I believe
that I have created a successful thriller as it matches the typical
conventional thriller genre, however I do not believe it is to best of
standards as it could have been. I believe that it may have needed extra touch
up for the sound and mainly the editing section, as it needed to look more
consistent with the other shots used within the sequence.
Furthermore,
I believe that the main micro-element that expressed my creativity and
understanding of the thriller conventions the most, was mise-en-scene and
editing. Mise-en-scene because within my opening scene the lighting, iconography
and costumes reflected my ability of a good standard to be produced. Especially
with the male character dressed as a normal person – which enables the audience
to relate easily whilst watching. Once the filming was complete only the
editing process would make the thriller sequence look best, which I believed it
made a huge and positive difference.
Moreover,
comparing my opening sequence to a successful thriller – “Insidious”. Through
my analysis I believe that the enigmatic narrative was seen to be conventional
as the story at the beginning of their being an unknown antagonist relates to
my opening thriller. Also the use of low-key lighting helps to keep the tension
within the scene. We used a shadow to show the presence of the ghost, however
some people did not recognise that there was a shadow – which could seem meaningless
to them whilst watching with no antagonist.
Also the
representation of the characters were not seen to be similar as there was and
older and younger generation where my thriller lied with the youth acting. We
decided as a group to do something similar, however alter it around a bit
giving a unique touch.
Once we
had completed that sound was seen to be similar as usually enigmatic narratives
have similar sounds. The sounds used were a mixture of diegectic and
non-diegetic sound – such as the main character talking (dialogue) “Who’s
there?”. Mainly non-diegectic sound was used to create an impact on the
audience as nothing was mainly happening.
Insidious
uses many types of editing, such as jump cut, fast and slow paced editing. In
my thriller I mainly used jump and fast cuts when there was tension built up,
this was to reinforce the feeling being made. The mise-en-scene was seen to be
similar as it was a middle classes house in the UK whereas in America they a
usually bigger for their standard. However, the setting, iconography was
similar in a way.
Overall,
by comparing my thriller to a successful thriller, definitely makes it look
amateur, however similar techniques were used.
Also, allowing my thriller to be seen as a conventional thriller genre
opening sequence.
Audience feedback is important as it allows the
production team to see their work from their audience’s perspective. This therefore
allows the team to focus and concentrate on areas to adjust and to make
improvements– from what my potential target audience thinks is best. I had
created a questionnaire in order to receive feedback from my potential
audiences. Throughout the research I found the information most useful,
allowing me and my group to understand what to put and not put in our opening
thriller. From the results we as a group incorporated a house where there is an
alone male victim. Also, our aim of the opening scene is to grab and engage the
audience’s attentions straightaway, making them eager to know what’s going to
happen next. Likewise, if I was to do my research again I would ask more
questions going into detail in what exact feature they think is suspenseful and
I would also ask my potential target audience what type of narrative they would
like to be produced.
Three Positive Comments:
1.Low-key lighting} through the use of low-key
lighting it helped to create an eerie feel as well as making the audience on
edge whilst watching the scenes taking place in the house.
2.Variety use of cinematography} there were close-ups, long
shots. Wide variety which allowed the setting to be established to the audience.
3.Steadiness of the camera positions when needed} for example when the male character
is walking into the house, the use of a panning shot is used – used smoothly
with recognising a major move.
Three Constructive Comments:
1.Sound} when our rough opening
thriller was shown, it was believed that the sound in a particular places were
vital as it would help to create an impact.
2.Confusing Narrative} at the beginning it was relatable
to the audience, however once we filmed that he was actually dead on the floor
they were a bit confuse so we had to change the camera angles/movements and
position slightly.
3.Different Lighting} the use of the low-key was
good however it had changed – as whilst we were filming different days the
lighting had always changes slightly. Also when we were filming the shadow of
the ghost – we needed a lamp to create the shadow – to enable this to work more
light was used within the same sequence.
Overall, I believe that I followed the aims of the
brief by create a two minute thriller opening sequence, however it was slightly
over. We used everything that was needed – such as copyright sound. I had
carried out the planning of each role and micro-element of the production –
which allowed me to focus on the brief further.
For our thriller sequence, we as a group which consisted of me, Lucy and James had to carry out important research and planning before we started to produce our opening sequence. This was so we all had knowledge of what's typical within a thriller genre, which therefore our sequence related with a thriller rather than a different genre.
For our production to take place smoothly, we as a three separated our roles individually between these roles:
Producer - responsible for the financial and marketing side of the sequence
Director - controls the steps towards the making of the sequence
Actors - individuals playing a character within the sequence
Director of photography - controller of the camerawork and shots taken
Screenplay writer - writer of the sequence
Sound technicians - control of which sounds are to be included within the sequence
Editors - completes the film by editing - one of the last steps to completion of sequence
Mise-en-scene coordinators - controls the lighting, iconography and hair & make-up
For the following production roles above, I was appointed as the director, editor, actor, and one of the director of photography and I we all as a group contributed in created a screenplay for our sequence. Through filming some of our shots within the opening sequence I believe that I had learnt to be prepared beforehand, and also that everything planned does not always work - so patience is needed and responsibility as to what to do next, such as when I was the director. Also once I started to get used to filming I soon started to film faster without having any faults with the first shot taken. Moreover, the editing process I learnt how to use Final Cut Pro X - as at first it was challenging however once I kept editing I soon got used to the transitions needed to be made. As the actor I only enacted a shadow for the ghost within the house, what was difficult was how to portray the ghost as we needed more light - this was challenging. Finally, taking part in the screenplay I believed it would be a quick process, however I had to think twice as I had to understand what each movement or step would be portrayed as to the audience.
Furthermore, I believe that my group well as a group as we all had our inputs put it. This allowed our group to smoothly work through our planning and making of the opening sequence. This is mainly because we were all given our individual roles - which were to be completed on time. However, one of the group members did have difficulty to complete the work set on time, this did take longer - however it was all completed on time.
In addition, we all as a group helped each other in anything needed to be completed or if we were stuck on a point. The support we all gave each other was motivating for us all to complete our work, but also to create a successful thriller. To create a successful film, the first idea is not always necessarily kept the same - we had always altered ours to make sure it fitted with the conventional thriller genre, such as the sequence consisting of an antagonist, unknown location, night time, knife etc.
In
what way does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and
conventions of real media products?
Thriller is an
extensive genre of literature, film and television programming that uses
suspense, tension and excitement as the essential elements. Thriller
ponderously encourage the audience’s moods giving them a high level of
anticipation, uncertainty, surprise anxiety and terror. A thriller provides an
immediate rush of emotions, excitement, and enlivenment that drive the
narrative. It keeps the audience engaged with the film/ scene, keeping them at
the ‘edge of their seats’ as the narrative builds towards the climax. A
thriller usually consists of a villain-driven plot, where he/she presents
obstacles that the protagonist must overcome. Common sub-genres of thrillers
are psychological, crime, erotic, mystery and of spy genre which deals with
fictional espionage. Successful examples of thriller are the films of Alfred
Hitchcock – ‘The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog’ and ‘Psycho’.
The main generic conventions of a
thriller is that there is usually a young blonde female, seen to be the victim,
however within my thriller the main character and victim is a young, blonde
male teenager -this seems to break the codes and conventions within a typical
thriller genre. However, as a group we decided that breaking the codes and
conventions may draw the audience further into the film – making them curious
as to why the male character whom is usually seen to be the protagonist/hero of
the film is being victimised.
In addition the antagonist within a
thriller is usually a foreigner or another being from a different dimension. Such as in my thriller the antagonist is a ghost. The
audience do not see the ghost however it is implied through the use of camera
angles and a shadow used towards the middle of the sequence. Shadows are
closely related with low key lighting and are used to represent the inner obscurity
within beings, and can also add to tension and eeriness that is created.
Moreover, my opening thriller defines
the thriller genre in a successful way, as many elements used even micro
elements all help my opening thriller become suspenseful. Firstly, the setting
is of a house in which the audience would easily be able to relate with and as it
is set at night time the young male character is seen to be walking home alone,
which could create a sense of insecurity and fright for the audience. More
likely the location is usually unknown as the director may want the sequence to
come across as enigmatic, allowing the audience to be further engaged with the
character within the scene. Most dangerous scenes usually take
place at night because the bewilderedness at night time and dark areas increase
the feeling of danger and suspense.
Furthermore, within my own thriller I
followed the generic conventions by setting the opening sequence at night using
low key lighting portraying a sense of enigma and suspense. Also the use of
low-key lighting is used in and around the house to enhance the feeling of the
character being alone and helpless. Also the main type of iconography used
within thrillers are weapons such as guns and knives. The use of the knife that
has been shown to the audience several times is vital as it signifies the
importance of the iconography within the film. It defines that whatever event
takes place later on, the knife would have had something to do with the
situation - as it has been shown in the hands of the main character (victim)
many times.
As well, the use of the sound is very
helpful to create specific sounds, such as if the editing is really fast and
something strange or creepy is happening then the sound is able to match the
speed. For example when the male character is walking upstairs slowly with the
knife in his hand the sound emphasises on his footsteps and creates curiosity
for the audience as he runs downstairs once the doors start to bang.
To create suspense, enigma and uncertainty it can all be enhanced through the
use of sound as well as editing and cinematography. The editing within the
sequence is very sharp and quick, however some camera shots were lengthily
which helped to create a sense of suspense, inquisitiveness and ambiguity for
the audience. Also through the use of cinematography the main camera shot
which portrayed the antagonist was through the point-of-view shot of the ghost
keeping an eye on the male victim. For example, when the ghost goes outside the
house and is looking through window, following every movement of the victims.
The Black Swan
is a thriller film which begins just showing the credit titles of the films –
with a calming but suspenseful music in the background. Whereas in my thriller
in the first two minutes the audience is shown acting and the background of a
young male character – such as who he is, also the use of the sound used is
very different from the ‘Black Swan’ as it varies from what the audience is
shown and if I want it to be suspenseful or not.
How
does your media product represent particular social groups?
The main
characters within my film is the antagonist which is seen to be a ghost from a
different dimensional world, and is only shown by shadows in the first two
minutes of the opening sequence – this gives the film a supernatural side to it
– keeping the audience further engaged as to what’s going to happen next. The
antagonist is usually represented as powerful and clever compared to the other
characters within the film, however there is always one or two characters
within a film that would solve the mystery and defeat the antagonist. My
opening sequence, however only shows two minutes of action of what happens to a
young male character, the antagonist is seen to be stronger and more powerful
compared to the male character as it manages to frighten him and possess him.
Another main character within my opening sequence is the young male victim,
this could be seen stereotypical as every thriller film there is at least one
if not more victims. However, the male seems to break the stereotype of
not being represented as vulnerable as he is not a female, although he does represent young blonde males which could be seen conventional.
In addition,
young blonde females are portrayed as being vulnerable and innocent. All
genders are represented in stereotypical ways, for example a male is usually
portrayed as the protagonist/ hero in the eyes of the audience, also the young
blonde females are usually visualised to be victims within thriller films.
Within my own opening thriller, my two main characters the victim and
antagonist would appeal to the audience, as the young blonde male would be
shown throughout the two minute scene, the use of low-key lighting and
especially him being alone at home shows that he is weak compared to the ghost.
The ghost is shown once by a shadow and the victim has witnessed strange events
taking place in his house. Throughout the two-minute sequence the audience
would be fully engaged to the scene as they would be curious and would want to
find out who’s there, what is actually happening and what's going to happen next? Furthermore, within my opening sequence the male gender is represented as a normal everyday person, who does activities that most individuals do on a day-to-day basis. Through the use of clothing those of the audience who go to the gym, do dancing or are coming from school would easily be able to relate to the characters situation of coming home late at night. His clothing implies that he had done some fitness and is coming home whilst listening to music, which is generally what young people do whilst walking home. Within typical films males are seen as strong, powerful and dominant characters, however this male character seems to subvert the conventional characteristics of a male as he is the victim and is portrayed to be weaker character compared to the antagonist within the sequence. Through the use of these representations and connotations this could further engage the audience into the sequence as it is something different to what they typically watch, categorising into a different social group.
A target
audience is important for the producers to be able to appeal and recognise to
its target audience- as they will be the ones watching it. Recognising the
target audience is vital as they will determine the content of the film. For
example what an older generation would be appealed to, would be totally
different for the young generation. The target audience for my thriller are
teenagers from 15 and above, to 30. This is due to my research where the
majority of females in the teenage years preferred a thriller film to be
supernatural, also the majority that answered my questionnaire were 12 and
above. My particular thriller film would appeal to this target audience,
firstly by its narrative as I believe it would be similar to Insidious – and
Insidious has the same target audience. Secondly, the characters within the
film are conventional within a typical thriller genre and film, also the use of
the sound helps the camera angles portray it meaning across to the audience
much easier. Finally, the use of the mise-en-scene is stereotypical through the
use of an unknown location, low-key lighting and the use of a lethal weapon
(knife), all of these portray different meanings to the audience, suspense,
terror, tension, curiosity and furthermore.
Primary research was essential for my production as it
allowed me to understand my target audience’s preferences on ideas that they
would prefer to watch, and then after watching the film commenting that it was
good and not if this happened it would have been better. It allowed me to make
the opening sequence as dramatic and what the audience would prefer to watch
i.e. from my questionnaire my potential target audience liked the idea of
relating to the characters and their surroundings (house). For my thriller both
primary and secondary research was carried out, I had first carried out a
questionnaire – interviewing my potential audiences and then I had researched
on the internet of successful films which targeted 15+ - this allowed me to
re-think of my narrative and if I had to change parts of it to make it
appealing to my target audience.
Moreover, I had created full detailed posts on each
individual elements of a thriller film such as mise-en-scene, sound, editing,
characters and furthermore analysing them, this allowed me to understand and
acknowledge the needs and wants of the audiences and also know how to make a
successful thriller film. Also, within my research of narrative theories I had
learnt the basics of a thriller; such as in Aristotle’s theory - there is
always an antagonist and a protagonist within a thriller, Vladimir Propp’s
theory is where he believes that characters are the most important within the
screen as they provide a function. In my thriller this is seen to be true as
there is only one main character in the opening scene and soon the unknown
antagonist comes into action. The opening scene is focused on the victim and
the antagonist which the story is based upon. Also Todorov’s theory is where
there is equilibrium and disequilibrium within a film. At the start of the
scene everything seems calm as the male character is walking home, but after
the antagonist starts to disrupt the young blonde male – from there on
everything becomes chaotic being disequilibrium.
Furthermore, there were five key elements in five particular
shots of thriller films which inspired for mise-en-scene, editing, sound,
cinematography and codes and conventions. For mise-en-scene it is vital that
everything is correct and in order for the thriller to become successful, I was
inspired by Saw which included two men in an ancient looking bathroom. From
this sequence the use of a red colour was used – from the man lying dead on the
floor, this portrays danger, violence and passion. The use of the red colour is
used when the character is entering the house – a shot of the house is used
when a red light shines on the house – this suddenly portrays danger for the
male character, however it is vague so it may not be noticeable. Also, the use of the
gun signifies the importance of death, and in my own thriller included a
large kitchen knife - where the young male is piecing a meal. The knife
connotes death as well as murder, giving the audience a hint of a murder going
to take place in this particular thriller. I would incorporate many more ideas
as I was inspired through this clip of mise-en-scene, such as the male
characters costume would be his dance kit as it portrays him as a normal
everyday person, allowing the audience to easily relate to the male character
within the seen.
Editing
is the second key element, I was inspired by a scene from Se7en ‘The Sloth
Victim’. During this clip I was inspired by a variety of different editing
styles used, by acknowledging specific
types of editing styles and analysing them individually into depth has allowed
me to use a variety within my own
thriller. A reaction cut is one of the key features of editing which has
inspired me of how to create an effective thriller, making it appealing to the
audience and allowing the audience to create a strong bond with the characters
within the frame. For example in this particular clip, a quick reaction shot is
used when the sloth victim coughs and the man holding the gun next to the sloth
immediately falls back, then it shows the other men in the room pointing their
guns up straight at the sloth victim, this produces a fast reaction shot and a
quick reaction from the audience. Through the analysis of this frame I have
understood that this engages the audience further into the sequence, drawing
them into the scene. For my own thriller I will try to incorporate this idea
and style of the reaction shot and fast editing, as I have comprehended of the
reactions and how the audience’s emotions and feelings are made through the use
of different editing styles. Also, within this clip men are used as
detectives/cops who are seen to be superior to women as they are portrayed as
being brave and courageous, who are therefore discovering the enigma within the
sequence.
Sound
is another key element, from Saw ‘The Pain Train’ I was inspired through the
various types of sounds which have been used to create a specific atmosphere
and mood for the audience. Personally through my analysis of sound I have
identifies the key sounds to be used within a thriller; non-diegetic, diegetic,
parallel sound and silence. Silence allows the audience to gasp and be drawn
into the scene further, I believe that through the use of sound it will create
my thriller to be as effective as possible. Within the Saw clip I have
identified how loud and quiet non-diegetic/diegetic sound helps to create a
particular feeling and emotion. An example is when the audience is shown the
killer machine, diegetic sound is used (edited to be louder) and an effect of
non-diegetic sound is used to enhance the dramaticness of the scene and the
feelings and emotions created through the thriller, in this case the audience
would be envying the woman chained up with a painful death shown right before
her eyes. Within my own thriller I would incorporate these types of sounds by
filming the narrative first and then using garage band and also downloading
copyright music using typical thriller sounds – that sound spooky and
suspenseful at the same time.
Cinematography
is the fourth key element which from the film Haunting in Connecticut 2 has
inspired me from the use of different camera angles used on each
specific character, portraying separate feelings for both the father and the
young daughter. For example, a low angle is used of the father portraying him
as a strong character as he is brave to walk through the forest saving his dog
and daughter. The girl's father is stereotypically seen as the girl's hero, as
he is there to comfort her and save her as soon as she is disturbed from what
she sees. This illustrates his duties as a father and how he protects his girl.
This is related to the thriller genre as in most thriller films there is a hero
whom is stereotypically a male, saving the victim who is stereotypically a young
blonde female and in this case a young and innocent female. Within my thriller
I would incorporate different angles such as low angle, high angle, close up
and furthermore to help my thriller to be conventional as possible and also to
create a successful opening sequence through the variety of features used.
Also, as I am creating an opening sequence I would want to draw the audience
into the scene as quickly as possible and also making them feel on edge.
Within
the codes and conventions post, I analysed the stereotypical conventions
within a thriller. Typical thriller films include dynamic
plots, with lots of suspense built within the film. Insidious is an example of
a thriller film - as the conventions are typical of a thriller genre, e.g. -
protagonist, antagonist, victim, low-key lighting, dark etc. The use of low-key
lighting creates suspense due to the darkness and also in this scene the
audience do not know where the location is creating suspense and a mystery.
Within this analysis I been inspired through the use of low-key lighting used
effectively allowing me to consider these techniques to be used in my own
thriller. Insidious is one the latest thriller films which has inspired me
to produce something similar to this, as I believe I will successfully achieve
my goals of targeting the correct audience, making it appealing for them
straight away. Through the use of low-key lighting, non-diegetic sound and silence
help portray a sense of enigma within a particular scene. For my thriller I
would incorporate these features of the typical codes and conventions to make
my thriller as suspenseful and dramatic as possible. Also the use of key
characters used within a typical thriller will also create a specific feeling
and emotion for the audience, allowing them to relate to the character within
the scene. For example within my thriller a young blonde male would attract the
audience further into the scene, also the male character breaks the
stereotypical codes and conventions within a thriller – this may help enhance
the effectiveness of a thriller genre.
Personally I believe that my primary and secondary research
has helped to assist me with planning my own thriller, such as creating ideas
for my narrative, and knowing what type of key elements are vital within a
thriller film. Through the use of the analysis of the five key elements it has
allowed me to keep to a structure which is stereotypical to a thriller genre. Through the use of all these elements I have
realised how effective certain features of a particular element are, allowing
me to evaluate each feeling and emotions of the audience's. Also what the
audience's reaction would be, as they would compare my opening thriller to any
other successful thriller film they have seen and analysis it as it should and
relate to the thriller genre successfully. Also, through my primary research
(questionnaire) I found the information from my potential audience most
useful, allowing me to know what to put and not put in my opening thriller.
From the results I was going to incorporate a house where there is an alone
female victim in the scene, which would be seen conventional within a thriller.
However, due to my groups quick changes of deciding to have a male – we
believed that it create a change for the audience. In the opening scene our aim
as a group is to grab and engage the audience's attentions straightway, making
them eager to know what's going to happen next after the action that just took
place in the first two minutes.
Question 7 – Looking
back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the
progression from it to the full product?
The purpose of the preliminary task was to familiarise myself
with the equipment before creating the actual
thriller opening scene, I would have an idea of how to use the camera in what
positions I want it, and also to see what type of camera angles would be
suitable. The task involved one person walking into a room and sitting down
with someone already there and having a few second conversation, and then
walking back out. Whilst this scene was taking place the camera person is meant
to take various camera shots from various angles, this is to enable the camera
operator to be used to and know quickly how to use the camera without any
difficulty.
Furthermore, I learnt how to use the tripods and also how important it is to stay into character
when the camera is filming. There were many
things in which I struggled in, firstly I needed to make sure I stayed in
character - as you can see in some places I did not, and this therefore created
a distraction for the audience. Secondly, the number of times we took a shot
was only once or twice, this therefore limited our group in choosing the best
scenes - which meant a shot where I'm looking at the camera and smiling could
not be replaced. We overcame these problems by editing the shots and making
sure they looked in order, however due to the mess up of the acting and
camerawork the task was not seen in a chronological order - which could create
confusion to the audience and this would not draw their attention within the
scene. Also, during this task I learnt to use different camera shots, for
example a panning shot was used when I was walking towards Lucy. This was
probably one of the only moving shots which moved from one side to another, I learnt
how to film this smoothly as at first, when James was filming the tripod was
too loose that it was not moving smoothly - however soon he tightened it and a
friend gave advise that it is easy to hold a hair band and pull the tripod to
the side as it helps the scene to be shot more smoothly.
The preliminary task has assisted me in planning and creating my own
thriller film by looking at the improvements I would need to make and also what
particular shots and angles would be best. Also the task has helped me have an
idea of how to use the tripods. Camera angles are seen as one of the key
features - especially within a thriller as each angle or shot portrays a
specific meaning conveying a particular feeling or emotion, making it vital to
know how to handle the tripod and camera. Whereas in the preliminary task I did
not practise to film it was a little hard the first time shooting for the
thriller, however I soon came over it and quickly learnt how to handle the
camera and tripod. When watching the clip back, the skills I learnt from this task was to do many things
differently, firstly the use of the tripod would always be used unless it is a
handheld shot, as it helps the scene to be steady and create mutual feelings,
also if a character with the scene is conveying emotions the camera would need
to be steady to be able to portray their feelings and emotions strongly and making sure that there is no background noise whilst filming for our thriller. All of
this has helped me to concentrate in the work, to make sure everything looks as
good as possible, however there was once thing that no one took into account-
which was the lighting of the house. As the filming was taking place in the
evening it got dark quite quickly – and the lights which were in Lucy’s house
were set differently at some stages of the film – this is something that cannot
be changed – but through the use of editing, I believe it may not be as
noticeable as possible.
