Final Film Narrative - "Anomalous"

***Due to changes in characterisation, change 'brother' for 'sister'.***

Final Storyboard

Draft Storyboard

This is our draft storyboard of the opening to our film. We plan to base our animatic storyboard and opening of Anomalous on this however we will obviously make changes and adapt it along the way. 

Costumes

Olivia Gascoine

Olivia from our group was nominated to be the costume designer. With an interest in fashion and acting, we felt she was perfect for this role. After printing out four base silhouette shapes, we all began to brainstorm ideas together as to what our main characters would wear and why. The costume designs below show the reasons behind our choices, including connotations and conventions from existing horror films and even subverted conventions too. Olivia then took our ideas into account, designed and annotated the images below.

This is our protagonist Josh Volpe dressed as the character "Parker".

Props

Horror Questionnaire Interview - Further Research

As a group we decided to continue to build on our audience profile by interviewing some volunteers on horror films. We asked the same questions that were included in our questionnaire but developed conversation similar to interviews like at a focus group. As you can see we asked three different age groups; a young child, a teenager and an older woman. Asking questions to people of different ages and genders not just in the interview, but on the questionnaires themselves, allows us to receive a wide range of answers that we can use to adapt to our target audience. 

Our Institution and Film Name

In class towards the beginning of our project we had a brainstorm of various names for our institution. We wanted the name to express excellence and the design of the logo to represent connotations of horror. We wanted to be memorable as a company who produce films of the horror genre. After lots of thought we came up with the name "Unprecedented Pictures." The definition of unprecedented is:- "Never done or known before". We particularly liked the fact that this initiated that our films are unique and stand out from other horror films previously broadcast. The 'pictures' part of the institution name exemplifies the fact we are a film production company and also alliterates both "p's" in the two words for an even more memorable effect.

For our film name we wanted a short, unusual word which was bold and also memorable. As you can see from the highlighted word in the diagram below, we came to the conclusion of the name "Anomalous". We got really gripped with this name and it began our journey of the narrative for our film. Liking the idea of the main character being anonymous or anomalous, we constructed our narrative ideas around this base idea. This is the exact definition of the word anomalous which we plan to use as a guide and also a slogan for our film: "Deviating from what is standard, normal, or expected."

Below is a computerised version of our brainstorm with our most concentrated ideas for both our institution name and final film name. 

Here is my analysis of our final logo designed by Jake Hayes using Adobe Photoshop. We're all really pleased with the final result and feel our logo will be memorable to the audience. [Click on the image below to view a clearer, enlarged version.]

As you may have noticed, we have also added our own favicon  (example below: a small icon which represents the website logo you are on in the address bar next to the URL) which has our logo on it. Myself, Olivia, Jake and Rhys have all added this to our blog which we feel adds technicality and professionalism to our group as a whole.

Location

The location we are thinking of using is a local estate in Stotfold which is newly built but with few residents; a ghostly feel with empty houses would be created and modern new houses will give a twist and subvert the usual 'ancient haunted house' convention. A unique location which is different from other films will gratify the audience along with scaring them as the modern houses they witness will be similar to houses they live in and/or are surrounded by nowadays! I can visualize a street lit by streetlights, empty roads with few cars, and bare curtain-less houses which look deserted. Or perhaps dark alleyways, or infinite pathways with streetlights. We plan to shoot in the afternoon at around 4pm so that the lighting is fairly dark but light enough to be visible and clear on the camera.

This is a video screening of us researching our location on google maps before visiting the area. A friend had told us about this area and I had previously visited a house nearby and so we thought the area was very suitable for our shoot. 

We arranged to meet together one lunch time to take photographs of our potential location. At the beginning of our media project we set up a group on Facebook so that the four of us could easily discuss ideas, share photos and documents and plan for upcoming lessons. Travelling by car gave us the ability to look around different streets, stop and photograph buildings and streets we thought would look good for our film. We had a street in mind but upon visiting the estate we found an even better location; a long narrow pathway/alleyway, lined with streetlights which can be seen in the pictures below (scroll down).

Example of the Unprecedented Pictures team communicating efficiently and effectively.

Myself, Jake Hayes, Rhys McEvoy and Olivia Gascoine taking pictures on the estate. 

The following are our location shots of potential places. The actual location we plan to shoot at are the last two photographs (same alleyway) but still perhaps integrate the other locations into the filming as an establishing shot perhaps.

We really like the infinite pathway in the last photo which is lined with streetlights and houses either side. I think it looks really ghostly, chilling and suggests a pathway leading to nowhere. It fits in well with the horror genre and is a perfect area for our first shot. Below is a montage of all of the shots we all took.

Editing Terminology and Analysis

What does editing do?

Editing is essential in creating a continuous, flowing sequence. It puts together many video clips to form a video. Shots can be trimmed and transitions can be added to give a smooth finish to the clip. Music, sound effects, voiceovers, lighting, titles and many other effects can be sourced from editing programmes such as Final Cut to make a video effective in keeping the audience's attention.

How does it work?

Editing software programmes put together video footages into one long clip. Each shot is then trimmed to the required duration, constructed in a specific order and then transitions, sound and titles are added to complete the sequence.

Describe and explain the function of each of the following editing terms:

Cut: A shot continues on from another shot. It is used when the aim is for the movie to continue the scene, dialogue and actions.

Dissolve: This is a gradual transition from one shot to another. They overlap and at one point, both shots are visible/merged on screen. It adds smoother continuity than a cut.

Fade: This is a very frequently used shot in filming. The shot can fade (disappear slowly) either into darkness (black screen) or into a white screen. Fade is often used to signify beginning/opening or the ending of a scene or to imply the passing of time. It is a common convention of films.

Jump cut: A constant switch between shots. They are extremely fast and are used to increase the pace of the sequence. Jump cuts are often used in action films where two people are fighting or a car chase is taking place. The abrupt cuts between shots add a tense, chaotic atmosphere and grip the audience's attention.

How does the shot reverse shot help the narrative or generate meaning?

The shot reverse shot can easily be merged with a point of view shot, as they are often used between conversations between two people and so the audience feel like they are both characters in the conversation as they see the other speak back. It helps to create a free flowing conversation and guide the narrative as the audience don't get confused.

Why is the 180 degree rule important?

It is important as if broken, it can confuse the audience easily. It stops the flowing continuity of a sequence and the orientation and setting of a scene can become confusing.

How and why is the point of view shot used?

The POV shot is used by insinuating that the camera lens is the person viewing point. It is used to convey what the character can see and also hear. It makes the audience feel involved in the film and can be very effective in guiding the narrative.

How else can the pov be generated?

The POV shot can be generated in conjunction with other shot types such as over the shoulder, high and low angle. Hand held camera's can also be used to give the point of view effect; this adds shakiness which can be effective in adding tension to the atmosphere of the footage.

What is parallel or cross cut editing?

A filming method where a point of view shot of two different people at different views/angles/places are continuously switching. It is often used in car chases for example, to show the tension and struggle between two oppositions.

What editing techniques are used to generate suspense?

Straight cuts and jump cuts are two types of editing techniques that can be used to generate suspense. They add an abrupt, 'rough' sequence in a scene or chapter of a film which grab the audience's attention.

Explain in your own words how the mouse sequence creates tension

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Why is timing important in editing?

Timing is important in editing as it instructs the flow of a scene. Pauses make the sequence look unprofessional and timing that has been increased can confused the audience. 

Explain in your own words what the continuity system is?

This is an effect that many editors try to achieve by directing the audience through the shots subconsciously through transitions or cuts. It aims to generate a natural flow through the film by using shots that the audience are used to. Many rules and conventions are often used too such as the 180 degree rule and the appearance of an establishing shot at the beginning of a new location or scene. They are shots that the audience expect and are used to which make them enjoy and understand the sequence more.

Why does editing strive to be invisible?

To create a natural flow between shots where the audience are kept attentive, involved and intrigued. The directors are trying to mask the fact it is film and convert it into something that is really happening; the audience are really there.

Key Shot Types - Continuity

Continuity editing in filming is extremely important. Not only does it reflect on the professionalism and thought process of the film itself, but it allows the audience to easily grasp the narrative, mise en scene and character intentions without feeling disorientated or confused. There are three main techniques that are used throughout and religiously in filming:

MATCH ON ACTION
The match on action technique consists of two shots which simple give the illusion of a continuous single shot. It is very clever and commonly used widely across television and films. One shot cuts into another shot finishing the action of the first shot. The viewer is so used to this, that they often don't even realise that it has happened. 

SHOT REVERSE SHOT
This is used most frequently during a conversation between two people. The camera switches from behind one person shoulder (an over the shoulder shot), to the opposite person's shoulder. Emotion can often be captured through this technique as the person listening to the dialogue has their facial expressions on show.

THE 180 DEGREE RULE
This is an important rule all camera operators should follow. It consists of an imaginary horizontal line of which the camera should abide by. Particularly during Shot Reverse Shot/Over the shoulder shots, the camera must stay on the correct side of the line (correct shoulder) to prevent the audience getting confused of the mise en scene and character's viewpoint. 

What Is Suspense?

Suspense- "A state or feeling of excited or anxious uncertainty about what may happen."

 Suspense is they key element that many film producers integrate into their products to cause the audience left hanging and intrigued as to what is going to happen next. It allows producers to capture the viewer's full attention and force them to become gripped to the film they're watching. It is the precise goal that the film makers have intended; to make people want to watch it more, it attracts it's consumers. Suspense is commonly used in horror genre films as it's main intention is to build tension, scare and unease the audience.

Horror Film Sub-Genre's

The genre horror has many sub-genre's integrated within it. Below are just a few of the many categories that the genre is divided in to and an example of films that have been created.

Analysis of "....." Opening

NEEDS DOING

Analyse opening of a horror film, use movie maker to produce a voiceover?

Questionnaire Results and Audience Research Analysis

Conventions Of Horror Film Openings

NEEDS DOING

Making of Our Institution Logo Animation

The following print screens and annotations explain how we achieved our institution logo title. We put together a brainstorm of ideas among the group of what colours, sounds, mise-en-scene and vibe we wanted the titles to ascertain. Rhys McEvoy in our group is very talented with using graphic software programmes and produced the following as a first draft idea:

It was made using Adobe After Effects CS4 and Sony Vegas Pro 11 for the music. We were all really impressed with Rhys' efforts in bringing together our ideas and producing this logo animation. The sound is really similar to a lot of insitution titles such as 20th Century Fox and really looks like a professional animation. The revolving cubes look really effective and look like you are searching for a film to watch amongst thousands of screens put together. We reconsidered some more ideas and Rhys took on board all of our comments and reconfigured the graphics to produce the following:


This is our final insitution logo animation. After researching many other institutions we decided we all really liked Lionsgate's idea of making their insitution logo titles into a horror theme. We felt it was really effective in preparing the audience for a scary film and so we wanted to portray a spooky feel to ours. This is better than the first draft as the music is much more unsettling. The sound is of a lower key and slower tempo which makes the audience feel uneasy. The screams sound effects added is a conventional sound of death and danger and really adds to the scary mood. We initially all said we wanted our logo to include sketchy effects of a broken video camcorder and this was achieved by adding the flickering logo changing colour to black and white at the end.

So how was it actually made? Below are a few screenshots of the compilation of the whole animation.

Lastly the sound effects were added. We wanted to go with the theme of children in our film as viewers see them as innocent and vulnerable and so as a result of seeing young people hurt, victimized or even subverted to being the villain, the audience are more emotionally affected by it. So to conform to this we decided to add children screaming as non-diegetic sound effects to spook the viewer and comply with the horror genre of our institution titles. Soft strings from an orchestra play faintly in the background as this sound is conventionally heard in horror films to make the audience feel uneasy. Sketchy, eerie sounds are also added onto the logo itself which sound like mechanical glitches add a 'home video', paranormal effect to the animation. 

Institution Research

LIONSGATE

Lions Gate Entertainment Corporation or known as “Lionsgate” is an entertainment company founded in 1997 in Vancouver. From data as of 2012, it is the most commercially successful film and television distribution company in North America. Lionsgate are also the sixth most profitable movie studio earning a huge revenue of $1.6 billion. The company is associated with 9 other subsidiaries and is divided into four categories; Lionsgate Films, Lionsgate Home Entertainment, Lionsgate Music & Publishing and Lionsgate Television.

Below are some of Lionsgates films: 

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Lionsgate have two different types of logos. One is their regular well known logo (top) and the other is their logo used in horror films (bottom). Both are really good but I think the horror logo is really effective due to the sound and colours used. 

TWISTED PICTURES

Twisted Pictures is also an American production company. The institution are mostly well known for producing films of the horror genre. They formed after a successful box office sale of the first “Saw” film in 2004 which lead to a distribution deal with Lionsgate. Twisted Pictures have also recently developed from filmography into television similar to Lionsgate.  This autumn they broadcasted the new comedy show “Anger Management” on Comedy Central starring the well-known actor Charlie Sheen. The company have produced films other than the Saw series such as Dead Silence, The Tortured and Texas Chainsaw 3D.

Below is the Twisted Pictures logo. The graphics are really effective and well constructed. The horror theme is portrayed instantly through the black background, sketchy font and barbed wire wrapping the letters. 

Conventions Of Film Openings In General

Below is a video of myself explaining the common conventions of film openings. I scripted what I was going to say, filmed myself reading my notes and then edited the shots together using Windows Movie Maker. Below the video is a copy of the notes I made.

Final Film Planning

Final Film Brainstorm Mindmap Video 

This is a video showing a mindmap I created when thinking of the name and institution name for our final film.  Doing a mindmap helped us branch out lots of different ideas that linked together to lead us to our final ideas.  In conjunction with using the mindmap, we also searched thesaurus' online to find more sophisticated synonyms of words as we wanted a professional, memorable, unique name. 

This is a spider diagram of further development ideas we all thought about together in class. Here we were trying to put down ideas to trigger our minds into thinking of a narrative for our final film. Although we don't plan to use all of the ideas below and we will probably adapt and change them for when we construct our actual narrative, it still gives us ideas and things to work from.

Below is a voice recording of our group discussing an idea for the narrative of our final film. From here we hope to develop the narrative and plan what and how we are going to do our final film opening sequence. We spoke about the shot types we could use, the sub-genre's and themes running throughout, characters, costumes, props and location. This was a really productive lesson and I feel the film will progress instantly from here. I'm really excited to continue the rest of the planning and complete the shooting of our film.

                                   

This sketch (right) was drawn by Jake Hayes in our group. After the discussion above, we wanted to get some ideas down on paper so we could visualize it more. The sketch shows the camera at a low angle on the ground, a wide angle revealing the road and the main character in the background. Our initial idea is that the dice are thrown along the road towards the camera and finish just in front. Here we thought about changing the depth of field (focus) between the dice faces and also between the dice and the dark figure (main character) in the back ground. I really like this effect when I have witnessed it in other films, it's really professional and captures the audiences attention. A tilt shot is then used along with zooming out to reveal the character and the surrounding ghostly estate- this is the establishing shot to set a base location for the audience to relate to.

We then used Photoshop to convert the sketch into an animated version. This gives us a good insight into what our first shot could or will look like and gives us a base to begin from with our narrative.

This is a small moodboard I created themed around our final film ideas. (*None of these images are my own, they are all taken from Google.) We chose as a group to use red dice as these are more distinct and also red symbolises death, blood and danger. The pictures of the young girls show previous films and television series featuring this type of character. All of these girls I feel have been effective in scaring the audience. Children and young girls in particular are thought of as innocent, girly and friendly in reality so to have them represented in a different light in a film elevates the scariness and surprise element. The image of the diary represents the paper the main character will have which includes the answers to his dice 'game' whereby he follows dares resulting from the number shown on the dice. The pictures of the empty streets and empty room signify the estate we will be filming on and the theme of anomalous. The Lionsgate logo featured is the institution along with our own company "Unprecedented Pictures" we hope to show in our opening credits.

Preliminary Task: "Is It Done?"

IS IT DONE?

This is our original storyboard which we used to base our preliminary task titled "Is It Done" on. To view, click the arrow pointing to the right to switch between slides and if desired, view in full screen. 

As you will see we made a few changes as we filmed. One significant change was from the knife to a gun. We decided to use a gun instead for health and safety reasons as we were filming in a school area. Secondly, the gun was readily available from our drama props department and resulted in the short film looking effective as it got the horror theme and point across well.

Here are some images of us during the process of filming. To view, click the arrow pointing to the right to switch between slides and if desired, view in full screen. 

This is our final video for our preliminary task. 

We were really pleased with the outcome of our preliminary task. We successfully showed a character opening a door, crossing a room and sitting down in a chair opposite another character. The two characters then exchanged dialogue and the character then left the room. Along with these specifications we also had to include a match on action shot, shot reverse shot and follow the 180-degree rule. Using these shot types and the brief we had to follow, helped us understand how to plan, direct, construct and edit a film and I believe it will really help us to improve and master filming techniques in our final film. Although we accidentally broke the 180-degree rule, we corrected this through post-editing by flipping the shot. This ensured the continuity of the sequence was smooth and the audience didn't get confused.

We then decided we wanted to have a discussion on what we thought went well in our preliminary shoot and what went wrong of which we could improve on. Below is a short evaluation of our group discussing the preliminary task and what things we want to adjust for our final film. Having an open discussion like this enabled us to share our thoughts and ideas amongst the group and come to conclusions on future improvements.

Horror Film Questionnaire

We constructed this questionnaire in order to create our film tailored specifically to our target audience. The answers we receive we help us in deciding the BBFC rating, a sub-genre to focus on, what to include in our opening, main character preferences, sound and setting preferences. We may also decide to subvert from these conclusions as we want to create a unique film which grasps our viewer's attention. 

Analysing 9 points of the opening of "Breakfast At Tiffany's"