Edge of darkness trailer
Our chosen genre is a combination of thriller but with a sinister feel almost like a horror but only bordering on this genre. Edge of darkness’s plot is about Thomas Craven (Mel Gibson) investigating the death of his activist daughter. Not only uncovering her secret life, he discovers a government cover up that attracts an agent who’s instructed to ‘clean up the mess’ which puts his life in danger. This film is a positive match with our chosen genre so I will be analysing the trailer which shows a clear transition from normal life into a surreal morbid investigative life.
Here is the trailer to the movie with the analysis underneath;
9-11 seconds- Horizontal panning shot from right to left showing the main character (Medium shot). As he is shaving, this shows that everything is fine and normal as shaving is a part of everyday life for the majority of older men.
12 second- Extreme long shot of voice machine with a female voice calling the male 'Dad' showing it's his daughter.
13-15 seconds- Close up of the males face showing a slight turn in head position to the voice machine showing that he has been affected by this phone call and also may have a hidden meaning that he has not seen his daughter for a while as he is surprised and almost excited to hear her voice.
16-18 seconds- Blank screen with subtly glowly writing. Writing is slowly decreasing in size which gives the effect of distance which corresponds with the words 'Some memories never fade'. Also could imply either good or bad memories and the writing style and colour (light blue) against the dark background gives the whole shot a schizophrenic feel.
19-22 seconds- Fade from black screen to a flashback of the main male character playing with a very young child. Flash back is implied by natural lighting which gives the whole scene a 'light' look. Close ups of smiling faces and playful nature between father and daughter show that this is a happy scene which gives the whole feel of the trailer so far positive.
22-24 seconds- Again, like two scenes before, light glowing writing is the main focus of the shot as it is against a dark background. The writitng this time is the opposite side of the shot on the left side but still with the same effect of decreasing. The second use of this scene shows this is probably going to be a common occurrence throughout the trailer. 'Some feelings never change' once again implies either a good or bad past.
25-32 seconds- This shows the same man with a little greyer hair meeting a similar older looking girl from two scenes before. The woman's voice is the same as on the tape recorder from the second scene so this implies it is his daughter and the natural lighting shows it is now modern day instead of a flash back. The shot consists of medium close ups of both characters and small talk which shows everything is fine in their life. Non diagetic music is playing in the background which is relaxing and induced this feeling on the viewer.
32-33 seconds- Fade to a car on a motor way in the pouring rain which shows where the next shot is to take place. Also fade symbolises the end of something so it shows the end of the first meeting between these two characters.
34-38 seconds- Shot reverse shot of both character seated within a car previously shown on the motorway. The characters talk about relationships and we find out that the main male figure has no womanly figure in his life which gives us the viewer a bit of background information on the main character. Relaxed background music still continues signifying a calm persona and positive attitude.
38-39 seconds- Long shot of car pulling into a drive way. As shot fades to black the relaxed music also quickly changes to a low eerie screech that implies the atmosphere has dramatically changed.
40-41/42 seconds- Low eerie tone continues throughout this scene. Loud shout from behind 'CRAVEN' in an aggressive tone which makes the main character turn around abruptly. Quick horizontal panning from right to left which makes the background blurred. Shaded masked figure shoots a gun as the eerie tone turns to a sudden bang which signifies the rising adrenaline.
41/42-43 seconds- Quick straight cuts with 3 collections of shots with bright lights pausing briefly on 'Craven's' face. Extreme close up of Craven's eyes wide open to show his emotion which is distressed.
43-45 seconds- Reverts back to the light glowing writing on the dark background slowly decreasing in size. Now could imply the lack of control he has over the situation. Writing says 'Some secrets' which once again could symbolise either good or bad hidden intentions but also could be aimed at both characters and not much information has been given.
46-47 seconds- Fading from shot to shot has increased in pace which corresponds with the faster music and more distressing scenes. Close up of Craven crying and embracing his daughter on the floor. Which implies that she was shot by this masked figure but does not reveal the reason why.
47-49 seconds- Again, the pattern continues with the glowing slightly shining writing upon a black background. This time though, to coincide with the death and revenge agenda the writing changes from calm submissive blue to blood red to symbolise death and rage. It still decreases in size to show things are slipping away. The writing says 'Take us to the edge' symbolises the Craven's mentality at this point.
49-50 seconds- Medium close up of Craven once again embracing his daughter lying on the floor motionless. This scene ends with a very slow fade which symbolises the end of something, in this case, the end of his daughters life.
51 second- Pure black continuing from previous fade.
51-52 seconds- Shot of television screen with a news reporter talking about the incident. Her voice narrative continues over the next few shots which are very quick changing which symbolises rising adrenaline. Also contributes towards continuity.
53-54 seconds- Long shot overlooking the scene in which the murder took place with a heart beat background music which is very slow and relaxed for these first few scenes.
55-56 seconds- Extreme close up of a badge and police impliments being covered by a basket. This symbolises Cravens intentions outside the law.
56-57 seconds- Woman reporter states 'Appears Thomas Craven was the target'. Which then shows Craven standing still in his hallway, which implies he's thinking about either his daughter or why he was the target. (Long shot)
58-60 seconds- Craven talking about the killer with what looks like a friend. Close up of both characters faces. Friend says 'This is somebody armed and dangerous' while Craven replies 'What do you think I am?' which implies good intentions of not wanted revenge or blood.
60-61 seconds- Extreme close up of a males hand loading a hand gun which contrasts with the last scene of telling a police officer he had no intentions of revenge. It also corresponds with the covering of the police badge as he wants to do this outside the law and not as a police officer.
Wednesday 15 December 2010
Thursday 9 December 2010
Dialogue
We want to in the first part of the scene create a sympathetic feel for the father so no dialogue will be used and non diagetic background music will set the tone and induce sympathy from our audience.
Contrasting with this, when the scene tranfers to the little girl, unsettling background music will increase slightly from a low tone to a more dramatic overtone which is also a code for our horror/thriller genre. This slight increase will coincide with the slow zoom into the mascara ridden face. The first piece of dialogue and last, will be from this little girl who starts to sing 'Ring a ring a roses' to herself while rocking back and forth in the corner. The pace will increase as the camera zooms into her face which ends on a startling shot of herself bursting into the light which will also have a bang to coincide with her sharp movement. Finally the faster pace symbolises her adrenaline and also the use of the slow zoom and faster pace of music leading into a dramatic shock is relevant to our codes of a horror/thriller genre.
Contrasting with this, when the scene tranfers to the little girl, unsettling background music will increase slightly from a low tone to a more dramatic overtone which is also a code for our horror/thriller genre. This slight increase will coincide with the slow zoom into the mascara ridden face. The first piece of dialogue and last, will be from this little girl who starts to sing 'Ring a ring a roses' to herself while rocking back and forth in the corner. The pace will increase as the camera zooms into her face which ends on a startling shot of herself bursting into the light which will also have a bang to coincide with her sharp movement. Finally the faster pace symbolises her adrenaline and also the use of the slow zoom and faster pace of music leading into a dramatic shock is relevant to our codes of a horror/thriller genre.
Shot List
Shot numbers will be the same as story board which will be added at a furthur date.
Shot Number 1 (Approx time- 20 seconds)
Establishing shot (ELS)
Description;
Father figure sitting on a bench in the distance (Across the lake). Sky at the top of the shot and clear view of the environment to set the scene.
Analysis;
Obviously, every first shot should set the scene and introduce at least one of the main actors to the audience. The choice of environment is very important as it is symbolic in our films direction as the final scene will end up with the father and daughter re-united on that same bench across a calm lake. The fathers facial expression will be out of sight to cause enigma and confusion to what this mans motives and emotions are.
Shot Number 2 (Approx time- 40-50 seconds (To be confirmed)
Long shot (LS)
Description;
Shot behind male figure with full body and bench showing and a lot of sky in view. This shot will be approximately 2 hours long with the natural flow of people and dogs passing by the man. He will be stationary the whole time. The shot will be sped up to show people passing by the man at great speed. The sky will also be changing from vibrant blue to an orangy hazy sunset.
Analysis;
Very influencial scene as it is symbolising that time is passing by the man very quickly, could either portray the idea of his life nearly being up and everything is at an advanced rate, or could possibly have a more subliminal sinister meaning? This is left to the audience to make them think and get mentally involved into the opening of the scene.
Shot Number 3 (Approx time- 5-8 seconds)
Close up
Description;
First insight on the male figures face and also shows his emotions. Balled up red eyes and deep sigh resulting in him looking from the sky down into his lap.
Analysis;
Shows the characters emotions which is obviously sadness. Creates enigma as viewer does not know why he is sad or why he is not moving from this bench. Maybe has a emotional connection with this location? Left to viewers imagination.
Shot Number 4 (Approx time- 5-8 seconds)
Extreme close up (ECU)
Description;
Extreme close up of man's eyes. Red tear filled eyes which consequently leads to a singly tear running down the males face.
Analysis;
Eyes are the key to emotion so we are using this as a very strong shot as it will show his true feelings. The use of the tear also continues onto the next scene which creates continuity.
Shot Number 5 (Approx time- 15-20 seconds)
Close up
Description;
Shot of picture of young girl crinkled at sides and worn. Single tear will run onto the photo which follows on from the previous scene. When tear hits the photo a slight shaking will begin in the males hand.
Analysis;
Worn photo symbolises he has had this photo for a long time and may be treasured as a favourite as it has obviously been handled numerous times. Gives you a small insight into the males personality, maybe OCD? Again, enigma is created. Hand shaking also gives the impression of fear as people shake when they are scared. Scared of loss? Scared of death? Unknown.
Shot Number 6 (Approx time- 40-60 seconds dependant on many variables)
Medium long shot- Close up
Description;
Dark room shrouded by shadows and darkness. Back lighting showing the outline of a figure in the corner. As music intensifies the zoom gets increasingly closer to the figure until, (keeping with the horror/thriller codes and conventions), a bang occurs while a girls face appears with makeup down her face. This contrasts with the previous picture of her smiling with high key lighting showing her innocence. Wide eyes open and crooked forced smile directly into the camera. Key lighting from the left illuminating approximately three quarters of her face.
Analysis;
Very much symbolic and subliminal leaving the equations to the audience. Make up running down her face, why has she been crying? What are her motives in this scenario? Wide eyes opened and false smile, maybe drug abuse? Many questions left unanswered and left to the imagination. This idea of leaving many end loose and unanswered, is relevant to our previous audience research which told us that a successful horror movie should leave many aspects of the film to their imaginations. Also creates a sort of crime feel as the audience are already trying to piece things together like a detective and work out the twisting plot.
Shot Number 1 (Approx time- 20 seconds)
Establishing shot (ELS)
Description;
Father figure sitting on a bench in the distance (Across the lake). Sky at the top of the shot and clear view of the environment to set the scene.
Analysis;
Obviously, every first shot should set the scene and introduce at least one of the main actors to the audience. The choice of environment is very important as it is symbolic in our films direction as the final scene will end up with the father and daughter re-united on that same bench across a calm lake. The fathers facial expression will be out of sight to cause enigma and confusion to what this mans motives and emotions are.
Shot Number 2 (Approx time- 40-50 seconds (To be confirmed)
Long shot (LS)
Description;
Shot behind male figure with full body and bench showing and a lot of sky in view. This shot will be approximately 2 hours long with the natural flow of people and dogs passing by the man. He will be stationary the whole time. The shot will be sped up to show people passing by the man at great speed. The sky will also be changing from vibrant blue to an orangy hazy sunset.
Analysis;
Very influencial scene as it is symbolising that time is passing by the man very quickly, could either portray the idea of his life nearly being up and everything is at an advanced rate, or could possibly have a more subliminal sinister meaning? This is left to the audience to make them think and get mentally involved into the opening of the scene.
Shot Number 3 (Approx time- 5-8 seconds)
Close up
Description;
First insight on the male figures face and also shows his emotions. Balled up red eyes and deep sigh resulting in him looking from the sky down into his lap.
Analysis;
Shows the characters emotions which is obviously sadness. Creates enigma as viewer does not know why he is sad or why he is not moving from this bench. Maybe has a emotional connection with this location? Left to viewers imagination.
Shot Number 4 (Approx time- 5-8 seconds)
Extreme close up (ECU)
Description;
Extreme close up of man's eyes. Red tear filled eyes which consequently leads to a singly tear running down the males face.
Analysis;
Eyes are the key to emotion so we are using this as a very strong shot as it will show his true feelings. The use of the tear also continues onto the next scene which creates continuity.
Shot Number 5 (Approx time- 15-20 seconds)
Close up
Description;
Shot of picture of young girl crinkled at sides and worn. Single tear will run onto the photo which follows on from the previous scene. When tear hits the photo a slight shaking will begin in the males hand.
Analysis;
Worn photo symbolises he has had this photo for a long time and may be treasured as a favourite as it has obviously been handled numerous times. Gives you a small insight into the males personality, maybe OCD? Again, enigma is created. Hand shaking also gives the impression of fear as people shake when they are scared. Scared of loss? Scared of death? Unknown.
Shot Number 6 (Approx time- 40-60 seconds dependant on many variables)
Medium long shot- Close up
Description;
Dark room shrouded by shadows and darkness. Back lighting showing the outline of a figure in the corner. As music intensifies the zoom gets increasingly closer to the figure until, (keeping with the horror/thriller codes and conventions), a bang occurs while a girls face appears with makeup down her face. This contrasts with the previous picture of her smiling with high key lighting showing her innocence. Wide eyes open and crooked forced smile directly into the camera. Key lighting from the left illuminating approximately three quarters of her face.
Analysis;
Very much symbolic and subliminal leaving the equations to the audience. Make up running down her face, why has she been crying? What are her motives in this scenario? Wide eyes opened and false smile, maybe drug abuse? Many questions left unanswered and left to the imagination. This idea of leaving many end loose and unanswered, is relevant to our previous audience research which told us that a successful horror movie should leave many aspects of the film to their imaginations. Also creates a sort of crime feel as the audience are already trying to piece things together like a detective and work out the twisting plot.
Costumes and props
In the first scene, the father figure is sitting on a bench which lasts for a couple of hours as the sky changes from blue to a hazy sunset. His cloths will be scruffy as he has let himself go due to the loss of his daughter. Stubble and droopy eyes shows lack of sleep as well.
The girl in the corner will be wearing dark ragged cloths as the colour black has connotations of evil and darkness. Also symbolically shows danger to the audience.
The male fatherly figure upon the bench will be grasping in his right hand a picture of his daughter. This is the only prop we will need.
The main majority of the scene will be at cuckoos hollow on a chosen bench looking out of the lake, which is for the publics leisure so we will be allegible to use it without permission.
The girl in the corner will be wearing dark ragged cloths as the colour black has connotations of evil and darkness. Also symbolically shows danger to the audience.
The male fatherly figure upon the bench will be grasping in his right hand a picture of his daughter. This is the only prop we will need.
The main majority of the scene will be at cuckoos hollow on a chosen bench looking out of the lake, which is for the publics leisure so we will be allegible to use it without permission.
Actors
After deliberations with Scott, we have found out that hiring an actor would significantly boost out grade as we are being creative. Unfortunately due to lack of time and amateur planning we do not have the sufficient time to get the ball rolling so we have come up with a back up plan.
We have enquired to hire out an actress maybe in year 8 or 9 to aid us with our production. If the actress is not 16 or over she will have to be accompanied by an adult so if we get permission we will have to have an adults supervision for health and safety reasons.
The acting experience would contriubute towards her portfolio and may be able to use the footage in any auditions in her future. After talking with Mrs. Mockiluch(?), she has said to get the ball rolling so we look forward to hearing from her very shortly.
We have enquired to hire out an actress maybe in year 8 or 9 to aid us with our production. If the actress is not 16 or over she will have to be accompanied by an adult so if we get permission we will have to have an adults supervision for health and safety reasons.
The acting experience would contriubute towards her portfolio and may be able to use the footage in any auditions in her future. After talking with Mrs. Mockiluch(?), she has said to get the ball rolling so we look forward to hearing from her very shortly.
Thursday 18 November 2010
18th November 2010
Today in our media lesson, we have been given the task of filling in a sheet with information about our main project. We didn't have enough time to go into detail but when we have some free time we will go into furthur detail.
Thursday 11 November 2010
Film introduction practice
We were given the task of shooting the opening introduction from a film.
First we were given the movie Juno but after consideration and problems with filming we changed the movie to the worldwide hit 'Resevoir dogs' which opening is very simplistic but also very effective.
Resevoir dogs opening;
(Inser resevoir dogs opening later)
We have recruited many high profile actors to participate in our film. These actors being some of our closest friends. A list of actors in film are;
Joe Wright
Luke Pitchford
Isaac Warburton
Tom Peck
Daniel Mucklin
Michael Worthington
Matthew Wilkin
Lewis Bradley
Phil Anderson
We unfortunately didn't have much time on filming as we only had 20 minutes so everything was a bit rushed. Also we only had one lesson to film so we didn't bring any authentic costumes to create realism.
First we were given the movie Juno but after consideration and problems with filming we changed the movie to the worldwide hit 'Resevoir dogs' which opening is very simplistic but also very effective.
Resevoir dogs opening;
(Inser resevoir dogs opening later)
We have recruited many high profile actors to participate in our film. These actors being some of our closest friends. A list of actors in film are;
Joe Wright
Luke Pitchford
Isaac Warburton
Tom Peck
Daniel Mucklin
Michael Worthington
Matthew Wilkin
Lewis Bradley
Phil Anderson
We unfortunately didn't have much time on filming as we only had 20 minutes so everything was a bit rushed. Also we only had one lesson to film so we didn't bring any authentic costumes to create realism.
Non diagetic and diagetic sounds
In our latest media lesson we have been learning basic terms on sounds, non diagetic and diagetic.
These are pretty simple terms to grasp and used a lot in movies for many effects.
Diagetic; This is all the sounds you can hear from the actual scene itself. Any possibly noise made by the actors or scenery is Diagetic sound. You can also use diagetic sounds to bridge the gap between scenes to maintain continuity.
Non diagetic; Contrasting with diagetic, non diagetic sounds are all the sounds that are not in the scene. A key example of this is background music which is mainly used for setting the emotion the scene is trying to perceive.
These are pretty simple terms to grasp and used a lot in movies for many effects.
Diagetic; This is all the sounds you can hear from the actual scene itself. Any possibly noise made by the actors or scenery is Diagetic sound. You can also use diagetic sounds to bridge the gap between scenes to maintain continuity.
Non diagetic; Contrasting with diagetic, non diagetic sounds are all the sounds that are not in the scene. A key example of this is background music which is mainly used for setting the emotion the scene is trying to perceive.
Thursday 21 October 2010
Analaysis of a worldwide hit movie intro; Forrest Gump
Forrest Gump is an Oscar winning movie that has touched and influenced many people of different age ranges. Forrest Gump can be classed as a hybrid movie in terms of target audience as the movie appeals to all ages. It is a simple and easy story to follow that captivates audiences and creates huge ammounts of sympathy with a heart warming storyline.
The opening sequence for Forrest Gump is one of symbolism. Initatially, the scene opens with a single white feather in the ambience of the clear blue sky. The use of a white feather holds connotation of purity and innocence which coincides with the main character. The feather for the duration of the opening is being influenced by the wind, somewhat like a free spirit. The feather intertwines with the opening credits which include actors and crew. The feather flows up and down which represents up's and down's in the main characters life. The feather also shows moments on kindness and tenderness which is shown by the slow resting on a mans shoulder. Contrasting with this it also shows moments of danger like when the feather passes under a car which is followed by a fast upwards motion which then ends up with the same slow progression in movement. This represents that he will face danger but his personality will always revert back to the same state of which is calm. The still intact feather also moves from area to area around New York which represents a clear sense of travel and movement which coincides with the main characters journey through the movie.
Finally, the feather comes to rest gently on a pair of muddy sneakers. These muddy sneakers belong to the main character who is in a suit which doesn't create a stereotype as the muddy sneakers contrast with the formal suit. The main character then picks up the feather and puts in into a childrens book.This respresents the characters mindset as he is very 'simple' which also very caring as he looks at the feather with love and admiration.
Friday 15 October 2010
Audience Research
Horror
We have researched into this genre as we are very keen to portray this is in our final piece. Our audience feedback has informed us to 'leave it to out viewers imagination' as this is the most effective style of horror film making. Examples of this are 'Paranormal activity' which has won many awards for it's style. We have also been advised that we need to have a almost immediate impact on our audience as if the viewer is not taken in after the first 5 minutes of a film then there is a quite low chance of them continuing.
Comedy
Our audience feedback shows that there are numerous different types of people that enjoy the many different types of comedies that out society has to offer. One comedy may be very popular with one set of people but to another it might be despised. The most effective type of comedy that my research has shown is slapstick. E.G. Mr Bean and Aiplane.
We have researched into this genre as we are very keen to portray this is in our final piece. Our audience feedback has informed us to 'leave it to out viewers imagination' as this is the most effective style of horror film making. Examples of this are 'Paranormal activity' which has won many awards for it's style. We have also been advised that we need to have a almost immediate impact on our audience as if the viewer is not taken in after the first 5 minutes of a film then there is a quite low chance of them continuing.
Comedy
Our audience feedback shows that there are numerous different types of people that enjoy the many different types of comedies that out society has to offer. One comedy may be very popular with one set of people but to another it might be despised. The most effective type of comedy that my research has shown is slapstick. E.G. Mr Bean and Aiplane.
Willing suspension of disbelief (Horror)
The ability to make a viewer engrossed into a film so that they are heavily involved and attached emotionally to the film. Things that then happen into the movie will affect them more and draw out more attention and emotion, consequently making the viewer enjoy the movie to a higher extent.
Thursday 14 October 2010
Lighting
Here is a poster from the famous movie 'Hostage'. In our media lesson today we have been learning about all different types of lighting methods and most simple methods have been used in this poster.
Key Lighting;
This is the main lighting source and in this poster is coming from the right hand side. This is evident because the left hand side of Bruce Willis's face is illuminated and the left hand side is in shadow.
Backing Lighting;
A very simple method of lighting that creates a halo effect on the edges of the actors body to make him stand out from the background. This also coincides with the background of a helicopter as it has the effect that the helicopters main light is what is creating this halo effect upon his left shoulder and follwing down his left arm.
Friday 8 October 2010
Audience feedback
Me, Isaac and Luke pitched our three main ideas to the rest of the class to get their audience feedback to inprove our final production.
Surprisingly, our romantic idea got the best feedback and was described as original. Unfortunately, I made this idea up within two minutes without much thought. Our main idea (Horror) was described as 'cliché' so we will adapt to improve this.
After a lot of ciritism we will discuss and improve our idea and hopefully move forward.
Surprisingly, our romantic idea got the best feedback and was described as original. Unfortunately, I made this idea up within two minutes without much thought. Our main idea (Horror) was described as 'cliché' so we will adapt to improve this.
After a lot of ciritism we will discuss and improve our idea and hopefully move forward.
Idea 3; Comedy
This is our third choice genre. Obviously a comedy would be the hardest genre to do as in if the examiner has a different sense of humour then we would most probably struggle to secure the grade we desire.
Our initial idea would be slapstick as statistic shows this is the most effective. An example of this would be the hit movie ‘Airplane’ which is now revered as one, if not the best comedy of all time.
Idea 2; Romantic
Our second idea is very contrasting to the first as the genre is Romantic. The movie will scenes from the two main characters past. Childhood sweethearts through the majority of their childhood spending days upon days together. Perfection, only to be ruined by a family move to the city of New York. As the children are only Teenagers they don’t have any legal power to prevent the move and only have to concede that their love was not meant to be.
Present Day; The male female main character has also moved to New York in her mid 20’s with more than 10 years difference from her childhood sweetheart to pursue her dream of becoming a journalist. Numerous shots will be shot of both characters, Journalist and lawyer just narrowly missing each other in different situations. E.G. One walks into a business establishment while one walks out an opposite door.
Finally, they meet due to a freak accident. (Accident not decided yet) Their eyes meet and the rest is fate.
Idea 1; Horror
Our first idea is focused around the genre Horror. It begins with a small girl sitting in a corner of a room alone singing to herself (A ring a ring a roses). She is emotional and has running mascara down her young face. Then the door creaks open and a male figure enters with a wrench in his right hand. The camera shot then turns to his face and a smirk consequently follows. When he walks closer and closer to the girl her singing get’s steadily faster to symbolise adrenaline and pure fear. The music fastens at this point with her singing, when the singing gets to the fastest point a bang will follow with complete darkness. This is when we will start the credits. This whole previous scene will be in black and white to symbolise the past.
Present day; (In Colour)
A young girl is socialising with her friends at the end of school, she starts walking home by herself maybe on her phone talking to a friend. The shot will be following her from the side with a horizontal panning shot to track her movement. She walks past a tree with the same man leaning on it with a newspaper masking his face. As soon as she passes he looks at her walking off, folds up the newspaper and starts to slowly follow her.
Thursday 7 October 2010
Merlin Introduction Review (35 secs)
1-3 seconds; Water effect across full screen.
4-6 seconds; Fade to medium shot of main character (Merlin) with his whole body shaded so only outline is visisible.
8-10 seconds; Very fast zoom to extreme close up of Merlins eye.
11 seconds; Extreme close up of Merlins eye with colour transition of green to yellow.
11-12 seconds; Title 'Merlin' with glossy glare effects.
13-17 seconds; Establishing shot with enviornment mostly made up of trees with Prince Arthur and Merlin on a horse moving from left to right. Panning shot used to follow their movement. (Horizontal)
17-20 seconds; Long shot of both characters coming to a slow hault. Again, horizontal panning shot used to track movement.
21-24 seconds; Medium shot of Merlin looking worried. Horizontal panning shot used once again to track his movement on horseback.
24-26 seconds; Establishing shot of destination. A what looks like 'magical/olden decrepid castle' which very subtle zoom used.
26-27 seconds; Medium shot of Prince Arthur with small ammount of dialogue. Camera position is fixed while Arthur moves around while controlling his horse.
27-29 seconds; Zoomed out shot, but still medium shot of both characters. Camera position is fixed once again which symbolises no movement.
30-31 seconds; Switches back to medium shot of only Arthur with more dialogue. Camera position fixed.
31-35 seconds; Switches once again to medium shot of Merlin while Arthur rides off in front of Merlin hiding him from view for a approximately a second. Camera angle on Merlin is fixed so implies Arthurs movement as very fast.
4-6 seconds; Fade to medium shot of main character (Merlin) with his whole body shaded so only outline is visisible.
8-10 seconds; Very fast zoom to extreme close up of Merlins eye.
11 seconds; Extreme close up of Merlins eye with colour transition of green to yellow.
11-12 seconds; Title 'Merlin' with glossy glare effects.
13-17 seconds; Establishing shot with enviornment mostly made up of trees with Prince Arthur and Merlin on a horse moving from left to right. Panning shot used to follow their movement. (Horizontal)
17-20 seconds; Long shot of both characters coming to a slow hault. Again, horizontal panning shot used to track movement.
21-24 seconds; Medium shot of Merlin looking worried. Horizontal panning shot used once again to track his movement on horseback.
24-26 seconds; Establishing shot of destination. A what looks like 'magical/olden decrepid castle' which very subtle zoom used.
26-27 seconds; Medium shot of Prince Arthur with small ammount of dialogue. Camera position is fixed while Arthur moves around while controlling his horse.
27-29 seconds; Zoomed out shot, but still medium shot of both characters. Camera position is fixed once again which symbolises no movement.
30-31 seconds; Switches back to medium shot of only Arthur with more dialogue. Camera position fixed.
31-35 seconds; Switches once again to medium shot of Merlin while Arthur rides off in front of Merlin hiding him from view for a approximately a second. Camera angle on Merlin is fixed so implies Arthurs movement as very fast.
Movement and angles
Tracker
A tracker shot is a shot that follows a person or object, this is done on a track or dolly so that the camera has a smooth 'feeling' and doesn't get disturbed by bumps.
Crane
A crane shot is used to show different height difference and is mainly used in an establishing shot or the final shot in a movie. Also shows the surroundings and environment.
Tilt
Camera angle that looks up or down at the object being photographed, instead of being on the same level. Tilt shots are usually more dramatic than straight-angle shots. It can be used to show power by looking up at someone, oppositely it can be used to show someone with no authority by looking down at them.
Pan
Panning is the horizontal or vertical movement of the camera to show. Panning is used to follow the action in the scene or can also be uswed to show the surroundings (establishing shot).
A tracker shot is a shot that follows a person or object, this is done on a track or dolly so that the camera has a smooth 'feeling' and doesn't get disturbed by bumps.
Crane
A crane shot is used to show different height difference and is mainly used in an establishing shot or the final shot in a movie. Also shows the surroundings and environment.
Tilt
Camera angle that looks up or down at the object being photographed, instead of being on the same level. Tilt shots are usually more dramatic than straight-angle shots. It can be used to show power by looking up at someone, oppositely it can be used to show someone with no authority by looking down at them.
Pan
Panning is the horizontal or vertical movement of the camera to show. Panning is used to follow the action in the scene or can also be uswed to show the surroundings (establishing shot).
Friday 1 October 2010
Different shot types
Camera shots
Establishing shot/Extreme long shot;
This shot, pretty simply shows the scene. The surrounding environment and a small figure of the main character within the shot. Also known as ELS
Long shot;
This shot shows a whole characters body but closer to the camera than the extreme long shot. Still shows them in terms of their surroundings, this shot may also be known as the establishing shot. Also known as LS
Medium long shot;
Again shows the whole body but more features can be noticed. Retains the setting clearly in 'MISE-EN-SCÉNE' Also known as MLS
Medium shot;
This shot mainly is between the boundaries of knee/waist to just above the head. It may also be known as 'mid-shot' or 'three-quarter shot'. Also known as MS
Medium close up;
Boundaries from mid-chest to top of the head. Much more detail is perceieved and is one out of the two main shot's used in 'SHOT REVERSE SHOT'. Also known as MCU
Close up;
Boundaries showing only shoulders to head. A lot of facial detail and is used to show emotion and feelings. It is the second shot which can be used in 'SHOT REVERSE SHOT'. Also known as CU
Extreme close up;
This shot focussing on specific portions of a characters face or object used in a scene. Can slo show extreme fear or emotion perceived by the eyes. Also known as ECU
Establishing shot/Extreme long shot;
This shot, pretty simply shows the scene. The surrounding environment and a small figure of the main character within the shot. Also known as ELS
Long shot;
This shot shows a whole characters body but closer to the camera than the extreme long shot. Still shows them in terms of their surroundings, this shot may also be known as the establishing shot. Also known as LS
Medium long shot;
Again shows the whole body but more features can be noticed. Retains the setting clearly in 'MISE-EN-SCÉNE' Also known as MLS
Medium shot;
This shot mainly is between the boundaries of knee/waist to just above the head. It may also be known as 'mid-shot' or 'three-quarter shot'. Also known as MS
Medium close up;
Boundaries from mid-chest to top of the head. Much more detail is perceieved and is one out of the two main shot's used in 'SHOT REVERSE SHOT'. Also known as MCU
Close up;
Boundaries showing only shoulders to head. A lot of facial detail and is used to show emotion and feelings. It is the second shot which can be used in 'SHOT REVERSE SHOT'. Also known as CU
Extreme close up;
This shot focussing on specific portions of a characters face or object used in a scene. Can slo show extreme fear or emotion perceived by the eyes. Also known as ECU
Friday 24 September 2010
Preliminary video
Here is our groups Preliminary video, many mistakes such as sounding, and minor camera work cropped up as noticable errors, here are some other noticeable errors;
Consequently from this video, a lot of ideas have surfaced that we will use in our final video. Again, these idea's will be explained in furthur posts.
A few of the most noticeable errors are:
- Poor lighting in lift scene
- CCTV timer is counting from 0 and resets during clip
- School displays are on show
- Continuity error between 1.19 - 1.20
Consequently from this video, a lot of ideas have surfaced that we will use in our final video. Again, these idea's will be explained in furthur posts.
Thursday 23 September 2010
Complication (Adobe pro)
With numerous problems with this program such as Rendering, Lagging and Freezing, a joint decision was made to do the main editing for this PRELIMINARY task at Isaac's house where we use the program;
Song Vegas
This is because that Isaac actually owns this software and is much more used to the layout and features so we have the maximum knowledge to get the best outcome.
Song Vegas
This is because that Isaac actually owns this software and is much more used to the layout and features so we have the maximum knowledge to get the best outcome.
Media Lesson (23rd September)
Me, Isaac and Luke had 4 units of media today so had a long period of time to get work done. We all had specific jobs to do in this time period.
Me: My job was to choose the specific clips for the second part of the video and put them in order in adobe pro.
Isaac: His job was to collect the clips for the first half and put them in order using the same program.
Luke: Catch up with blog and help out my and Isaac when needed.
Me: My job was to choose the specific clips for the second part of the video and put them in order in adobe pro.
Isaac: His job was to collect the clips for the first half and put them in order using the same program.
Luke: Catch up with blog and help out my and Isaac when needed.
Friday 17 September 2010
Media Lesson (Friday 17th September)
After a long period of babbling around school trying to import our video clips onto the school system, we finally managed to succeed. In the hour period left of this lesson, Myself and Isaac have gone through the two different folders and just watched and got a over-view of all our video clips. Meanwhile Luke has been completing his blog and is now fully caught up.
Thursday 16 September 2010
Luke Pitchford
Today, mine and Isaac's friends decided to undertake AS Media Studies. We have welcomed him into our group and are looking forward to his input over the next two year period.
A link to his blog will be published on my home page very soon.
A link to his blog will be published on my home page very soon.
Storyboard
Over the past couple of days me and my partner Isaac have been creating our storyboard for our preliminary task.
Here is a picture of our storyboard;
Here is a picture of our storyboard;
Friday 10 September 2010
Continuity
Continuity, as like match on action, shot reverse shot and 180 degree rule is an essential term in media. The overall concept is very simple;
Continuity is the continuation of a scene with numerous shots integrating within each other (which could have been shot in different time periods) without breaks in the scene. It also is a variation of small scenes that keeps the movie flowing without spending too much time on one particular scene.
E.G.
I will analyse the first 10 seconds of this scene from the oscar winning movie series;
1-2 Seconds: For the first second and a half, the camera angle starts with a long shot. It then changes angle to a close up of Rocky facing Clubber Lang.
4 seconds: The camera angle stays theoretically the same but changes from a close up to a long shot.
5-10 seconds: The camera angle stays the same and the shot style (long shot) also remains the same also.
Continuity is the continuation of a scene with numerous shots integrating within each other (which could have been shot in different time periods) without breaks in the scene. It also is a variation of small scenes that keeps the movie flowing without spending too much time on one particular scene.
E.G.
- Get on the train
- Sit down in the train cabin
- Get off the train
I will analyse the first 10 seconds of this scene from the oscar winning movie series;
1-2 Seconds: For the first second and a half, the camera angle starts with a long shot. It then changes angle to a close up of Rocky facing Clubber Lang.
4 seconds: The camera angle stays theoretically the same but changes from a close up to a long shot.
5-10 seconds: The camera angle stays the same and the shot style (long shot) also remains the same also.
180 degree rule
The 180 degree rule is essential in keeping the viewer focused and avoiding confusion. Once a scene has been established, the camera must stay on one side of the action.
If two people are facing each other, a line must be drawn. This line usually runs straight down the middle between the two people, like so:
Once this line is in place, the camera can move anywhere providing it stays on the same side of the line once filming has begun. If the camera is switching between two faces during a conversation for example and then suddenly cuts to the other side of the line, then it will appear that both people are facing the same direction instead of looking at each other.
If two people are facing each other, a line must be drawn. This line usually runs straight down the middle between the two people, like so:
Once this line is in place, the camera can move anywhere providing it stays on the same side of the line once filming has begun. If the camera is switching between two faces during a conversation for example and then suddenly cuts to the other side of the line, then it will appear that both people are facing the same direction instead of looking at each other.
Thursday 9 September 2010
Shot reverse shot
Again, as like 'Match on action' shot reverse shot is quite s simple technique but also very effective and used in basically all movies known to man.
Shot reverse shot is a film technique where one character is shown looking at another character (often off screen), and the other character is shown looking the opposite direction to imply that both characters are looking at each other. A simple and very effective illusion and also means that only one actor/actress is used at a time.
Here is an example of shot reverse shot;
42-43 Seconds is a very easy example of opposite camera angles that implies that both characters are looking at each other.
Shot reverse shot is a film technique where one character is shown looking at another character (often off screen), and the other character is shown looking the opposite direction to imply that both characters are looking at each other. A simple and very effective illusion and also means that only one actor/actress is used at a time.
Here is an example of shot reverse shot;
42-43 Seconds is a very easy example of opposite camera angles that implies that both characters are looking at each other.
Match on action definition
Match on action is a very sinple but essential tenchique, where the perspective of the camera changes during a scene and the scene continues to flow.
Here is an example on youtube as the term Match on action is being demonstrated.
A good example of 'Match on action' is between 2 and 3 seconds. As you can see, the perspective changes while the scene still flows without any disruption.
'Match on action' also occurs between the seconds;
7-8
18
Here is an example on youtube as the term Match on action is being demonstrated.
A good example of 'Match on action' is between 2 and 3 seconds. As you can see, the perspective changes while the scene still flows without any disruption.
'Match on action' also occurs between the seconds;
7-8
18
Preliminary Exercise Brief
'Produce a continuity exercise which involves a character opening a door, crossing a room and sitting down in a chair opposite another character, with whom they exchange a couple of lines of dialogue. The task should demonstrate;
- Match on action
- Shot/reverse shot
- 180 degree rule'
Introduction
Hello, my name is Joe.
I am studying media studies at A level as one of my three choices. My other two personal choices were English language and Drama. In my course it was nessecary to choose groups to work with throughout the year period.
Group names;
Joe Wright- RN- 16 years old
Isaac Waburton- MS- 16 years old- http://www.isaacwarburtonmedia.blogspot.com/
Unlike all the other groups we have chosen to work in a single pair instead of triple or quaruple numbers of people. This is based upon work load and we are both very determined to exceed our target grade by at least 2 whole grades.
School target grade- C
Personal target grade- A
Me and Isaac are very alike and are extremely hard working and at all times focussed on our task. We have already done a lot of research over the summer period and already have a very strong idea for our final production.
We both are looking forward to the next two years and even more the successes that will consequently follow.
I am studying media studies at A level as one of my three choices. My other two personal choices were English language and Drama. In my course it was nessecary to choose groups to work with throughout the year period.
Group names;
Joe Wright- RN- 16 years old
Isaac Waburton- MS- 16 years old- http://www.isaacwarburtonmedia.blogspot.com/
Unlike all the other groups we have chosen to work in a single pair instead of triple or quaruple numbers of people. This is based upon work load and we are both very determined to exceed our target grade by at least 2 whole grades.
School target grade- C
Personal target grade- A
Me and Isaac are very alike and are extremely hard working and at all times focussed on our task. We have already done a lot of research over the summer period and already have a very strong idea for our final production.
We both are looking forward to the next two years and even more the successes that will consequently follow.
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