Song Permission

One of my colleagues in my media group has wrote a letter to the producer of a song we would like to use in our production.

Here is the reply:

What we have been studying

Yesterday we futhered our knowledge of representaion i have now wrote and essay which i have handed in to be marked. We also did a poster on a specific group of people so we could understand how the media portrays different segments of society. Our segment was Women, we talked about stereotypes, archeotypes and countertypes.

Second Shot List (Group)

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.

Codes and Conventions (group)

Media students identify three categories of codes that may be used to
convey meanings in media messages: technical codes, which include
camera techniques, framing, depth of field, lighting and exposure and
juxtaposition; symbolic codes, which refer to objects, setting, body
language, clothing and colour; and written codes in the form of
headlines, captions, speech bubbles and language style.

By the term 'code' we mean a communication system which contains
elements which have an agreed meaning and which can be combined
according to agreed rules. This could be the English language, Morse Code, a
traffic policeman's hand signals, film etc.

A code must consist of:
• a set of signs which carry meaning
• a set of agreed rules for combining those signs together

The main conventions of a thriller/horror opening sequence is enigma to keep the viewer interested, set the scene (where and when the events in the film are happening), Identify the main characters and a brief view of there personality the final main convention of a horror/thriller opening sequence is the narrative.

The codes of a thriller/horror are extensive there are a huge amount to choose from. The main ones i believe to have an impact on the opening sequence are the lighting (low key and mysterious), the music (tense and unsettling) and quick cut transitions between shots to portray subconsiously the intensity of the film to come.

Dialogue

At the beginning of our opening sequence we are trying to 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. The unsettling non-digetic backgroung music will be also used instead of digetic sound until the young girl begins to sing, we are doing this to make the viewer begin to be tense, unsettled and be drawn into the film.

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Draft Shot list

Shot No.	Shot type	Description and analysis
1	Establishing shot (ELS)-	Father figure from the back sitting on a bench looking out over the lake with the sky at the top of the shot. We are using this shot to show the viewer the surrounding and to set the scene of where the character is sitting in contrast to the open surroundings present. The characters facial features will be hidden from view and out of focus to create some enigma and uncertainty for the viewer.
2	Extreme long shot-	This shot is still of the man but more of the sky in sight. This shot will be filmed for approximately 2 hours sitting stationary around the time in which the sky changes from vibrant blue into orangey sunset. People will be walking past the man which will be sped up to show that time is passing him by quickly. We are using this shot to portray to the viewer that the characters lifetime is nearly up and everything seems to being going quickly for him. It also symbolises him missing the girl in the scene later on in the opening sequence by showing him not doing anything to help as he can't (he feels helpless)
3	Close up-	We are using a close up of the man to show who he is to the viewer the close up will show his face in focus and detail. You can also see the characters emotions. We have included this scene to show the lost and unknowing upset feeling he has.
4	Extreme Close Up	This shot is put in place to show the characters deep emotion in his eyes and a tear rolling out of his eye and dripping down his face. This shot will show the severe feelings and emotion he is feeling without letting him seem weak. Enigma is created in this shot to make you want to understand the reasons for him crying.
5	Close up	This Close up shot is a picture of the characters daughter. A drop of water (a tear) then drops onto the picture creating continuity and helping the shots to flow better. This shot then gives reason the characters strong emotion. the viewer will then have some theory of the reason he is crying over his daughter.
6	Extreme close up	Back to shot (4 )
7	Long shot	Girl figure shrouded by darkness. Shot will be zooming in onto her face which will become more clear as half her face will by lit up with the low key lighting coming from either left or right (Not decided). We have used low key lighting to make the viewer feel uncomfortable and tense this is one of the main codes of horror. Not being able to see the girls facial features fully will create strong enigma (key convention) this will keep the viewer on edge and interested. The female character will be matched by the viewer to the previous scene of the pictures of the mans daughter.

Actors

We have been told by Scott that hiring actors from an agency would significantly boost our overall mark. Due to insufficient ammount of time, we tried getting one of our fellow younger students from drama to hopefully participate in our production in hope it will aid their portfolio.

Continuing from this we went to see Mrs Micilock who is head of drama at this specific time. She said she will look furthur into this matter and get back to us.

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 clothes 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. We will use a picture as a prop also.

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 main majority of the scene will be at cuckoos hollow on a chosen bench looking out of the lake. We will not be needing any props as the bench is already there for the publics leisure.

Risk assesment

If the weather changes and prevents us from shooting to protect the continuity we will have to wait until the weather conditions match to show good continuity withing our opening sequence.

If the child we use is under the age of 16 we will ask permission from the parent or guardian. We will also keep them informed of progress. If we cannot obtain a young actor and permission we will be forced to use a family member instead.

Injury to us or actors	Contact relevant people, obtain emergency contact numbers from everybody involved. In serious cases call an ambulance
Severe weather	Delay filming until the weather has subsided
Weather changes	If the weather changes we will also have to delay filming to keep good continuity of the shots and the opening sequence
Illness	Try and shoot anyway unless the person  who is ill is playing a major part in the production
Camera is late arriving	If the camera is late arriving we will have to contact the people involved and update them as progress continues
The camera brakes	We will take out insurance on the camera

Research into Titles

We have researched our titles thouroghly. We have decided to use a red theme in our titles to portray to the customers, that the film is going to be dangerous and may contain blood. the titles will be large and centered to show the importance of Titles. The titles will also cut out quickly rather than having a slow transition to show the high tempo of the film and make the viewer subconsiously anxious.

Working Outline

Today i have also made the working outline for the production. We are now proggressing into making our opening sequence here is the working outine below:

Title/working title	Relinquish
Plot/outline summary	Small girl has been kidnapped by an unknown person. The girl is in some kind of mysterious unlawful imprisonment, the location is unknown.
Opening sequence outline/summary	The scene opens with an establishing shot (ELS) showing the surroundings of a character sitting on a bench. The Character has a tear running down his face as he looks at a picture representing something close to him.
Characters (consider genre, role, image etc)	Middle aged man that looks worried and disorientated to show him missing someone and giving up hope. Small girl that looks distressed to portray fear and subconsciously takes sides with the helpless young girl. Damaged clothing to show mistreatment.
Mise en scene Setting: Locations: Costumes: Props: Lighting (what mood are you trying to create? etc)	Sun set on a cold, winter night. At the start of the first scene the surroundings are light (high key lighting) however by the end of the scene the lighting has changed considerably until the lighting has all gone and the character is not visible   1st shot: Sun Set by a lake in winter (Present day) 2nd shot: Small girl in a dark small room (Present day) 1st shot: Small English town 2nd shot: unknown location Male Character: Up to date clothing, warm clothing to emphasise winter season Small Girl Character: Damaged clothing to show mistreatment and abuse. Kitchen Knife, Picture, Wrench, We have used low key lighting to create a mysterious mood and high key lighting for a contrast to show one is in imprisonment.

Making our Storyboard

Today we are making our storyboard for our final production, it is in its early stages as we are continuously changing the shots and scenes we are planning to use. We have decided to plan our opening sequence as detailed as posible, this should make the shooting of the film allot more efficient and less time consuming.

Planning the main task

Today in our media lesson we have began to plan our main media project we have sheet that contains main aspects of our film. By completing the sheet our film production should be more time efficient. We are still in the postition to change any of our ideas and planning at this stage.

Analysing an opening scene

At the beginning of this opening scene of blade you can clearly see that the titles are red and stand out profoundly. They have used the red titles to signify blood or romance further on in the film but as we know it is to signify blood.

the main characters are immidiatley addressed and shown to the audience. This has clearly been thought about by the durecter, the main characters and people around make it clear what there relation to each other is by the pronounced body language.

The film has immidiatley shows the audience the surroundings of where the people in the shot are. The titles that are displayed to the audience show themain people behind the making of the film including producers, actors and the director.

Sound in Films

We have now learnt the importance of sound within a film. Sound can create an atmosphere within a visual image that without sound would not be possible. Sound can create many different moods for the viewer including suspense, shock, happiness and sadness.

We learnt about the two types of sound within all films.

Diagetic Sounds

Daigetic sounds are sounds within the film, they are directly relevant and important to the scene showing. For example when a gun shoots the viewer hears a bang and someone talking.

Non-Diagetic Sounds

Non-Diagetic sounds are sounds that are not directly relevant to the scene being shown. For example someone narating (sound over) and music in the background which is not being played by any of the characters or in the film.

Film Intro Practise

We are currently in the proccess of filming and editing a film intro to 'resevoir dogs'. Creating this short opening to a well known film has shown me some of the difficulties in film making. I have learnt that it is extremely difficult to work with other people in the film, it requires manyakes to get the right shot and keep continuity.

Our short film opening is not to a very high standard as we were short of time for planning and filming, we hope our final production will be far superior than this practice film.

Horror film opening credits

Here is an opening sequence to a horror film.

The opening credits in the film show disturbing and revieling images to give the viewer an insight to the contents of the film. This could immediatley draw the viewers attention and begin to attatch them to the film.

the names of the actors, producers and director of the film have there names in bold big text to show importance. Some of the names are in red symbolising death and blood.

Audience Research

Horror

We have researched into the genre 'horror' as we have a keen interest for our project to be this genre.
Our research has told us to leave it to the viewers imagination so that they can get deeply into the film and imagine the most scary thing to them.
We also found that you need to really interest the viewer to the point where they are tense. if the viewer can relate to the film more it will bring out more emotion from them.

Comedy

In our research we have found that there are many small markets that appreciate different types of comedy. The most funny kind of comedy to one audience might be the least favourite of another.
The most funny comodies are films where you can relate to them i.e. people in your age group (peers) and people going through the same proccesses.

Willing suspense of disbelief

The ability to bring a viewer into the film completely so that they are heavily involved and attatched emotionally to the film. Things that then happen in the film will affect them more and draw out more attention and emotion, making the viewer enjoy the film to a higher extent.

Lighting

The image shows low key lighting, you can also see the key light is coming from left to right of the images; you can see this as the woman has her right side of her body illuminated and the other in dark shadow. this also means that the key light is harsh. the key light is shining up slightly therefore could mean that the lighting could be called under lighting.




This image is high key as there is loads of light all over the image and its background. the sun illuminates the entire object and scenery. there is not much shadow in the image at all and everything is clear to see for the viewer.

Audience Response

The audience response to our ideas was positive yet constructive in the few criticisms we had.