action match was to show the involvement with the two characters and how they relate with each other in two separate scene.
The camera then cuts to a close up of the first characters feet running to the door. The effect of this was to show the audience from a different perspective how much of a rush the first character was in to help add to the effect and help rebuild a climax. The camera then cuts to a close up of the hand on the door handle and then cuts to the door opening from the other side using an over the shoulder angle shot. The effect this has shows the change from one characters perspective to another and how they both relate. When they engage in dialogue, the camera cuts from the first character to the second character when they speak, whilst sticking the the 180 angle rule. This lets the audience know who is speaking during the scene and by sticking to the 180 rule, means they don't get confused about who the characters are talking to, which is why the 180 angle rule is important to stick to when there are more than two characters in a scene. We did well to stick to the storyboard, however some of the shots included were added and taken away to work with the film and the timing of the film.
Technical problems
Whilst filming, we did face a few technical issues. One technical issue we had to overcome was the establishing shot (or "wide shot"). What my group found out when filming was that the establishing shot wasn't aligned with our long shot (when the first character entered the scene).To prevent this happening next time, I will make sure to film the establishing shot and long shot on the same day and make sure they are completely aligned with each other. Another technical issue my group had to overcome when filming was wardrobe malfunctions. What we found out about filming over a period of days was that the characters don't always wear the same clothes/make-up that they did the day before. To prevent this happening next time, I make sure to duplicate the outfit and make-up as worn the day before so that there are no faults in terms of outfits.
Another issue my group faced when filming was the setting. Our film was set in a school environment which meant that the camera would pick up unnecessary background noise or sometimes students or teachers would wander past in the shots, which destroys the atmosphere of the film. To prevent this happening next time, I will make sure to plan more carefully when filming in public environments so that it is during a period when it is a lot quieter and calmer.
One final issue my group faced was faulty equipment. During filming we had difficulty using the tripods, which in effect wasted filming time. To prevent this in the future, I will be using more professional camera equipment so I shall be less likely to come across technical faults with the equipment.
Skills and programmes
The editing programme we used to put this film together was called "final cut express". The skills that were expected to use when using final cut express included using crop tools, audio editing skills as well as adding sounds, music and effects where needed. When adding the incidental music, we used the audio tools to mute out the background noise so it didn't collide with the incidental music. The programme we used to upload the video was YouTube, which didn't involve any skills.
Working as a group
Positives
~ Get filming done quicker.
~ Collide ideas and opinions to create something better than individuals could create.
~ Don't need to waste time looking for actors.
~ Multiple tasks can be done quicker; one person storyboards whilst others go taking photos to see if it works well.
Negatives
~ Different opinions; some people may not get along.
~ More likely to mess around and not get work done.
~ Takes longer to upload onto different blogs.
~ May argue too much/ go off onto a different topic.
this is a short film for media studies. it is about 20-30 seconds long and includes two characters engaging in dialogue, sound and different shots to engage with the audience and set a tone for the type of film it is.
