CJ - Storyboard Ideas

LF: Technical Analysis

Woman In Black (James Watkins, 2012)

Shot: Close Up
Duration: 9 Seconds
Mise En Scene: Old fashioned teapot and tea cups in a dull coloured scene.

Shot: Close Up
Duration: 4 seconds
Mise En Scene: A typically scary dolls face drinking 'invisible' tea from the tea cup

Shot: Close Up
Duration: 3 seconds
Mise En Scene: The other doll in the tea party is having some tea which build suspense and build unease because this is an unatural/childish happening

Shot: Long/Establishing Shot
Duration: 4 seconds
Mise En Scene: 3 girls sat around the tea party with old fashioned furniture and scenery in the background, still in a colour wash

Shot: Mid Shot of doll
Duration: 2 seconds
Mise En Scene: Brushing the hair of the doll creating abnormal actions and making the audience undersrand that everything is strange

Shot: Mid shot of doll being tucked into bad
Duration: 2 seconds
Mise En Scene: Hands of the girl being very gentle as though the doll is alive

Shot: 2 Shot framed in Mid Shot
Duration:3 seconds
Mise En Scene: Old fashioned clothing very plain white colours

Shot: Close up of solitary girl
Duration: 2 seconds
Mise En Scene: the background is not in focus making the audince focus on the girls face which is smiling but otherwise expressionless

Shot: long shot of doll in the hands of a girl
Duration: 3 seconds
Mise En Scene: there is a lot going on in the scene mainly realted to the dolls tea party not the girls actual lives. there are neatly laid out table and chairs for the dolls which emphasises how strange it is

Shot: establishing shot of the 3 girls
Duration: 8 seconds
Mise En Scene: they are sitting on the floor of the bedroom and you can see the only source of light is coming from the window which suggests that the window may be a key feature

Shot: long shot
Duration: 3 seconds
Mise En Scene: still the same colours and surroundings as the location has not changed. old furniture and a colour wash

Shot: Zoom in on window
Duration: 3 seconds
Mise En Scene: the light from the old fashioned lead window drowns out other props

Shot: Mid Shot of 3 girls as they stand up
Duration: 2 seconds
Mise En Scene: basic old fashioned clothing

Shot: low angle close up shot
Duration: 1 second
Mise En Scene: the girls boot under the dress is shown as the girl stands up

Shot: close up
Duration: 1 second
Mise En Scene: cup in the girls hand gets dropped

Shot: close up
Duration: 2 seconds
Mise En Scene: cup smashes on the floorwith girls feet in background out of focus

Shot: close up of girls feet
Duration: 2 seconds
Mise En Scene:tredding on and walking over the doll

Shot: close up
Duration: 2 seconds
Mise en Scene: tea cup being stood on and smashing

Shot: close up
Duration:3 seconds
Mise en Scene: girls boot treading on the doll juxtaposing the relationship they have earlier with the dolls

Shot: mid shots of the girls in a line walking
Duration: 5 seconds
Mise en Scene: can now see they are in the attic or top floor of a house because the shape of the roof is visible in the ceiling

Shot: long shot
Duration: 3 seconds
Mise en Scene: girls approaching the window slowly

Shot: close up
Duration: 3 seconds
Mise en Scene: handle of the window being opened carefully by the girls hands

Shot: long shot
Duration:10 seconds
Mise En Scene: girls jump out the window in slow motion

Shot: still the same shot but starts to zoom out
Duration: 5 seconds
Mise En Scene: contents of the room still unchanged but is now empty of humans

Shot: close up
Duration: 3 seconds
Mise En Scene: expressionless face of the dolls increses horror and thrill to the sequence

Shot: establishing shot/zoom out
Duration: 4 seconds
Mise En Scene: the room is left untidy with broken cups and dolls, still with a colour wash

Dips to black to note the end of the sequence

Sound Track and sound layers:

• It starts with a slow and quiet soundtrack while there is a close up of the teapot and tea cups, which is layered with some synchronous sound of the tea cups hitting the teapot. This helps create dramatic tension as it is typical of a horror/thriller movie therefore the audience are expecting something but they dont know what it is going to be and when it will occur.

What have I learnt from my technical analysis?

• There has been many things i have learnt from analysing this opening sequence as it is a popular and highly talked about and highly viewed film. It typifies the horror/thriller genre from camera techniques all the way through to the Mise en Scene.

• The fast cutting rate enhances the fear the sequence is trying to create as it brings unexpectation, or maybe even expectation that something is going to make the audience jump, which is one of the main aims of a horror/thriller.
• The colour wash which was used throughout helps make the sequence portray the mood and atmosphere present in the scene. I beleive it symbolises horror because the colour wash suggests that things are not normal.
• The shallow and deep focus allows the audience to concentrate on what the producer is trying to show, which makes the audience understand it more.
• I have also learnt that the sound used is crucial to the sequence as if the visuals are outstanding and the sound track or background sound doesnt equal the quality of the visuals the sequence will not succeed in hooking the audience to want to watch the rest of the film.

LF: Preliminary Task - Feedback

We believe we used a wide variety of camera angles and techniques in the task, including POV using handicam, close ups, and establishing shots. the slow cutting rate made the  continuity of the sequence better standard.
Feedback from the class:
Positives:

• a low angled shot of feet running past the camera was widely applauded
• a pan of two characters past the camera was shot well
• opening door scene was smooth and realistic
• i believe the titles fitted in well with the visuals and lighting
• the transition at the end showing blur from the punch was apropriate and worked well

Negatives:

• dialogue was sometimes overpowered by ambient sound such as footsteps whilst walking, and the opening and closing of doors
• it was quite short however the specification for the preliminary task was included

Targets:

• make sure the dialogue is not covered by background noises
• use more editing techniques such as slow motion to catch more actions and understanding
• a faster cutting rate would have made the clip more thrilling and fast like the intention of the genre

CJ- Technical Analysis

Sucker Punch (2011)

The whole sequence is played in slow motion.

Shot: Pull zoom into bedroom with a girl sitting on a bed with her back to the camera.
Duration: 22 seconds.
Mise en scene: Stage, bedroom, girl, flashing lights (lightning).

Shot: Panning shot around the girl, pull zoom into MS of the girl.
Duration: 13 seconds.
Mise en scene: Bedroom, Flashing lights (lightning), rain, girl crying.

Shot: Doctor, LS.
Duration: 3 seconds.
Mise en scene: Low-key lighting, dark doorway, doctor nodding.

Shot: Small pan over the doctors shoulder tracking the girl.
Duration: 3 seconds.
Mise en scene: Bedroom, girl running in distress.

Shot: Crab left, LS of mothers bedroom.
Duration: 3 seconds.
Mise en scene: long dark hallway, girl running in distress, corpse being covered.

Shot: CU of corpse, camera raise, MS of girl.
Duration: 7 seconds.
Mise en scene: Corpse, bed, nurse, girl in distress.

Shot: CU of window, shallow focus.
Duration: 2 seconds.
Mise en scene: Window, contrast in lighting.

Shot: MS of siblings.
Duration: 1 second.
Mise en scene: Girl holding her younger sister in distress.

Shot: CU of girls legs, low camera angle, slow pull zoom.
Duration: 2 seconds.
Mise en scene: Bed, girl kneeling.

Shot: CU of hand.
Duration: 2 seconds.
Mise en scene: Bed sheets, hand squeezing.

Shot: MS of corpse.
Duration: 3 seconds.
Mise en scene: Corpse, bed, sheets being withdrawn.

Shot: CU of man, shallow focus, tracking man.
Duration: 5 seconds.
Mise en scene: Low-key lighting, man smiling showing a contrast to the moods shown by the girls and the doctor.

Shot: CU of girls face, slow pull zoom.
Duration: 3 seconds.
Mise en scene: Girl crying, high contrast in colours.

Shot: Birds eye view, spinning on axes, pull zoom.
Duration: 7 seconds.
Mise en scene: Grave, coffin, funeral, girl throwing rose, rain, black.

Shot: MS of two sisters crying next to mothers grave.
Duration: 2 seconds.
Mise en scene: Sisters, rain, crying.

Shot: MS of man standing in front of grave.
Duration: 3 seconds.
Mise en scene: Man, smiling, looking down on grave.

Shot: Low camera angle, LS.
Duration: 2 seconds.
Mise en scene: Grave, man aggressively throwing soil on grave, priest, sky, high contrast.

Shot: Black.
Duration: 1 second.
Mise en scene: Soil covering coffin (camera).

Shot: ECU of will.
Duration: 1 second.
Mise en scene: Last will and testament.

Shot: ECU of case and gun, slow pull zoom.
Duration: 2 second.
Mise en scene: Case, gun, hand reaching.

Shot: ECU of envelope.
Duration: 1 second.
Mise en scene: Envelope being opened, knife.

Shot: CU of the man reading a letter.
Duration: 2 seconds.
Mise en scene: Man reading letter.

Shot: Crab along the letter, CU.
Duration: 3 seconds.
Mise en scene: Letter, literature.

Shot: ECU of letter.
Duration: 2 seconds.
Mise en scene: Letter, literature.

Shot: LS, slow pull zoom.
Duration: 2 seconds.
Mise en scene: Study, Desk, Low-key lighting, angered man.

Shot: MS of man drinking.
Duration: 2 seconds.
Mise en scene: Man drinking alcohol.

Shot: MS of girl sleeping.
Duration: 3 seconds.
Mise en scene: Bed, little girl sleeping.

Shot: MS of older sister watching her sister sleep.
Duration: 5 seconds.
Mise en scene: Older sister, upset, bed frame, low-key lighting.


How many layers of sound are there?
At the beginning of the opening there is 2 layers of sound, narrater and soundtrack. For the rest of the sequence, studio sound is used in parallel with the action on the screen. This is played over the top of the soundtrack.

How is sound used to create dramatic tension?
The sequence shows the soundtrack playing a big part in the building of tension. An example of this is when the older sister is running towards her dead mothers bed, the soundtrack changes to a droning piano tune, signifying the depressing nature of the scene. Dialogue is also used to reinforce the tension in the scene, seen when the younger sister see's her mother dead she cries out "NO!" symbolising the great loss she's had.

What have you learnt from this technical analysis?
I have learnt a few things from the technical analysis, including sound, camera angles, movement and prop placement. The sequence shows great NVC, making it more interesting for the audience. The use of CU's builds great tension and allows the audience to use their imagination. The sequence shows subtle zooming, although not extremely noticeable, it makes a big difference to the quality of the shot.

CJ- Concept Development

Horror (basic ideas):

• Fast cutting rates creating tension.
• Set at night in low key lighting to anchor the visuals to the genre.
• Frames containing photographs adding to the mystery.
• A shot of a shadow to build suspense
• Tracking shot of someone running
• Studio sound e.g gravel under the car wheel. Amplifying the sound (selective sound).
• Flashes throughout the sequence
• Fast frames of a man in a mask.
• Creepy font relating to the genre.
• Shallow and deep focus (pull focus).
• (Tension building) a masked man in the background, leading to a shot-reverse-shot in which he's not there anymore.
• Location: Middle of nowhere. Dark, wet, creepy etc.
• Sound bridge (radio)
• Establishing shots (props e.g knives, blood etc.)
• Montage
• Dates, Time etc.
• Drained colour/ High contrast.
• Text interacting with scene.
• Partial visuals, split screen.
• Layers.
• Reflexion on the glass shows figure.
• Mirror closes to reveal man standing behind.

Inspirations:

The Strangers (2008)

• The Strangers is a perfect example of the sequence we would like to create. The whole story is about the confusion of the couple being hunted by "strange" figures, but not knowing. The film shows many shot-reverse-shots allowing the audience to see the "strangers" but not the couple in the film. This is the main tension building factor within the film, making it the perfect example for  the development of our production concept.
• The use of up-beat music is used to juxtapose with the action in the scenes, adding to the confusion and nerves of the audience.

Texas chain saw massacre (2003)

• The texas chainsaw massacre is another inspiration in the making of our production due to its physcho twist and creepy main character.
• The introduction to the film is a perfect example of what we would like to achieve with our intro. The frames include props such as knives, blood, pictures, literature etc. which all add to the build up of tension and mystery.
• The main character is also the type of figure we would like to feature in our production due to his  famous history and link to horror & gore.

CJ- Conventions of a Thriller

The Human Centipede (2010)

Conventions:

• A typical thriller introduction is by starting out with a lost person or group trying to find their way back. The location used is often dark, creepy and in the middle of nowhere. The clip of 'The Human Centipede' shows these typical conventions and how visuals are used to anchor the genre.
• Mise en scene is a big part of thriller films with props playing a key role. Establishing shots of sharp tools and weapons are often used to connote violence and gore. Thriller also contain alot of blood and dirt.
• Sound is used to reinforce the voilence and suffering in thrillers. Dialogue is the main sound used, with screming and crying being hugely popular. Another sound technique used is the sharp screatching sound track that is played over the top of visuals in order to build tension and bridge cuts.
• The prefered reading in a thriller film is that the main character is seen as sick and inhuman. The audience are supposed to see them as an alien type figure who does not have any morals or a conscience.
• Editing techniques used are, special effects and fast cutting rates. These are used to create tension and add confusion to the audiences mind. Special effects are used widely throughout thriller films due to their visuals containing alot gore, strange characters and weird locations.
• Thriller movies contain alot of different camera angles allowing for the many cuts. The audience often see alot of POV's and shot-reverse-shot's to see the reactions of the vunreable character.

LF: Conventions of a Thriller

Strange Days (1995)

Conventions of a Thriller:

• there is studio sound that has previously been recorded that has been put over the visuals which is very high pitched, a typical sound that symbolises thriller e.g screeching and screaming.
• it is a dark setting probably at night which enhances the mood to being more fearful and thrilling. I suggest our film could be set in the dark, or dusk of an evening because it makes the atmosphere relate more to the genre
• there is handicam which has a lot of movement on the camera shots making the mood more complex and nervous. This makes the audience see the POV shot of the character and can relate to them, and it makes the scene more uncertain.
• there is a lot of action in the opening which makes the audience feel more involved from the start. There is no build up from any other techniques like slow motion or music, it just goes straight into action/thriller
• i believe our film opening should have aspects of both slow and timid, then action, it will make the sequence more interesting to watch.

CJ- Conventions of a Horror

The Strangers (2008)

Conventions:

• A common trend in horror films is the pace of the cutting rate. The rapid change in angles is used to make the audience feel vunreble and confused. The pace of the cutting increases in scenes of importance. An example of this is in the trailer of 'The Strangers' when the scenes begin to change violently, increasing the tension and nerves of the audience.
• Common sound techniques used in horror films are studio sound (non-diegetic). The sound played over the scene is often asynchronous and not parallel to anything of the action on the screen. This is very popular in horror films as it adds to the confusion of the audience, and leads them into thinking something bad is going to happen.
• The clip shows the use of a sound mix, which is used to increase tension and lead to a crecendo, in which something bad takes place. This is a convention often linked to horror movies due to its popularity in crucial scenes. The music used however starts out by being quiet and soft, teesing the audience, and making them confused due to the contrast in music and the scene.
• Horror movies often start out with a happy story in which is interupted by the begining of a bad event which will change everything. This contrast in moods is used to increase the tension and nerve of the audience. This is due to the dramatic change of genre, causing shock to the audience.
• The use of mise en scene is a crucial part of making a film a horror film. The main character in horror's often have a mask or some other object covering their face, this is used to build on the tension and confusion of the audience. When the audience cannot see the face of the character they begin to imagine what theyre face looks like, and often leads to the wonder of whether they are human due to their freakish nature. Horror films also feature knives, axes, chainsaws etc. objects often associated with horror and violence.

JV- Conventions of a Thriller Film

Conventions of Thriller- Se7en (1995)

• From the film 'Se7en' and from many other conventional thriller films, we can see that opposed to horror films there is alot of dialogue between everybody, this is paired with eary music which creates a lot of tension and makes the audience concentrate on the film alot more.
• The film Se7en portrays this idea very well using a single external factor to create this; in this case it is the head of one of the mans wife, the killer is currently sitting next to him toying with him and trying to get into his head. A psychological aspect which makes the audience think.
• Shot reverse shots are constantly used to portray the emotions especially of the man that has lost his wife played by Brad Pitt.
• There is no non diegetic sound added apart from the a gun shot which means there isn't a problem with continuity so it runs smoothly, furthermore, the gun shot juxtaposes the eary atmosphere.
• The cutting rate is also fairly slow which also reinforces the idea that it is seamless.

LF: Conventions of a Horror

Silent Hill

Conventions of a Horror:

• blood stains over the props and scene immediatley show the genre of the film and the audience can see that it is going to be horror including gore and violent scenes.
• slow motion is used to see actions more clearly which would be good to use in a horror opening sequence because sometimes situations are hard to understand and slow motion will capture all the details.
• non-diegetic sound is used to further introduce the genre, the background music include low tempo singing in a whispering sort of voice which indicates horror.
• studio sound is used to include footsteps of a person without seeing the character and this typifies the genre of horror. Footsteps are used a lot in horror movies to provide suspense, tension and unease.
• there are props such as poles and knives that have been stuck into the bodies of the human statues which show that there will be gore in the movie, so this could be done to indicate to the audience gore will be prevelant but not making the audience feel uneased near the beggining.
• from this opening sequence i can see that horror movies will start slow and comfortable, but parts of the sequence provide the audience with information that certain scences will occur throughout.
• sound is one of the most important things when making the horror sequence because event with violent scenes, music can change the mood.

JV- Conventions of Horror Films

Conventions of a Horror Film - Alien (1979)

• One of the main conventions for horror films which is usually if not always a main part, is a secluded area which is isolated from the outside world and means that there is no possible way of escaping or getting help.
• From the opening of the Alien film, we can gather that it is located in space which means that this is the most extreme example and also corresponds with one of the key quotes from the film; "In space no one can hear you scream"
• There is also a danger which an individual or group are trying to hide from, this danger can be something from death to a curse, but everybody is still aware of this 'danger'. Yet despite this the main character(s) seem completely oblivious to this fact and continue with what they're doing instead of taking the safer route which would inevitably lead to them staying alive.
• Furthermore, we learn that there is always a main part which leads to the characters death etc. some of them include such things as a storm which prevents them from leaving or something like the individual fooling over.
 

JV- Film Openings- Research

Forrest Gump (1994)

Techniques;

• First we our introduced to a feather floating in the air with an insert shot is used to show it in a larger context, additionally  the non-diegetic music playing in the background is calm creating a soothing atmosphere.
  This is then juxtaposed when the feather drops down and enters contemporary society full of businessmen and cars.
• Forrest Gump is presented as quite a childish character firstly in the way that he dresses, he is wearing a suit with a pair of dirty trainers. This is framed in close up and then pans vertically to show the rest of his contrasting outfit.
•  Also there is no cutting rate so there are no continuity errors present in the clip and so makes it run more seamlessly.
•  What I like from this clip is the fact that there is a juxtaposition which can sometimes throw the audience off, but still keep them entertained. Furthermore, as there

JV- Film Openings- Research

Game of Thrones (2011)

Techniques;

• The sountrack playing in the background is triumphant and very powerful with the use of string instruments like a violin and guitars, this reinforces the idea that the title sequence is used to represent a battle.

• The idea of a battle is also emphasised by the use of a map and how a long shot is used to portray the vast landscape on the map and the different locations; the locations themselves develop into an offense and defensive mechanism. 
• Due to the seriousness of the clip, the font implemented also stands out like the music in the way that it is old fashioned coinciding with the images and ideas connoted on screen.
•  Cross cuts are used to switch from a map to the main title screen in which there is a strong fire in the background, with the addition of metallic objects which eventually develop into the main sequence depicting the title 'Game of Thrones'
•  The cutting rate is relatively slow and when it cuts the diegetic sound implemented is the same sound of drawing a sword out in battle.

 

LF: Film Openings - Research

Year Zero (Joe G, 2011)

Techniques:
Camera Techniques:

• there is a 180' turning shot around the head of a character which i feel build tension and suspense at the start of the film
• there are many long shots to establish the surroundings and what is going on in and around the setting

Editing:

• a lot of matched cuts are used in the opening sequence to show the complexity of the scene and the different actions other character are doing.
• slow motion is used to make fast action visible and to make familiar action strange which helps the sequence to develop the genre of horror.
• acceleration motion is used to speed up some of the filming to increase the thrill of speed and making slower actions understandable.

Mise En Scene:

• props such as the helmet are used to identify the genre in this case the use of a helmet may represent sci-fi.
• it is set in a train underground station which emphasises the mystery to the film opening and increases tension because a lotof crimes scenes are in places like these.
• a woman in wearing a mouth mask which may have the intention of saying there is something wrong which brings unease to the audience

Sound:

• the background music includes high pitch noises and screeching instruments to enhance the thrill and horror of the movie.
• there is synchronous sound which helps the visuals portray there full meaning for example the open space at the top of a car park/flats is accompanied by almost silent sound which increases the tension and the fearof the audience

JV- Film openings- Research

The Avengers (2012) — Art of the Title

 

Techniques;

 

• In the title sequence for The Avengers we are first introduced to the soundtrack playing in the background, a sound bridge is used when the clip changes to enable the continuity to run smoothly.
• Furthermore, the music has a triumphant and upbeat tempo relating to the actual film itself representing the heroic nature of the characters and revealing to the audience what the film entails with the introduction of the correct grain of voice, using string instruments such as a violin as well as a drum which gives it a more upbeat tempo to it.
• A pan shot is used which shows the audience the mise en scene aspect of the clip with the introduction of the characters costumes as well as weaponary, e.g. shield, bow and arrow etc. again reinforces the idea of heroic nature of it.
• Long shots and close ups are used to emphasise on the weaponary for example, there is a long shot of the iron man armour but a close up of the Captain America shield, although they are contrasting camera shots they both present the same idea of power.
• The typeface itself looks like metal being sharp and bold, which links to the metallic weaponary in the scene.
• What I like from the clip is that the music and the font relate to the film with triumphant music and bold font. In terms of camera techniques, I also like the use of the contrasting camera techniques in the clip.

CJ- Film openings - research

Dexter- intro (2006) 

Techniques:

• The intro connotes the genre of film by using objects in a way in which symbolises killing, blood and gore. An example of this is when he is cutting the piece of ham in a vicious way. The piece of ham is used due to its skin like properties, tricking the audience into thinking he is cutting open a body.
• The clip is showing the morning routine of the main character, 'Dexter'. This depicts to the audience that dexter acts like a killer in everything that he does.
• The clip is very clever in suttely showing the life of a serial killer. Using foods to show blood and gore is an unusual technique in which grabs the attention of the audience.
• The creepy and confusing soundtrack in the clip reinforces the unusual life of a killer.
• Selective sound is used in the clip to amplify sounds which will symbolise killing. An example is when Dexter is cutting the ham, the noise of the meat slicing open is made louder, making it seem more of a point.
• The titles used are bright red, reinforcing the blood and gore associated with Dexter.

The Thing- intro (2009)

Techniques:

• The main purpose of the clip is to show the audience the weird and unusual narrative of the film.
• The font and style of the text is used to anchor the genre and narrative. A sci-fi twist is given to the font in order to show that 'The Thing' is not like anything on this planet but extra-torestial.
• The sound track is creepy and depressing. An out of tune electric guitar depicts the harsh look of 'The Thing'.
• Alien like objects are used in the clip, further reinforcing the strangeness of the film.
• Low key lighting is also used to show the creepyness of the narrative. Another lighting technique is the flickering of light, which is commonly linked with thriller and drama.
• The hand at the end of the clip shows the audience that 'The Thing' has human like properties but doesnt act the same.

The Avengers- intro (2012)

Techniques:

• The soundtrack used in the clip depicts the heroic and military theme shown in the movie. This is then reinforced by the weapons of the characters.
• The font chosen is sharp and bold, having a steel like look to it, in which complements the weapons being shown in the clip. The titles are given a 3-D effect by rotating with the object in the scene.
•  The weapons and suits in the clip are shown to be worn, which connotes the fighting and action in the film.
• The clip is ultra-high definition, symbolising the futuristic and smart technology shown in the film.
• Editing techniques are used to roll from one scene to another, creating seamless continuity. A sound bridge is also used to improve the continuity, with the music remaining constant throughout the scene changes.

LF: Film openings - research

License To Kill (John Glen, 1989)

Techniques:
Camera Techniques:

• there is a close up of a woman holding a camera which represents the genre of detective/mystery which immediately tells the audience what the film is about.
• long shots are used when the characters are in action for example holding and pointing a gun, so the long shot allows the audience to see the gestures and NVC the chararcter is doing and see that the genre of the film they are about to watch is an action film.
• there is an establishing shot to set the scene and atmosphere, thats it is a public place, and anything could happen.

Mise En Scene:

• there is a character who has a parachute attacthed to his back which straight away represents action. the use of props therefore can be used as a way to provide infomation as well as dialogue.
• the camera lense shows the genre like i previously mentioned, another props to develop the understading to the audience.
• silhouettes are used when in the opening sequence to further enhance the fact it is a mystery and the fact that they are naked represents braveness which supports the genre.
• the silhouettes are predominantly naked females which shows how women are sterotyplically a form of power and materialism if characters like james bond are with them.

Editing:

• the transitions between cuts show good continuity and it doesnt affect the flow of the sequence.
• the superimpostion at the start of the woman and the camera with the setting in the lense creates a visual metaphor which would be good to use in my own development of a film. it increaes depth into the scene and gives the audience a chance to enhance knowledge of the film.
• there is a foreground and background created by a dissovle, so this shows the scene at the back then the chance for the producer to show cast members and actors in the foreground.

Sound:

• there is studio sound throughout the whole opening which makes the sound more quality and it eliminates unwanted background noise. this is important as you want the audience to think it is good and worth their time to watch.
• the non-diegetic sound includes dialogue of someone singing slowly and low tempo, juxtaposing with the fact it is an action movie expecting a fast tempo and up beat backing track.

LF: Film openings - research

Crave (Charles de Lauzirika, 2012)

Techniques:
Camera Techniques:

• there is a very good use of pan in the openeing sequence to make it flow and look professional. it also gives the audience a chance to establish the setting so it is also used as an establishing shot.
• a shallow focus is used to bring out the foreground and writing then the blurred bachground gives the audience an idea of the scene and setting. it also makes the audience focus on what the producer is trying to show as opposed to the vague background.
• there is good use of zoom, at the change of cast a zoom in or out brings there name on screen and visible. it emphasises their superioity of the cast and workers involved in the film which i feel is important to any openeing sequence.
• a lot of the shots include only one human silhouette, juxtaposing with the very few 2 shots. this shows how there is a lack of relationships in the film and brings foward the theme and nature of the 'horror' genre.

Mise En Scene:

• the colours in the opening sequence represents a dull and dingy atmosphere which tells the audience it will be some sort of horror or thriller movie. the dull colours also emphasise despondency and gloom, but positively steroetypes death to being horrible and unwanted.
• props such as mechanical machinery and technology are used, which help the director not show too many sign on gore, and makes the audience feel more comfortable in watching the film. it also improves the mood to being more modern and how time influences death.
• the NVC is invisible because the facial expressions on the statues are not shown so the audience has less sympathy for those being injured. the gestures are more relateable because the actions such as the sledge hammer to the head show evil and inhumane actions, making the audience fearful which is what the producer will want.

Editing:

• there are few cuts in the sequence which make the film opening flow and increase levels of continuity.
• matched cuts which are framed in a closer shot are used to show the actions being occured by the humans, in an attempt to emphasise the evil and power of humans. this juxtaposes with the fact there are many tecnological devices which shows the power and intelegence of the human, which are virtues not vices.

Sound:

• the synchronous sound which matches with the visuals emphasises the actions and makes them seem more real.
• the background sound has high pitch instruments like violins which makes the sequence more thrilling and scary, and it also brings the genre to being a horror as steroetypically, violins and string instruments are used in these types of films
•  thereis a clever build up of music in the soundmix, where as the seqeunce continues, more sound is included which leads to a crescendo towards the end. it also builds tension which supports the genre of the film.
• selective sound is used for the retention and amplification of sound, when weaponry items are amplified as the action with it takes place. this makes the audience understand what is going on and how it is happening, the basic things to include in movie making.

CJ- Preperation for preliminary task

• In the lesson we started by looking at previous AS preliminary tasks. This gave us a good idea on the kind of genre to use. I found that teen action was the most popular genre with many of the scenes having fast pace movement and and many editing effects for example pan and shot reverse shot.
• We decided to use action as the main part of our task. I drew out the basic ideas on a story board and commented on the camera effects which will be used. I also included small pieces of dialogue.
• Previous preliminary tasks influenced us to use different camera angles such as the example in last years group 8 preliminary task when they used a low angle shot to show the pace of the two men running.

CJ- Brief- Ideas & General ideas

Basic story board of our preliminary task.