Question 6

Question 6 – what have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing the product?

Upon creating our final media project we have been introduced to many new technologies that allowed us to express our work creativity and create our final project that reflected the required criteria.

During the research and planning progress, we had to present our ideas in a unique and creative way, I done this by using the presentation software Prezi this software allows the user to create a presentation that can include sound, video or photos I was introduced to this software as I never heard of it until it was recommended. At first I found it very hard to use as it had unique features that I’ve never been witnessed before. As the software was new to me at times I did have to do things again because I didn’t use the software correctly. Prezi is refreshing software compared to the popular Microsoft PowerPoint that is also presentation software. However Prezi allowed me to zoom into slides to show significance of text in addition to this you can embed the presentation easily onto our blog.



When presenting out ideas we also used a software similar to Prezi called Slideshare this was another presentation software that had a strong resemblance to PowerPoint it gave the user the ability to upload a ppt onto slideshare and embed it easily to a blog however there are some differences between the two such as simple features and clear layouts that shows text appropriately. I used slideshare in my first post for reviewing an opening sequence I developed skills using slideshare as when started to use different features I discovered you can add music to accompany specific slides I used this feature when speaking about the soundtrack of Memento the music was accompanying the slide. 
I have never been comfortable using a Mac as im use to working on windows PC. However throughout the year I'm now accustomed to how they work. Obviously some controls are very different and it still do make some mistakes. But I have learnt macs are brilliant they have a very advanced desktop system that allows the user to work on two projects or more at a time furthermore its software such as imovie, final cut, live type and garage band have all helped me to exceed expectations of the film.




Prior to editing our film, we of course had to film, using the following equipment a camera and a tripod. We first learnt how to use these tools in our media induction ever since being shown, I now know how to set up a tripod correctly:

 
We of course also used a camera, we choose to use Samsung WB750. 

 This camera allows the user to take advanced shots, it offers Full 1080p High Definition video clips at 1920x1080 pixels. Videos can be paused mid-record and recording then re-started, so the user can therefore perform rudimentary 'editing' as they shoot, the feature of 18x optical zoom allowed me to take advantage of close ups. After recording we had to upload are footage onto to macs we done this by putting our SD card in the card reader.

 It was integral after the footage was imported that you ejected the card reader safely, or you could run the risk of loosing your work or damaging your hardware.

When moving on to creating music for our opening sequence we used Gargageband a software exclusive to Mac Computers. We used this software as our music had to be copyright free, we know what we wanted our music to sound like so we created it using this software , it has many features such as virtual software instruments we used this to create high pitch violin sounds to create tension in the opening seconds of our sequence; moreover it helped us draw an emotional response from the audience not only because the instrument sounded realistic but we had the ability to adjust parameters creating a sound that we desired for our piece. We created a good score that reflected fear and panic in our opening sequence however if we had to use the technology again we should of planned and took more care and time as we didn’t realise how hard it would be to create a score from scratch also we spent a lot of time experimenting with instruments when we should of planned what sound we required. Moreover we should have made our self-aware of the limitations.

Garage band has such as there is limited choice when choosing pitches and intervals.

Interestingly after our videography was complete we moved on to title, when we had to carry out this process I was not aware we had to use the software live type. This is another software exclusive to the mac which was brand new to me, in previous experiences of creating films I have used windows movie maker when creating titles but It was recommended I use live type to create a professional like film. As I was new to the software I had to familiarize myself with the features like adding textures, fonts, objects templates and effects. I also found I could place my movie as a background in order to see where my titles will look best on the screen.  Through using this software continuously I have developed a further understanding and can now experiment and produce my titles creatively for example I can control how the text follows whether that be on curved or shaped paths.

In addition to live type, I also used final cut express to edit my movie all together. This program is much more advanced than imovie as it has less limitations for creativity. imovie allows you to create quite simple videos, but in the criteria it states we must make a professional like film; final cut express allows you to to create movies that are professional and refined if you put in a large amount of time.

Question 7

Question 7 - Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

When reflecting upon the past months and when we created our first video which was our preliminary exercise; at the time I had little knowledge on shot types,editing terms and techniques. But now I have completed my final product I have expertise in media terminology and how to successively film using the appropriate techniques. When looking at my Preliminary exercise, I met the requirements of using the 180 degree rule, match on action and shot/reverse shot, but did not exceed the requirements. For example  we used match on action, when the subject ( Me) is seen walking towards the door and opening in then the shot cuts to the subject walking through the door, we edited these shots so they look seamless. At the time I was not clear how to edit this so the cuts in the shot were not noticeable and the subjects stayed in the same place, in order to not disirorentate the audience, in which we could of slightly. But using this as experience in my final project I was aware this technique of continuity editing must portray a continuous sense of the same action instead of two matching actions. As you can see in the video below when the subject ( in red)walks through they are standing straight, when they should be at an angle as it looks like they have moved over to the left a little, in addition to this when looking at eye line match, the subject is looking over the person. Thus the camera is in the wrong place as it should be at a high angle as the subject in red is looking down at the subject in blue. A successful eye-line match maintains the eye-line when cutting from a character to what the character sees, It puts the audience in the position of the characters. In the final project we thought it was not appropriate to use eye-line match as we didn't want the audience to know the threat, so we choose to show what the characters were looking at, almost to create the fear of the unknown. It also enhanced that the characters were isolated.    

Moreover when looking at whats in the frame and the rule of thirds, we didn't use the guideline well. The rule of thirds creates nine imaginary sections, that creates reference points which act as guides when framing a image; in our primarily exercise, unfortunately we left a video bag in our frame, now I know not to leave any unwanted material in shot of the camera, this silly mistake made the product look unfinished and amateur. However in my final product I have not made such mistakes for example when structuring shots in my film I have made sure every item in the shot is suppose to be there. For example:

 As you can see above the shot is clearly structured, there is no unwanted materials in shot and the rule of thirds have been used appropriately as the bracelet is 1/3 across the frame, rather than in the center. Where it would look odd; Here we have used the medium closeup this is half way between a mid shot and a close up. this shot allows the audience to see the significance of the bracelet without getting uncomfortably close. In our final project and preliminary exercise we did not break the 180 degree rule. The videos below demonstrate this:

 It is integral 180 degree rule is not broken when shooting action, as the audience can become confused if the people in the shot move around. As a result of this continuity can become broken, the line can only be broken if its shown by camera movement. In our preliminary exercise we did not use intricate editing techniques like in our final product. For demonstration in our final project we used cross cutting. This is when we cut between two separate scenes happening in two separate locations at the same time.

 We used cross cutting to illustrate a link between the dice and the unknown female. The length of the time between cuts also sets a rhythm for the rest of the scene. Which is slow paced editing which metaphorically shows how long it takes for the threat to decide the fate of the characters. Moreover the use of slow pace editing in this part allows us to drawn an emotional response from the audience, which we want them to evoke pathos for the girls that have been kidnapped.

There is difference in quality of shots between the preliminary experience and final product.

 1. Use of close ups vs            

The first image is from the preliminary exercise, a close up is suppose to take up most of the frame, image one does not do that. But the second image from my takes up most of the frame and draws the reader to the characters facial expressions.

2. Use of lighting:

Vs

(image 1)The light in from the window in some shots creates a harsh light or dark shadows this makes the shot not as clear as it could be, to solve this problem I would consider changing the location or put the camera in front of the light source instead of facing it.  Image 2: I have used low key lighting successively to make the setting look unsafe.

Final Sequence

Roll the Dice

Directors Commentary

Audience Responce - Questionaires

Question 5 Evaluation- Focus Group

Feedback

Question 4

Rebecca's Facebook by Shannon Cheri Aberdeen

Psychographic:
Innovators, Self-confident risk-takers, seeking new and different things, setting their own targets to achieve.

Question 3

The genre of our film is Horror. Horror is a genre that aims to create a sense of fear, panic, alarm, or dread for the audience. These films are often unsettling and rely on frightening the audience through a portrayal of their worst fears or nightmares. Horror films usually centre on the arrival of an evil force, person, or event. There are many forms of Horror films such as comedy horror, slasher horror, supernatural horror and many more.

Our film is titles ‘Roll The Dice’, this film is of the Slasher genre as it involves a killer stalking and murdering his victims in extremely violent and memorable ways. The target audience for our film is young adults specifically targeting 16-24 year olds. From our research we found this age group find horrors thrilling and the characters are within their age group so the audience is able to relate to the film.




In addition to this from further research we found this age group tend to view horror films for the thrill furthermore we found out from a few sources this age group like to watch horror films because their peers do and they want to be able to connect with their friends over the film. This information allows us to make marketing decisions such as advertising on social networking sites; this platform allows us to reach potential viewers from all around the United Kingdom, again we are also connecting with our target audience as the group mostly use these sorts of sites.

The distributor of our film will be the ‘Lionsgate’. Lionsgate is an leading independent filmed entertainment studio. The studio is based in Santa Monica, California as of 2012 Lionsgate became the most commercially successful independent film and television distribution company in North America. We have chosen Liongsgate as distributor because realistically this would be the company that would distribute our film as we are a small production company and it’s our first independent film; Lionsgate like us like to focus on a specific market.  Furthermore Lionsgate take on controversial films such as Saw: 


 this is a film similar to our ‘Roll The Dice’ as it deals with torture and physiological issues. Intrestingly our film uses a similar opening sequence as we use close ups of items linked to a death.


Recently Lionsgate have released films that are similar to ours such as Texas Chainsaw 3D this is of the Slasher genre and was released 4 January 2013, the possession a supernatural horror released on august 31^st 2012.  The comedy horror Cabin in the woods was released on April 13^th 2012. As recognized all these films are of the Horror genre. However the film ‘Saw’ which was released in January 2004 it very similar to our film Roll the dice. Saw was produced by Twisted pictures a small production company with a low budget however the film performed very well at the box office, grossing more than $103 million worldwide and becoming, at the time, one of the most profitable horror films since 1996's Scream. We hope that our film will be that successful.

Our production company is called circus entertainment; we chose this name as the use of the location circus creates a sinister and disturbing atmosphere for some or can also be thrilling which is what our production company want to be acknowledged for.

Question 2

Question 2

 How does your media project represent particular social groups? We have represented gender and age in our work. Expanding on this when looking at gender we have explored the typical female this is a victim but we have also added in a character that is refreshingly not in need of saving but in fact becomes the heroin. In addition to this we have also represented age clearly showing the difference between teenagers and adults, the girls that are captured look vulnerable and scared, but the women who is the heroin seems in control and hides her feelings from the danger that threatens her. We have represented these social groups by the use of makeup and facial expressions the other girl’s eyes have no make up on to show their innocenece. The older girl ( Rachel) has eye makeup on to show her maturness. In addition to this gender is sterotypically reflected; as the the male is depicted as a strong and thretening male - this is demonstrated by the use of costume as he wears black boots, the use of the colour black can indicate a danger or death. In addition to this he wears black trousers and a black hoody, this is used to hide his indentity and leave the audience in the unknown.

Question 1

Does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

A successful opening sequence will follow the conventions of an opening sequence; most films use these conventions in order to introduce the audience to the film. For example close ups are used to show a certain feature or part of the subject in most of the frame. In the film ‘Seven’ we see a series of close ups in the opening sequence the use of fast paced editing and close ups creates a sense of urgency and in addition to this draws the audience to the subjects such as fingernails and an unknown text. Furthermore the use of close ups does not reveal to the audience anything but the subject, leaving the audience almost in the dark as they try to discover what the subjects are and figure out the setting. Similarly in our media project we used a series of close ups to draw the audience to our props of a shoe, bracelet and phone, we done this in order to leave the audience in the unknown the close ups acted as clues as the audience attempt to guess why these objects have been left on the flour. Slowly clues are revealed as a close up of each object is shown, this allows us to slowly reveal to the audience the setting – this also allows the audience to ask questions. Refreshingly we challenged this conventions as typically we see close ups paired with fast paced editing in horror films. However we used slow paced editing with close ups in order to draw an emotional response from the reader as the start to come to terms these objects belong to a female.

We also used the convention of titles, these are integral for an opening sequence as it allows the audience to know the main actors staring in the film and the members of the production team. It also allows the audience to guess what the film could be about from the production company that produced it. For example if the audience saw the Lionsgate logo they would expect a horror or thriller film. In our media project we placed are titles on top of action, so the audience could follow the narrative while being informed of who is in the film. Our titles are accompanied by music to establish a mood, we expect our audience to be left in suspense as the music and titles create an eerie film when together. In real media texts titles are mostly present for example in insidious and the Texas chainsaw massacre 1974 we witness the titles appear, in the opening seconds of the film, Texas chainsaw uses serif text, in our media project we do the same, the use of this texts creates a sternness of the film and creates a serious mood straight away. If we used san serif texts we could reflect a light heartedness atmosphere which would not be appropriate for a horror film. Like in the opening sequence of Seven we used white text this creates a cold atmosphere, moreover it can represent how innocence it taken if placed in a dark setting or black background. We gained inspiration from Seven and ‘When a stranger calls’ as it successfully followed the conventions of an opening sequence. 
1st Image: Roll The Dice
2nd Image: 'Seven' Opening sequence

Moreover the convention of cinematography is very importance as it can foreshadow what the film could be like. For example the use of establishing shots to display the setting can reflect a light heartedness – this would be used for a romantic comedy. When creating a horror establishing shots are not typically used as it leaves the audience in suspense if the setting is slowly revealed this is demonstrated in memento. We have developed this convention by putting an establishing shot towards the end of the opening sequence this was decided to show the setting slowly in order for the audience to be almost kept in the dark – just like the characters… The use of slow paced editing is also used to build tension or linger on a particular shot. This is seen in the film ‘ Afraid of the dark’ as slow editing is used slowly to build up suspense as make the audience uncomfortable as the linger on a shot. We also done this in our media project to create the same impact as the films we witnessed, we linger on the shot of tied up feet and hands. This was done in order to hide the surroundings and convey a mysterious mood/feeling. Introducing setting/mood is an important convention this can be reflected in the opening of the sequence from aspects like lighting, cinematography and much more. For example in the opening sequence of ‘The Grudge’ dark lighting is used this makes the setting look unsafe. We used low key lighting to establish our mood and setting by using one light source in the scene where there’s a close up of a girls face. This was used to heighten the sense of alienation by the viewer and make the setting feel unsafe.

1st image: Roll the dice
2nd image: The Grudge

We choose the Horror genre for our opening sequence, when creating a horror films there are also conventions that are usually followed. For example vulnerable characters, these are typically women and act as the damsel in distress within the film. The female is usually week this is to set the film up as the female character is given a problem or mystery they can’t escape. This is demonstrated in ‘The shining’ when the character Wendy is the victim of an axe attack. This is also demonstrated in the film ‘ Last house on the left as we see the character Mari crawl on the floor to escape. In our media project we have developed this convention by having many females playing the victim in order to gain pathos from the audience. We done this by showing the girls tied up unable to move, this shows the girls in a confined space and creates a costraphobic feel to the film.

Low lighting is also a convention of a Horror film, Low lighting is used to build suspense, by the use of colour the audience can depict a mood or atmosphere. The use of low key lighting can create a variety of moods for example, if the lights were very dark and gloomy it could hint to the audience the characters are in danger. This is shown in the film ‘Silence of the lambs’ as low lighting is used throughout the whole film in order to convey the characters are never really safe. Similarly in our opening sequence we have done the same thing, as we use low key lighting in most of our shots like when the characters are tied up and when the possessions of the girls are slowly revealed. Another convention is the use of tracking and panning shots, these are used to create suspense and mystery in the opening scenes so that the audience get grasped into the movie.  An example of this is in the ‘Silence of the Lambs’ when the main character is running; tracking shots were frequently used to reflect urgency. We use a panning shot in our media project when a close up of a shoe is shown it then pans to a bracelet the use of panning allows us to slowly reveal clues about the film.

Another convention of Horror films is blood and weapons. The use of these props can help the audience identify what kind of character would use which weapon for example. In chainsaw massacre the audience know this is his weapon of choice and whenever the noise of the chainsaw is heard they know another life would be lost.  Interestingly we have chosen a prop that does not follow the typical conventions of a weapon, the use of dice does not immediately scream danger however the use of editing a cuts it’s slowly revealed the dice determines the victims future. The use of this prop refreshingly creates a unique sense of danger as the dices outcome is unknown.

The use of ambient sounds and diegetic sounds are conventions of a Horror. These sounds are used in order to build a certain atmosphere at the beginning of the film. This is used in the opening of Memento when we hear the diegetic sound of the bullet rolling on the floor. In our media project we have not used obvious diegetic sound in order to show the girls are not alone as the antagonist is always watching them.  However you can hear the dice rolling slowly this creates slight tension and draws the audience to the frame as all they can hear is the specific sound.

Casting Decision

Casting Decision by

Character Descriptions

A quick message from Circus Entertainment

Shooting Schedule

Roll The Dice Title Plan

Here is a shot of the shot for our film, 'Roll The Dice.' We used the red colour to show the feelings

that the characters will feel and the colour is also typical to a horror film because of blood and gore.

We downloaded our font off of 'DaFont,' it is called 'Blood Crow.'

We will also use this for our titles going on over the action. There will be a shot of punishments and for the title that says 'Punishments' we will use this font but have it black instead of red.

Here is an example of what we do for a title, we will have a shot going on underneath the titles. We will use the the same font and colour for the titles to make it flow. The placement of the titles will be in the lower left, the lower right and the upper right of the shots. The title in the sequence will fade in out of the each shot when they come in and out.

In terms of the order in which they come in it will follow the typical order of an opening sequence.

Location Permissions

Location Agreement

 The real and personal property located at 26 Litchfield Avenue Morden (the “Property”) is the subject of this agreement. Filmmaker shall have access to the Property for preparing, rehearsing, filming and recording of scenes and sounds for the motion picture currently titled ‘’Role the Dice’’the “Film”). Filmmaker and Grantor agree that the following provisions are incorporated into the contract to which it is attached and made a part thereof, said contract being signed and dated 11^th January 2013 .The parties agree that the terms of this attachment prevail over the terms of any other document relating to and a part of the contract in which this attachment is incorporated. 

 SCHEDULE

This clause is structured to give you a lot of flexibility. Enter the date and time you anticipate first needing access and the date you anticipating finished. Be sure to request extra time for load-in and load out, which always takes longer than anticipated. Note that you will be required to give 24 hours notice of cancellation, unless you delete the last sentence.

In this introductory section, the parties agree that this contract alone governs the agreement. Not all of these clauses may be necessary for your particular project. However, you should discuss all of the provisions and then tailor this agreement so it reflects the understanding of both parties. 

SCHEDULE: Commencing on or about Tuesday 15^th January at 4.00p.m.Filmmaker shall have access to Property as is reasonably necessary, and such premises use may continue from day to day, Saturdays, Sunday, and holidays included, and from time to time, until the proposed scenes and work are completed. It is estimated that it will require about 14 day(s) to complete its principle use of said premises. The anticipated end date is 30^th February 2013 If because of illness of actors, director or other essential artists and crew, weather conditions, defective film or equipment or any other occurrence beyond Filmmaker’s control, Filmmaker is unable to start work on the date designated above and/or work in progress is interrupted during use of the property by Filmmaker, then Filmmaker shall have the right to use the Property at a later date to be mutually agreed upon and/or to extend the period set forth above.

GRANT OF ACCESS:  Filmmaker shall have access to the grounds, buildings, fixtures, and other personal property, power outlets, utilities, and driveways. Said permission shall include the right of Filmmaker and Filmmaker’s personnel or contractors to bring in camera(s) and lighting equipment, personal effects, props, catering, refreshments, audio visual tools as needed and to recover same from premises upon completion of work. 

If any provision of this agreement or the application thereof is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this agreement that can be given effect without the invalid provisions or application, and to this end, the provisions of this agreement are declared severable.

Script Idea

We have chosen to use little dialogue so the audience are focused on on the action. The lack of dialogue stimulates the audience imagination, in addition to this it shows how the characters are vulnerable and alone and also scared to speak. The use of silence adds tension and suspense as the audience wait for whats to come.

Storyboard for Opening Sequence

Music Selection

Music Selection

This is a sound effect of the dice rolling. This is an integral sound that will be played throughout the whole film, The audience will be able to make the connection of when the dice roles punishment occurs. This will build tension and suspense. Whenever the dice is rolled it there will be silence so the sound if hyperbolic this will communicate to the audience the room is isolated. We want to choose a piece of music like the following because it has a low tempo, and a high pitched repeating sound. This builds tension and suspense, this is what are target audience expects in the opening sequence of out film. As characters and the location are introduced and the threat is revealed.

Props and Costumes

Props:

Costumes:

This is an image of the night gowns the girls will be wearing. We have chosen white dressing gowns as it represents the girls innocence. Furthermore we have chosen to use dresses to enhance they are vulnerable women. As you can see we have chosen quite an old style of a dressing gown this is to show the villains ''traditional values'', this indicates to the audience the villains age and persona.

This is the black Hood the character of the man will wear. We have chosen this costume as its black and reflects danger and a sense of darkness. In addition to this the use of a hood allows the audience to never really see the mans identity  this makes the audience feel uncomfortable as they are unaware what the man looks like.

Props

Here is an image of our knife props.  There will be a selections of knifes to show the variation of punishment the villain likes to inflict of the girls. Moreover the way the knifes will be spaced out shows the audience the villain's ongoing use of the knifes. Moreover the fact the knifes will be places in the bathroom is quite unusual and creates a sense of uncertainty.

The use of rope ties as a prop shows the girls cant escape which drives the whole plot of the film. The rope will be used around the girls hands and feet to show they are bound to the chairs unless the Villain allows them to move. This communicates to the audience the girls have been taken and leaving will be next to impossible.

The use of wooden dice enhances the title of the film Roll the dice, the film centers around the dice almost deciding the fate of the girls. The use of red being wood creates a cold atmosphere.

Opening Sequence- Anamatic