Tuesday, 1 September 2009
Preparation for filming
Casting
When casting our actors and actresses we were lucky enough that one of us does A-level drama and has a close friend also studying the subject. Therefore we used these two people and then asked two of our fellow media studies students to act in our trailer, be part of the poster image and the magazine image. This made the overall casting process very simple and straightforward.
Shooting the film
Before shooting the film we had to contemplate whether our setting that we wished to use would be available for filming. We wanted to use our school to shoot in and needed to do this after school hours, therefore we had to ask permission from various people if it would be okay to use certain areas of the school to shoot our film. We spoke to our headteacher and also the caretakers to get permission. This was successful and filming was able to go ahead.
When casting our actors and actresses we were lucky enough that one of us does A-level drama and has a close friend also studying the subject. Therefore we used these two people and then asked two of our fellow media studies students to act in our trailer, be part of the poster image and the magazine image. This made the overall casting process very simple and straightforward.
Shooting the film
Before shooting the film we had to contemplate whether our setting that we wished to use would be available for filming. We wanted to use our school to shoot in and needed to do this after school hours, therefore we had to ask permission from various people if it would be okay to use certain areas of the school to shoot our film. We spoke to our headteacher and also the caretakers to get permission. This was successful and filming was able to go ahead.
Film in the making
Here are some images showing the construction of our trailer. To create the shot of the character running down the corridor we used a trolley to place the camera on and move it quickly backwards as our actress ran toward us. This was perhaps not the most professional way of filming this scene but we are making a low budget film and therefore were unable to afford to use better quality equipment. Although initially we thought this low budget method would impair the quality of our film we found that it in fact was a very effective way of filming this shot and gave the effect we needed.
Storyboard
Before we even thought about filming we decided that it was essential to create a storyboard to clearly plan out what we needed to film. Even
when we have created our shot list, we have decided that we aren't locked into it. Inspiration for a new shot may hit while we're on set and so may add or remove shots depending on what we decide.
when we have created our shot list, we have decided that we aren't locked into it. Inspiration for a new shot may hit while we're on set and so may add or remove shots depending on what we decide.
Shot 1
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This is the opening shot of our trailer that introduces the film. It is important that we included this as it is following the stereotypical codes and conventions on the trailer. We decided that this should be in black and white, giving the impression that it was a very old film company. This gives it a certain unstable feel making the audience erratic.
Sound: The non-diagetic music accompanies this to automatically create a spine chilling mood that immediately hooks the audience.
This is the opening shot of our trailer that introduces the film. It is important that we included this as it is following the stereotypical codes and conventions on the trailer. We decided that this should be in black and white, giving the impression that it was a very old film company. This gives it a certain unstable feel making the audience erratic.
Sound: The non-diagetic music accompanies this to automatically create a spine chilling mood that immediately hooks the audience.
Shot 2
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During our research into existing trailers we found that some used these overlaying titles throughout the trailer to give additional information to the images as to what the film is about. We thought that these were effective but chose not to give away too much of the plotline but more explain the setting. This particular text clearly states the location of the upcoming scene to be a school, it also adds mystery as the audience wants to know what or who is inside the school. We chose to have a black background with white text as it is simple and draws the attention solely to the text and nothing else. This technique was seen during research and we believed that it worked effectively and fulfilled its purpose. We decided to fade the shots here in and out of each other to make the transactions smooth yet still create an eeiry effect and build up to the climax.
Sound: Here we will introduce a voice over to again add tension. The voice is of one of the characters in the trailer however the audience doesnt know gaining the audiences attention almost instantly.
During our research into existing trailers we found that some used these overlaying titles throughout the trailer to give additional information to the images as to what the film is about. We thought that these were effective but chose not to give away too much of the plotline but more explain the setting. This particular text clearly states the location of the upcoming scene to be a school, it also adds mystery as the audience wants to know what or who is inside the school. We chose to have a black background with white text as it is simple and draws the attention solely to the text and nothing else. This technique was seen during research and we believed that it worked effectively and fulfilled its purpose. We decided to fade the shots here in and out of each other to make the transactions smooth yet still create an eeiry effect and build up to the climax.
Sound: Here we will introduce a voice over to again add tension. The voice is of one of the characters in the trailer however the audience doesnt know gaining the audiences attention almost instantly.
Shot 3
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When analysing The Orphan trailer in our research we noticed a typical code and convention of many film trailers. There was an establishing shot at the beginning to show the audience the setting and give a brief overview of the setting of the film. Therefore we have chosen to open our trailer with an establishing shot to have the same effect, it does not give much away in terms of plotline but sets the scene for the rest of the trailer.
Lighting: In this shot we plan to use natural lighting and to film it within the day. However when editing the scene we may make the scene appear darker by decreasing the brightness. This would be to fit in with the genre.
Sound:
When analysing The Orphan trailer in our research we noticed a typical code and convention of many film trailers. There was an establishing shot at the beginning to show the audience the setting and give a brief overview of the setting of the film. Therefore we have chosen to open our trailer with an establishing shot to have the same effect, it does not give much away in terms of plotline but sets the scene for the rest of the trailer.
Lighting: In this shot we plan to use natural lighting and to film it within the day. However when editing the scene we may make the scene appear darker by decreasing the brightness. This would be to fit in with the genre.
Sound:
Shot 4
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Here we have again used text to add information to the trailer, this one, similar to the first one adds description to the setting and builds suspense as the what will happen in the corridors. Throughout we have used a black background and white text to keep it simple and to the point to keep the focus on what is being said in the text rather than the way it looks.
This shot again fades in and out to maintain the flow of the trailer.
Sound: The music is built up using a variety of riffs starting with a repetitive beating noise followed by the sound of metal being banged together. Although at the start we are trying to create an equilibrium, we still have to follow the codes and conventions of a horror film, therefore a certain amount of tension must me created. This is why we have chosen this subtle yet effective music to accompany these initial shots. This shot is also accompanied by a non-diagetic voice over to add to the building of tension. It also created a narrative and structure so the audience get a better understanding of whats happening.
Here we have again used text to add information to the trailer, this one, similar to the first one adds description to the setting and builds suspense as the what will happen in the corridors. Throughout we have used a black background and white text to keep it simple and to the point to keep the focus on what is being said in the text rather than the way it looks.
This shot again fades in and out to maintain the flow of the trailer.
Sound: The music is built up using a variety of riffs starting with a repetitive beating noise followed by the sound of metal being banged together. Although at the start we are trying to create an equilibrium, we still have to follow the codes and conventions of a horror film, therefore a certain amount of tension must me created. This is why we have chosen this subtle yet effective music to accompany these initial shots. This shot is also accompanied by a non-diagetic voice over to add to the building of tension. It also created a narrative and structure so the audience get a better understanding of whats happening.
Shot 5
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This POV shot is of the camera slowly moving down the corridor. We wanted to create an atmosphere of impending doom destroys the equilibrium.
Lighting: We are planning to reduce the lighting in this shot as due to time constraints we will have to do our filming in the day time. We need it to have an eerie, isolated feel and the darkness of the shot will help to enhance this.
Timing: The timing of this shot is very slow. This is to create the tension as we progress through the trailer. As the camera is moving towards the doors if gives the audience a sense of fear as to what is on the other side of them. These doors feature a number of time in the trailer, therefore the audience begin to link them with fear and suspense.
This POV shot is of the camera slowly moving down the corridor. We wanted to create an atmosphere of impending doom destroys the equilibrium.
Lighting: We are planning to reduce the lighting in this shot as due to time constraints we will have to do our filming in the day time. We need it to have an eerie, isolated feel and the darkness of the shot will help to enhance this.
Timing: The timing of this shot is very slow. This is to create the tension as we progress through the trailer. As the camera is moving towards the doors if gives the audience a sense of fear as to what is on the other side of them. These doors feature a number of time in the trailer, therefore the audience begin to link them with fear and suspense.
Shot 6
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This is again another shot that fades in to make it clear to the audience the narrative of the film. We have decided that when editing these shots we will have the words coming towards the audience, giving the feel of something emerging from the darkness.
Sound: The non-diagetic music is still the same at this point and is again accompanied by a voice over.
This is again another shot that fades in to make it clear to the audience the narrative of the film. We have decided that when editing these shots we will have the words coming towards the audience, giving the feel of something emerging from the darkness.
Sound: The non-diagetic music is still the same at this point and is again accompanied by a voice over.
Shot 7
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This shot is a close up shot of a pencil moving in a clockwise direction. It is to show that there may be some form of paranormal activity happening. It also creates a sense of enigma as the audience don't no why there is a shot of a pencil moving in circles.
Timing: This is still a very slow moving shot. At this point the purpose of these shots it to build the tension up to the climax, not move the scenes on. The for we mat slow this shot down to create even more mystery.
This shot is a close up shot of a pencil moving in a clockwise direction. It is to show that there may be some form of paranormal activity happening. It also creates a sense of enigma as the audience don't no why there is a shot of a pencil moving in circles.
Timing: This is still a very slow moving shot. At this point the purpose of these shots it to build the tension up to the climax, not move the scenes on. The for we mat slow this shot down to create even more mystery.
Shot 8
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This is a medium close up of two girls watching the pencil move round. This is to show the audience that the pencil is moving on its own. It is in a class room which is light as at this point it is daytime. We shall slow this shot down when editing to capture the horrified yet intrigued looks on their faces. It also puts emphasis on the pencil to show there there may be some supernatural activity going on.
This is a medium close up of two girls watching the pencil move round. This is to show the audience that the pencil is moving on its own. It is in a class room which is light as at this point it is daytime. We shall slow this shot down when editing to capture the horrified yet intrigued looks on their faces. It also puts emphasis on the pencil to show there there may be some supernatural activity going on.
Shot 9
Shot 10
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This is a long shot of the torch being shone down the corridor. This creates an element of suspense as you are unable to see what is at the end of the corridor. This enhances the tension as we build up to the climax of the trailer. As the light shines on the door, a dark figure will pass through the glass. Although many may not see this figure, it is important as if they do happen to see it, they will still have no idea what the figure is. Once again, it is something that lies behind the door, making the audience link it with fear.
This is a long shot of the torch being shone down the corridor. This creates an element of suspense as you are unable to see what is at the end of the corridor. This enhances the tension as we build up to the climax of the trailer. As the light shines on the door, a dark figure will pass through the glass. Although many may not see this figure, it is important as if they do happen to see it, they will still have no idea what the figure is. Once again, it is something that lies behind the door, making the audience link it with fear.
Shot 11
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This shot consists of a torch being shone from the adjacent side of the corridor. It is purely to show who is at the other end of the flash light, although you don't actually see their face. This long shot is used to create suspense and make the audience think about what they could be looking for.
This shot consists of a torch being shone from the adjacent side of the corridor. It is purely to show who is at the other end of the flash light, although you don't actually see their face. This long shot is used to create suspense and make the audience think about what they could be looking for.
Shot 12
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This shot will fade in and like the others come forward as if it is coming from the darkness. This shot is important as the word sins shows the audience that terrible occurrences will be happening. The words sins is a religious term used to describe an act of violated moral rule, which shows the audience that the villain will be immoral.
This shot will fade in and like the others come forward as if it is coming from the darkness. This shot is important as the word sins shows the audience that terrible occurrences will be happening. The words sins is a religious term used to describe an act of violated moral rule, which shows the audience that the villain will be immoral.
Shot 13
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In our research into horror genre we discovered that horror films often involve themes of death and therefore have decided to have a shot in our trailer showing blood which is immediately associated with death. The shot is a close up shot and is used disturb the audience and also indicate to them the genre of the film.
Sound: We are going to add another layer to the music to create even more tension whilst building up to the climax. We feel that this is a good point in the trailer in which to do this as it is destroys the equilibrium as it approaches the climax of the trailer.
span>In our research into horror genre we discovered that horror films often involve themes of death and therefore have decided to have a shot in our trailer showing blood which is immediately associated with death. The shot is a close up shot and is used disturb the audience and also indicate to them the genre of the film.
Sound: We are going to add another layer to the music to create even more tension whilst building up to the climax. We feel that this is a good point in the trailer in which to do this as it is destroys the equilibrium as it approaches the climax of the trailer.
Shot 14
Shot 15
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This shot links with the previous as it answers the audiences questions with out giving anything away. It leaves the audience still desperate to find out what is so terrifying. It will also create a strong contrast from this scene to the next scene, taking the audience by surprise.
This shot links with the previous as it answers the audiences questions with out giving anything away. It leaves the audience still desperate to find out what is so terrifying. It will also create a strong contrast from this scene to the next scene, taking the audience by surprise.
Shot 16
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This is an image if the male character rapidly turning his head round, with direct mode of address to the audience. This shows the audience a glimpse of what is happening from the point of view from the villain. It is a short medium close up shot accompanied by a loud bang to create suspense and excites the audience.
This is an image if the male character rapidly turning his head round, with direct mode of address to the audience. This shows the audience a glimpse of what is happening from the point of view from the villain. It is a short medium close up shot accompanied by a loud bang to create suspense and excites the audience.
Shot 17
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This is the second fast paced medium close up shot, through use of direct mode of address. It introduces the second victim, although this time a female, and again shows the the audience what is going on through the eyes in the victim.
Sound: It is accompanied again by another non-diagetic bang and the music at this point will have completely disappeared.
This is the second fast paced medium close up shot, through use of direct mode of address. It introduces the second victim, although this time a female, and again shows the the audience what is going on through the eyes in the victim.
Sound: It is accompanied again by another non-diagetic bang and the music at this point will have completely disappeared.
Shot 18
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This is the final shot of this sequence of face paced medium close ups introducing the victims. It is of a girl crouched by her locker looking up therefore it is a slight over head shot. Once again it is through the eyes of the victim creating enigma for the audience.
Sound: All of the head turns are accompanied by non- diagetic bang to enhance the suspense.
This is the final shot of this sequence of face paced medium close ups introducing the victims. It is of a girl crouched by her locker looking up therefore it is a slight over head shot. Once again it is through the eyes of the victim creating enigma for the audience.
Sound: All of the head turns are accompanied by non- diagetic bang to enhance the suspense.
Shot 19
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In our research into the horror genre we discovered that horror films often play on vulnerability. Therefore this scene shows a character running away with an anxious look upon her face to show that she is helpless in this situation.
Sound: Here we want the music to completely change to something with a faster pace to create a horrifying atmosphere. This change between this shot will be a fast cut to mimic the change in the music.
In our research into the horror genre we discovered that horror films often play on vulnerability. Therefore this scene shows a character running away with an anxious look upon her face to show that she is helpless in this situation.
Sound: Here we want the music to completely change to something with a faster pace to create a horrifying atmosphere. This change between this shot will be a fast cut to mimic the change in the music.
Shot 20
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At this point on the trailer the images begin to become a lot more rapid and start to build up the tension to the climax of the trailer. This shot is of a shower dripping blood from its taps to show that there has been some kind of vicious fight in there. It creates a sense of panic for the audience as it if the first time blood has been seen in the trailer, letting them know that whatever is going on in this film is serious. It is once again building up the tension for the characters and leaving them in suspense.
At this point on the trailer the images begin to become a lot more rapid and start to build up the tension to the climax of the trailer. This shot is of a shower dripping blood from its taps to show that there has been some kind of vicious fight in there. It creates a sense of panic for the audience as it if the first time blood has been seen in the trailer, letting them know that whatever is going on in this film is serious. It is once again building up the tension for the characters and leaving them in suspense.
Shot 21
This shot will be a long shot taken from above showing the actor holding on to the ledge for their life. The shot will be extremely fast as it it to move the trailer along quickly, keeping the tension of the trailer strong.
Shot 22
Again this shot will be extremely fast to keep the suspense high. It is a shot of blood being washed away down the sink to show that great pain is being caused. The audience still don't know who is causing the pain and who's blood is in the sink, however this will create enigma and leave the audience again, asking questions.
Shot 23
This is a fast paced medium close up image of one of the characters stood in a corner. She has a terrified expression on her face showing that she is scared. The flashing light creates pathetic fallacy as the stormy, scary weather corresponds with the mood that has been created.
Shot 24
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This is a fast paced shot of a hand hitting the window and the young girl being completely terrified. This shot gives the audience an indication that what ever is after these people is human and which makes it more real and believable that these people could really get killed. The young girl quickly jumps away to show her fear and desperation for this to all be over.
This is a fast paced shot of a hand hitting the window and the young girl being completely terrified. This shot gives the audience an indication that what ever is after these people is human and which makes it more real and believable that these people could really get killed. The young girl quickly jumps away to show her fear and desperation for this to all be over.
Shot 25
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This scene a high angle shot which creates the impression of the 'voyeur'. This is the idea of someone looking upon the action from above. This long shot shows action and the fight that takes place.
This scene a high angle shot which creates the impression of the 'voyeur'. This is the idea of someone looking upon the action from above. This long shot shows action and the fight that takes place.
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