Wednesday, 28 April 2010
(Evaluation) Part Seven - What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?
Here is a list and analysis of all technologies used throughout my Pre-Production, Production and Post- Production.
Technology Used Throughout the Project.
Technology Used Throughout the Project.
(Evaluation) Part Six - How did you attract/address your audience?
In terms of reaching my target audience, I feel that some comments have clearly shown that i have done so;
'I liked the pace of the shots....they were really quick'. From our survey on thrillers our audience stated that they favoured the 'edge of the seat' effect and I feel that quick cuts gives this affect. Also, it also gives the idea of an 'action thriller' with as the most favoured sub-genre by our audience.
Moreover, due to the comment 'I liked the continuous flashbacks through the whole piece' it is clear that we have successfully presented the psychological element that we wanted to.
The leit-motif was said to be 'really liked' which is very positive. We included it as it could be used throughout to connote that the killer is clear, so it clear that we used it effectively.
From this it is clear that we have both reached and appealed to our target audience.
Overall, I feel that our production has been successful in many instances. The originality of the piece with the 'unique' typography and leit-motif shows that our thriller stands out. Moreover, it is clear that our clues were clear as one audience member suspected a link between the killer and the police.
However, there were a few less successful elements. In the feed back, one group states that there had been a 'mugging'. However, there was meant to have been a murder. I feel that they got this impression due to there being no shots of a knife, therefore, I feel I would have included a close up of the killer using a knife. However, it could be argued that this mystery and 'theatre of the mind' is conventional for the thriller genre. Moreover, one comment we that the lighting varied, however, I feel that this was no too extreme that it needed changing.
(Evaluation) Part Two - Who would be the audience for your product?
Age: 15 - 30
Gender: Both (However, slightly more male due to the predominant male cast.)
Ethnicity; British. All races, yet mainly Caucasian)
Media Consumption; 24, Lost, Prison Break, The Bill, CSI. (General crime/complex television shows or films.)
Social Economic: B-D (We choose this specific SEG, as our thriller is reasonably mainstream so would appeal to a wider range of people.
Habits: Frequent readers, interested specifically in thriller films.
During pre-production we asked our audience questions about thrillers. We placed a survey on gum tree and asked for people who like thriller to take the survey. Here are some of the responses and how this informed out production;
Gender: Both (However, slightly more male due to the predominant male cast.)
Ethnicity; British. All races, yet mainly Caucasian)
Media Consumption; 24, Lost, Prison Break, The Bill, CSI. (General crime/complex television shows or films.)
Social Economic: B-D (We choose this specific SEG, as our thriller is reasonably mainstream so would appeal to a wider range of people.
Habits: Frequent readers, interested specifically in thriller films.
During pre-production we asked our audience questions about thrillers. We placed a survey on gum tree and asked for people who like thriller to take the survey. Here are some of the responses and how this informed out production;
- 26.7% of 15-30 year old's favourite thriller sub-genre was the psychological thriller. Due to this popularity, we have included many instances in our thriller that introduce this psychological element by including multiple clues, red herrings and twists.
- Furthermore, our audience also pick the ‘edge of the seat’ effect as the best part of a thriller. As a result, our opening contains multiple fast cuts (i.e D.I Sharma removing his notepad) and distorted music through the flashbacks.
- Moreover, during production I also added a draft of our thriller and asked my friends who fitted into are target of any improvements
(Evaluation) Part One - Brief
The brief for our foundation production was to;
'Produce the titles and opening of a new (thriller/horror) fiction film, to last a maximum of two minutes'.
We were also given the assessment criteria for our portfolio as well as evaluating past students work, both of these gave me a greater understand of my brief, as stated in Production Log 1.
Our opening starts with our main protagonist, Mr.Harris, giving evidence to D.I Sharma. We witness Mr.Harris' thoughts through flashbacks. However, as the flashbacks start to get longer and more is revealed to the audience; the session is interrupted and D.I Sharma has to leave. Whilst alone, the flashbacks continue...and Mr.Harris feels ill - here then rushed to the washroom to through up. In the washroom, the killer finds Mr.Harris...
The title of our thriller is 'Evidence'. We chose this as it is the key theme in the thriller, Mr.Harris is only in this situation because he can give evidence. Moreover, it also supports the legal sub genre of our thriller.
Sub Genre
As explained in our treatment (under the 'Narrative' section), our thriller covers three sub genres;
Legal thriller; Our thriller fits into this genre due to the strong theme of police.
Physiological thriller; With the key clues, red herrings and twist at the end (that P.C Chandler is the killer) our thriller will play with the audience's mind.
Stalker thriller; The mise-en-scene of our killer added to his stalking of Mr.Harris clearly places our thriller in this category.
'Produce the titles and opening of a new (thriller/horror) fiction film, to last a maximum of two minutes'.
We were also given the assessment criteria for our portfolio as well as evaluating past students work, both of these gave me a greater understand of my brief, as stated in Production Log 1.
Our opening starts with our main protagonist, Mr.Harris, giving evidence to D.I Sharma. We witness Mr.Harris' thoughts through flashbacks. However, as the flashbacks start to get longer and more is revealed to the audience; the session is interrupted and D.I Sharma has to leave. Whilst alone, the flashbacks continue...and Mr.Harris feels ill - here then rushed to the washroom to through up. In the washroom, the killer finds Mr.Harris...
The title of our thriller is 'Evidence'. We chose this as it is the key theme in the thriller, Mr.Harris is only in this situation because he can give evidence. Moreover, it also supports the legal sub genre of our thriller.
Sub Genre
As explained in our treatment (under the 'Narrative' section), our thriller covers three sub genres;
Legal thriller; Our thriller fits into this genre due to the strong theme of police.
Physiological thriller; With the key clues, red herrings and twist at the end (that P.C Chandler is the killer) our thriller will play with the audience's mind.
Stalker thriller; The mise-en-scene of our killer added to his stalking of Mr.Harris clearly places our thriller in this category.
Monday, 19 April 2010
Sunday, 28 March 2010
(Production) Thriller Scores
Thriller Music
The Bride Of Frankenstein – Franz Waxman
The music used juxtaposes fast and slow pace as well as low and high volume. The effect that this has on the audience is that it engages them in the action due to some unexpected variation. This variation also acts has a way to ‘thrill’ the audience, partially in parts of high volume. Moreover, the music also varies in the repartition of these juxtaposed rhythms. For example, contrasting to the hectic start, the majority of the 1 minute is in the same deep tone and slow pace. This introduces anticipation for the audience as we do not know when to expect the next alternation, which finally occurs 2.35. Furthermore, some sound effects are used that can hint towards a supernatural theme; this its self denotes the storyline to the audience but also adds a gothic feel.
It ius also clear that at times the music becomes quite comical, for example from 6.50 briefly the pitch becomes very high and the music very light. Not only does this music connote the precarious nature of Frankenstein’s personality but due to the previously spooky music, it transforms conventional comedy into a sadistic tone – yet again scaring the audience.
The dénouement, which appears the start after minute 8, uses high volume and extremely quick pace. This connotes the conclusion to the audience, so that we know something is going to happen, giving the audience that ‘edge of the seat’ effect. Also, such strong music would portray what ever was happening on screen as tragic and terrifying – adding to the ‘thrill effect’.
Sisters – Bernard Herrmann
The key to the opening, I feel, is the tolling church bells which act as an underscore. This ‘tolling’ is often associated with funerals; consequently connoting death and possibly murder to the audience. The music that overpowers this key feature does do through high volume and what seems to be long drawn out tones. The ‘drawn out’ effect connotes to the audience that the ordeal they are about to watch will not be pleasant as it will seem never ending.
Hello Zepp- Charlie Clouser
The music uses repartition of the same beat but just increases the volume, tone and pitch. This is perfect for the thriller genre as it could be used for a scene where everything is revealed to the audience. The first use of the beat show the first clue, the second the second clue and so on. Therefore, this music connotes to the audience that the information they are receiving is key as well as adding to the gothic atmosphere.
Friday the 13th Soundtrack 01 - Main Theme
This music sustains a quick pace throughout, keep the audience engaged. Moreover, there seems to be a vocal inclusion that makes the audience think that the person is behind them. This feeling of paranoia would add to the effect caused by the thriller and support a stalker/slasher thriller, which Friday the 13th is.
1975-OFFICIAL JAWS Theme John Williams
The pace and rhythm seems to mimic that of a train approaching, this gives the audience the feel of something coming closer, not knowing what this thing is, adds anticipation. There are also lots of anti-climaxes used in the clip, the pace builds and volume increases – onto to return to a calm and magically rhythm.
Hellraiser Theme - Christopher Young
The music is not overpowering – which works as it will add to the effect of the footage rather than being the sole source of tension. A slow pace is used throughout which yet again leaves the audience waiting for something to happen. Although I have not seen the film, I can take the guess that the main antagonist is extremely intelligent and calculating but to the slow build up, as if you mimic his/her slow evil thought process.
The Exorcist/Tubular bells/Bassie en Adriaan
In the first minute of this track the music is relatively calm and pleasant, however, at 1.03 there is a harsh and sudden voice which hints towards certain jumpy moments. Moreover, the repetition of the same rhythm adds a supernatural feel, which is a key theme for the film.
A Nightmare On Elm Street - Theme Music (Original)
The music uses a consistently jarring and horrible undertone of what seems like a distorted ringing. Not only does this unpleasantness hint towards the unpleasant events to happen but it also makes you want to stop listening. The voice of the females, which seems to mimic ‘angels’ includes a supernatural feel, connoting the supernatural theme of the film and that this evil is carried out by supernatural forces.
The Omen Soundtrack 01 - Ave Satani
The use of the choir introduces the theme of religion. Moreover, choir conventionally symbolise heaven and purity, therefore for them to be scaring the audience adds a gothic effect. The repartition of the same words is also conventional to the obsessive characters often presented in thriller movies. The key about this clip is that there is no dénouement, there is only the suggest of a dénouement, the music simply gets you ready for a scary moment, but nothing actually happens.
John Carpenter - Halloween Theme
The key to this music is the consistent high pitch used; it is extreme jarring and uncomfortable to listen to. The added quick pace keeps you engaged. Overall, although the music is similar there is a slight increase in pace and pitch, building tension.
Psycho Theme
High pitch is yet again used to the same effect as the Halloween Theme. However, there a multiple layers to the sound, with some at less volume so they sound in the background. This gives the audience the feeling that they cannot escape the voice as it is everywhere – leaving them feeling trapped – much like the characters in the movie.
Therefore, it is clear that good thriller music must contain some or most of the following things;
• Slow increase in tension
• Quick pace
• Variety in pace, pitch and volume
• High pitch
• Jarring sounds
• Anti-climax followed by the final event.
The Bride Of Frankenstein – Franz Waxman
The music used juxtaposes fast and slow pace as well as low and high volume. The effect that this has on the audience is that it engages them in the action due to some unexpected variation. This variation also acts has a way to ‘thrill’ the audience, partially in parts of high volume. Moreover, the music also varies in the repartition of these juxtaposed rhythms. For example, contrasting to the hectic start, the majority of the 1 minute is in the same deep tone and slow pace. This introduces anticipation for the audience as we do not know when to expect the next alternation, which finally occurs 2.35. Furthermore, some sound effects are used that can hint towards a supernatural theme; this its self denotes the storyline to the audience but also adds a gothic feel.
It ius also clear that at times the music becomes quite comical, for example from 6.50 briefly the pitch becomes very high and the music very light. Not only does this music connote the precarious nature of Frankenstein’s personality but due to the previously spooky music, it transforms conventional comedy into a sadistic tone – yet again scaring the audience.
The dénouement, which appears the start after minute 8, uses high volume and extremely quick pace. This connotes the conclusion to the audience, so that we know something is going to happen, giving the audience that ‘edge of the seat’ effect. Also, such strong music would portray what ever was happening on screen as tragic and terrifying – adding to the ‘thrill effect’.
Sisters – Bernard Herrmann
The key to the opening, I feel, is the tolling church bells which act as an underscore. This ‘tolling’ is often associated with funerals; consequently connoting death and possibly murder to the audience. The music that overpowers this key feature does do through high volume and what seems to be long drawn out tones. The ‘drawn out’ effect connotes to the audience that the ordeal they are about to watch will not be pleasant as it will seem never ending.
Hello Zepp- Charlie Clouser
The music uses repartition of the same beat but just increases the volume, tone and pitch. This is perfect for the thriller genre as it could be used for a scene where everything is revealed to the audience. The first use of the beat show the first clue, the second the second clue and so on. Therefore, this music connotes to the audience that the information they are receiving is key as well as adding to the gothic atmosphere.
Friday the 13th Soundtrack 01 - Main Theme
This music sustains a quick pace throughout, keep the audience engaged. Moreover, there seems to be a vocal inclusion that makes the audience think that the person is behind them. This feeling of paranoia would add to the effect caused by the thriller and support a stalker/slasher thriller, which Friday the 13th is.
1975-OFFICIAL JAWS Theme John Williams
The pace and rhythm seems to mimic that of a train approaching, this gives the audience the feel of something coming closer, not knowing what this thing is, adds anticipation. There are also lots of anti-climaxes used in the clip, the pace builds and volume increases – onto to return to a calm and magically rhythm.
Hellraiser Theme - Christopher Young
The music is not overpowering – which works as it will add to the effect of the footage rather than being the sole source of tension. A slow pace is used throughout which yet again leaves the audience waiting for something to happen. Although I have not seen the film, I can take the guess that the main antagonist is extremely intelligent and calculating but to the slow build up, as if you mimic his/her slow evil thought process.
The Exorcist/Tubular bells/Bassie en Adriaan
In the first minute of this track the music is relatively calm and pleasant, however, at 1.03 there is a harsh and sudden voice which hints towards certain jumpy moments. Moreover, the repetition of the same rhythm adds a supernatural feel, which is a key theme for the film.
A Nightmare On Elm Street - Theme Music (Original)
The music uses a consistently jarring and horrible undertone of what seems like a distorted ringing. Not only does this unpleasantness hint towards the unpleasant events to happen but it also makes you want to stop listening. The voice of the females, which seems to mimic ‘angels’ includes a supernatural feel, connoting the supernatural theme of the film and that this evil is carried out by supernatural forces.
The Omen Soundtrack 01 - Ave Satani
The use of the choir introduces the theme of religion. Moreover, choir conventionally symbolise heaven and purity, therefore for them to be scaring the audience adds a gothic effect. The repartition of the same words is also conventional to the obsessive characters often presented in thriller movies. The key about this clip is that there is no dénouement, there is only the suggest of a dénouement, the music simply gets you ready for a scary moment, but nothing actually happens.
John Carpenter - Halloween Theme
The key to this music is the consistent high pitch used; it is extreme jarring and uncomfortable to listen to. The added quick pace keeps you engaged. Overall, although the music is similar there is a slight increase in pace and pitch, building tension.
Psycho Theme
High pitch is yet again used to the same effect as the Halloween Theme. However, there a multiple layers to the sound, with some at less volume so they sound in the background. This gives the audience the feeling that they cannot escape the voice as it is everywhere – leaving them feeling trapped – much like the characters in the movie.
Therefore, it is clear that good thriller music must contain some or most of the following things;
• Slow increase in tension
• Quick pace
• Variety in pace, pitch and volume
• High pitch
• Jarring sounds
• Anti-climax followed by the final event.
Thursday, 25 March 2010
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
Sunday, 14 March 2010
Monday, 8 March 2010
(Production) Production Graphics
Idea One
THis was our first idea for the title graphic. A Evidence is often stored in documents the masked words that are used to fill the letters realte back to this idea. What's more, the blurred font connotes that not everything is what it seems.
However, after thinking on how to improve this, we developed this idea.
Final Title Graphic
This graphic connotes a lot more to the audience and is far more conventional to the thriller genre.
THis was our first idea for the title graphic. A Evidence is often stored in documents the masked words that are used to fill the letters realte back to this idea. What's more, the blurred font connotes that not everything is what it seems.
However, after thinking on how to improve this, we developed this idea.
Final Title Graphic
This graphic connotes a lot more to the audience and is far more conventional to the thriller genre.
- The repeated words represent the mind of our killer. It is repetitvie and obsessive which is often conventional for the genre
- The evidence acts as a hightlight on some of the words. Also, it is not very visable which makes the audience look for it; hinting some of the unexpected events in the plot.
- The font is still slightly blurred, acted as a connotation for not everything being as it seems.
Sunday, 7 March 2010
Sunday, 28 February 2010
Monday, 22 February 2010
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