Evaluation Q1

Q1. In what ways does your media product use forms and conventions of professional media products?

In my thriller project, I used a variety of methods and ideas in the process of filming and editing. I wanted to create intrigue. So for example I used sound to create atmosphere. There are many areas in my thriller opening sequence where I used low toned notes and percussion, e.g. the distant boom sound to build tension. I was inspired to add this in when I took note on the boom noise at the beginning of "The Dark Night", when the titles end and it cuts to the city establishing shot (on the top left). Also the noise as the scene changes to the villain waiting for the car, (picture on the left) inspired me.
In the opening credits, I used font style to get across the message that this is a thriller. I incorporated a similar style of font to Seven to use in my titles. It takes a handwritten style font called 'chiller' on Adobe Premier Pro.
The titles effects for Seven tie in well with the movement of the camera, music and the changing shots.
However, I didn't use as many unusual effects as the ones used in Seven, (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-k2gsEI34CE) because my thriller wasn't as fast paced throughout and because there isn't as much movement in the camera and close up shots. The suspense in my thriller opening was slow moving up until near the end where we hear the worrying sound of the caller 'Hello, Mr Andrews?' and the crackling white noise that follows before a bang to finish. This creates more intrigue (the clip below)...

I think the titles for my thriller tie in better with the long white noise that goes on through the clip, because they are subtle  and not as lively; they have a spooky feel instead, whereas Seven has a mechanical feel of movement and intimidation for the audience...

My thriller has aspects of conveying intimidation which I included from watching thriller scenes, such as the Bourne Identity fight scene, which I posted on my blog. This is one aspect most thrillers have in common, the ability to intimidate, sometimes the audience or sometimes a character in the scene. My thriller showed this aspect when the "villain" (Ian) banged on the window as if appearing to frighten the driver. This isn't necessarily intimidating to the audience, but creates a sense of concern and people are inclined to question what happened to the "driver".




Another convention I tried using in my thriller was the camera angles which were low down or had a limited view of a particular character, e.g. the villain walking up to the car. I managed to get a clear shot of his legs as he walked and I think was enough to make the audience wonder who it was. This type of camera angle is used commonly in thrillers, e.g. The Usual Suspects in the beginning scene.

See here the low camera angle not showing the villain's face

Feedback On Editing and Filming

When I had posted myt first draft of the thriller project up to my blog, my teacher gave me feedback on what I could improve to make the clip better.
First off, she pointed out that I needed to export my clip as HD, which wasn't too difficult, just simply change the format in Adobe encoder for the exportation of the clip once finished.
The next thing I could improve on was the sound: There were a couple of areas where the wind was too loud and distracting, at the begining in the establishing shot and when the driver is peeing in the bushes. I lowered the volume in thece scenes where the wind noise was. My teacher also pointed out that I could do with some music or white sound to hold it all together more and buld more tenshion over a longer time. I imported a file from Freesound with the appropriate tone and cut it up into particular scenes in the clip rather than as one sound all the way through, because some areas of acting wouldn't tie in with the music/whitesound.
My teacher said that there was a long gap where there was no speach which could help me cut the clip down even further (2.40) if I placed the following speech over the shot. I also cut the shot of the driver peeing down to a reasonable length, but I kept the scene because I decided it conveyed vulnerability and suspense, but too long and the shot would be almost typical of a comedy, not a thriller.
I also added more repetition in the phone call when my friend David says 'Hello, Mr. Andrews?' so that shows more panic and worry, and covers the black space in the clip where I intended for it to create intrigue and unsurity as to what is happening, so that it grasps to viewer.
Finally I was advised to change the titles to a more 'thriller like' font and make them smaller and put them to one side so that they were more subtle. I added more effects and transitions as well to give it a creepy effect.

Final Edit

Screenshots of the Editing Process

Putting the clips in order one after the other, adding
cross-fades  and de-crackler for audio etc.

Run-through of the clip to watch for imperfections,
cutting clips and shortening them etc .

Adding sound effects, e.g. low occasional beat, phone
 ringing, ambience of the office call centre.

Going back over audio and refining it with Adobe
 Soundbooth, adding transitions to make the sound more
phone-like in dialogue

Choice site for sound effects which I downloaded.

The whole sequence run through for the first draft.

Thriller (Draft Edit)

Editing

In my clip, the first part of editing was fairly easy and I enjoyed it, because it was fascinating to be able to put things in order and be creative in making it.
All the effects I added:
Cross-dissolve
Dissolve (dip to white)
Audio fade
I used the dissolves and fades  to demonstrate time passing by, even just a short period of time and also to move from one scene to the next, e.g. the car to the office.
The audio fades I used, e.g. in the cut from the second establishing shot of the car to Jo in the car, were to reduce the sudden change of volume between cuts and to not be such a distraction in sound bridges.
The general editing skills I included were:
Sound bridge
Ellipsis of Time
Continuity Editing
Shot/Reverse Shot
Dissolve
Fade-in
Superimposition
Short Take




However what was difficult was the fact I too much film so I had to shorten more than half the clips.
The clip was originally 4 minutes, but I managed to shorten it to about 2.44 minutes.
It turned out to be more time that I could have used for creating titles, but instead I sat down in lesson and finished it as quickly as I could.

Blogger FM (Filming and Editing Summery)

Sounds

Here is an example of the sounds that I have picked to use in my thriller from the site, Freesound. I have used this site instead of Youtube, because it is specifically for sound so it is easier to find sounds that I want. It also allows me to download files easily and with good quality.

Filming

The first day of filming, which was on Friday 22nd of Feb at the church office was with my friend David Butler whom arrangements were difficult, because we had such short time to film. This was including him going home to dress in formal clothes and come back and meet me. So in order to keep time, I asked him to stay in what he was wearing which was casual, so it wasn't too unusual for the part he was playing; just a more casual office.
The location was easy to access as we were shown to a suitable room, quiet, well lit and with all the props that were needed.
David's acting was good which benefitted us both time-wise, because it meant less excess film.
No-one disturbed us either so on the whole, it was very easy, and it seemed it especially after the stress of finding people to act...phew!

The second day of filming was at No Man's Lane in Stanton By Dale wioth my friends Ian Maweu and Jo Ingram.
Filming was difficult, partly because I had to direct two people, one of which (Ian) was outside the car whilst I was filming Jo inside, so I had to signal a 'thums up' to Ian in order to walk up along side the car, whilst holding the camera in one hand. (because there was no room for the tripod in the footweld and also hand held was a good effect.) However had it not been that my friends were good at acting, I wouldv't had lots more shots to make.
Apart from this, the easiest part was film the establishing shot of the car and the conversation with David. Jo's acting was good because it matched the same tone of David in the call centre which kept the plot running smoothly.
Neither was there any rain to bother us, just a full clouded sky which was appropriate for the theme of a murder.
I am thankfull for my friends, Jo Ingram, Ian Maweu and David Butler for making the effort they did, or else I would have had many more shots to take. Any shots that weren't good were actually very funny so moral was high, which is why it succeeded, so thank you to my actors.

Thriller Script

 Opening shot of car, lane, trees etc.

 Close-up of car and driver inside.

 Cut to driver making a phone call (Jo)

 Jo: looks around nervously hesitating with mobile to ear.

 Cut to call centre office, close-up on David and headset, computer etc.

 David: 'Hello, City Breakdown Services, how can I help?'

 Cut to Jo in the car looking around.

 Jo: Speaks fast 'Hi, hi, yeah, my car's broken down. I'm stuck, I think it's a flat battery.'

 David: 'Can I have your registration number sir?'

 Jo: Gives registration (says)

 David: 'Thankyou, I'm just looking up your details-so you say you're stuck; not moving?'

 Jo: 'Yeah, I stopped for a rest, but I'm not sure, the lights were off when I woke up, so I can't have  been them            
 that caused it.'

 David: 'Okay, sir, I can see your details. Can you tell me your whereabouts?' 

 Jo: 'Somewhere on the edge of Carnford Wood I think, No, Man's Lane, a layby off B6042' (looking  around
 nervously,tapping dashboard)

 Jo: Sighs impatiently.

 David: 'Okay sir, try to calm down, someone will be with you in the next couple of hours'.

 Jo: Looking around, agitated and nervous.

 David: 'Are you okay sir?'

 Jo: 'Yeah, yeah, thanks.'

 David: 'We'll call you again when our guys are 10 minutes away.'

 Shots of the lane, trees, car etc. Panoramic.

 Jo: Steps outside, looks around, goes for a pee up a tree. Gets back in car, closes the door. Sighs  relief. Glances  
 at the side mirror, sees a strange (familiar person Ian). Looks horrified.  

 Phone begins to ring again on mobile

 Jo: struggles to get hold of the ringing phone, drops it, looks back at figure.

 Jo: Hands shaking trying to press phone buttons.

 On inside window, figure stares in at drivers side. Face of strange person obscured, steamed by  breath.

 Jo: Presses phone button to answer.

 Don't see David, just hear his voice; 'hello, Mr. Andrews?'

 Close up shot of phone Close up on Jo's face. Really scared. Breathing heavily.

 Camera shot of trees. Gunshot 'Bang!' in distance. Close-up of hand

New Actors

So I have had responses from people who are available from my email.
I'm so 'thrilled' these are my actors:

David Butler

Acting: ***
Appearance: ****
Reliability: ***
Experience: ****
Age: 18
Role: Office Emergency break down Caller

Ian Maweu
Acting: ****
Appearance: ***
Reliability: ****
Experience: ***
Age: 18
Role: Murderer

Jo Ingram
Acting: ****
Appearance: ****
Reliability: *****
Experiance: ***
Age: 19
Role: Driver

Improved Storyboard

A Change of Plan

Sooooo...I've had a change of plan due to people (actors who can't make it)
Sounds silly, but my reliability ratings have been not much use. I have decided on other people. Once they've been confirmed. I will put them up.
I sent an email round to friends who I want to be in my thriller.
I also changed the location from Wollaton Park to Stanton by Dale which is more remote and less busy over half term.

''So you three are people I have now asked to act on thursday or friday 21st and 22nd Feb next week. I'd love it if you could. Perhaps if you're at church working in the afternoon for Destiny etc you could do it before for a few hours in Stanton by Dale. Possibly I could get the bus to Christian Centre and if Jordan Burrows is willing to drive take us to Stanton by Dale and get set up.

Probably one of you doesn't have to come to wollaton, because I could do filming at church possibly.

Let me know if U can DO this! :) ASAP''

Character/Actor Tips

I did some research into the importance of actors character types which are vital for a thriller. I have looked through as a way of noting down important factors involving where, when, who, what and why. The following notes are what I found on the internet:

After reading the script and working through the script structure and scene analysis, it’s time to figure out the development and objectives of the characters.

1. Character Functions

Each character has at least one function (or role) in any story, such as:

a) protagonist
b) antagonist
c) best friend
d) love interest
e) confidante
f) partner
g) catalyst
h) mentor
i) comic relief

There are many more, but this is a basic list for you to start with.

2. Character Emotions

Here are the three main character emotions:

a) Sympathy – the audience IDENTIFIES with the character’s problems and triumphs
b) Empathy – the audience UNDERSTANDS the emotions that drive the character
c) Antipathy – the audience wants the character to “GET WHAT THEY DESERVE”

3. Character Components

These are the Internal and External factors that shape each character:

a) Interior – form character
b) Exterior – reveal character

4. Character Background

a) where is the character from (background)
b) what was he doing just before this scene
c) what does the writer say about this character
d) what do others say about this character
e) what does the character say about himself

5. Character Objectives (Most Important!)

These are the main needs and wants of a character (what people want out of life)

a) SUPER OBJECTIVE (example: “Power over People”)
- what is the primal motivation of the character
- what are the main needs of the character

b) OBJECTIVES (example: “Wants to Dominate Character A”)
- what does the character want (motives)
- what are the active choices to achieve the Super Objective

c) MAIN ACTIONS (example: “What they DO to Character A”)
- what the character DOES…
- to get what he WANTS…
- to fulfill his NEEDS

NOTES ON OBJECTIVES:

a) there can only be one objective per character – per scene
b) the simpler the objective, the easier it is for an actor to play it
c) objectives rise out of the character’s needs and feelings
d) objectives help actors react to each other – rather than just “say the lines”
e) an objective should be an active choice for an actor
f) an actor should always play their objective in every scene

When coming up with character objectives, ask yourself: what does each Character want in this story – in this scene?

Filming Schedule (Half Term)

Thursday Morning:
Location: Office block (Christian Centre Church)
Props: Telephone, desk, chair
Costume: Suit and tie
Actors: Aaron Rilley
Camera Equipment: Tripod (For all Locations)

Thursday Afternoon:
Location: Car Park (Wollaton Park)
Props: Car, mobile phone
Costume: Casual clothing, baggy clothing
Actors: Solomon Rummy-Scriven, Jordan Burrows

Friday Morning:
Location: Home (Home)
Props: Telephone
Costume: Casual clothing
Actors: Amelia Stapleton

Risk Assessment

In order to do my thriller, I need to assess:
Location
The locations I hae chosen are; country lane, offce block, home.
The countryside should be easy because it is quieter (few cars) which means I hae more freedom for where I want to place my characters and my camera. The main difficulty might be weather (rain and wind) which would cause the camera to be unstable or even get damaged.
An office block would be difficult, because I would need somewhere extremely quiet unless I was to record sound elsewhere. Could I find a room that looks anything like a call centre? Maybe just a chair and a desk?
A scene at home. Sounds easy, but is it? I would need a tidy room, which I don't have at home. Maybe I could ask a friend?
Props
The props I would need; car, phone.
Whose car could I use? My parents? Can my chosen actors drive their car?
A phone is easy to get (no problemo!)
Costume
I want a formal costume for my call reciever at the the break down serice. Bit expensive? Or is there one that I can get hold of?
Scruffy clothes are pretty easy to find. The actors hae clothes like that.
Actors e.g. reliability
Chosen actors:
Aaron Rilley, been in front of the camera many times, can keep a straight face. Looks mature and would therefore play the call centre role well.
Solomon Rummy-Srciven, filmed before, been in front of the camera before, mature, would play the murderer well.
Jordan Burrows, friendly, been in front of camera before, can keep a straight face, looks young enough to play the young driver.

Actors

Aaron Reilley

Acting: ***
Appearance: *****
Reliability: ***
Experience: ***
Age: 19
Role: Office Emergency break down Caller









Solomon Rummy-Scriven
Acting: ***
Appearance: ****
Reliability: ***
Experience: ****
Age: 18
Role: Murderer











Jordan Burrows
Acting: ***
Appearance: ****
Reliability: ***
Experience: ***
Age: 21
Role: Driver










Amelia Stapleton
Acting: **
Appearance: ****
Reliability: ***
Experience: ***
Age: 18
Role: Driver's Wife



These are my chosen actors. I have picked these friends, because they all have unique aspects when it comes to filming, e.g. Jordan is more 'laid back' in his personality so he appears much friendlier and therefore would be good as an innocent character. Aaron is calm but also stern and confident, and it's that assertiveness that would be ideal for his role as an office worker. Solomon is more energetic so his physicality could benefit the part he plays as the 'baddie'. Amelia (who also worked with the camera for our prelim task) would play her part well, because she not shy of throwing herself into the emotion of the acting.

Props

The only props that I used in filming were the telephone and the mobile phone, both important props for the entire conversation and relation between the driver and the call receiver for the breakdown services.
The prop used for the call centre of breakdown services:
A typical telephone of the 20th century was what I was aiming for, rather than a headset, because I wanted something that my actor could pick up that was really substantial so that it was made clear that it was him answering the phone call and something more familiar. Not having a headset also meant that the actor's (David) emotions could been seen more easily in close-ups.
I used the mobile phone for the driver, because of it's typical practicality in the fact that most drivers would have a phone that was portable and easy to bring in a car.

Costumes and Location

Costumes
Villain:
Baggy geans/trowsers
Black woolen hat
Leather jacket/grey cotten jumper.
Victim:
Brighter clothes
Light cotten jumper/fashionable
Hair showing.
The costumes represent the type of person, e.g. light clothing appears inosent/vulnerable.
Dark heay clothes appear tough/strong/aggressive.

Location
Office block-Christian Centre
Church Offices/rooms, in
Nottingham centre.

Countryside around Stanton by Dale, Derbyshire. (Now an initial idea; I have decided to go to Wollaton Park, Nottingham, because it is easier for friends/actors.)
Home (home.)

Thriller Storyboard

Story:
An establishing shot of a break down call centre then in the office taking a call 'how can I help, sir?'
Cut to the scene with a car that's broken down. 'I've broken down in such and such car and such and such location...blar blar blar...' Shot of the young man in the car (over the shoulder shot) on the phone. Next shot looking beyond the driver through the window-mysterious character creeps up (face hidden.)
Main focus is now on the mysterious man who bangs on the window (close-up.)
Shot/Reverse shot; driver looks horrified.
Camera looks away to an establishing shot of the location: characters out of shot- hear a gun noise (suspense.)
Close-up on dead body, hanging out of the car door. Shadow of mysterious person moves over. Hand picks up the victim's phone.
Villain drives away in the car.
Establishing shot of a house (home of the victim)
Cuts to a woman (wife of the victim) on the phone walking worried round the house 'where are you Robert?' says to herself. (Robert being the victim husband.)
Murderer driving in shot: phone of the wife rings. Villain picks up the phone in close-up (face still hidden.)
'Hello?'
Clip fades...