Saturday 18 December 2010

Final Film..



Evaluation - Question 7


 

Evaluation - Question 6

Q6. What have you learnt about the technology from the process of constructing this product?


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Whilst participating in the preliminary task and creating my opening thriller I used a variety of technology. This included software such as Final Cut Express, After Effects, Garage Band, Slideshare and others. I used this software to create various sections of my thriller opening such as music and titles.

I used Final Cut Express to edit my thriller opening footage. I found this software easy to use and found editing a success. However, I found it difficult at times, when trying to put them in a timeline as my footage would often get cut without intention. The advantage of using Final Cut Express is that I was able to put my edited footage, soundtrack and also titles together to create my thriller opening. I learnt cut my footage when creating my thriller opening. I used this technique when cutting my footage to make it come together correctly; this technique was useful because it enabled me to cut out footage I didn’t want and then join it to other footage for it to come together well.  I also learnt how to edit my audio as I was able to turn off sound that was made during my footage, so when I added my music track, the music only was heard. I added effects such as ‘dissolve’ to parts of my footage. I used this pieces of footage were put together with a dissolve effect, which made them connect together so the film footage would run smoothly.
I used After Effects to produce my titles. I used After Effects instead of Final Cut Pro because this software consisted of motion graphics and visual effects; also this software is more suited for editing, and consists of many/various tools which enabled me to carry out tasks when producing my thriller opening. It was also easier to use After Effects because it hid/displayed the layers well, in a way which made it easier for me to get from one layer to another.
I found creating these an easy procedure and enjoyed adding ‘effects and presets’ to my text to make it move or even look different. An advantage of using this software is that I could add and use a variety of different effects to my text which helped me create a sense of drama and tension to help me explore the thriller conventions. A disadvantage of this software is that I found getting the right timing for my effects to begin and finish difficult. An advantage of using this software is that I could copy my titles then add a new composition and paste it; this made the procedure of creating my titles quicker and simpler.

I used Garage Band to create my music. I found this process fun, enjoyable and really easy. The layout of the software enabled me to navigate around the programme easily and choose my genres and instruments easily, therefore this was an advantage. Another advantage is that it was easy to lengthen my music tabs, instead of having to add more. Keeping my music repetitive was an advantage because it would enable my audience to acknowledge the mood of my media product, and therefore gain a sense of the genre of my thriller opening. A disadvantage of this software is that I found it hard to see the length of my music track as it didn’t show timing (in seconds or minutes) but measured bars and beats instead.
I used Slideshare to upload my presentations such as my proposal and get the embed code so I could put it on to my blog. A disadvantage of this software is that I found it difficult to find how I could upload the presentation and then get the embed code. However, and advantage of using this software is that it uploaded the presentation very quickly and of good quality.

In the beginning I was unable to use a Mac computer, however now I am very aware of the different and variety of software’s it consists of and how they work. As the Macs were different from computers I usually use. I found it difficult at first to use and navigate around the software. However, now I am quite confident when using the Macs. I found that they were very useful when producing my thriller opening. I used a Mac to create my media product rather than a PC because the Mac’s had more software and programme’s which were useful to me, such as; Final Cut Pro, Garage Band and After Effects. The Mac was more useful then PC’s because the quality of it enabled me to see my thriller opening in high quality along with the high quality cameras. This source of technology also allowed me to put as much footage as I wanted on the Mac computer, as it held a lot because of its storage, also when uploading my footage it didn’t take a long time to load.

Physically producing my thriller opening, I used two video recorders, a tripod, a white backdrop and studio spot lights, and I found that they were both good quality. The first video recorder I used when shooting outside using the daylight as light. I found this camera easy to handle as it was small and simple. However, the second video recorder was of higher quality and I used this camera when shooting in the studio with the white backdrop and spot lights. I found it made much of a difference and also added a sense of professional filming to my thriller opening as the lights and white backdrop together made it look better than the natural daylight. The lights in the studio enabled me to emphasise my female character’s feelings and emotions by exaggerating and using the lights to emphasise her face.

I used Google to research the location of my thriller opening, along with Youtube which I used to upload my thriller opening and also research on other thriller openings. Also, I used Blogger to contain my coursework along the way of producing my media product.

Evaluation - Question 5

Q5. How did you attract/address your audience?



 

Evaluation - Question 4


Evaluation - Question 3

Q3. What kind of media institution might distribute your media product? Why?

My media product would be distributed by institutions such as ‘New Line Cinema’ who made films such as; ‘The Cell’ and ‘Cellular’ and ‘Screen Gems’ which made films such as; ‘ Resident Evil’, When a Stranger Calls’ and ‘Anacondas - The Hunt for the Blood Orchid’ who release and produce thriller movies. This is because they have made thriller films which I have mostly liked and their films are most commonly watched by audiences. I would also like these film companies to distribute my thriller film because I think my media product has features and aspects which are similar to the other films these institutions have produced, such as ‘When a Stranger Calls’. It would be a movie released in cinemas such as ‘Odeon’ and ‘Vue’ because this would give the audience of the film an opportunity to watch it on the big screens and also along with their friends and people with similar interests and of similar social groups. I would like ‘Odeon’ to distribute my thriller film as this company have been around for years and has a good history of releasing movies. There are also a variety of these cinemas found across the United Kingdom, which would give my audience an opportunity to view them at their local cinema. I would like ‘Vue’ to distribute my film because there are approximately 69 Vue cinemas with approximately 650 screens. I would also like my thriller film to be released on DVD’s which could be purchased in stores such as ‘HMV’, ‘Sainsbury’s’ and ‘Blockbuster’ also shops online such as ‘Play.com’ . I would release my thriller film on DVD via sources such as ‘Play.com’ during the Christmas period as the most sales of it would be made.

My production logo represents my film and the fact that it is a thriller. My production logo uses effects which endure that it is a thriller company. My production logon is used in the beginning of my thriller opening and educates the audience of it that it is a thriller film. My production company produces thriller films, focusing more on psychological and horror thrillers.

My thriller film would be released because it explores a sense of loneliness, hidden identity and suffering. This would/could relate to individuals lives/experiences, and some audiences may be able to relate to the film and its storyline. It would also be released because audiences and individuals who enjoy watching thriller films which consists and meet the thriller conventions of suspense, anxiety, tension, loneliness and fear would enjoy my film. My film would also be released because my target audience would go to the previews and hopefully give it good reviews which would lead to it being released. My audience would gain knowledge of the previews of my film by adverts on the television and radio. Previews would consist of parts of the film, including the opening, promoting my production logo, production company name and also the name of the film.

My thriller film could be released n the beginning of the Halloween period, and advertised/marketed in October. This is because thriller films are released most during this period, especially horror-thrillers, which my film would be. I would advertise my film in October and research on any other thriller films that are being distributed around the same time; this is so audiences would be addressed and aware of my film first. I would also distribute DVDs of my film during the 6-week holiday period. This is because my audience would have an opportunity to watch it in the free time of the holiday.

Evaluation - Question 2


Evaluation - Question 1 [Part 2]

Q1. In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

9 frames from my thriller opening showing thriller conventions:

 

Shot 1 - This shot meets the thriller conventions as the use of text I have used. This shot shows my production logo; the type of text I have used ‘Cracked’ helps to demonstrate that my production company makes thriller films. I used a black background to make the audience anxious of what could happen next.

Shot 2 - This shot shows a thriller convention of vulnerability. This is because my female character is very vulnerable at this stage as she is unaware of the stalker watching her. I named this shot my ‘Hide and Seek’ shot as it remind me of the thriller film, and it is as if the stalker is hiding and seeking my female character. 

Shot 3 - I used this shot to make the audience think that Chellsee may know someone is following her. I directed Chellsee to look behind her so the audience may think that she has seen the ‘stalker’ watching her. I decided to the use the camera as if it was the stalker as I thought this would be an effective idea. This shot shows the thriller conventions of suspense and drama.

Shot 4 - This shot shows a thriller convention of loneliness. I used this shot to begin to show the emotions of my female character and unravel my storyline. In this shot I aimed to show my audience the facial expressions of Chellsee as they told a story. The use of the black background helps to explore the horror-thriller side of my opening sequence.

Shot 5 - This shot shows a thriller convention of danger. I used an effect to fade one piece of footage into another, also I used this effect to grab my audience’s attention and help to explore the thriller side of my opening sequence.

Shot 6 - I used this shot to show Chellsee’s vulnerability. I wished to express in this shot that Chellsee has flashbacks of her attack and that she steel feels defenceless, in danger and lonely.This shot explores each thriller convention and also of begins to unravel my storyline. Similarly to ‘Shot 4’ I aimed to show mainly Chellsee’s facial expression as this was what showed her feelings and the thriller conventions above.

Shot 7 - This shot shows a thriller convention of unawareness. I used this shot to show Chellsee’s helplessness and unawareness. This shot shows my ‘hidden’ character behind my female character, and I used this shot because it would make my audience anxious of what might happen to Chellsee, also this shot expresses Chellsee’s facial expressions and emotions as she looks scared and tense. I used a back backdrop to help hide my ‘hidden’ character as it would make the shot more mysterious and effective. This shot is effective because the audience can see my ‘hidden’ character behind her, but Chellsee cannot.

Shot 8 - This shot shows my ‘stalker’ character grabbing Chellsee, and she gradually fades away into the background. This is effective because This shot shows a thriller convention of defencelessness. This is another shot I used to not only show Chellsee’s facial expressions and emotions, but also to help begin to tell me storyline.

Shot 9 - I showed the title of my thriller film last as I thought this would be more effective. I began to tell a story with my film footage which my audience would have been trying to puzzle together, I then finished with my film title. I think this explores thriller conventions because it reflects on the audience of what is going to happen in the film, because of the opening they’ve seen and also because of the title of the film.

Evaluation - Question 1 [Part 1]

Q1. In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

9 frames from thriller openings I’ve researched:


Se7en

Shot 1 - Is an extreme close-up shot which shows and explores thriller conventions. This is a shot of words being crossed out in a newspaper article. This shot explores thriller conventions as it shows a sense of suspense and expectancy. This shot is often used in thriller films to make the audience curious and also anxious about why the person could by crossing out the words. The words being crossed out by a thick black pen explores the thriller conventions because it explores a sense of apprehension and drama.

Shot 2 - This is a close up which explores thriller conventions because the black, dark background makes the shot seem dark and tense. The titles used seem child-like, and the use of child-like writing explores a sense of anxiety. Also, the child-like writing being shown with the picture of the child may leave the audience tense and curious. The image of the child with their eyes crossed out explores thriller conventions because it shows a sense of drama, as the person’s eyes being hidden show hidden identity.

Shot 3 - This shot is a close up which shows an image of a sharp instrument in the back of a dead person’s shaved head. This shot uses thriller conventions to attract the audience’s attention and the image is also dark along with shadows which explore the thriller convention of anxiety and tension.


When a Stranger Calls

Shot 4 - This long shot shows a lake and house; also this shot is dark and consists of a lot of shadows. This shot uses thriller conventions because it provides the audience with anxiety and apprehension of what may happen. The shot is a long-shot which is also an establishing shot for the audience.

Shot 5 - This shot shows a long shot of a woman walking down a dark corridor. This shot challenges thriller conventions because the darkness of the shot expresses the drama in the clip of the film. The woman walking down the dark corridor in the house alone uses the thriller conventions because it shows suspense.

Shot 6 - This shot  is a close up which shows a woman on the phone talking to the stalker, the use of the shadows surrounding her make the shot look dark and intimidating and express her vulnerability. This shot expresses the woman’s emotions from her facial expressions.


The Crazies

Shot 7 - This shot shows a mid-shot of a man pointing a gun at someone. This shot explores the crime side of thriller conventions; also this shot gives the audience an opportunity to see the man’s facial expressions. This shot uses thriller conventions such as tension and anxiety to make the audience anxious.

Shot 8 - The shot shows a dark, shadowy, mysterious corridor. The use of this shot meets thriller conventions for the audience, as it will leave the audience tense and unease and anxious about what is going to happen. 

Shot 9 - This shot shows a girl standing in front of a big machine. The use of the dark surroundings makes the girl seem vulnerable, along with the size of the machine, she seems very timid and small. The use of this shot explores thriller conventions because it will make the audience wonder what is going to happen to the girl or what the machine is, and leave the audience feeling anxious.

Thursday 16 December 2010

My Music

I decided to make my own music as this would get me a higher mark and I knew I would enjoy undertaking this task. I had decided to make a music track which expressed that my opening was a thriller and that would hook my target audience and involve them, also I wanted my track to explore the thriller conventions.

My influences were:

- Hide & Seek When a Stranger Calls

This is because the sound tracks in these films express strongly that they were thriller films & as part of an audience, I felt very involved and interested and this was because the music was very tense, dark, slow and catchy.

Preliminary Task..

 
The preliminary task was essential as it gave me an opportunity to make myself aware of the variety of shots I had to use and the equipment also. This task helped prepare me for when I had to make my thriller opening.


In the preliminary task I was put into a group with two people. We were given guidelines to help us perform this task such as types of shots we should use, such as over-the-shoulder, close-ups and match-on-action shots. The preliminary task had to consist of some opening a door, walking across the room, a conversation taking place and then someone leaving the room.
My preliminary task consisted of all these features; I video recorded Nana from outside the room opening the door and going in. I then recorded her from inside, coming into the room. I then recorded her walking across the room and shaking AJ's hand and greeting her. I then recorded the two individuals having a conversation as dialogue was another aspect which had to be included in the task. During this action I took shots such as over-the-shoulder to show both Nana and then AJ's facial expressions. Both individuals listened carefully to what I wanted them to do, as it was vital I got enough shots and the right shots to edit afterwards. We carried out the preliminary task in the studio in school, along with the white backdrop and spot lights. This was helpful and positive as the spot lights exaggerated each individuals facial expressions, and made the scene bright and professional. I used the tripod and video recorder to record this task. The tripod was helpful as it made the camera and filming steady and not at all shakey.


The preliminary task gave me an opportunity to shoot different shots and also use the various types of equipment, such as the video recorder, tripod and spotlights. This task would improve my knowledge of the equipment and also get me prepared for producing my thriller opening. It also improved skills such as teamwork and time-keeping as I had to make sure my video recording and editing was done on time before the deadline.

Software / Programmes I used..

Adobe After Effects -

I used this software to create my titles and add effects to them. Adding effects to my titles made me able to express that my film opening was a thriller.

Garage Band -

I used this software to create my music track. Using this software enabled me to make my own music instead of using a copyright track, also I was able to gain knowledge in this software whilst making my music.


Final Cut Pro -

I used this software to put my footage together to make my thriller opening. I was also able to add effects such as 'dissolve' to put two pieces of footage together.

Youtube -

I used this software to upload my thriller opening & also I was able to watch and research other thriller openings to help me in the process of producing mine.

Blogger -

I used this software to to import all of my coursework and also keep research and information.

Monday 15 November 2010

Diary !

Friday 17th September
I created my blog & I also began to think of ideas in consideration to my thriller opening.

Friday 24th September
I began to produce my proposal for my thriller opening. I had to consider ideas which I had rejected and why, also which films had inspired my idea and also inspired the music I had thought of.

Friday 1st October
I presented my proposal to my Media studies class, where my teacher approved of my idea.

Friday 15th October
I added information/posts to my blog. This included: an audience research profile, character, props and location research profile. I also created my story board and moodboard.

Monday 8th November
I begin to research on production logo's to help me come up with my own for my thriller opening.

Friday 12th November
I attended a 'Production logo training' session, where I was able to use a software [After Effects] which allowed me to create my production logo.

Here are some screenshots of me using 'After Effects':














First I added text saying 'Red Productions' as an example production company name. I then added a 'Gaussian Blue' to the text.


































Friday 5th November - Monday 15th November
I filmed some of my thriller opening and also began to take pictures and shots which I wanted to be in my thriller opening. I also began to think of my production company logo/name.

Monday 8 November 2010

Production Company Logo Research !

A production logo is used by movie companies and television production companies to brand what they produce. They are usually seen at the beginning of a movie and is seen as an opening logo, they may also be at the end of the programme/movie. However, logos for smaller companies are seen as ‘vanity cards’ or ‘vanity logos’. Production logos can take advantage of motion and synchronized sound.

Examples of production logos are:

- 20th Century Fox
- Universal Studios
- Walt Disney Pictures
- Paramount Pictures

These production logos are inspiring because they look like they come from a company which produce thriller/horror movies. They also explore a sense of anxiety, drama and anxiousness as they are both dark.  Production logos like these are often used in companies which produce horror and thriller movies as they provide the audience with anxiousness, especially when they are in the beginning of the movie. 



The text in the ‘Red Letter Studios’ logo shows a sense of tension. These logos have inspired me to make my logo dark, and the text/font creepy looking, as this will help the audience when watching my thriller opening to know straight away that it is a thriller film. I’ll use colours such as ‘red’ to add tension to my thriller opening, as red connotes and is associated with danger.    

I decided to name my production logo 'R.M Productions' - R.M being my initials. I began to create my production logo, making it look creepy, dramatic and similar to other Production companies which created thriller films. I wanted my production logo to show that my thriller opening was specifically of the thriller genre. Before I created my production logo I was able to start by being more aware and familiar of the After Effects Software. I made an example company logo first whilst making myself more familiar with the software.

Sunday 31 October 2010

Props Research !

My props will consist of a black hoody, jeans and trainers which my male character will wear.



My props will consist of a work suit; blazer, trousers, shirt and shoes which my female character will wear. 

 

Character Research !

Character One

My character is female.
She is 20 years old.
She enjoys shopping.
She is quite a popular and friendly person.
She often wears jeans, blazers and shoes.
She loves designer clothes.
She works in an office not too far from her house.



Character Two


My character is a male.
He is 25 years old.
He enjoys his own company as he is timid.
He often wears hoodies,  jeans and trainers.
He works in photoshop.

My Proposal !


 
I had to present my proposal to the rest of my Media studies class. I had to make sure my thriller opening wasn't too much like a horror movie and that I made sure it was more of a thriller. I also had to make sure it met all the aspects of a thriller, such as; tension, anxiety, drama and suspense.In this proposal I included:


- Ideas I had rejected when thinking about creating my opening thriller.
- Taglines for my opening thriller
- Camera angles I would use
- Props and costumes I would use
- My final idea - how my thriller opening would go and what would happen.
- The rest of the film storyline
- Inspirations - films which had inspired me when coming up with my final idea.
- Casting - who would be in my opening thriller.
- Similar music which I would like the music played in my opening thriller to be like.
- How my opening thriller would meet thriller conventions.
- Themes which would be included in my opening thriller.

Moodboard


The images I used in my moodboard express how I was feeling when I was thinking about ideas for my thriller opening. The images of the girls [top left/bottom right] shows how my female character will feel, the image of the eyes demonstrates someone watching, stalking and always there. The image of the hands makes me  think of not letting go, support and struggle, and the other images make me think of:

- Drama

- Tension

- Revenge

Storyboard !

Location Research !

South Norwood Country Park was one location I researched. I chose this place to research as it would be a good location to use when considering the woman on her way home being followed by the male character. I would use this location during the evening time when it begins to get dark.

Target Audience Profile !

The target audience of my Thriller Opening are young people aged approximately sixteen to twenty years old. This is because I learnt from my questionnaires that people around these ages mostly watch thriller movies, also I believe that my idea for my thriller opening will interest this age group. Due to my opening sequence being a mixed genre of horror and thriller my film will appeal to the audiences of both genres. Most horror thrillers are aimed at young people with the similar age as my target audience and this is because people of this age are more interested in films which consist of murders, revenge, fear and danger, however my thriller opening will appeal to older people also, people who are interested in films with a meaning, which my opening consists of. My target audience includes both males and females as I feel that my opening thriller will appeal to both genders although males often prefer horror thrillers more than females. I chose for both males and females to be my target audience, because I learnt from my questionnaires that both genders were interested in thrillers like the idea I had come up with.

 My opening thriller is aimed at teenagers no matter what their class or interests. However, they will most likely have similar interests such as film genre's, as it is common for young people to watch movies such as horror thrillers in groups/together. People with a high level of intellect will be part of my target audience also, as they will be able to understand the film a lot better than others, this is likely to be young adults or even older people.

Thursday 30 September 2010

Analysis of Thriller Films !


Se7en


Firstly, there is a book's pages being turned slowly and this builds up the sense of tension. The extreme close up of the person shaving off their fingertips, expresses the level of drama and also tension. David Fincher has used this shot to get attention from the audience and make them curious of why this action is taking place. The pictures of the people being stuck down also catch the audience's attention as the pictures and negative and creepy. The person going over words is weird because people usually highlight words on a page, not go over them in black pen, and this will make the audience curious of why this person is doing this and what the meaning of this may be. Also, the extreme close up of the words being crossed out grabs the attention of the audience, as they will want to see what words exactly are being erased, also what else may be on the page. The crossing out of the man's eyes and then face may represent murder/revenge, and these are aspects of the thriller genre.
The slow and deep music is catchy and also adds tension to the opening of the film, and it adds mystery and awareness to it, also the bass provides tension. The use of special effects, such as flashing provides the film with extra mystery and apprehension. As the music speeds up it increases the tension and level of mystery. It attracts the audience more and makes them more aware, and wanting to watch on.


David Fincher uses editing in the opening sequence to make it more effective. He uses 'cutting', where he cuts one shot and moves on to another shot. This is effective because it gives the audience an opportunity to see many actions happening in the shots, another reason why this is effective is because the use of cutting provides more tension and a sense of drama. He also uses cutting to introduce a title which also causes tension.The use of child-like text as the titles with a black and dark background, gives a sense of tension, darkness and non-adult like acts. The contrast of the white writing and black background express a sense of  drama and negative aspects. The text is small and not very bold however, but because of the use of a contrasted background, it makes it more exaggerated. The opening titles appear and then flash, which makes the text bolder, which increases the level of tension. The close ups and extreme close ups give the audience an opportunity to see detail and vital information, which gives them a chance to gain knowledge of what the film could be able.The opening sequence of 'Se7en' makes its audience want to watch on because of the actions in it. They will want to know what the film is actually about, and why this person is doing the things seen, such as cutting up pictures, shaving off their fingertips, blacking out words and much more.


As the audience are unable to see the character's face it makes them unaware of who it could be. However, this increases the tension and curiosity of who this person could be and their morals. The opening sequence introduces the genre 'thriller' as it expresses mystery, murder and crime. The audience may understand the storyline possibilities. Enigma is established by the music and images portrayed in the the opening sequence. It porttrays the sense of mystery, danger, revenge and murder.

Dexter 

The opening starts with an extreme close up of a mosquito on his skin which he splats. The
extreme close up and close up of his skin being shaved shows his power and domincance. The loud sound of him shaving and close up makes the audience aware and also exaggerates what has taken place and is actually happening in the drama. The blood then dripping from his neck also exxagerates what has taken place and represents murder/crime which symbolises a thriller. The cutting of the bacon makes the audience think of skin being sliced/cut and this being an extreme close up emphasises what is actually happening. The sound of him chewing the bacon and frying the egg is an exaggeration of the action, and the deep slow music builds up tension and drama for the audience. The slicing of the orage with the sharp knife makes the audience think of torture and murder as the orange is being slowly cut, and the close up shows the juice coming (squirting) from the orange. This is used because it represents blood squirting from someone, so the close up of it makes the audience aware of this resemblence. When he ties the flossing string around his finger, the extreme cose up shows the importance of his action. The strength he uses to wrap the piece of floss around his fingers shows his power and strength. Also, the way he pulls his laces and shows his power and may make the audience imagine someone being strangled.The close up fo dexter shows his dominance and the fact that he is in the opening sequence shows his importance and strong role in the film.

Most shots are taken with a dark background to cause tension. This expresses the sense of it being a thriller drama. The producer of this drama uses a lot of editing in this opening sequence. They use 'cutting' to put the different and variety of shots together. For example: the two shots of the mosquito on Dexter's arm and then squashed on his arm, show the audience the before and after of what has happened, and therefore give the audience information whilst doing this. This cut also grabs the audience's attention and awareness because of the surprise of the mosquito being squashed so quickly. The producer often uses cuts to show the before and after of an action.

The music in the background reminds me of gangster films, and this links to the drama, Dexter. As Dexter is similar to a gangster, and the opening sequence of the drama shows this. The sequence shows his dominance and power, and that he is the main character in this drama.

The opening sequence uses a natural light which is because it is filmed in the day and the background is often bright, however, low-key lighting is used in the sequence to portray the actions taking place, to express the negativity towards them and to cause tension for the audience.

Specific Questionnaire Case Study !


In my specific questionnaire I used more detailed questions which would help me to get feedback on my queries about the thriller opening I wanted to create, and ideas. I wanted to get feedback which would help me come to a conclusion on what my thriller opening would be about.

Tuesday 28 September 2010

Case Study "Psychological Thriller" !

The Psychological thriller is a specific sub-genre of the thriller genre. The thriller genre often has elements of mystery and drama, and occasionally this genre links to the horror genre. The psychological thriller relates to the mind or processes of the mind and sometimes the suspense comes from one character where characters must resolve conflicts with their own minds. Thrillers usually focus on the plot rather than the character whereas psychological thrillers focus on the character more than the plot. In psychological thrillers, characters are often reliant on physical strength rather than overcoming their enemies like action thrillers. The suspense in these films usually comes from one or more characters preying on one another’s minds, such as by playing deceptive games with each other.

These are examples of Thrillers:

Case Study on the Director - "David Fincher" !

David Fincher (born August 28th 1962) is an American film director. He’s known for his dark and stylish thriller movies, such as Seven, Fight Club, Panic Room, Zodiac and Alien 3 and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, which he received an Academy Award nominated for Best Director. David Fincher's early life began with him making movies at the age of eight years old, and as he grew up he got a job loading cameras for Korty’s Films. He was later hired by Industrial Light & Magic in 1980, where he worked on productions for Twice upon a Time, Return of the Jedi and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. In 1984 he went on to direct a commercial for the American Cancer Society (a smoking advert), because of this role in producing this advert, he quickly brought the attention of producers, where he was given the chance to direct the documentary The Beat of the Live Drum. He continued to direct adverts for companies such as Revlon, Converse, Nike, Pepsi and Sony. Fincher was also interested in the music industry where he went on to music videos and directing them.

General Questionnaire Analysis !


 
My general questionnaire consisted of questions which varied from age and gender to more detailed questions which would help me to decide what my Thriller Opening would be based on and how I would  begin to think of ideas. In this analysis I am going to explore the responses I got in my questionnaire and verify how I am going to use the questions and answers to produce and adapt my thriller opening. The first two questions I put in my questionnaire was 'Are you male or female?' and 'What age are you?'. These questions would help me to find out what the two different genders were most interested in when it came to their interest in films.
Another question on my questionnaire was 'What is your favourite genre of film?', which I learnt that females were more interested in films such as; romance and comedy, and males were more interested in action films, however most people enjoyed comedies the most. From this I learnt that females preferred more soft and mellow films whereas males preferred more hard and tough films. I gave one questionnaire to someone who wasn't ideally part of my target audience, an adult (female). I learnt from this questionnaire that they weren't very interested in action films/thriller films but found romance films more interesting, and I realised that my thriller opening was mainly targeted for young people, my own age.
From the question; 'How often do you go to the cinema?', I learnt that young people go to the cinema approximately once every fortnight, where they watched mostly new films which had been released lately. I also learnt that people mostly download movies from the question 'Do you download or rent films more?'. I learnt that people mostly download films because it is easier then buying or renting them, as it is a much quicker process which sometimes is priceless.
I found that Clint Eastwood was the most favoured film director, as his films often have a very good and detailed storyline, he has won many academy awards. He was favoured because he not only directs and produces his own films but also makes music for them and also because he stars in several of his own films such as; Heartbreak Ridge, Gran Torino, True Crime and Million Dollar Baby. He was also favoured because he appeared in programmes such as; Jonny Mercer - The Dreams on you. Another question I asked was 'Do you prefer films where the opening sequence starts in the day or night?'. From this question I found that most people preferred films where the opening started in the night, as this made it more tense and at ease.

From my general questionnaire I gained knowledge that males preferred action thrillers and females preferred romance and comedies. I also learnt that older people weren't very interested in action films such as thrillers. My questionnaire will help me in my production, as it gives me information on what I should and shouldn't include, and also people downloaded films more than rent as they found it cheaper and a easier process. I will use these responses to help me when producing my Thriller Opening.