This is my completely finished film.
Friday, 20 April 2012
Friday, 10 February 2012
Evaluation Activity 1- What ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
1. Our title is on a simple black back with white thin simple font writing, this creates a sense of normality which quickly gets counteracted when the opening scene in is watched. It also gives the audience a break from the intense build up to the film itself in the title sequence. The black connotes mystery due to its dark colour with no other clues on what the genre is like without watching the film. Also the word 'Exhibit' creates a sense of confusion as they know its a horror genre now after noticing the conventions therefore the meaning must mean a murder weapon. Exhibit is a word that the police usually use to describe a weapon involved in crime so this creates suspense as they now have a vague idea on what they are about to watch.
2. Our settings and iconography was pretty straight forward and basic due to the resources available in our reach. We used settings outside on fields nearby the school so we were able to get to and from the setting easily.The time of day didn't matter too much as i knew that one of the effects i would be using was a black and white effect just to simply get across the horror feel to the audience.
3. The props we used were easy to get to as a member of my family has a large range if tools in his garage so i was able to get hold of two different types of axes to back up the characters obsession with them. As the character has anger locked away inside him he uses the axes to kill people which he hopes will make him feel better but it just makes him want to kill again and again. These are relatively easy for most people to obtain one way or another, so this creates a bit of realism in the title sequence by using these props.
4. We used a good range of camera angles whilst filming our title sequence and opening scene. Most of the shots we used were simple but effective and other became more complex as came to carry them out. But by using these complex shots, this draws the audience in as they are captured by the camera following the movement of the axe using a dutch tilt but repeatedly. We experimented several different shots so we had a wide range of choice in what fits the genre and what doesn't, some worked better than others and some didn't. After experimenting and having the knowledge of what shots fit the genre we planned our shots carefully. Especially in the title sequence as every shot is important as its the first set of shots the audience will see and that will determine whether they will watch the film or not.
5. For backgrounds we used our film footage so the information that the audience needs to show who is in the film flows along side the film itself. This has an effect on the suspense as its ever flowing so the audience don't get a break from the build until the title screen where the title is in a simple black background. A black background also represents time so the change from the opening scene to the news report is even more effective this way.
6. Our group believed that the opening of the film is also very important alongside the title sequence. We used the idea of the axe being the murder weapon being introduced at the same time that the characters do. Therefore this gets the audience thinking straight away if this is the antagonist, has he killed anyone yet, if so how. Many questions will be firing around the audiences minds so this will draw the min and make them want to watch more to find everything out. This is typical for a psychological horror film as it involves the viewer to think themselves about whats going on and whats going to happen, so we feel we have achieved our goal by making a psychological horror film.
7. The use of the axe, as mentioned before we thought we had to use in this frame as its one of the most important aspects of the film as the character becomes obsessed with the axe due to his father being murdered by one. The fact that the shot comes the car boots point of view is effective as when the boot shuts then it connotes the isolation that the character gives his victims. Also in another shot the striking of the axe shows the audience that the character uses aggression in the film, this is in the title sequence.
8. We only use one character in the opening scene and title sequence as we believe this becomes more effective for the audience to think, who else is in the film, who has he killed and how many. We use shots that suggest he has the power over his victims by showing his aggression in his strikes of the axe and also when we see a low angle shot pointing upwards to show the character is big and strong. These conventions are stereotypical for an antagonist in a horror film.
9. Special effects also became an important aspect to our films production as we feel without the special effects used we wouldn't be able to get across the characters attitude or feelings in the film. For example, the black and white effect we used signals to the audience that he doesn't think about things too much his mind is black and white he knows what he wants to do and does it with out too much thought. This also connotes that he is a dangerous character as he wouldn't think about what he is doing. Using the black and white also connotes mystery as the audience does not yet know why or even yet what the character has done, all they know is he is digging the ground with an axe. By using fades also between each shot and as the titles scroll on and off the screen it shows the victims come into the film and fade out again as the character kills them.
1. Our title is on a simple black back with white thin simple font writing, this creates a sense of normality which quickly gets counteracted when the opening scene in is watched. It also gives the audience a break from the intense build up to the film itself in the title sequence. The black connotes mystery due to its dark colour with no other clues on what the genre is like without watching the film. Also the word 'Exhibit' creates a sense of confusion as they know its a horror genre now after noticing the conventions therefore the meaning must mean a murder weapon. Exhibit is a word that the police usually use to describe a weapon involved in crime so this creates suspense as they now have a vague idea on what they are about to watch.
2. Our settings and iconography was pretty straight forward and basic due to the resources available in our reach. We used settings outside on fields nearby the school so we were able to get to and from the setting easily.The time of day didn't matter too much as i knew that one of the effects i would be using was a black and white effect just to simply get across the horror feel to the audience.
3. The props we used were easy to get to as a member of my family has a large range if tools in his garage so i was able to get hold of two different types of axes to back up the characters obsession with them. As the character has anger locked away inside him he uses the axes to kill people which he hopes will make him feel better but it just makes him want to kill again and again. These are relatively easy for most people to obtain one way or another, so this creates a bit of realism in the title sequence by using these props.
4. We used a good range of camera angles whilst filming our title sequence and opening scene. Most of the shots we used were simple but effective and other became more complex as came to carry them out. But by using these complex shots, this draws the audience in as they are captured by the camera following the movement of the axe using a dutch tilt but repeatedly. We experimented several different shots so we had a wide range of choice in what fits the genre and what doesn't, some worked better than others and some didn't. After experimenting and having the knowledge of what shots fit the genre we planned our shots carefully. Especially in the title sequence as every shot is important as its the first set of shots the audience will see and that will determine whether they will watch the film or not.
5. For backgrounds we used our film footage so the information that the audience needs to show who is in the film flows along side the film itself. This has an effect on the suspense as its ever flowing so the audience don't get a break from the build until the title screen where the title is in a simple black background. A black background also represents time so the change from the opening scene to the news report is even more effective this way.
6. Our group believed that the opening of the film is also very important alongside the title sequence. We used the idea of the axe being the murder weapon being introduced at the same time that the characters do. Therefore this gets the audience thinking straight away if this is the antagonist, has he killed anyone yet, if so how. Many questions will be firing around the audiences minds so this will draw the min and make them want to watch more to find everything out. This is typical for a psychological horror film as it involves the viewer to think themselves about whats going on and whats going to happen, so we feel we have achieved our goal by making a psychological horror film.
7. The use of the axe, as mentioned before we thought we had to use in this frame as its one of the most important aspects of the film as the character becomes obsessed with the axe due to his father being murdered by one. The fact that the shot comes the car boots point of view is effective as when the boot shuts then it connotes the isolation that the character gives his victims. Also in another shot the striking of the axe shows the audience that the character uses aggression in the film, this is in the title sequence.
8. We only use one character in the opening scene and title sequence as we believe this becomes more effective for the audience to think, who else is in the film, who has he killed and how many. We use shots that suggest he has the power over his victims by showing his aggression in his strikes of the axe and also when we see a low angle shot pointing upwards to show the character is big and strong. These conventions are stereotypical for an antagonist in a horror film.
9. Special effects also became an important aspect to our films production as we feel without the special effects used we wouldn't be able to get across the characters attitude or feelings in the film. For example, the black and white effect we used signals to the audience that he doesn't think about things too much his mind is black and white he knows what he wants to do and does it with out too much thought. This also connotes that he is a dangerous character as he wouldn't think about what he is doing. Using the black and white also connotes mystery as the audience does not yet know why or even yet what the character has done, all they know is he is digging the ground with an axe. By using fades also between each shot and as the titles scroll on and off the screen it shows the victims come into the film and fade out again as the character kills them.
Evaluation Task 2 - How does your media product represent particular social groups?
Similarities
These two are very similar in the way they feel and show their emotions in the films as they both have hidden anger and sorrow throughout both films. They are both clever about how they go about their business and carrying out the scenes in the films as they are always one step ahead of the victim or victims in our films case. This is stereotypical for a horror film genre as the antagonist usually is on top of the victims and is clever about drawing them in and carrying out the murder.
These two both have the same type of problem but they are on the opposite side of it. The character in my film has had his father murdered by an axe which therefore results in the character going on a massacre with axes until he finds the suspect. The character in the other film chosen has killed a little girl and is trying to everything in his power to cover up what he has done but in the end the mum and dad of the little girl find out it was him. This film we made abolishes the stereotypical teenager in a horror film due to the plot targeting aspects that teenagers don’t face in everyday life. This causes friction between the film and the audience and they become on edge.
Both characters have the same sort of emotion throughout the film as they both have anger and sorrow in them as mentioned above. But again, these are in opposite positions so although they are both at each end of the sort kind of dilemma they could relate to each other with their emotions. Also as these two characters are the main ones in the film, the emphasis on them so that emotion that they have is easily visible whilst watching each film. This has a knock on effect of the audience feeling sorry for the main characters which then creates more of a shock these do something bad as for a moment you were trapped in a sense of sympathy for the character because of their problems.
The characters in both my film and the film chosen react in similar ways as when they are both committing a crime they don’t get to phased about the whole situation and they are calm yet it is visible that inside they are nervous.
Differences
These two characters dress differently as the character in my film is in dark clothing with a hood up as he doesn't wanton be seen and the other character does his crime early in the and dresses normally so people don’t suggest he did it.
Also due to the we show minimal shots of our characters face to create confusion and wonder, the audience don’t know if he is attractive or not so they carry on watching to find out. Whereas the character in the other film is an older man who may be seen as attractive to the audience. The demographic may not choose to watch that film due to them making a judgement of his looks.
Wednesday, 8 February 2012
Evaluation 4 - Who would be the audience for your media product?
Demographics
Our target audience is in the band of 18-24 year olds, both male and female. I would class this group of target audience in the D to C range as they are either still in full time education, the majority of these would be unemployed or they would be at the start of their career. The audience would probably all be around the middle to upper class category as well. Our film we made doesn't really have a specific race that we aimed at, it is aimed the age band and to all races, this is due to no religious content in the film. The target audience would watch the film because teenagers and the early 20s aged people tend to enjoy a horror film that is thrilling yet shocking. As a group we decided to aim our film at young adults as believed that they may have the same interests as us, or at least similar. Using this knowledge we feel that the film would appeal to the audience chosen as a result of the similar interests. By using the male as the antagonist we feel that the male population would enjoy the film as they may even be able to relate to issues he faces throughout the film but on the other hand, the female population may even enjoy seeing the opposite sex on screen and may be attracted to the character although he is doing the wrong thing.
Psychographics
The music i chose to include in my film is the main tension builder. We used this deliberately to give the audience a false sense of security as they could tell something was going to happen but they didn’t know when or if anything would happen at all. We thought teenagers would be our main target audience as the teenage generation may find the images more acceptable than an older generation. Though if we had to narrow it down even further, we feel females would be the most scared due to their stereotypical connotation of being more anxious and wary of their surroundings.
Psychographics
The music i chose to include in my film is the main tension builder. We used this deliberately to give the audience a false sense of security as they could tell something was going to happen but they didn’t know when or if anything would happen at all. We thought teenagers would be our main target audience as the teenage generation may find the images more acceptable than an older generation. Though if we had to narrow it down even further, we feel females would be the most scared due to their stereotypical connotation of being more anxious and wary of their surroundings.
Responses from the Feedback
Our group had similar feedback from each person so we had a solid foundation and an idea of what aspects we need to improve on. My editing in particular, I was asked to change my transition slides as they weren’t used effectively. I also had various comments about the music being the same tempo and it not changing the whole way through, so I had to go back and change these two. Another issue that was bought up was the fact my title was still and not a creative font so it didn't draw the audience in so i inserted an entrance and an exit transition to make it more interested.
Although, apart from those issues we got positive feedback on the title sequence and the opening scene as they said we used various types of shots at the right times and effectively. Whereas the minority did say the whole idea was quite misleading they became unsure of the real meaning of the film. As we only had a limit of 2 minutes it was very challenging to get across the full storyline and how the character acts in the film so we feel this is best we could do with the time allocated.
Also, in our first draft a big issue was raised on the quality of our first news report so we went back to the drawing board and created a new news report that we feel is more professional and fits in the with the film nicely. After tweaking and changing issues that raised we showed our final draft to the demographic and they were impressed with the improvements and believed that was a much better title sequence and opening scene.
Monday, 6 February 2012
Evaluation 5 - How did you attract/address your audience?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNWDdrqC6E4&context=C3494d58ADOEgsToPDskIJGyAD5Kzy6XqFPJIkxSfn
This is the video that i uploaded onto youtube and annotated how i have appealed my film to the target audience.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNWDdrqC6E4&context=C3494d58ADOEgsToPDskIJGyAD5Kzy6XqFPJIkxSfn
This is the video that i uploaded onto youtube and annotated how i have appealed my film to the target audience.
Friday, 3 February 2012
Evaluation 6 - What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?
The camera we used for our film was quite similar to what we have used in previous years at school so we had a slight advantage over timing as we already knew how to work the cameras. Due to us using a standard definition SD camera, to get a quality image in each we had to keep the camera still on a tripod and it became extremely difficult when we wanted to pan and perform the Dutch tilt with the camera. Although we feel our film quality would have been better if we had a HD camera we are pleased with our outcome of the film.
Editing on the LG and HANNS-G computers using 'Adobe Premier Pro':
As i edited individually instead of in a group I learnt a lot about editing and how i can a wide range of effects to exploit our aims of the film. I also learnt a lot of things that i did not include in the film like the pace and tuning effects on the soundtracks. I didn't use some of these due to the fact that i felt it does not fit the aims of the film. We were limited to the amount of effects we could use as we used Adobe Premiere Pro instead of using the Apple Mac software like other groups which was out of our control. Although in the film I edited I experimented with various fades and dissolves to see which fitting the genre the most. I then came to a conclusion of using a cross dissolves on the wording and a constant power audio fade. I also used a zoom in and out on the title screen. To give the extra edge on the horror genre I used a black and white effect throughout the title sequence.
I learnt a fair bit by using YouTube, although I knew quite a lot about the site anyway because i use it a lot in my social time. Firstly, I used YouTube to find horror film trailers that would inspire ideas for us to produce a good standard title sequence and opening scene. I also used YouTube when uploading my film to the site and I had to insert annotations to explain how i represented the horror genre throughout the film.
Google.co.uk was the search engine we used a lot on both our research and pictures we needed to create the films effects. For example, for our research we linked a character from a horror film that has the same characteristics as ours alongside some differences. We used this engine a lot more than we originally planned due to our research coming from websites we searched through Google.
Digital Voice Recorder:
Our group used a device like this to record our voices to put over each of our films. It was essential that we had a good quality of voice so that the voices are clearly heard. We used this voice recorder for evaluation task 3.
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
Evaluation 7 - Looking back at your preliminary task (the continuity editing task), what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to full product?
On my preliminary task our group used simple shots like match on action and the 180 degree rule to record an opening of a door and a simple conversation between two people on the other side of the door. Throughout the editing as an individual, I learnt a lot and developed more skills of the software 'Adobe Premiere Pro'. The preliminary task was filmed by a standard definition camera which is the same as our horror film so we had an idea of what quality of footage we would be using. There were disadvantages and advantages to using 'Adobe' and a standard definition camera due to the fact that I am familiar with the software and not the Mac software. But on the other hand, the HD cameras produce much better quality of footage.
The quality of the footage didn't change very much as we used the same cameras as previous years in lesson but due to the preliminary task we learnt how to use effective shots in the right places. By using a standard definition camera and the adobe software we had a head start on the editing side as we knew how to the majority of the editing aspects. Although due to our restrictions of editing transitions etc I believe I got the most of the programme without making the film less stereotypical and unprofessional.
On my preliminary task our group used simple shots like match on action and the 180 degree rule to record an opening of a door and a simple conversation between two people on the other side of the door. Throughout the editing as an individual, I learnt a lot and developed more skills of the software 'Adobe Premiere Pro'. The preliminary task was filmed by a standard definition camera which is the same as our horror film so we had an idea of what quality of footage we would be using. There were disadvantages and advantages to using 'Adobe' and a standard definition camera due to the fact that I am familiar with the software and not the Mac software. But on the other hand, the HD cameras produce much better quality of footage.
The quality of the footage didn't change very much as we used the same cameras as previous years in lesson but due to the preliminary task we learnt how to use effective shots in the right places. By using a standard definition camera and the adobe software we had a head start on the editing side as we knew how to the majority of the editing aspects. Although due to our restrictions of editing transitions etc I believe I got the most of the programme without making the film less stereotypical and unprofessional.
The top image was from our preliminary task, we used simple shots which we thought were effective but we didn’t frame them very well. But at the end of the preliminary task we learnt how to frame shots better as you can see in the second picture we clearly got our character in shot with the prop easily visible and the setting clear. Also they are both quite simple shots but in the second picture we have added effects to emphasize the genre of the film which we learnt would make the footage more effective.
We also used the 180 degree rule that we learnt how to achieve in the preliminary task. We thought this was effective to use because without this then we would feel as if our film would not make sense. I also used some continuity editing such as match on action where I used three different shot angles of axe being struck. As a group we learnt how to accomplish this technique in the preliminary task to a good standard. Also I used no sound in my editing of the preliminary task, but in the horror film I had access to hundreds of different sounds effects or tracks courtesy of a copyright free website that I found. These made the aim of a horror genre more realistic as the sounds are what really put the image into the audiences head.
Finally, by doing both the preliminary task and the horror film itself I have taken on my basic skills that I already knew and used them effectively and in the right place in the preliminary task. Also in the horror film i learnt complex and important skills that come together to make a successful horror genre film. By taking all these into account at once we had to ensure our basics were perfect so it was worth while completing the preliminary task.
Friday, 13 January 2012
PRODUCTION SCHEDULE
3rd December; All three shots of the pick axe, estimated 10 seconds worth of footage. Main actor needed.
7th December - All 6 shots that include the car, tool box and mini axe. Estimated 20 seconds worth of footage. Main actor needed. Period 1 (9:00)
Equipment Needed: Mini axe, Video camera (non HD), Tripod and Tool box.
Setting: Car park next to the setting of the pick axe shots. Behind the riverside park in St.Neots, Eynesbury.
14th December: All four shots of the news report, estimated 25 seconds worth of footage. Both Co-Actors needed. (Period 4 12:20)
Equipment Needed: Camera (non HD), Tripod, Table for reporters to sit at, chairs for them to sit on,.
Setting: A filming room inside Ernulf Academy Media area.
7th January 2012 - Begin to edit the pick axe shots and insert the title screens where needed. (Period 1 - 2: (9:00 - 11:00)
10th January 2012 - Finish editing the pick axe shots and title screens and begin to edit the car park scene whilst inserting more title screens where needed. (Period 2 - Break - Period 3) 10:00 - 12:20
11th January 2012 - Finish editing the Car Park scene and title screens. Begin and finish editing the news report/opening scene. (Period 1 - 3) 9:00 - 12:20
12th January 2012 - Find suitable sound effects and soundtracks to fit in the film, insert and trim down the bits needed for the film. (Period 3 - 5) 12:20 - 3:10 Finished editing and filming 12th January 2012.
3rd December; All three shots of the pick axe, estimated 10 seconds worth of footage. Main actor needed.
Equipment Needed: Pick axe, Video camera (non HD), Tripod. (Period 3 11:00)
Setting: Enclosed field with surrounding trees and bushes behind allotments in Eynesbury.7th December - All 6 shots that include the car, tool box and mini axe. Estimated 20 seconds worth of footage. Main actor needed. Period 1 (9:00)
Equipment Needed: Mini axe, Video camera (non HD), Tripod and Tool box.
Setting: Car park next to the setting of the pick axe shots. Behind the riverside park in St.Neots, Eynesbury.
14th December: All four shots of the news report, estimated 25 seconds worth of footage. Both Co-Actors needed. (Period 4 12:20)
Equipment Needed: Camera (non HD), Tripod, Table for reporters to sit at, chairs for them to sit on,.
Setting: A filming room inside Ernulf Academy Media area.
7th January 2012 - Begin to edit the pick axe shots and insert the title screens where needed. (Period 1 - 2: (9:00 - 11:00)
10th January 2012 - Finish editing the pick axe shots and title screens and begin to edit the car park scene whilst inserting more title screens where needed. (Period 2 - Break - Period 3) 10:00 - 12:20
11th January 2012 - Finish editing the Car Park scene and title screens. Begin and finish editing the news report/opening scene. (Period 1 - 3) 9:00 - 12:20
12th January 2012 - Find suitable sound effects and soundtracks to fit in the film, insert and trim down the bits needed for the film. (Period 3 - 5) 12:20 - 3:10 Finished editing and filming 12th January 2012.
GROUP ROLES
The group roles we decided on, we chose according to their personality as we thought this way we wouldn't clash to much with different ideas and opinions. I was the director who covered the final decision on each shot and where it would be. I also was the musical director because i like music so the sound effects and soundtracks would come naturally to me to fit in with the genre and the running of the film. Liam Irons was the Main Actor as he was eager to get in front of the camera and as a group we happily allowed him this role due to his confidence. Also we had Kieran Dale and Rhys Williams who were Co-Actors and featured in the news report. They were happy to feature in the film but not as much as Liam so we decided they would be our Co-Actors. Also Kieran was the producer as he was full of ideas just as much as the rest of us but he was keen that the idea we went with would work so he wanted to be the producer. Rhys on the other wanted to be the mise-en-scene supervisor because he likes to be organised and will excel in making sure the sets perfect and the customs are perfect for the shot to ensure a good film.
The group roles we decided on, we chose according to their personality as we thought this way we wouldn't clash to much with different ideas and opinions. I was the director who covered the final decision on each shot and where it would be. I also was the musical director because i like music so the sound effects and soundtracks would come naturally to me to fit in with the genre and the running of the film. Liam Irons was the Main Actor as he was eager to get in front of the camera and as a group we happily allowed him this role due to his confidence. Also we had Kieran Dale and Rhys Williams who were Co-Actors and featured in the news report. They were happy to feature in the film but not as much as Liam so we decided they would be our Co-Actors. Also Kieran was the producer as he was full of ideas just as much as the rest of us but he was keen that the idea we went with would work so he wanted to be the producer. Rhys on the other wanted to be the mise-en-scene supervisor because he likes to be organised and will excel in making sure the sets perfect and the customs are perfect for the shot to ensure a good film.
PRODUCTION COMPANY
Our production company logo was designed through our research of leading companies. We notice that most of logos consist of a picture at the peak of something which connotes the fact that they are at the top of what they do. We took this on board and got a picture of big been in London the capital city and a land mark in the country our company is from. So we used the peak of the tower in the night time to connote our horror genre film. Also to add a little extra creativity within the logo we decided to use the moon in the top right hand corner as the first 'o' in the work productions. The moon also connotes darkness which is stereotypical in a horror film, this way the audience have an idea of what genre the film will be.
FILMING STYLE
I filmed using the Hollywood style, using the majority of the conventions for a stereotypical horror film genre. For example, the setting that we chose was stereotypical as mentioned before due to the space being compact and 'in the middle of nowhere'. Also using black and white style throughout the title sequence was a style we chose to create a sense of darkness which is stereotypical for horror genre film. Within the research i did, the black and white effect did not come up in any of the two films. But i still believed that this would be effective and it would single the footage out from other films and create originality so it’s not exactly the same as other genres with a similar storyline.
I filmed using the Hollywood style, using the majority of the conventions for a stereotypical horror film genre. For example, the setting that we chose was stereotypical as mentioned before due to the space being compact and 'in the middle of nowhere'. Also using black and white style throughout the title sequence was a style we chose to create a sense of darkness which is stereotypical for horror genre film. Within the research i did, the black and white effect did not come up in any of the two films. But i still believed that this would be effective and it would single the footage out from other films and create originality so it’s not exactly the same as other genres with a similar storyline.
Thursday, 12 January 2012
SOUND AND MUSIC (COPYRIGHT FREE)
I got my soundtrack for my film a website called 'incomptech' - www.incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free
This website has a genre called horror so I thought this would be ideal and fits perfectly with the genre of my film. I used the sound track called 'Its behind you', because I feel this soundtrack is slow, eerie and gives off a sense of mystery which is exactly the feeling I am trying to put across in the film.
This website is also copyright free (royalty free) - http://incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free/about_copyright.html
^ This web address explains how this website can offer the music I use without breaching the copyright law.
The sound/music I used is slow and tension building which on my research of the two films 'Hannibal' and 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' is what's used in those. So considering my plot links in slightly with both of these films I felt it would be effective and fit in with the film I created.
I got my soundtrack for my film a website called 'incomptech' - www.incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free
This website has a genre called horror so I thought this would be ideal and fits perfectly with the genre of my film. I used the sound track called 'Its behind you', because I feel this soundtrack is slow, eerie and gives off a sense of mystery which is exactly the feeling I am trying to put across in the film.
This website is also copyright free (royalty free) - http://incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free/about_copyright.html
^ This web address explains how this website can offer the music I use without breaching the copyright law.
The sound/music I used is slow and tension building which on my research of the two films 'Hannibal' and 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' is what's used in those. So considering my plot links in slightly with both of these films I felt it would be effective and fit in with the film I created.
TARGET AUDIENCE
Our target audience is 18-25 as our film appeals to the young adults due to the graphics scenes and a high tempo film with multiple murders. We don't think that many middle aged and over adults will be too interested in the film but the majority of the 18-25 category will. Also we think that the mature aged adults would think that this film isn't acceptable because of all the murders and bad language but the younger generation would like this sort of film because communities have changed and it’s very rare that young adults haven't heard bad language or have watched films with bad language or graphical scenes in before. Due to my research telling me that 18 years of age is a suitable certificate so my target is audience is 18-25. My category is 18-25 because my research tells me that the films 'Hannibal' and 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' mainly appeal to that age group and the younger audience find this story line more acceptable in a horror genre than older people.
Our target audience is 18-25 as our film appeals to the young adults due to the graphics scenes and a high tempo film with multiple murders. We don't think that many middle aged and over adults will be too interested in the film but the majority of the 18-25 category will. Also we think that the mature aged adults would think that this film isn't acceptable because of all the murders and bad language but the younger generation would like this sort of film because communities have changed and it’s very rare that young adults haven't heard bad language or have watched films with bad language or graphical scenes in before. Due to my research telling me that 18 years of age is a suitable certificate so my target is audience is 18-25. My category is 18-25 because my research tells me that the films 'Hannibal' and 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' mainly appeal to that age group and the younger audience find this story line more acceptable in a horror genre than older people.
CERTIFICATE
The target audience we chose was 18 years of age, due to most films these days are aged 18 if there is heavy violence in a horror. This is because 18 year olds are classed as adults and they have the choice whether they want to watch the film and if they can handle graphic images. There is mild bad language in the film as the murders take place so this is another reason why we think 18 years of age is a fair certificate for the film. Also relating to my research similar films, with a similar story line like 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' and 'Hannibal' are certified as 18 so i thought having mine as 18 would be suitable.
The target audience we chose was 18 years of age, due to most films these days are aged 18 if there is heavy violence in a horror. This is because 18 year olds are classed as adults and they have the choice whether they want to watch the film and if they can handle graphic images. There is mild bad language in the film as the murders take place so this is another reason why we think 18 years of age is a fair certificate for the film. Also relating to my research similar films, with a similar story line like 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' and 'Hannibal' are certified as 18 so i thought having mine as 18 would be suitable.
PROPS
The props we chose to use the film were two murder weapons; the pick axe and the mini axe. These axes connote violence. Due to these deaths being carried out with axes, they are brutal/violent deaths. We used a tool box alongside the mini axe that no one see's inside of just to give the viewers a sense of mystery as they don’t know what’s inside. Also the white car we use for the murderer to get away from the scene in was used to give off a sense of realism instead of just walking off. Also we used a table in the news report because a stereotypical news report has a table in front of them where they put their stories on.
The props we chose to use the film were two murder weapons; the pick axe and the mini axe. These axes connote violence. Due to these deaths being carried out with axes, they are brutal/violent deaths. We used a tool box alongside the mini axe that no one see's inside of just to give the viewers a sense of mystery as they don’t know what’s inside. Also the white car we use for the murderer to get away from the scene in was used to give off a sense of realism instead of just walking off. Also we used a table in the news report because a stereotypical news report has a table in front of them where they put their stories on.
SETTINGS
The settings chose for our title sequence and opening scene were simple but effective. For the news report we chose a room with a plain background so the news report will show our two reporters in a background that doesn't have anything going on so the viewers focus on what's being said so they get an idea on what the film is about straight away. Also the setting for the axe we decided to get a confined space with a field and trees surrounding just to get a sense of a horror stereotypical scene. For the tool box and mini axe being place in a car boot we used a car park that was near by the pick axe shots so the trees were nearby for the same reason as the pick axe shots. My research on settings was focused on 'The Blair Witch Project', as this is mainly set in a forest with trees around and is isolated. Where the main actor was digging the ground with a pick axe, it was an isolated area with trees and bushes surrounding him to create the feeling of isolation which would also be recognised by the audience as similar to another well-known horror film.
The settings chose for our title sequence and opening scene were simple but effective. For the news report we chose a room with a plain background so the news report will show our two reporters in a background that doesn't have anything going on so the viewers focus on what's being said so they get an idea on what the film is about straight away. Also the setting for the axe we decided to get a confined space with a field and trees surrounding just to get a sense of a horror stereotypical scene. For the tool box and mini axe being place in a car boot we used a car park that was near by the pick axe shots so the trees were nearby for the same reason as the pick axe shots. My research on settings was focused on 'The Blair Witch Project', as this is mainly set in a forest with trees around and is isolated. Where the main actor was digging the ground with a pick axe, it was an isolated area with trees and bushes surrounding him to create the feeling of isolation which would also be recognised by the audience as similar to another well-known horror film.
ACTORS
In the title sequence and opening scene of a news report we have 3 actors, the main character that is the mass murdered with the axes and also the two news reporters. If we were to show the whole film we would have more actors; for example a police detective going to the scene of each death, the five characters that are killed in the film and various extras when needed in a public place to give off a sense of realism. The main actor doesn't show much expression on their face when you see it this is so it’s difficult for the viewers to understand what the character is feeling so the character becomes unpredictable. This idea of the actor not showing much expression and showing minimal face is taken from the well-known film 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' because the main actor from that film is called leather face and shows no emotion throughout. This is recognised by the audience and they will recognise it in my film and like it because they have seen it before and enjoyed it.
In the title sequence and opening scene of a news report we have 3 actors, the main character that is the mass murdered with the axes and also the two news reporters. If we were to show the whole film we would have more actors; for example a police detective going to the scene of each death, the five characters that are killed in the film and various extras when needed in a public place to give off a sense of realism. The main actor doesn't show much expression on their face when you see it this is so it’s difficult for the viewers to understand what the character is feeling so the character becomes unpredictable. This idea of the actor not showing much expression and showing minimal face is taken from the well-known film 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' because the main actor from that film is called leather face and shows no emotion throughout. This is recognised by the audience and they will recognise it in my film and like it because they have seen it before and enjoyed it.
TITLE
I wanted my title to relate to axes and i thought considering my storyline is about a mass murderer and murder weapons are usually described as exhibits for evidence. So 'Exhibit aXe' I thought suited my film, as the exhibits are usually also coded by a letter and 'X' and 'Axe' are slightly similar so I merged the two together. This title also leaves the audience wondering what the film is about as it doesn't give too much away. Usually, titles of horror movies are short using on average 1-3 words. For example, 'Saw' and '1408' so i thought about keeping mine to a minimal amount of words to give the same effect of mystery, because it doesn't give too much away. Also the audience will have to really think about it before they know the reasoning behind it.
I wanted my title to relate to axes and i thought considering my storyline is about a mass murderer and murder weapons are usually described as exhibits for evidence. So 'Exhibit aXe' I thought suited my film, as the exhibits are usually also coded by a letter and 'X' and 'Axe' are slightly similar so I merged the two together. This title also leaves the audience wondering what the film is about as it doesn't give too much away. Usually, titles of horror movies are short using on average 1-3 words. For example, 'Saw' and '1408' so i thought about keeping mine to a minimal amount of words to give the same effect of mystery, because it doesn't give too much away. Also the audience will have to really think about it before they know the reasoning behind it.
PLOT
The plot of my horror film Exhibit aXe is a mass murderer who is obsessed with axes because of his childhood. He wasn't educated in a school but learnt basic speaking and writing at home, this was because his father was a lumberjack and used different types of axes to chop his wood down. But one day whilst him and his father were out at work, his father was brutally murdered by one of his own axes as the main character stood there and watched. Now he is out for revenge and starts going on a killing spree until he finds the man who killed his father. His obsession with axes is because his father was killed in front of him with an axe. As you could see in the title sequence we have showed two different types of axes that are used to kill someone; a pick axe and a mini axe. My researched helped me with my plot as I took two aspects of my film from two separate well known horror films. The revenge part is taken from 'Hannibal', as the story is similar but has its differences. As a result of this, the audience that liked that film are more likely to like my film idea. Also my second aspect is the idea about going round on a killing spree which is taken from 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre'.
The plot of my horror film Exhibit aXe is a mass murderer who is obsessed with axes because of his childhood. He wasn't educated in a school but learnt basic speaking and writing at home, this was because his father was a lumberjack and used different types of axes to chop his wood down. But one day whilst him and his father were out at work, his father was brutally murdered by one of his own axes as the main character stood there and watched. Now he is out for revenge and starts going on a killing spree until he finds the man who killed his father. His obsession with axes is because his father was killed in front of him with an axe. As you could see in the title sequence we have showed two different types of axes that are used to kill someone; a pick axe and a mini axe. My researched helped me with my plot as I took two aspects of my film from two separate well known horror films. The revenge part is taken from 'Hannibal', as the story is similar but has its differences. As a result of this, the audience that liked that film are more likely to like my film idea. Also my second aspect is the idea about going round on a killing spree which is taken from 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre'.
Tuesday, 3 January 2012
Shotlist
1. Long shot of the main actor striking the axe into the ground twice in a black and white effect so the picture is dark and sets a typical horror shot. Also the camera follows the striking of the axe in a repetitive Dutch tilt.
2. Same as first shot other than this is from a different angle and a still image.
3. Same as the first shot but again, in a different angle (high angle).
4. Main actor walking towards the white car with a tool box and a mini axe in a black and white effect to set a typical horror genre scene. (Panning shot)
5. Main actor places the toolbox and mini axe into the car boot after opening the boot and shutting the boot after while the camera is still on to create suspense. This shot is also in a black and white effect. (Low angle)
6. Main actor then walks from the boot and places his hand on the door handle and begins to open the door. This shot is also in a black and white effect. (Long Shot)
7. A quick flash of an image that consists of a tool box and a mini axe, this has bright flashes at the start and finish of the quick shot. (Close-up)
8. Main actor then carries on opening the door and gets into the car; this again has a black and white effect. (Long Shot)
9. Main actor is now in the car and begins to drive off out of the car park to show the viewers that the supposed antagonist is getting away.(Long Shot to Long Panning Shot)
10. Title screen showing the title of the film.
11. News reporter doing a news report on the victims’ bodies being found (Mid Shot)
12. Same as 11 (Mid Shot)
13. Same as 11 but from the left instead of straight on (Mid Shot)
1. Long shot of the main actor striking the axe into the ground twice in a black and white effect so the picture is dark and sets a typical horror shot. Also the camera follows the striking of the axe in a repetitive Dutch tilt.
2. Same as first shot other than this is from a different angle and a still image.
3. Same as the first shot but again, in a different angle (high angle).
4. Main actor walking towards the white car with a tool box and a mini axe in a black and white effect to set a typical horror genre scene. (Panning shot)
5. Main actor places the toolbox and mini axe into the car boot after opening the boot and shutting the boot after while the camera is still on to create suspense. This shot is also in a black and white effect. (Low angle)
6. Main actor then walks from the boot and places his hand on the door handle and begins to open the door. This shot is also in a black and white effect. (Long Shot)
7. A quick flash of an image that consists of a tool box and a mini axe, this has bright flashes at the start and finish of the quick shot. (Close-up)
8. Main actor then carries on opening the door and gets into the car; this again has a black and white effect. (Long Shot)
9. Main actor is now in the car and begins to drive off out of the car park to show the viewers that the supposed antagonist is getting away.(Long Shot to Long Panning Shot)
10. Title screen showing the title of the film.
11. News reporter doing a news report on the victims’ bodies being found (Mid Shot)
12. Same as 11 (Mid Shot)
13. Same as 11 but from the left instead of straight on (Mid Shot)
Research on Plots
Most stereotypical plots to horror films have a damsel or group in distress and they either work out a puzzle or why something is happening to them and then they try and stop this from happening. They would usually try stop this from happening by either doing what the offender says or by running but either way, stereotypically something bad happens to at least on character throughout the film.
Saw - Perfect example, a group of people who have done wrong in the past are captured and taken to an abandoned warehouse where they will play 'games' to stay alive and people die at nearly every room in the series of 'games'.
Paranormal Activity - A couple have recently moved into a new house and bad things begin to happen relating to paranormal activity. One of the couple starts to get possessed and then results to violence towards the male out of the couple and kills him. But depending on what ending you have seen, the woman either gets shot, walks away or abnormally leaps towards the camera.
Most stereotypical plots to horror films have a damsel or group in distress and they either work out a puzzle or why something is happening to them and then they try and stop this from happening. They would usually try stop this from happening by either doing what the offender says or by running but either way, stereotypically something bad happens to at least on character throughout the film.
Saw - Perfect example, a group of people who have done wrong in the past are captured and taken to an abandoned warehouse where they will play 'games' to stay alive and people die at nearly every room in the series of 'games'.
Paranormal Activity - A couple have recently moved into a new house and bad things begin to happen relating to paranormal activity. One of the couple starts to get possessed and then results to violence towards the male out of the couple and kills him. But depending on what ending you have seen, the woman either gets shot, walks away or abnormally leaps towards the camera.
Research on Actors in Horror Films
Johnny Depp was in the 'Nightmare on Elm Street' film in 1984.
Shawnee Smith was in 'Saw' in 2004.
Robert Enguland played Freddy Krueger in 'Nightmare on Elm Street' and 'Freddy .VS. Jason'
These are well known actors who will appeal to an audience due to their celebrity status. When someone who admires this actor’s work see's his name on the film they will tend to pay money to watch it.
Johnny Depp was in the 'Nightmare on Elm Street' film in 1984.
Shawnee Smith was in 'Saw' in 2004.
Robert Enguland played Freddy Krueger in 'Nightmare on Elm Street' and 'Freddy .VS. Jason'
These are well known actors who will appeal to an audience due to their celebrity status. When someone who admires this actor’s work see's his name on the film they will tend to pay money to watch it.
Research on titles
Titles that give the audience a strong idea of the film:
Paranormal Activity - Simple enough, it’s a horror genre film that is based on paranormal activity which is demon/ghostly encounters.
When a Stranger Calls - Again, a horror film that means something will happen or begin to happen when a stranger calls.
Saw - A saw connotes violence, blood and gore so this gives the audience a clear heads up on the content of violence of this film.
Titles that leave the audience wondering:
Insidious - This title doesn't exactly connote blood, murder or kidnap so this leaves the audience wondering what the content on the film is about.
IT - This title is very basic and gives nothing away to the viewer other than there is something that is important during the film.
Titles that give the audience a strong idea of the film:
Paranormal Activity - Simple enough, it’s a horror genre film that is based on paranormal activity which is demon/ghostly encounters.
When a Stranger Calls - Again, a horror film that means something will happen or begin to happen when a stranger calls.
Saw - A saw connotes violence, blood and gore so this gives the audience a clear heads up on the content of violence of this film.
Titles that leave the audience wondering:
Insidious - This title doesn't exactly connote blood, murder or kidnap so this leaves the audience wondering what the content on the film is about.
IT - This title is very basic and gives nothing away to the viewer other than there is something that is important during the film.
Research on Settings
Both of these films that I am researching the settings of have stereotypical horror settings, although they are both completely different in comparison. One is enclosed in what looks like forest/woods and the other is completely empty in the middle of nowhere, this also results in the victim(s) being isolated so they have nowhere to run. On the other hand the second picture has what seems to be the antagonist on a deserted American road, this shows us that the victim(s) will have plenty of places to run but because its deserted there will be nowhere to hide or no one to help them. Also these setting are both in the day which sends off a false sense of security as everyone feels as if they're safe during the day but due to the isolated and deserted area there is no one to help them.
Monday, 2 January 2012
Script
News Report:
Reporter - 5 bodies have today been found in and around St. Neots. Police have reasons to believe that the victims were brutally murdered by what seems to be heavy duty objects penetrating the body a number of times. There are currently no suspects but police are urging people in the area to come forward if they anyone who may have been involved, or witnessed anything suspicious in the last week. This is Kate Smith, live is St. Neots for 5:05 news.
News Report:
Reporter - 5 bodies have today been found in and around St. Neots. Police have reasons to believe that the victims were brutally murdered by what seems to be heavy duty objects penetrating the body a number of times. There are currently no suspects but police are urging people in the area to come forward if they anyone who may have been involved, or witnessed anything suspicious in the last week. This is Kate Smith, live is St. Neots for 5:05 news.
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