Blogging Health Check 1 - Feedback & Targets

I feel that this grade is what I deserve for I am under the amount of blog posts. The feedback is simple and it seems easy to do. I need to improve on this and aim to complete the feedback and stay up to date with the blogs. I must aim to achieve no lower than a B.

Blogging health check 1- feedback and targets

task 18- ideas

Reflection on ideas

6 Minute challenge.
I found the challenge quite easy and straight forward as the scenario I was given (prop and location) worked well together so it was easier to think of a genre. The random article was also useful as it gave good random ideas that juxtaposed yet fit together nicely. It was easy to open a film with a title sequence as once we had the genre ideas began to flow. I think our idea was successful as it had a beginning, middle and end. It also flowed really well and made a lot of sense. One successful idea that we came up with included the name of the film where we incorporated it into the scene so that at the end of the opening sequence the victim would see their reflection, which would then be followed by the title of the sequence so the audience understand the title.

Task 17- 6 minute challenge

6 Minute Challenge

We had to come up with a film idea and we had the time limit of 6 minutes to do so. We then chose a name through the wikipedia random article section, and adapted it to make it sound like a film title. We created our 10 shots on a story board with descriptions and annotations. I chose a prop and location from a bag so that it was random, but luckily they worked well together and we instantly knew that it was right to use horror for the prop and location that we were given.

Task 15- individual idea's.

Ideas:
My main idea is to do with the genre horror. I believe this genre is really simple yet extremely effective if done correctly.  By taking advantage of the size of my group, we can manipulate the audience by leaving the horrific scene until the end so that it is left on a cling hanger which is extremely effective.

The music will be tense the whole way through and the lighting will be harsh until the very end where things become clear. I would like the story line to be easy to understand but subtle at the same time so its enticing and exhilarating.

It would be set in a house as most horrors begin and end in a house.

I would also like to include the gender element so I also thought of the idea of doing something to do with a 'set up chick' which is a girl who traps/sets someone up to get hurt. I thought this would be effective as the audience can relate to the story line (its common) and it relates to the modern day.

I think it would be effective to shoot this in a block of flats or an area with a lot of bricks as well as very spacious.

Task 11

What is genre?

   


Genre is a type of style or category of a film, for example, the genre of the movie 'Sinister' is a thriller/ horror. This means that is targeted at an teens or an older aged audience. Whereas a movie such as 'Willy Wonka and the chocolate factory', its genre is fantasy and comedy suggesting that it is targeted at a much younger aged audience as.

Task 10

Four different types of film openings:

1. Titles on a blank screen

This is the most common type of title sequence because it is low budget and simple. It usually consists of a white type face on a black background as there is a high contrast between the two colours. It is also a easier way of including extra information at the start or end of the film.

2. Titles on still image

This style is more elaborate than text on a blank background as it is incorporated with text and still images which allows the audience to hint what the genre and tone of the film may be.



3. Titles over moving images

 

This type of title sequence is more commonly used today as it is more detailed than images on a blank screen. This type of sequence adds credits with moving images behind them, though no dialogue is involved. The style also serves to offer a metaphor or narrative as it presents the tone and storyline of the film to the audience.

4. Titles using animation or motion

Titles using animation or motion only became popular in the 1990s. The titles became part of a moving image and were integrated together with the images we see. However, it stay one of the most difficult sequences to create as it requires a lot of digital technology, making it very costly, as well as stylised editing.

Task 6

What makes a good title sequence- Kyle Cooper

A good title sequence:
- dovetails seamlessly into the film

- sets an expectation
- gets you excited
- gets you looking foward to film

The se7en title sequence is visually unique, yet fits within the film's world. It delves into the core of the story without revealing too much, and its placement within the film gives it tremendous power.

Blog task 4- purpose of a title sequence and a film opening

A title sequence- also known as an opening sequence or intro, is a method which films or television programmes present their title, key production and cast members. Visuals and sounds are also presented for entertainment. It typically includes (or begins) the text of the opening credits, and helps establish the setting and tone of the program. It may consist of live action, animation, music, still images, and/or graphics.

The film opening is very important because it sets the scene and atmosphere allowing the audience to see where the movie takes place or what will be going on or, what has happened in the past (setting the story). 

Micro and Macro analysis of opening sequences

Micro analysis of the horror movie The Texas chainsaw massacre:

Constant use of strange sound effects or music to intensify the events and make the audience feel uncomfortable. Use of dark lighting from bright lighting to create a sinister atmosphere and a deadly vibe. This way the audience are able to know if and when the characters are in danger. Also, the use of a slow and fast pace camera movement and full face shot build tension.

Macro analysis:
A group of young teenagers come across a family of cannibals. Typical of choosing a young group of friends as they tend to cause mischief or trespass on isolated areas.




Micro analysis of the horror movie The house of wax



Intense sound effects and music used in moments of trouble and danger. Various use of camera shots from different angles to emphasise the horror and keep the audience at entertained and at question. Dark lighting and shadows throughout that adds to this idea of




Macro analysis
A group of teenagers get into some trouble on their journey so they go look for help and they enter an area which is isolated and a place that is not listed on any map, without their knowledge. So they are trapped and one by one a the friends are tortured or die.








Micro analysis of the comedy movie The hot chick

Macro analysis:

Blog 13: why is sound important in film?

Why is sound important in film?

Sound is used in film to establish tone, atmosphere and to help the audience spot clues about the plot, characters or to identify the genre of the film. It is also used to help suspend disbelief to create realism for the viewer and heighten their experience of the film.

Sound is important in film because it keeps the audience engaged and entertained, it helps to identify genre through music, sound effects, and dialogue. Without sound the film can be boring and lack interest to the audience as they will find it difficult to understand. 

Blog task 14

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1AMUmkj-ck

Casino Royale is one of my favourite Bond films as it has the most energy and technicality. In the majority of the James Bond franchise openings, they use fast paced music so that the audience continue to feel on edge. The music also helps the audience visualise the sequence better and notice the metaphors.

Sound in this opening is so important as it allows the audience to find the things that they are going to see in the film so that they are ready for the violence and excitement that the film will bring.

Blog task 11

Target Audience
A 'Target Audience' is who you want your film to be aimed at. For example, the target audience for 'Scream' is a mixture of gender, prodominatly boys where as the target audience for 'Frozen' is mostly girls.

Task 1
Legally Blonde- I believe the gender this film is aimed at is females aged between 10-30. I believe this film aims towards working class-upper class girls who enjoy watching programmes such as Disney channel, or just enjoy High School Movies in general.

YouGov (Legally Blonde)- The demographic is females from 18-24 who have described themselves as interesting and want to keep the same friendship groups

Paranormal Activity- Being one of my favourite films, I know that this film is aimed at people who enjoy getting scared, both male and females from the age of 16+.

YouGov (Paranormal Activity)- The demographic is males from 25-39. A lot of their other favourite films include other horrors and they also like comedy.


The Hangover- This film is definatly aimed towards males, between the ages of 18 onwards. The reason I say men is because its about a stag-do, and they go to vegas (which is where  a lot of men go for their stags). I think if you enjoy comidies then you enjoy every other type of film.

YouGov(The Hangover)- The demographic is females from 25-39 who describe themselves as being funny but lacking self confidence.


When thinking about what type of audience I want my film to aim towards, I think of teenagers as I can relate to them and I know what type of things interest them.

Blog task 8

There are four different types of film openings.

1)Black screen
Text is usually put onto a black screen as it makes the text stand out more. This is important as you want your film to be memorable which is what the aim is.

2)Titles accompanied by still images
This title sequence is much more elaborate than the first type as people used to use hand drawn images and borders to make the opening title sequence look more interesting and intricate.

3)Titles with moving images
The moving image is key as it allows the audience to interpret the movie however they like, it is also an insight to what they might see throughout the film through the continuing metaphor that is usually used in opening sequences.

4)Titles built around animation/motion graphics
Animated text came around in the 1990s.This also integrated and started to become a part of moving images.

Blog task 13

T13 - Why is sound so important in a film?

Sound is important in a film because it helps to identify the genre to the audience. As well as this, sound establishes a tone and atmosphere as well, which enhances the action that is already being visually shown in the film, which aids to maintain the attention of the audience.

Another reason why sound is important in a film is because it can help to reveal certain clues or plots within the storyline of the film to the audience, so that they have a better understanding of what to expect from the film.

In addition, sound gives a sense of reality to the audience, especially through the inclusion of 3D sounds, which are music, dialogue and sound effects.

Blog task 13

Dialogue authenticates the speaker as an individual or a real person rather than the imaginary creation of a story teller. As is the case with stage drama, dialogue serves to tell the story and expresses feelings and motivations of characters as well. 

When voice texture fits the performer's gestures, a whole and very realistic persona emerges. The viewer sees not an actor working at his craft, but another human being struggling with life. It is interesting to note that how dialogue is used and the very amount of dialogue used varies widely among films

Blog task 13

Why is Sound so important? 

Sound is very important as it establishes tone, atmosphere and gives clues to the audience about the plot, characters aswell as helping to identify the genre. It also heightens the emotions involved and 'suspends disbelief'. Without sound the audience would not be engaged. Mixing sound also adds depth to the story and can bring out more raw emotions.

blog task 7

Human traffic has its titles super imposed on a blank background.

Order of credits:
main actors
casting directors
costume designers
make up designers
production designer
editor
original music
music supervisor
director of photography
associate producers
co executive producers
producers

Group Prelim (October)

7. James, Jacob, Ralph, Ellie from 283goswellg on Vimeo.

blog task 12

Blog task 12- sequence one

blog task 8

 1- Titles super imposed on a blank background

This is the most common type of title sequence as its informative and it stands out, making it memorable. Also, many different types of elements come into play, you have to have a background that contrasts with the writing as it will make it more memorable. They are also low budget so its cheap to run so its the easiest option. It is also extremely uncomplicated, so its a good way to get a message across.

From watching the two examples, I am now informed that a contrast in text and background is very useful as it makes it extremely memorable and its very informative. I liked the yellow writing with the black background as it stood out to me.

2-Titles accompanied with still images

This is a more elaborate version of title sequencing, it steps outside the white background with black text and is more creative. A lot of title cards were created by hand, which is useful now as it is more creative to use the old way, just with more colour and different text. Titles that are accompanied by still images usually include more than the studio name and film makers. Studios were beginning to accept and develop this new way of sequences, this would also make their contribution to the film more recognisable.

The requirements are to combine different types of media to make the background as well as using music that can compliment the still images.

3-Titles without moving images

This category uses images and sound to attract the audience. The moving image is usually to put across a metaphor or narrative thread for the audience to try and work out as they are usually subtle.

4-Titles built around animation and motion graphics

Animated text became more popular around the 1990s. The titles became part of the image which required a lot of editing skills.

blog task 6

Human traffic begins with this frantic music containing break beats and rock guitars and we instantly know this film will be not be a slow film but quick and snappy. This suggests the film could be a comedy/drama. Visually it matches the music and images are shown of ravers dancing about, jumping up and down alongside footage of riots. We understand there is some sought of rebellion. The actors are presented very simply and cuts to a simple black background to introduce the cast.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNDI0Bw2TMw

Toy story starts with a clear use of animation and we instantly know the film is a children’s/family feel good animation picture. Moreover, the music is also feel good and sets the tone for the rest of the film, suggesting this friendly relationship between the child and his toys. The position of the title sequence is simple with white text in the background.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=toy+story+intro

blog task 5

According to Kyle cooper a title sequence should do three important things:

Make the intro seamless to the rest of the film

Set the overall tone

Introduce the main characters

T9 - What is Genre?

T8 - What are the 4 different types of film openings?

T7 - Analyse your favourite film's title sequence

Star Wars Title Sequence



Film: Star Wars - George Lucas

The reason that this is my favourite film is because of the title sequence. Firstly, the title of the film and the music start simultaneously, where the title is large and clearly visible, and the music is loud and heroic, which grabs the focus of the audience instantly. Then, whilst the title sequence has the audiences attention, the iconic crawl of the synopsis starts, which manages to maintain the audience for the dramatic music continues to play in the background and the audience reads for themselves what has happened before and will want to see what happens next.



T6 - Analyse 2 film title sequences

Vertigo Title Sequence

Film 1: Vertigo - Alfred Hitchcock

This title sequence begins with dramatic orchestral music, which shows that the genre of this film is Thriller. What I also like about this title sequence is the extreme close up shot on Kim Novak's eyes, for it shows a sense of mystery and ambiguity, and it gets the audience to think about what she is looking at or looking out for. As the title sequence progresses, we see patterns spiralling from Kim's eyes, whilst the music continues with soft minor arpeggios and then loud sudden brass, which maintains the tension in the opening, keeping the focus of the audience on the title sequence.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Title Sequence

Film 2: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - David Fincher

The opening to this title sequence is very intense through the sudden introduction of ambience which quickly blends into loud music, to immediately grab the audience's attention. What I also like about the music is that it sets a dark tone for the rest of the film. As well as this, the profound typography helps the audience to focus on what is happening in the title sequence, where we can observe the large amount of imagery that is included, for example the hands and bodies that appear from the black tar.