Summary of Ideas

Summary of Opening Scene Ideas

The scene begins with the two protagonists standing in the middle of a forest and are completely blurred out from the picture asides from their silhouettes. These silhouettes will show the vague outline of the characters but won't give away too much information until the characters walk towards the camera and return back into normal focus. Once the characters start to walk towards the camera a faint glimmer of a prop gun will be shown. Just enough so that the audience can tell what it is but not how much damage it can deliver. Once the characters are close enough to the camera, the picture will gradually change back into focus whilst also detailing the prop gun in clear focus. This will provide the suspense to the opening scene as the audience is yet to know what the narrative of the feature is. The characters then begin to engage in dialogue discussing the task at hand and what exactly they are going to do. This dialogue will give the audience a brief insight into what exactly the characters are going to do and what will happen further into the opening scene. The characters then split up from each other (in order to cover more ground) and run into different events along the way. The first protagonist (Cameron Kemp) will venture across a field and arrive at an abandoned building and eventual will hear the ringing of gunshots. This is coming from the abandoned train tracks that the other protagonist (myself) will be located at. Both characters then meet up outside the original building and engage in another stage of dialogue which will be revolved around the gunshots. It will be explained as briefly as 'don't worry I handled it' just so the audience are still left guessing as to what really occurred. Then both characters venture into the abandoned building once the dialogue is finished and discover a char that is wrapped in duck tape as if someone was restrained but has escaped. Once this shot is shown the opening scene will end. We will incorporate clips from the internet that we would not be able to replicate during the course of our filming. For example, we involve a seen that shows the aftermath of a nuclear bomb explosion and we will pretend to deploy into a drop zone that slightly corresponds with that situation. The clips that will be obtained from the internet will be completely copy right proof and will only be used for the duration of five seconds throughout the feature.  

Sound and Lighting and the use of Black and White

Sound and Lighting and Black and White

Sound and lighting is an essential part of what makes a piece of media text flow smoothly and work well in relation to its chosen genre. Throughout the world of media sound is used in almost every situation. However there are two types of sound, those being: diegetic and non-diegetic. Diegetic sound is sound that is communicated through the actual sounds of the actions on screen. For example, the creaking of a door in a horror film, the smashing of a glass on the floor, and also even dialogue between two characters. It is important to know the different types of diegetic sounds as these are the sounds that are used throughout media texts the most. 

Dietetic sound will play a key role in our opening sequence due to the fact that it will be vital that the characters engage in some form of dialogue so that the opening sequence makes sense unless there is a continuous stream of narration over the top of the clips. The dietetic sounds are used predominantly in every style of genre but are especially used within the action genre on the basis that this includes a variety of explosions and shots being fired. 

The Dark Knight is a great example of our they use a mix of diegetic and non-diegetic sound in one sequence. 

Non-diegetic sound is arguably even more important when it comes to an opening scene due to the fact that this is an opportunity for the director to showcase the talent that he has cast through displaying their names on screen as a flurry of images of videos flow on screen with a soundtrack playing in the background. This is a great opportunity for conglomerates and institutions to become hooked to the feature before it has even started due to the world renowned names the are shown on screen. The soundtrack that we anticipate to use over the dialogue/ narrative of our opening sequence is taken directly from a war film which has also been converted into a video game which shows cross media - convergence. The soundtrack will therefore be recognisable to the audience as they will psychographically have an interest into that genre. James Bond for example always continues to display non-diegetic sound through a soundtrack over the opening credits that are displayed on screen.

Not only is the sound important for the opening scene to make sense and belong to the specific decided genre but the visuals and visual effects are key to ensuring that the feature reaps as much success as it possibly can. Black and White is a visual effect that stereotypically was used during an older era where technicolour displays were very expensive and therefore only available and accessible to the wealthy people of society and therefore black and white became the 'norm' for many people. 

The use of black and white is commonly associated with older more historical type media texts due to the fact that colour is used for almost any modern day media texts with a few exceptions.

For example Sin City is a modern day example of a film that utilises black and white however they still use the strong accented colour of red so that certain objects or features of a woman for example stand out to the audience. 

This has inspired us to use as much black and white (greyscale) as possible due to the fact that it is set within a war time era where they wouldn't have had any access to technicolour or any form of colour altering software. Also during the editing stages of the preliminary task I experimented with the black and white feature to try and add a horror like effect to the section of the sequence where a skeleton like monster appears. However due to the poor quality camera that we had used to film the preliminary task we were unable to use the black and white as this dramatically decreased out level of quality. 

Blurred Shots Analysis

     

                                     Blurred Shots Analysis

This opening scene for Skyfall is in my opinion very effective due to the fact that it starts in a similar fashion to what our opening scene will. The effect that we are going to start with will be the entire picture frame will be blurred out and then once the characters begin to start moving towards the camera will eventually turn into focus and display the two characters clearly. 

In skyfall the dark psychological aspect of the film is immediately presented once the character in question enters the shot and turns into focus due to the fact that his facial expression clearly displays concern and integument for the situation at hand.

Blurred Shot of Character 

 This is the sort of effect that we would like to replicate and reproduce as the very beginning of our opening scene. This analysis will help us to replicate and reproduce a similar opening to our opening scene due to the fact that the shot examples are almost identical and the introduction to the dark psychological threat which is clearly present is shown through the characters facial expression wants the character returns back into focus.

Character Returning back into focus

Distributors of Action films

     

                                     Action movie distributors 

I have researched various different film distributors that would typically take responsibility in publishing an action genre film. With this research I have found the top three most likely companies to publish the feature.

 This company known as 'Lionsgate' is a prime example of a company that would typically be interested in publishing this genre of film. Lionsgate is a very successfully company and has also produced the following features: Expendables, Expendables 2 and  the Hunger Games. The company has been producing films from July 3rd 1997. This means that they are a modern company that has been brought up around the various special effects modern techniques that typical action films of the present day obtain and include.

20th century fox is another example of a company that would typical be interested in publishing this certain genre of film. 20th century fox is an extremely confident and well established film and media company that continues to thrive in the media scene to this present day. 20th century fox has published and produced various features such as the Simpsons Film and one of the most recognised action movies of all time 'Die Hard' and the rest of the features that followed the original.

Universal often are considered for the theme park entertainment that they provide but they are also another example of a successful well established company that would typically be interested in producing and publishing the feature as it is a similar genre to those that are frequently produced and published by the company. Examples of these features are 'Fighting'.

Over carefull consideration of these three companies, we have decided to go with 'Lions gate'. This was a hard decision to make but due to the fact that Lions gate often release features relating to the action genre which have a large fanbase and interest behind them for example the 'Expendables" franchise and many more. We feel that this company due to the resources that it has would be able to confidently and successfully distribute the entire feature across the world on a global basis and have it featured within as many cinemas as possible. Due to the fact that cinema attendance has plummeted over the recent years it is vital that we are able to obtain as much profit from the release as possible due to the fact that will receive a very large amount of the profit due to the fact that they were responsible for the distribution and marketing.

Mood Board

 

                                          Mood Board

Representations

                                         

                                                           Representations 

The main character representation involved in the opening scene will be that of soviet soldiers and the particular uniform that they will wear. A stereotypical representation of these soviet soldiers would be an aggressive nature not only in the way they act but also in the way they conduct themselves through their dress code. Such as: a large trench like coat that would cover the majority of their body up whilst leaving room for the legs to reach full stretch if the soldier needed to sprint away from danger; a large weapon of some sort, typically either a knife or gun, a mask due to the harsh winter conditions and boots.

Unfortunately due to the age rating and age of the people involved in the project we will not be able to carry various blades, knives and guns around whilst filming as this would be illegal due to our age. However, we have discovered an alternative method by using fake props that resemble the real item. 

This will still enable us to achieve the desired outcome and effect for the opening scene whilst also adding the benefit that due to the fact that they are replicas will bring the price of the items down considerably. In addition, the way in which we will approach the filming will be such as the various camera angle and shot types due to the fact that the sluggish and careful movements of the soviet soldiers will have to be replicated if the scene was to present itself as realistic. 

Actors

The actors that will be involved in the project will be Cameron, myself and a number of other people that will act as the role of extras. We have decided to incorporate extras into the summer due to the fact that with only just two characters it would be too difficult to create a different appearance rather than having a completely new person play the role. For our ideal protagonist, we would like them to be a male as we believe that this will act more realistic towards the narrative. Also that they also look quite old as the props and costumes that will be used will not be suited aesthetically to a younger character/ actor. Our antagonist in addition to the protagonist will be older but also significantly older than the protagonist due to the fact that the age separation will present superiority within the opening scene. 

Props

 

                                                            Props 

Props are an essential part of the planning and research preparation for any opening or full film. This is due to the fact that various different props can provide significance and high importance within the film itself, for example, in Lord of the rings – the ring is what drives the narrative of the story and can sometimes assist in setting the overall tone of the scene. It is important that the correct props are selected to ensure that the feature avoids becoming too predictable and also yet still provide the desired effect that the director of the film intends for them.

As the picture on the right details, Indiana Jones is a prime example. His trusty whip is seen as an iconic element of the feature and is rarely seen to leave his side. The significance of this is that during the movie whenever he loses his whip he is presented as vulnerable and somewhat weak. However, once he obtains the whip back he is back to his old ways as strong, courageous and unstoppable. I believe that through the research into props, we will have to determine what if any major prop will provide the effect such as seen in this picture.

The era and styling of our opening scene will also play a huge factor in the fact that the prop may have huge relevance in the fact that we can only use it if it is from that time period. If a prop was used from the ‘future’ after the opening scene takes place then the feature may become confusing and hard to follow. Our props consist of ghost-like masks to present the characters as mysterious whilst also displaying a sense of danger and connoting a threat. The ghost skull pattern on the mask adds to the narrative of the feature due to the fact that throughout the opening scene you don’t learn about who the characters are or where they came from; this enhances and highlights the suspense and drama that we are trying to capture whilst on camera. 

The video below details methods of how and why we can utilize props in the correct manor and professionally.

Title Ideas

                           Research into our chosen Title

After the completion of our collaboration task in which we drafted a storyboard detailing the events that would take place within the opening scenes, we have come to the conclusion that the time setting for the scene will be 1990's. This era offers a great opportunity to incorporate multiple various techniques such as using older methods of acting which will benefit us due to the fact that it will be much less complicated to replicate. The setting is an abandoned bunker and a large open field in Bowdon. The bunker relates to the fact that many films from this period of time relating to the action genre involved bunkers and abandonment of some sort. 

After researching various movie titles I have found a few which detail the titles purposefully. Such as Golden  Eye. This is a prime example of the style of film and opening scene that we as a group are going to try and create. Although the main features title 'Golden Eye' is based upon a certain object within the feature itself it also connotes the fact that mystery and greed may play a vital role in the film. Analysing the title and the ideology behind it gave us and indication that we would prefer a longer style title for example a couple of words combined together to make a bold title.

We have came up with a few ideas for what the feature could be called but everything at this moment in the planning process may be subject to change. The feature could be called 'The Iron Curtain' or  'The Hunt For The Red Wolf'. We have decided to call the feature either one of these due to the fact that I believe that 'The Iron Curtain' in particular presents itself as a bold and direct title, whilst maintaining suspense and mystery within it. However, the addition of 'Hunt for the red Wolf' shows how suspenseful titles 

Locations

                 

  Location

For our main coursework assessment it is vitally important that we choose the correct location that will allow us to create an effective and suspenseful opening sequence. The opening sequence will be filmed across the course of two locations; these being the Altrincham canal and a location located a short distance away from the canal itself. We have chosen to utilize these two locations due to the fact that we believe that we can make a better opening scene by using these two locations.
We collectively came to this conclusion by discussing how the use of one location for the entirety of the scene won't give us enough variety of scenarios to work with. 

However, with the added benefit of already selecting the two locations we are now able to work out where exactly we will take the shots. For example, the various techniques such as match on action and shot/ reverse shot etc. The first of the locations is the forest like area just left of the canal. This location is very ideal in the sense that it offers a great backdrop and terrain for the opening scene. Within the tree line, you are able to gain a view in which you can observe the path ways and bridge which will be vital to the scene as this is where one of our main events will occur.

The long grass and overgrown vegetation will provide the perfect setting no matter the weather. As the area is so diverse, from offering a pond area to a forest of tress, a lot can be filmed here and with quick and professional results. 

The second location is tunnel which is located a short distance from the canal. The location is an abandoned Tunnel. We came to this conclusion on the basis that our narrative obtains an event where a person of interest is running away from enemies who are firing at the character and is found to run through the abandoned tunnel. The suspenseful and dramatic feel and atmosphere is created by the fact that you never see who is chasing the character but can see and hear the gunshots being fired by the character. 

The entrance to the tunnel is surrounded by foliage which enhances the suspenseful atmosphere and connotes an immediate sense of danger. The dark and gloomy areas of the Tunnel prevent a lot of light accessing the interior so due to this fact we will be forced to create artificial light with the use of various torches and phones. We will have to generate the exact amount of light needed as if too much is produced then the mood that would connote suspense would be ruined. 

Font Styles

                                     

                                       Initial Font Ideas

Throughout the world of cinematography and media the font and typography of the feature is essentially important to the overall success of the film. It gives the feature an immediate impression of the style of the film. It in addition will be displayed on the feature itself due to the fact that the opening credits and introduction to the title. With the ever increasing popularity of typography being frequently used within the space of the first couple of minutes it is vitally important that the font is eye catching and bold.

There are various different fonts that I will be able to use and the different fonts will ultimately connote different moods and atmospheres. For example the bottom text in the picture below is of a well known action film 'Transformers'. Immediately we can tell that the feature is dark and will posses a lot of action sequences within the feature.

The use of sharp edges to each individual letter (where necessary) is incredibly effective in the fact that the font links in well with the overall feel of the feature and displays the idea of action. The fonts also will link into the realism of the feature meaning that the font will have to be realistic to the action thriller genre. If the font were to suggest that it was related to a different genre then this would impact the professionalism of the opening scene and could cause the audience to not watch the rest of the feature.

A font is like an identity, it gives the feature a unique selling point. Fonts can never be the same in two separate movies. For example, Harry Potter wouldn't be the same movie if it obtained the font style from James Bond. This research has given me the correct knowledge and understanding that in order to create our own font that will be both effective and professional, we will have to use bold lettering that also possesses an dark edge.

However the font that we have decided to go with resembles an old mysterious era where the lettering is accompanied by various shades of shadowing and gloss around them to provide the logo with an extra aesthetic and catch the eye of the observer. The logo will therefore be very recognisable to the audience and they will be able to identify the feature from the effect that surrounds the lettering by itself.

Preliminary Task Evaluation

                          
 Evaluation of preliminary task

Throughout the process of filming the preliminary task we discovered that we were able to function and appropriately be able to film with confidence and efficiency. During the filming process we decided to film multiple shots from multiple angles to ensure that we had the correct and best possible shot. This worked quite effectively as after we found out that we had made a crucial error by showing one of the tripod legs in shot. Due to the multiple shots taken though we were able to find another shot that hadn't obtained that same mistake in it.

The overall filming process required a lot of time and effort due to the fact that we were both brainstorming so many different situations and ideas that we had previously discussed were too difficult to reproduce professionally.

 The different lighting we found became quite an issue as in order for the task to be filmed we needed the light to be dark. This would provide the scene with the appropriate amount of moods and create a creepy atmosphere. Once we had finally completed the entirety of the filming process, we discussed how it would fit together professionally and how we were going to remove some of the original diegetic sounds from the clips. We did this by editing the project on final cut pro X. This was very helpful but at the same times a problem due to the fact that Final Cut Pro X is only available on apple software which meant that we weren't able to continue with the editing process at home.

The time schedule for editing therefore was dramatically decreased and we were required to remain after school in order to finish the editing process. As we were fairly familiar with the editing software, we were able to comfortably and confidently proceed with editing whilst also learning how to incorporate new features and effects into the project at the same time. The matter of sounds relating to the feature was a heavily discussed topic due to the fact that this alone could potentially ruin the overall atmosphere of the project and decrease its effect on the audience. From this we decided to research appropriate horror soundtracks to determine what we thought was effective about them and also how (if possible) we were going to be able to use and replicate that.

The editing software itself offered a variety of different sounds and soundtracks but unfortunately didn’t offer the correct soundtrack that we desired and what we were after. From various research and analysis we eventually collectively  came to the conclusion what we both though was effective about the soundtracks and were now ready to start looking into closer detail regarding sounds. We came across a website called sound bible from which we were able to download free mp3 files that we incorporated into the featured project and can be heard throughout the scene. We additionally learnt how to incorporate the crop feature which we effectively and efficiently used to block out one of the tripod legs that was unfortunately shown on camera. We were able to successfully utilize this tool and crop out the leg from shot. Providing us with the knowledge that we were able to remove unwanted material from the clips gave us greater confidence using the programme and ultimately allowed us to dramatically speed up the editing process. 

The various shots and camera angles that we had to include in the project can be seen throughout the feature. For example, the 180 degree rule is displayed when Cameron and myself are engaged in an intense dialogue. The match on action shot is presented by myself walking through a set of double doors. For this shot we had to make use of two ipads and tripods positioned on either side of the door. This sequence was particularly tricky to perfect. This was due to the fact that the angles become somewhat of a problem in the sense that whilst I was walking through the door, it was a different angle for where I was walking through the other side. Fortunately, we were able to edit this afterwards and in result were able to achieve a smooth and professional result. Shot/ reverse shot can also be observed through the dialogue as both characters are shown to be facing each other and the camera revolves between two cameras that show different perspectives of our faces. During the editing process this was a great addition due to the fact that it was effective and obtained a smooth transition. 

 I have found that since the production of my kit kat chuncky short project, I now feel that I am much more confident in the fact that I can now effectively change and edit the film once the footage has been taken. I felt that I was able to effectively utilize the zoom feature which can be seen as the demonic like face is zoomed into picture. The use of this enhances the fact that the suspense is built up to the maximum and the climax is hinted and that the feature is coming to an end. However, I did find it quite difficult to input sounds that I have gathered from a certain website called 'Sound Bible'. For ideas on how to input and upload the sounds I was able to go onto YouTube to assist me. With the help of a video tutorial I was able to successfully input the sounds into the project and edit them into the correct desired position. 

Preliminary Task - Checkmate