The film that my group created was a short opening sequence, we were given no budget to create our film, which immediately challenged us to match any of the real media products because nearly every film created had a budget of some sort, weather it be 20,000 or millions. For example an action film will have a lot of special effects to create the generic conventions, such as explosions, gun fights and car chases whereas our film did not use any special effect to that degree, the only special effect used was slow motion and fade.
Our film sequence I think is aimed towards the target audience of the teenage social group as it is based on two teenagers lives of which are played by teenage actors. One of the teenagers thinks he is the "man" and the cool kid which most people look up yo around school, he believes he is better than anyone else, this can represent some of the boys or girls that think in this way when they are teenager. The other teenager is classed at the other end of the social spectrum because he doesn't do things everyone else does and look the way everyone else does, this can represent some teenagers very easily because in schools it is seen very often people being bullied because of being this way, like the teenager does in our film.
In order to attract the audience to our film, we felt that we had to portray the characters in real life experience to relate to the audience. This was easier than expected as the actors we used were really effective. If I was to give my film a certificate I would probably class it as a 12A as it is mostly aimed at a teenage audience.
Throughout the process of creating our film i have learnnt about the different technologies that we used and the limitations their are on making a film with no budget. As our genre was Fantasy the group decided we wanted to include some special affects otherwise it may be harder to distinguish that it is of that genre. However the technology we had did not allow us to do that and we had to use slow motion effects and different types of music to show any magical scenes.
During the creation of the piece there were two major continuity errors. The first being the change of character and the second was a change of glasses on the other. The first error was due to the original character not be able to film so we chose some one with the same colour hair and had roughly the same build so the difference wasn't as noticeable. The second error was our fault as we didn't have the correct props on the second day of the filming, so we had to use different glasses.
After reflecting on our preliminary task we cane to the conclusion that we have learnt alot from the process about the different shot types and how to use the technology building up to the full product. One of the main things we have learnt was how to use the camera and to use it effectively, for example we learnt how to frame the shot better so there is no big waste of space.
Thursday 6 May 2010
Task 3 (Construction)
PRE-FILMING: To Begin, my groups first task was to write and script a synopsis for our main task which can be seen as task 2.1. On the basis of the synopsis we storyboarded and filmed the opening sequence. In the process of producing our film there will obviously be aspects of the production that will change - this maybe in relation to the script, location and even the characters used. In this instants, it was the script. We initially had written a script we thought we would stick to however this changed as the film developed and script did not fit the story.
Baring these points in mind we adapted our script so that it made sense to the audience. Instead of having dialogue throughout we only had dialogue at the beginning of the sequence. Instead we opted to have a montage sequence with no dialogue throughout the opening of our film.,
FILMING: After receiving equipment including cameras and tripod collected we were given a two week period in which to film enough footage to create a substantial opening sequence. We initially had two places to film, as some scenes would be set in a school environment and others at a friends house. A problem we encountered was keeping everything in continuity such as the pair of glasses worn by one of the characters. Another problem encountered was trying to get everyone to be able to film at the same time. At one point this was not possible and in the final scene we had to film using a different person acting as the same character. Although we were forced to change the character, I think we disguised the character quite well with some of the shot types used however at one point this was inevitable and we had to show the new characters face.
EDITING: With the two week period passing over quicker than expected we were now at the time where we had to start editing our sequence. This part of the piece was the most enjoyable however, we had issues with the amount of film we had and had to cut it considerably. We also had little success with creating a musical piece on Garage Band as nobody in our group was particularly musically gifted. We ended up using a continuous piece of music throughout which sounded quite good and I think this fitted our film appropriately.
Baring these points in mind we adapted our script so that it made sense to the audience. Instead of having dialogue throughout we only had dialogue at the beginning of the sequence. Instead we opted to have a montage sequence with no dialogue throughout the opening of our film.,
FILMING: After receiving equipment including cameras and tripod collected we were given a two week period in which to film enough footage to create a substantial opening sequence. We initially had two places to film, as some scenes would be set in a school environment and others at a friends house. A problem we encountered was keeping everything in continuity such as the pair of glasses worn by one of the characters. Another problem encountered was trying to get everyone to be able to film at the same time. At one point this was not possible and in the final scene we had to film using a different person acting as the same character. Although we were forced to change the character, I think we disguised the character quite well with some of the shot types used however at one point this was inevitable and we had to show the new characters face.
EDITING: With the two week period passing over quicker than expected we were now at the time where we had to start editing our sequence. This part of the piece was the most enjoyable however, we had issues with the amount of film we had and had to cut it considerably. We also had little success with creating a musical piece on Garage Band as nobody in our group was particularly musically gifted. We ended up using a continuous piece of music throughout which sounded quite good and I think this fitted our film appropriately.
Task 2.6 (Single Sequence Analysis)
The film I have chosen to analyze is the action film the Italian Job, the film is a remake of the original starring Michael Cane as "Charlie Croker" and falls into the genre of action. The Italian job follows the generic conventions of action very strictly and events that audiences would generally expect such as explosions, car chases and safe cracking.
The opening scene is set in Venice, where the protagonist Charlie Croker is introduced they are in Italy where retired crook John Bridger calls his daughter Stella Bridger (Charlize Theron) and informs her he is partaking in one more job. John then meets up with Charlie Croker. They end up stealing a considerable amount of gold from an Italian gang however another member of the team ends up betraying them and shooting John and stealing the gold. A year later Charlie seeks to find Stella who he convinces to join the team to try and steal the gold back.
Throughout the film their are various car chases and boat chases which are common in actions films. The use fast cars and slick editing makes the viewing experience epic for the audience. At the beginning there is also an explosion which is key in action genre films.
Mise-en-scene is key throughout the film and portrays to the audience the plot and conventions of the film, this is particularly noticeable in the sub categories "costume" & "props".
Costume: Throughout the film I think costume plays a key role in establishing what role each character is fulfilling, an example of this would be when they are partaking in criminal activity they are generally dressed in dark clothing thus demonstrated in the opening sequence. This allows the audience to gain an understanding of what is going to happen down the line in the film.
Props: The use of props is typical in an action film the use of stylish cars and flash equipment impresses the audience and keeps them interested. Examples of this in the Italian Job would be the use of the Mini Cooper S cars, in the traditional colours Red, White & Blue.
The opening scene is set in Venice, where the protagonist Charlie Croker is introduced they are in Italy where retired crook John Bridger calls his daughter Stella Bridger (Charlize Theron) and informs her he is partaking in one more job. John then meets up with Charlie Croker. They end up stealing a considerable amount of gold from an Italian gang however another member of the team ends up betraying them and shooting John and stealing the gold. A year later Charlie seeks to find Stella who he convinces to join the team to try and steal the gold back.
Throughout the film their are various car chases and boat chases which are common in actions films. The use fast cars and slick editing makes the viewing experience epic for the audience. At the beginning there is also an explosion which is key in action genre films.
Mise-en-scene is key throughout the film and portrays to the audience the plot and conventions of the film, this is particularly noticeable in the sub categories "costume" & "props".
Costume: Throughout the film I think costume plays a key role in establishing what role each character is fulfilling, an example of this would be when they are partaking in criminal activity they are generally dressed in dark clothing thus demonstrated in the opening sequence. This allows the audience to gain an understanding of what is going to happen down the line in the film.
Props: The use of props is typical in an action film the use of stylish cars and flash equipment impresses the audience and keeps them interested. Examples of this in the Italian Job would be the use of the Mini Cooper S cars, in the traditional colours Red, White & Blue.
Task 2.5 (Comparison of Sequences)
For this particular task, I decided to compare two "American war" genre film openings. These films are "Black Hawk Down" which is an American war film based on the conflict in Somalia in 1993 and "Saving Private Ryan". I chose these two films because they have similarities and differences in their opening sequence.
"Black Hawk Down" is an America War Film based on the real life events of the conflict America were involved in, in Somalia in 1993. The film was directed by Ridley Scott and received two academy awards.
"Saving Private Ryan" is also an America War Film based on the real life events of the conflict of WW2 particularly focusing on the D-Day landings. It was directed by Steven Spielberg and received 5 academy awards.
To begin both of this sequences share the theme of a battle in the opening sequence, In "Black Hawk Down" we see the convoy leaving a base and the Somalians collecting weapons. A problem also occurs in the opening sequence as solder falls from a helicopter leaving him unconscious, this character is known as Private Blackburn played by Orlando Bloom. "Saving Private Ryan"is similar as the opening sequence is the D-Day landings of WW2 which is an intense battle scene. An enigma is also created in this scene as the troops get obliterated by German machine gun fire and have to make there way up the top of the beach. This supports the generic conventions of a war film where by the opening sequence is generally a battle scene, examples of this would be "Saving Private Ryan", "Black Hawk Down", "Green Zone" and "Hurt Locker".
I think the narrative structure for both of these films would be the exposition stage as the characters are introduced to the audience and in some form the plot of the film is laid out. Examples of this would be in "Black Hawk Down" the introduction of key characters such as SSGT Matt Eversmann, played by Josh Hartnett and also in "Saving Private Ryan" the introduction of Captain Miller, played by Tom Hanks. In both of these sequences an enigma is created as situations change and the plot develops.
Although these two films do have a lot of similarities in their opening sequences there are also differences throughout and in the opening sequences. One of these differences would be how the unity of the squads change in each film, in "Saving Private Ryan" the whole squad stays united together throughout unless death occurs where as in "Black Hawk Down" the squad is broken up as people are moved around to complete different tasks.
Black Hawk Down Trailer
Saving Private Ryan
"Black Hawk Down" is an America War Film based on the real life events of the conflict America were involved in, in Somalia in 1993. The film was directed by Ridley Scott and received two academy awards.
"Saving Private Ryan" is also an America War Film based on the real life events of the conflict of WW2 particularly focusing on the D-Day landings. It was directed by Steven Spielberg and received 5 academy awards.
To begin both of this sequences share the theme of a battle in the opening sequence, In "Black Hawk Down" we see the convoy leaving a base and the Somalians collecting weapons. A problem also occurs in the opening sequence as solder falls from a helicopter leaving him unconscious, this character is known as Private Blackburn played by Orlando Bloom. "Saving Private Ryan"is similar as the opening sequence is the D-Day landings of WW2 which is an intense battle scene. An enigma is also created in this scene as the troops get obliterated by German machine gun fire and have to make there way up the top of the beach. This supports the generic conventions of a war film where by the opening sequence is generally a battle scene, examples of this would be "Saving Private Ryan", "Black Hawk Down", "Green Zone" and "Hurt Locker".
I think the narrative structure for both of these films would be the exposition stage as the characters are introduced to the audience and in some form the plot of the film is laid out. Examples of this would be in "Black Hawk Down" the introduction of key characters such as SSGT Matt Eversmann, played by Josh Hartnett and also in "Saving Private Ryan" the introduction of Captain Miller, played by Tom Hanks. In both of these sequences an enigma is created as situations change and the plot develops.
Although these two films do have a lot of similarities in their opening sequences there are also differences throughout and in the opening sequences. One of these differences would be how the unity of the squads change in each film, in "Saving Private Ryan" the whole squad stays united together throughout unless death occurs where as in "Black Hawk Down" the squad is broken up as people are moved around to complete different tasks.
Black Hawk Down Trailer
Saving Private Ryan
Tuesday 5 January 2010
Task 2.4 (Generic Conventions)
The four different genres I have chosen to investigate the generic conventions and iconography of are, Action, War, Comedy and Horror. Generic conventions are specific features of a film that allow the film to be put in a specific genre, it is also what people expect to happen in the film. Iconorgphy is the different things you expect to see in different genres for example props, mis-en-scene, costime or even plotline.
Generic conventions of an Action genre are that there is a car chase or chase with expensive vehicles by the protagonist and the antagonist and example of this would be a james bond film whereby almost every film this occurs. This usually results in one veichle being destroyed. Explosions are also common in action films and can be invloved with the car chase or other buildings Another generic convention is fight scenes which usually involve weapons or old fashioned "punch ups".
Iconography of an Action genre are guns, fast and expensive cars and attractive women. For example the film 'Italian Job (remake)' is of the action genre, there is a long car chase with three mini coopers and a helicopter also hand guns are involved and an attractive lady played by Charlize Theron.
Generic conventions of war films are usually based on true life events which may have been altered to make the film a little bit more pleasing to the audience. Usually in a war film there is a situation where a western power intervens to solve a problem. Whilst solving that problem there is usually another sub problem which occurs an example of this would be in the film ' Black Hawk Down' where the American task force is sent in to try and overthrow the Somalian war lord whilst in the process of doing this two helicopter get shot down causing another problem.
Iconography of the war genre is pretty straight forward, people expect there to be weapons and veichles from the time of which the conflict is taking place, e.g the M16 being used in 'We Were Soldiers' in Vietnam another example would be the Hummers used in 'Black Hawk Down' which were used in Somalia.
A comedy is generally a story that tells the audience about a series of funny or comical events, intended to make the audience laugh. Some comedys can also mock other films in the way they are made an example of this would be Johnny English which is mocking James Bond. In a comedy there is generally a well known charecter who is known for being funny and has appeared in comedys before.
Generic conventions of Horror are easily distingusiable, there is usually a supernatural or non-supernatural being that is trying to murder people and the victims usually get killed one at a time. A good example of this is the Saw films, in each film there is the protagonist who has captured a group of people and then he picks them of one by one.
Iconography of Horror is also very easy to distinguis because it is very different from the other genres, blood and guts is the most obvious one. Others include attractive females 'damsel in distress', dark and creepy locations and the killer may have some abnormal physical apperance or they are disturbed.
Generic conventions of an Action genre are that there is a car chase or chase with expensive vehicles by the protagonist and the antagonist and example of this would be a james bond film whereby almost every film this occurs. This usually results in one veichle being destroyed. Explosions are also common in action films and can be invloved with the car chase or other buildings Another generic convention is fight scenes which usually involve weapons or old fashioned "punch ups".
Iconography of an Action genre are guns, fast and expensive cars and attractive women. For example the film 'Italian Job (remake)' is of the action genre, there is a long car chase with three mini coopers and a helicopter also hand guns are involved and an attractive lady played by Charlize Theron.
Generic conventions of war films are usually based on true life events which may have been altered to make the film a little bit more pleasing to the audience. Usually in a war film there is a situation where a western power intervens to solve a problem. Whilst solving that problem there is usually another sub problem which occurs an example of this would be in the film ' Black Hawk Down' where the American task force is sent in to try and overthrow the Somalian war lord whilst in the process of doing this two helicopter get shot down causing another problem.
Iconography of the war genre is pretty straight forward, people expect there to be weapons and veichles from the time of which the conflict is taking place, e.g the M16 being used in 'We Were Soldiers' in Vietnam another example would be the Hummers used in 'Black Hawk Down' which were used in Somalia.
A comedy is generally a story that tells the audience about a series of funny or comical events, intended to make the audience laugh. Some comedys can also mock other films in the way they are made an example of this would be Johnny English which is mocking James Bond. In a comedy there is generally a well known charecter who is known for being funny and has appeared in comedys before.
Generic conventions of Horror are easily distingusiable, there is usually a supernatural or non-supernatural being that is trying to murder people and the victims usually get killed one at a time. A good example of this is the Saw films, in each film there is the protagonist who has captured a group of people and then he picks them of one by one.
Iconography of Horror is also very easy to distinguis because it is very different from the other genres, blood and guts is the most obvious one. Others include attractive females 'damsel in distress', dark and creepy locations and the killer may have some abnormal physical apperance or they are disturbed.
Task 2.3 (Production Company Logo Design)
Final Logo:
I have chosen to use this logo as my final piece as i think it is simple yet effective and represents the film industry.
Logo Ideas
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