These were some of our shot ideas for our opening sequence. These may change however at this time we believe that this plot could be very succsessful.
Wednesday 23 November 2011
Our Finished Production Company Logo
Our logo was simple and stood out. We placed it on a black background to make it appeal to the audience and jump out of the darkness. We created the name 'ECKS Productions' because it was simply our initials put together.
Tuesday 15 November 2011
Male Target Audience
We looked into what our target audience stereotypically likes. As a result this gives us an idea of concepts we can use that will suit this type of audience.
Wednesday 9 November 2011
Tuesday 8 November 2011
Horror Conventions
Nightmare on Elm Street- http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=yGJli5ToZ4Y
Masked Characters- These are very predictable but however they are still very efficient at creating fear.
Dreams- The use of dreams to create horror is used well in a lot of horrors. The feeling of relaxation when sleeping is being invaded by horror to create fear for the audience.
Low Key Lighting- Nightime is used to create the unknown and therefore build tension.
Young Characters- By using young teens they can exploit the vulnerability of the characters, and allow the audience to worry for them.
Prolonged Silences- The use of silences suggests that something is wrong, therefore the action is more thrilling when it takes place.
Loud Screams- These may be exagerrated in most films but they still cause suspense and a sense of realism.
Monday 7 November 2011
Lighting In Horror Films
Most horror happens during nightime, the lighting is always low key. The darkness creates a sense of mystery and therefore effects the audience. The horror always takes place at night time because they try to take the audience out of there comfort zone. Therefore they can easily spook the audience and create fear. The use of natural light in scenes suggests safety and comfort, so when there is no natural light the audience can recognise a change in mood. This change of mood allows the audience to anticipate, by creating this anticipation the characters can scare the audience as they are vulnerable.
In horrors shadows are very important, seeing things through reflections and shadows creates mystery. Also this creates doubt for the characters because they are unaware of what they have seen and therefore panic. Dramatic irony takes place when we can clearly see a shadow and the character cannot. This creates anxiety and fear for the audience because they can see exactly what is taking place.
Thursday 3 November 2011
Props Used in Horror Films
Props are very important in horrors but are usually found more in violent horrors:
Axes-
This is very much a cliche. We would usually refer an axe to a brutal killer. Nowadays weapons such as axes are becoming less common and we are beginning to see modern weapons.
Sorority Row Weapon-
This is more of a modern weapon and is used to full effect. It is a mix between classic weapons used in the past. This is unique because it can be used in many different ways and kills people differently each time creating more horror.
Chainsaw-
Again chainsaws are very cliche and used in a selection of horrors. The noise of the chainsaw creates more horror as we can hear it coming. This effects the audience because they know something bad is going to happen.
Axes-
This is very much a cliche. We would usually refer an axe to a brutal killer. Nowadays weapons such as axes are becoming less common and we are beginning to see modern weapons.
Sorority Row Weapon-
This is more of a modern weapon and is used to full effect. It is a mix between classic weapons used in the past. This is unique because it can be used in many different ways and kills people differently each time creating more horror.
Chainsaw-
Again chainsaws are very cliche and used in a selection of horrors. The noise of the chainsaw creates more horror as we can hear it coming. This effects the audience because they know something bad is going to happen.
Music in Horrors
Most horrors use music in the same ways. There is usually used at a low level before being loudened as the action builds. This is effective because it warns the audience that there is horror to follow. It gets the audience involved because they begin to anticipate when the horror will take place. More upbeat music is usually used at the end of the films. This is usually used when good finally overcomes bad. In modern horrors we don't see this as much because usually all the good people are killed. Therefore we would usually only expect to hear droning music.
Here is our first choice peice of music for our horror:
Here is our first choice peice of music for our horror:
Settings From Popular Horrors
The Human Centipede-
The human centipede uses clever cut off settings to build tension. In the example above the screen is cracked which gives off danger warnings instantly. The colour of the room is grey and dreary, this suggests the fear of the characters. By using a house with low key lighting more suspense is created causing more thrills.
Paranormal Activity-
Similarly to the human centipede paranormal activity uses a dark room in a house to create fear for the audience. The room is dull and therefore suggest doom and danger. The use of a cot suggests safety, however this is being used to create more fear for the audience.
Alien-
Alien uses stranger settings because it is more of a sci-fi horror. Therefore we have abstract locations and lots of different props. This is different to the other settings because the places where they are unknown. When we don't have an idea of whats going on the characters can create a lot of fear for us. This is cleverly recognised by the producers and is used effectively.
The human centipede uses clever cut off settings to build tension. In the example above the screen is cracked which gives off danger warnings instantly. The colour of the room is grey and dreary, this suggests the fear of the characters. By using a house with low key lighting more suspense is created causing more thrills.
Paranormal Activity-
Similarly to the human centipede paranormal activity uses a dark room in a house to create fear for the audience. The room is dull and therefore suggest doom and danger. The use of a cot suggests safety, however this is being used to create more fear for the audience.
Alien-
Alien uses stranger settings because it is more of a sci-fi horror. Therefore we have abstract locations and lots of different props. This is different to the other settings because the places where they are unknown. When we don't have an idea of whats going on the characters can create a lot of fear for us. This is cleverly recognised by the producers and is used effectively.
Wednesday 2 November 2011
Titles for Our Horror Film
Box
Ancestry
Visual
Revolution
Dillusional
Spectre
Insanity
Entrophy
All these names are very random and strange. However we are looking to create mystery because of our theme. Psychological horror's usually have strange titles which try and work the audiences mind. As a result our titles are very effective becuase there meanings are not clear similar to our theme.
Ancestry
Visual
Revolution
Dillusional
Spectre
Insanity
Entrophy
All these names are very random and strange. However we are looking to create mystery because of our theme. Psychological horror's usually have strange titles which try and work the audiences mind. As a result our titles are very effective becuase there meanings are not clear similar to our theme.
Research on Horror Movie Names
When looking at names of horror films they are usually split into two types, mysterious and obvious.
Obvious Titles:
When A Stranger Calls- The idea of a stranger states clear horror and danger.
Paranormal Activity- When talking about paranormal you think of ghosts and spirits, this connotes to us mystery however the world paranormal definitely states to us that the genre is horror.
Scream- Again the word 'scream' suggests pain and therefore makes the film genre pretty obvious.
Mysterious Titles:
Insidious- This title is more mysterious and leaves the audience unsure of what is going to happen in the film. This is because the title isn't obvious.
The thing: The thing sounds very random and could be relevant to any topic. As the title is not obvious more tension is built for the audience because they are trying to anticipate what is going to happen in the film.
Priest: We would usually think 'preist' as being a man of god and someone safe. However the producers have deliberately used something safe as the title to shock the audience when they view the film.
Obvious Titles:
When A Stranger Calls- The idea of a stranger states clear horror and danger.
Paranormal Activity- When talking about paranormal you think of ghosts and spirits, this connotes to us mystery however the world paranormal definitely states to us that the genre is horror.
Scream- Again the word 'scream' suggests pain and therefore makes the film genre pretty obvious.
Mysterious Titles:
Insidious- This title is more mysterious and leaves the audience unsure of what is going to happen in the film. This is because the title isn't obvious.
The thing: The thing sounds very random and could be relevant to any topic. As the title is not obvious more tension is built for the audience because they are trying to anticipate what is going to happen in the film.
Priest: We would usually think 'preist' as being a man of god and someone safe. However the producers have deliberately used something safe as the title to shock the audience when they view the film.
When A Stranger Calls Title Sequence
This is a modern film and has a very unique title sequence. We have a contrast between two different moods. We have a fair ground where you can here people enjoying themselves, and a strange phone call with a young girl and a mysterious voice. The sound is very effective because as the girl is attacked we have the sound of her screaming with the blend from peoples screams of joy on the fair. This is unique and shows that the movie will be cleverly sequenced.
The characters are kept unknown to the audience and therefore gives off a mysterious effect. Also we have a murder which takes place early which allows the film to have a base. This is unusual because usually we are introduced to the characters before the main even takes place. The use of young children's laughs is very effective because this distinctive noise is used to terrify the audience. This is done by changing the mood from serious to lighthearted, this is very effective because it plays with the audiences emotions and creates more of a reaction.
The characters are kept unknown to the audience and therefore gives off a mysterious effect. Also we have a murder which takes place early which allows the film to have a base. This is unusual because usually we are introduced to the characters before the main even takes place. The use of young children's laughs is very effective because this distinctive noise is used to terrify the audience. This is done by changing the mood from serious to lighthearted, this is very effective because it plays with the audiences emotions and creates more of a reaction.
Psycho Title Sequence Analysis
Psycho was released in the 50's, at the time it was a great horror film.This title sequence is very basic because at the time technology was not advanced. However the sound is cleverly used, we have disturbing droning sound which has an affect on the audience. This is complimented by the fast pace editing because it creates a thrill for the audience. This sets the film up and shows how the use of sound and editing is important.
1408 Title Sequence Analysis
We looked at 1409 which was very mysterious. We liked the feeling of the unknown factor and thought that we wanted to try and base our opening similar to theres.
14 Seconds- Black Screen and 'Dimension Films Presents'
29 Seconds- View of a road with an extreme longshot, 'John Cusack' appears on the screen whilst raining.
35 Seconds- Panning Across the screen 'Samuel L. Jackson'
43 Seconds- Car gets closer to the camera, Title appears (Fade in)
56 Seconds- Close up of man with a flashlight, followed by a POV shot of the sign.
75 Seconds- Car locates the hotel which is located in a cut off area.
77 Seconds- More actors names appear on the screen.
84 Seconds- The weather begins to get worse, (pathetic fallacy)
87 Seconds- Man walks across a bridge, this suggests isolation.
91 Seconds- More characters are shown, whilst we are shown a POV shot.
97 Seconds- Low key lighting to high key lighting, The man enters a neutral coloured room with old fashioned decoration. This creates a mysterious effect.
106 Seconds- Dialogue exchange 'mike checking in' Greets them with a handshake.
119 Seconds- Shot reverse shot between the characters, and ends with 'you probably want to here about our haunted history'.
14 Seconds- Black Screen and 'Dimension Films Presents'
29 Seconds- View of a road with an extreme longshot, 'John Cusack' appears on the screen whilst raining.
35 Seconds- Panning Across the screen 'Samuel L. Jackson'
43 Seconds- Car gets closer to the camera, Title appears (Fade in)
56 Seconds- Close up of man with a flashlight, followed by a POV shot of the sign.
75 Seconds- Car locates the hotel which is located in a cut off area.
77 Seconds- More actors names appear on the screen.
84 Seconds- The weather begins to get worse, (pathetic fallacy)
87 Seconds- Man walks across a bridge, this suggests isolation.
91 Seconds- More characters are shown, whilst we are shown a POV shot.
97 Seconds- Low key lighting to high key lighting, The man enters a neutral coloured room with old fashioned decoration. This creates a mysterious effect.
106 Seconds- Dialogue exchange 'mike checking in' Greets them with a handshake.
119 Seconds- Shot reverse shot between the characters, and ends with 'you probably want to here about our haunted history'.
Tuesday 1 November 2011
Horror Film Costumes and Clothing
I'm going to look at some of the horrifying characters costumes.
This is a very stereotypical character as he is masked. However the use of masks is very cliche and therefore we will not be using a mask. Also this is a violent horror and therefore we have a weapon in this case its a knife. The knife suggests to us straight away cold blooded horror. From watching one of the halloween films he haunts through the use of stalking and silent attacks. He sneaks around and is silent throughout the movie, this creates more horror as we cant find out anything about character.
This is a very stereotypical character as he is masked. However the use of masks is very cliche and therefore we will not be using a mask. Also this is a violent horror and therefore we have a weapon in this case its a knife. The knife suggests to us straight away cold blooded horror. From watching one of the halloween films he haunts through the use of stalking and silent attacks. He sneaks around and is silent throughout the movie, this creates more horror as we cant find out anything about character.
Research Into Current and Past Horror Films
I looked at 2 different horror films and looked at the characters, plot and the narrative and why they were effective when creating fear for the audience.
Paranormal Activity:
Paranormal activity looks into terrorising things that the audience finds most safe. In the films we usually have a family home plot. By creating horror in these places the characters can inflict fear on the audience easily. The narratives are fairly basic. We usually see a supernatural storyline. The successful use of ghosts helps to haunt the characters. They also use a lot of jump freights, these usually follow a prolonged silence. This is effective because as the silence continues the audience begin to anticipate when the horror will occur. This surprises the audience and therefore causes freight effectively.
The characters are also very stereotypical, the use of young people is very important as they are vulnerable. The audience worries for these characters and when something bad happens the horror intensifies as they feel as if they have a connection with the character. We also always have a character that tries to be bold and brave. This character usually ends up dead. This is because the creators of the films do not want a safety connection between the audience and a type of hero. Therefore by killing this person more pain is inflicted on the audience.
Sorority Row:
In this film we have a lot of terrorism through teenagers. The main characters are a group of teenage girls that are together at college. Stereotypically girls enjoy partying and joking around. This is used effectively because when they mess around something bad happens. From their on everything goes down hill.
We also have a killer that is unsuspected, he hides behind his girlfriend and we don't expect it to be him. He wears a cloaked hood which creates more horror. As we cant see his face we can have no recognition of who he his and therefore cant create a safe relationship with him. He brutally murders many of the girls and violence creates the most horror.
The most successful plot is when the bubbles are in the front garden and the sound of the jacuzzi is all you hear. You can tell when the girl walks towards it that there is something lurking within. This creates huge amounts of horror because we can anticipate this and we have to watch the horror take place. Although it is obvious it still effects the audience hugely.The film uses a lot of dark scenes and fire to show danger. The horror is most thrilling during the dark scenes as everything is unpredictable. Similarly to paranormal activity jumps are used to create the horror.
Both horrors were very popular for two different reasons. Paranormal activity used a supernatural storyline to create whereas Sorority Row used more of a bloody violence. Although these are both different types they are still very successful at creating horror.
Paranormal Activity:
Paranormal activity looks into terrorising things that the audience finds most safe. In the films we usually have a family home plot. By creating horror in these places the characters can inflict fear on the audience easily. The narratives are fairly basic. We usually see a supernatural storyline. The successful use of ghosts helps to haunt the characters. They also use a lot of jump freights, these usually follow a prolonged silence. This is effective because as the silence continues the audience begin to anticipate when the horror will occur. This surprises the audience and therefore causes freight effectively.
The characters are also very stereotypical, the use of young people is very important as they are vulnerable. The audience worries for these characters and when something bad happens the horror intensifies as they feel as if they have a connection with the character. We also always have a character that tries to be bold and brave. This character usually ends up dead. This is because the creators of the films do not want a safety connection between the audience and a type of hero. Therefore by killing this person more pain is inflicted on the audience.
Sorority Row:
In this film we have a lot of terrorism through teenagers. The main characters are a group of teenage girls that are together at college. Stereotypically girls enjoy partying and joking around. This is used effectively because when they mess around something bad happens. From their on everything goes down hill.
We also have a killer that is unsuspected, he hides behind his girlfriend and we don't expect it to be him. He wears a cloaked hood which creates more horror. As we cant see his face we can have no recognition of who he his and therefore cant create a safe relationship with him. He brutally murders many of the girls and violence creates the most horror.
The most successful plot is when the bubbles are in the front garden and the sound of the jacuzzi is all you hear. You can tell when the girl walks towards it that there is something lurking within. This creates huge amounts of horror because we can anticipate this and we have to watch the horror take place. Although it is obvious it still effects the audience hugely.The film uses a lot of dark scenes and fire to show danger. The horror is most thrilling during the dark scenes as everything is unpredictable. Similarly to paranormal activity jumps are used to create the horror.
Both horrors were very popular for two different reasons. Paranormal activity used a supernatural storyline to create whereas Sorority Row used more of a bloody violence. Although these are both different types they are still very successful at creating horror.
Initial Ideas for Horror Films
We began to look at ideas in all of the fields to create an overall horror film.
Plots - School, Train Crossing, Home, Abandoned parks.
Themes- Psychological - meaning someone who is going insane and see's and hears things that are not actually there.
Characters- Insane person, generally around the age of 16. Creates more horror because she is vulnerable and innocent.
Narratives- Seeing things that aren't actually there.
- Hearing voices.
- Fast moving images across the screen.
- Self inflicted pain.
Title Sequence-
Family Tree's - links to the idea of ancestry and where things went wrong in specific families.
Scrapbook ideas, puts puzzles together to create fear.
Flashes, this can create shock and also affect the audience as the events to follow can create more fear, this also pushes the audience out of their comfort zone.
Plots - School, Train Crossing, Home, Abandoned parks.
Themes- Psychological - meaning someone who is going insane and see's and hears things that are not actually there.
Characters- Insane person, generally around the age of 16. Creates more horror because she is vulnerable and innocent.
Narratives- Seeing things that aren't actually there.
- Hearing voices.
- Fast moving images across the screen.
- Self inflicted pain.
Title Sequence-
Family Tree's - links to the idea of ancestry and where things went wrong in specific families.
Scrapbook ideas, puts puzzles together to create fear.
Flashes, this can create shock and also affect the audience as the events to follow can create more fear, this also pushes the audience out of their comfort zone.
Monday 31 October 2011
Production Company Logos and Information
Most of the production companies we have looked at have a reference to height. This suggests to us that each company is trying to become greater than one another.
20th Century Fox: The large image suggests the power and the lights show star quality. This company has a high budget and has made some award winning films such as Avatar, we will not have a budget but can still try and create a good logo to show our professionalism.
Dreamworks: The company has a reference to dreams in its title, this suggest to us that the clouds compliment the authority. Again this a high budget company and they have produced many high class films such as Shrek and Madagascar.
Film 4 Production: Again this is a very popular company and links to the channel 4 audience. The most successful film produced of late was The Inbetweeners Movie, this is a link between a Tv programme and a film. This is typical of film 4 as they can successfully create this transition.
Paramount Pictures: Again this is a high budgeted film company and has produced many good quality films. The stars suggest the quality behind the production. There most renound films are Paranormal Activities.
Vertigo Films: Vertigo films is more of a lower budget company. Compared to the others the logo is very simple and suggests the simplicity of the films they create. There most successful film was the streetdance films.
Working Title: Again similar to Vertigo Films this is a lower budget company, however they have produced some high class films. The logo is simple and creates a clear structure the viewers of the type of films they produce. The Johnny english's films are probably the most excitable films they have produced.
20th Century Fox: The large image suggests the power and the lights show star quality. This company has a high budget and has made some award winning films such as Avatar, we will not have a budget but can still try and create a good logo to show our professionalism.
Dreamworks: The company has a reference to dreams in its title, this suggest to us that the clouds compliment the authority. Again this a high budget company and they have produced many high class films such as Shrek and Madagascar.
Film 4 Production: Again this is a very popular company and links to the channel 4 audience. The most successful film produced of late was The Inbetweeners Movie, this is a link between a Tv programme and a film. This is typical of film 4 as they can successfully create this transition.
Paramount Pictures: Again this is a high budgeted film company and has produced many good quality films. The stars suggest the quality behind the production. There most renound films are Paranormal Activities.
Vertigo Films: Vertigo films is more of a lower budget company. Compared to the others the logo is very simple and suggests the simplicity of the films they create. There most successful film was the streetdance films.
Working Title: Again similar to Vertigo Films this is a lower budget company, however they have produced some high class films. The logo is simple and creates a clear structure the viewers of the type of films they produce. The Johnny english's films are probably the most excitable films they have produced.
Italian Job Title Sequence
The Italian Job is similar to Se7en as it gives us little snippets of what is to come in the film without giving to much information away.
We watched the title sequence and the following features entered in this order:
1. Production company logo appeared.
2. Introduction of the actors.
3. Main title appears.
4.Visuals of maps are shown.
5.We then have an introduction of some more actors.
This is quite a simple structure but uses the same sequence as most opening sequences. We are shown the production company and introduced to the characters and then the title flashes up on the screen.
My Questionnaire Results
1. What is your favourite genre of film?
Horror: 1
Crime: 1
Comedy: 3
Romance: 1
Drama: 1
Drama: 1
Fantasy: 1
Action: 2
2. How often do you visit the cinema?
Once Every 1-3 months:7
One Every 6-12 months:2
Not very often: 1
3. Whats your favourite stereotypical character?
Villain: 1
Funny Guy: 5
Animals: 1
Hero: 2
Romantic Guy: 1
4. Do you enjoy realistic or over dramatic storylines?
4. Do you enjoy realistic or over dramatic storylines?
Realistic: 9
Over dramatic: 1
5. What influences you to go and see a film, e.g actors, storylines etc.
5. What influences you to go and see a film, e.g actors, storylines etc.
Actors: 3
Going to see it with friends: 1
Trailer: 3
Likeability: 1
Director: 1
Storyline: 1
6. Do you prefer thriller or horror movies?
Thriller:3
Horror:5
Neither: 1
Both:1
7. Do you prefer violence or Sci-fi horror?
Violence:6
Sci-Fi: 4
My Questionnaire for Films
We conducted a questionairre to find out some common interests amongst people, hopefully this will allow us to select our target audience.
1. What is your favourite genre of film?
2. How often do you visit the cinema?
3. Whats your favourite stereotypical character?
4. Do you enjoy realistic or overdramatic storylines?
5. What influences you to go and see a film, e.g actors, storylines etc.
6. Do you prefer thriller or horror movies?
7. Do you prefer violence or Sci-fi horror?
1. What is your favourite genre of film?
2. How often do you visit the cinema?
3. Whats your favourite stereotypical character?
4. Do you enjoy realistic or overdramatic storylines?
5. What influences you to go and see a film, e.g actors, storylines etc.
6. Do you prefer thriller or horror movies?
7. Do you prefer violence or Sci-fi horror?
Se7en Title Sequence
This title sequence was very complex but also very effective. We are not shown any plots or characters,we just have clues of what could follow in the film. This gets the audience involved straight away as they try to anticipate what is going to happen.
2 Seconds- A book appears with its pages open.
3 Seconds- We get a view of 'New line Cinema Presents'.
7 Seconds- An inter title introducing the producer comes up in black and white.
8 Seconds- Distorted hands.
13 Seconds- Brad Pitt is introduced.
16 Seconds- Fingers are being shaved.
18 Seconds- Morgan Freeman.
23 Seconds- Title of the film in small font.
24 Seconds- The title flashes larger.
29 Seconds- Gwyneth Paltrow
34 Seconds- Close up on pen and paper.
36 Seconds- Red Filter
39 Seconds- Scissors cutting up film (extreme close up)
43 Seconds- Paper with paperclips.
54 Seconds- More actors listed.
61 Seconds- Marker pen crossing out words.
72 Seconds- Boys eyes are being crossed out in the background casting in the foreground.
74 Seconds- Red filter.
76 Seconds- Red filter with photos.
79 Seconds- Camera Film.
85 Seconds- Dirty thumb with little hooks.
88 Seconds- Bandaged Thumb.
90 Seconds- Sticking in photos.
96 Seconds- Close up on dirty thumb playing with needle.
102 seconds- threading a needle.
108 seconds - book binding.
This is a two minute title sequence which is quite long, this builds tension for the audience to make the film become more exciting.
Wednesday 5 October 2011
Prelimenary Task Finished Movie
Overall I was very pleased with my short video. The shots were simple and I followed the main rules needed. We used the 180 degrees rule effectively and used a range of different shot types. We used shot reverse shot effectively to show dialogue and also used match on action to take out unimportant footage. If I could change anything it would be the beginning of my footage. Originally I had a 5 second title, but this was not long enough because when we were uploading it was cut. However overall I am pleased.
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