Test Shots

Test Shots

After agreeing upon the chosen actors for our opening sequence, we decided to carry out some test shots for possible camera angles for the different scenes that could occur within the first sequence. We had also experimented with various techniques of one of the rapid scenes, much like that seen in 'Shaun of the Dead', of our character making tea, pouring water and pouring juice. This could be a possible shot that we would use within our publication to make our sequence more engaging for the audience. 

Opening Sequence Sounds

Opening Sequence Sounds

The sounds used within our opening sequence are important as we do not have much dialoge within each scene. The use of Foley and music will be used in order to create effect and so it is essential to get the right tones and sounds to use within the production. The videos below give an indication of the sorts of sounds our group could possibly use within our production to build a tense and sinister atmosphere. 

These sounds may be useful in creating suspense as the short, loud, sudden bursts may shock the audience. This could also be effective in scenes where sudden events take place, such as when the stalker bumps into the innocent girl.

The whispering sounds may be useful to portay the deranged mind of the stalker and how he may be talking to himself, showing he is somewhat mental and obsessed over the girl. 

These sounds may be effective to use within the background of the sequence as they create an eerie and scary backing tone. This could be used to build tension within certain scenes and make the sequence more engaging. 

These sounds may also be effective to use within the background as they create suspense. If the sounds were to be increased at certain points when editing, it may be successful in establishing the genre as the sounds are conventional of its genre.

The use of these sounds may be effective to play within the background as the faint piano tone creates an eerie atmospehre that may make the audience feel anxious when watching the sequence. When the sound within this clip could be used throughout the sequence as it does not dramatically change tone and is successful in building tension and suspense. 

The use of the static radio sound could be used within a possible scene where a news report about stalking is shown on screen. The sound is displeasing to hear and so make create tension and make the audience feel anxious. 

Title Fonts: 'Obsessed'

Title Fonts: 'Obsessed'

In order to create an authentic opening sequence, it is essential to choose a font which reflects the genre of the film. These tests allow our group to figure out the sort of design we may use of the title and which may reflect the plot of our film effectively. The various fonts could potentially be used within the sequence as they can relate to the genre of the film and the various scenes that occur. We decided to choose the first font as it effectively reflects the genre we have chosen and relates to the scenes that occur within the sequence. The scratched effect used within the font creates an eerie and mysterious tone as the letters are distorted and etched onto the screen. This is also conventional of the horror/thriller genre as the font if often used in games and other media devices to establish the genre effectively. However, this font is dependant on the effects available on 'Live Type' due to the limited fonts available on this programme. Our group are willing to change the font in order to create a more effective opening sequence title sequence that may seem gripping for the audience.. 

This font is much like the game 'Slender' an iconic horror game. This may be effective in our sequence as the scrached effect creates an eerie feel and could reflect some scenes within the film where the main character scribbes on paper.

This font is more on an emphasis on the darker shading within the title, making it stand out ffrom the background. Like the first font, it also creates a scratched out effect which may be effective to use within our opening sequence.

This font gives a more subtle effect which makes the letters look like they are old and worn out. The letters fade around the edges giving a unique, worn out look which could be used to reflect the props within the last scene of our sequence. 

The use of this typewriter effect could be used to reflect the documents the stalker had collected of the innocent girl. This is a bold and clearly visible font which may make the text stand out from the background.

This font creates a rather eerie tone as the letters are smudges and hard to read. This could perhaps reflect the deranged mind of the stalker and the documents he had collected about the girl. This could be effective as the font is bold and has an original smudged effect.

Production Post (27/11/2013)

Production Post (27/11/2013)

Today, straight after the end of last lesson me and my group went to the Media Studies room where we collected a video camera and tripod so we could begin the filming of scenes 2 and the beginning of scene 4.  As school finishes at around 3:05 we had to make sure we arrived at our location as quickly as possible as it begins to get dark around 4:00pm. On arrival to Banstead we had a short walk to group member (Alex’s) house which is the home of “Vincent” the stalker within our sequence.  In order to get the necessary shots we used a front bedroom window, on the second floor, in Alex’s house. For the shot, Vincent, played by Matthew Clark, had to reach up and place his hand gently on the window when he saw second main character Sarah, played by Lucy Parsons, walk past on the pavement below. This ended up taking longer than first anticipated as we tested a range of camera shots to ensure that the scene was of the best quality and clear for the audience to understand.  We recorded the scene from two perspectives, one being a point of view shot from the stalker, Vincent, which involved close ups of his hand as he rested it on the glass window. The other however was an over the shoulder shot of Vincent as his hand stroked the glass as Sarah walked below.  In the end we decided on using the point of view shot.  We believed that this made the scene more effective and suspenseful for the audience as the perspective will be looking through the eyes of the stalker as if it was themselves. In addition to this, the previous scene within our sequence is also a POV shot, therefore we wanted to keep continuity within some of the different scenes.

After the filming of scene 2 we went straight on to recording main character Vincent making a cup of tea for the start of scene 4.  In order to increase the pace of the film we used simple close ups of each item used with the tea making process so when it comes to editing it will almost act as a fast paced montage, rather like the shots used in 'Shaun of the Dead' or 'Hot Fuzz'. The purpose of these shots was to show Vincent carrying out an activity that is seen as a normal day to day task, this tricks the audience into believing Vincent has a fairly ordinary lifestyle, however they are soon to learn the truth behind this mysterious identity. 


Finally, we headed down to the bottom of Alex’s garden towards the shed, a key location essential for the end of our opening sequence.  As a group we discussed how we were going to set up the props regarding positioning of props and camera work, and if any items needed to be removed from the shed to create a more effective setting. We also spoke about various ways we could possibly adjust the lighting so it doesn’t appear as too dark and unclear on the camera so test shots could shortly take place.  

(Scene 2)

This first image is an over the shoulder shot used within scene 2 of our opening sequence. At first it was rather challenging to get the correct positioning of the stalker's hand on the glass when the girl walks passed. However, after various test shots and experimentation, we decided to use a point of view shot in the eyes of the stalker, giving the audience the impression that they are looking out the window themselves. 

(Tea Scene)

This next shot is from scene 3 where a montage of clips are used to create a stylistic editing technique rather like from 'Hot Fuzz'. This involved various fast cut shots placed within a sequence. Upon doing further research, we discovered that within the film, the shot involved zooming in as well as creating fast shots. After this first experiment was done, we tried doing this new technique for different objects such as a water bottle. We then tried experimenting with the tea scene again using this newer technique, following the style used within 'Shaun of the Dead'. 

(Tea Scene)

This is nearer the end of scene 3, the last section of the tea scene, where the stalker then goes to stir the tea. We found this rather challanging to time correctly as we needed Foley of the spoon crashing against the mug as well as using the correct camera placement and movement. We re-created this scene one again using a slightly different technique which had overall given a more effective outcome. 

- Written by Manisha Dhokia, Lucy Parsons, Alexandra James and Matthew Clark

Filming Schedule

Filming Schedule

This is a schedule of filming for our group's opening sequence. We intend on using Wednesday's and Thursday's for the main bulk of the filming from the 27th of November to the 19th of December. This will allow our group to gain at least 20 possible hours for filming, however, more may be used if needed on weekends or other weekdays provided all group members can come along. The weekends are purely for collecting the correct props for each scene to create an authentic atmosphere for the thriller genre sequence. Free time and lessons can also be used to look through footage and figure out what still needs to be filmed and to edit the sequence and start to put it together. In this time, we will also make sure that our blogs are up to date with relevant filming experiences and various test shots. 

Filming Schedule

Questionnaire Evaluation

Questionnaire Evaluation

We gave our questionnaire to 15 volunteers who completed the survey that offer both open and closed questions. The age range for questionnaires were those aged 16-17 years old of both genders, who were our initial target audience. This creates a varied response from different genders so that we gain a good idea of what people think about our idea. This gives our group a clear idea of what our target audience think about our opening sequence idea and how it could be altered to create a more effective opening sequence. From the results, we analysed what people had thought and took their ideas into consideration when we film and create the opening sequence.

The first question asked on the questionnaire asked the respondents what their favourite genre of film was. This allowed us to gain an understanding on what the most popular genre of film was and whether our chosen genre, thriller, appealed to its target audience.

(Question 1 on Questionnaire)

From the results of the question, we found out that the preferred genre of the film is Thriller. This is encouraging, as our group have decided to create the opening sequence within this genre. The second few favourite genres of Horror and Mystery are also likely to be present within our opening sequence, so the genre our sequence may fit into will hopefully appeal to the target audience.

We then asked what are expected to see within the films of their favourite genre. As the majority of the respondents replied thriller, horror and mystery, we created a table to show the various conventions that we could perhaps incorporate into our opening sequence.

(Question 5 on Questionnaire)

There are various conventions within each genre that cross over from each other, such as the use of weapons, narrative enigma and hidden identities. These conventions listed by the volunteers allow our group to select certain features that could potentially be used within our opening sequence to make the audience aware of the genre of film they are watching. These conventions could also give possibility of our group to gain a chance to challenge conventions and create a slightly different opening sequence within the same genre.

The next few questions are based on the plot of our opening sequence: “a mentally deranged man becomes obsessed with a typical teenage girl who lives near him. He creates a project starting with just a few pictures, however, over time his obsession grew to a point at which it drives him into a spiral of despair that he cannot escape from.” We asked the respondents what they thought of the plot and any ideas of how it could be improved.

(Question 7 on Questionnaire)

The results showed that the majority of the volunteers felt the plot was good. One respondent felt the plot was bad as it lacked a sense of danger or uncertainty. Some other volunteers also felt that the plot lacked a ‘scary’ feel for the genre in which the sequence fits into. We felt the results were promising as it shows that the majority of our target audience think our trailer is good or excellent. However, we took on board the various concerns with the plot and slightly altered some scenes in order to create a scarier feel. For example, by leaving weapons on show within the last scene creating an eerie and sinister tone.

We also asked some questions on some of the ideas we decided to put within the sequence, such as masking the identity of Vincent, the main character (stalker) within our sequence. Around 85% (13) of the respondents felt that it was a good idea to mask the identity of the villain to create a sense of mystery and uncertainty around the main character. However, around 15% (2) of the respondents felt that masking the identity of the stalker was not a good idea as it was ‘cliché’ and that it would be more exciting if we challenged conventions.

The last question on the questionnaire asked if the audience felt the plot of the film fits well with the genre we have decided to go into. All the respondents (15) felt that the plot does fit well within our genre as various aspects links with other films within that genre. The majority felt that our idea was good and related to the genre, however some felt that though it related to the genre, that our sequence needs to be unique compared to other films of the genre. We looked at the concerns and tried to adapt our film to make sure it is convincing and effective in portraying our plot and genre.  

Questionnaires

Questionnaires

Our group produced some questionnaires so that we can gain an idea of what people may think of the idea for our opening sequence, the genre we are exploring and perhaps how we could improve initial ideas. Below is a sample of three of the responses from questionnaires we had given out to various people. 

Questionnaires

Opening Sequence Analysis: 'Sally'

A-Level Opening Sequence Analysis: 'Sally'

This powerpoint of an analysis of a previous opening sequence allows my group to see the way in which other groups have executed the final opening sequence. This sequence is similar to that which my group had decided to go with, typical of the thriller/mystery genre. Some of the parts of the sequence were engaging and helped our group to form a better idea of how our film should turn out. However, some of the aspects could be improved, so we decided to avoid such problems in order to create a successful product. We analysed various aspects such as sound, lighting and camera, and how they have used this within their sequence for effect. 

Opening Sequence Analysis of 'Sally'

Contingency Plan

Contingency Plan

In order for my group to be aware of any problems that may occur during filming, we had to think of solutions and possible outcomes to make sure we do not have any problems with the people involved with the opening sequence. This plan allows our group to conscious of any problems and possible ways to overcome them. 

Problems with Cast:

It is likely that there may be several problems with the cast chosen for the sequence such as unreliable actors, dropouts and perhaps poor acting. In order for our group to be prepared for such events, we have minimised the number of external cast, leading to our group using actors who are within our group. This keeps the likelihood of anyone dropping out very minimal, as we have to be together as a group when filming. Also, if there is a problem is substandard acting, we have two back up actors for each main character, this prevents the outcome for inadequate opening sequence acting. However, this may not be a huge problem as our opening sequence contains minimal dialogue, meaning speech will not dramatically affect the final product. The main focus for our sequence will be based on sound, body language and emotions, meaning our sequence must be presented clearly so the audience to understand what is happening without the use of dialogue. The use of sound such as Foley and music must also be executed clearly to create an engaging opening sequence.

Problems with Crew:

There may be some problems with the crew when it comes to filming, as we have to work around everyone’s schedules. This could be due to work, being late or getting lost when getting to the locations. In order to prevent this from happening, we would discuss the location where we will be filming, what time we are to meet up, which equipment, props and costumes are needed and to ensure we arrive at the correct time so that the sequence is filmed within the correct time of day. If possible, we would also travel to the location as a group so that we all arrive as the same time and can begin filming straight away, preventing time wasting. As all the cast for the film are also within our group, there may not be problems with filming as many scenes needed, even when it comes to editing, as we can visit the location as a group and film what is necessary as soon as possible. 

Locations:

As a group we have chosen the various locations we will be using for our opening sequence. The main locations are easily accessible and can be visited as often as needed. Some of the main locations are filmed within or around the homes of some of the people within our groups, meaning multiple filming techniques can be used at ease. However, some locations are within public locations such as a park and shops. This could cause some potential problems when filming as noises, or other people may disrupt the filming process. To prevent this from happening, we would either film early in the morning or during the time when school is open so the streets may be empty. The locations of these public places are also within a village and not a main high street, so it may not be as busy as other locations. This could reduce the amount of noise from cars and members of the public walking past the screen.

Technical Difficulties:

Our group may encounter some technical problems such as the loss of footage, wrong software to back up video files or if the camera runs out of battery. To prevent the camera from running out of battery, we will ensure it is fully charged before filming, and also take a spare battery just in case we run out during mid filming. We would also take multiples shots of various scenes to get an experimental range of shots as well as making sure we have backed up files just in case some may become corrupted. We would also back up the files after each day of filming to reduce the likelihood of loosing the footage. We will also edit our final sequence as a group using school computers which all have the necessary equipment and software in order to edit the sequence effectively.  

Continuity Problems:

There may be some continuity problems that may occur throughout the sequence such as locations, clothing, props or other aspects being dramatically changed. In order to make sure our group does not encounter problems with costumes, we will take an image of what they are wearing on each day of filming and refer to them when we film different shots on different days. This allows us to make sure the costume looks the same within each shot and that there are no drastic changes. We will also refer to previous filming we have done to make sure we record at the specific time of day and at the correct locations to make sure there are no continuity problems. The placement of props and locations will also be pictured so that we can recreate scenes if needed if any technical difficulties arise. 

BBFC Ratings

BBFC Ratings

12 Rating:

The ‘12’ symbol means that anyone aged 12 or over can go and see the film unaccompanied.  The overall tone of a film and the way it makes the audience feel may affect the classification. For example, a film with dark and sinister tones could disturb an audience and so the rating may be increased from a ‘12’ to a ‘15’. Moderate violence are sometimes present, however, there is no emphasis on injuries or blood. Action sequences and weapons may be present at ‘12’ films, and also long fight scenes. Weapons, which may be easily accessible to 12 year olds, are not glamorised within films of this rating. Dangerous behaviour may also be present within these films, however, they are not detailed and the activities are not presented as pain or harm free. There may also be infrequent sight of drugs misuse, but the portrayal should be glamorised or provide instructional details.

(12 Age Rating Symbol)

15 Rating:

The ‘15’ symbol means that nobody under the age of 15 is allowed to see the film, as it is unsuitable for anyone under the age. No themes are prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds. This rating is stronger than the ‘12’ rating as it can include strong violence, frequent strong language, portrayals of sexual activity, discriminatory language or behaviour and drug taking. There could be potentially be a vast amount of strong language as there is no limit for the uses, however, continued or aggressive use may not be normally passed at 15. There may also be strong violence, it should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury and gory images are permitted, and easily accessible weapons may not be glamorised. Many films of the horror genre are passed at this rating, as there can be strong threat and menace, although strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. The use of drug taking may also be shown, however it must not promote or encourage drug misuse.

(15 Age Rating Symbol)

18 Rating:

Films rated 18 are for adults and no one under the age is allowed to see the film at the cinema. This is because the 18 rated works are not suitable for children. No themes are prohibited and adults are free to pick their own entertainment within the law, so it may be possible some themes tacked at 18 may be offensive even to some adult viewers. 18 works can contain strong issues such as very strong violence, frequent strong language, strong portrayals of sexual activity, strong horror, strong blood and gore and discriminatory language and behaviour. There is no limit of the number of uses of strong or very strong language that may be passed at this rating. Uses can be aggressive, directed, frequent or accompanied by strong violence. There may also be racist, homophonic or other discriminatory language and works could explore themes relating to this. Strong violence may also be portrayed in detail. There may even be dwelling on the infliction of pain or injury, or scenes of strong sadistic violence. The strongest gory images are permitted at this category. The strongest horror works are passes at this level and may contain strong gore or sustained threat and menace, which exceed the boundaries of 15. Drug taking may also be shown, but the product may not promote or encourage drug misuse.

(18 Age Rating Symbol)

Rating for Opening Sequence: 
After reviewing the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) website, our group decided to certify our opening sequence to a ‘15’ rating. This means that only people of the age of 15 or above may view the film at the cinema. We decided to pick this rating as the sequence may lead to violence and unacceptable behaviour, creating a bad influence on those who are under aged and may try to copy what they have witnessed. However, teenagers of the ages of 15 or above may be more mature and understand that the violence is unacceptable and the consequences they may go through if they had repeated what they have seen on screen. Weapons may also be shown on screen, showing how they may be used later on the film that may not be suitable for children who are under aged. Children may also gain fear over the object being used, however older teenagers may realise it is only for filming purposes. The film may also not be suitable for those who suffer from epilepsy as various flashing images, or somewhat subliminal images may flash continuously across the scenes. 

Research Into Mise-en-scene

Research Into Mise-en-scene

Mise-en-scene is a French term meaning what is put into a scene or frame. It is made up of visual information in front of the camera and communicates essential information to the audience about setting and characters. The five elements of mise-en-scene include: Settings & props, costume, hair & makeup, facial expressions & body language, lighting & colour and the positioning of objects within the frame. Each aspect of the mise-en-scene creates meanings and communicates them to the audience, influencing how they feel at a certain point. They can also be used for narrative enigma and make the audience question why certain objects have been placed in the way it has, creating mystery and an engaging opening sequence.

Settings & Props:

The location and setting play an important part in filmmaking and help to manipulate an audience by building on certain expectations and creating various moods. The setting can either be built from scratch, allowing the designers to create exactly what they envision, or another time consuming process may be finding a setting that currently exists and filming there. For thriller or horror films, conventions of settings a props include dark forests, basements, knives, weapons, blood, abandoned buildings and other eerie related objects.

(Forest)

Costume, Hair & Make up:

The costume, hair and make up immediately tell the audience what time the film is set, which society or culture it may be based around. They act as an instant indicator to the audience of a character, such as their occupation or role within the film. Costumes are also important as they help the audience shape an understanding around each character and how they may be the protagonist or antagonist. Within horror film, the use of dark clothing and masks could be seen as a convention as they mask the identity of the killer so that the audience do not know who they are.

(Scream Mask)

Facial Expressions & body language:

The use of facial expressions allows the audience to clearly indicate the emotions conveyed by the characters. For example, if someone is frowning, the audience may assume they are either angry or upset. To emphasise this mood, music or other sounds may be played within the background to show this emotion. Body language may also indicate how a character feels towards other people, or to emphasise the facial expressions. In horror films, the victims may have a horrified facial expression to show the audience they are afraid. Their body language may also be used to emphasise this, such as my raising their hands to either side of their cheek. This could be seen as a convention for various horror, slasher or thriller movies.

(Scared Facial Expression)

Lighting & Colour:

By using lighting and colour, it can be used to highlight important characters or objects within the frame. It can also make characters look mysterious by shading parts of the face so it cannot be clearly identified. Colour can also be used to reflect a characters mental state or any hidden emotions. Each colour carried various connotations which may add meaning to the scene and give it a particular mood or for dramatic effect. For example, in ‘Schindler’s List’ one scene where a small girl dressed in red is shown within a short scene. As the movie is in black and white besides this scene, it gives huge significance to the colour and character used.

(Schindler's List: Girl in Red Coat)

Positioning of Characters & Objects Within a Frame:

The position within a frame can draw the audience’s attention to an important character or object. A filmmaker can use the positioning to distinguish relations between different people and perhaps the emotions they have towards each other. For example, within a horror film, the chase sequence between the killer and victim could show how they are in danger, and how the victim is trying to escape the grasp of the killer. Within a romantic film, the two companions may be positioned close together, indicating to the audience that they may be a couple.

(Chase Sequence)

In order for me to understand about mise-en-scene and how it can be applied to our opening sequence, I created two images within pixelmator in order to establish the moods created within a scene. The first image is of a room filled with various objects taken from a character profile description. From reading the description, I selected key pieces of information and used images to display within the image:

• ‘Nietzsche poster on the walls’
• ‘The room is a clutter of papers’
• ‘His bed is spotlessly clean and always tidy’ 

(Image Created on Pixelmator)

The other image I had created on pixelmator is using images I had taken of a model set used for creating the setting of the film. After taking various shots of this model, I uploaded the images and chose one that I felt gave an eerie effect. To begin with, I made the whole image darker to give an eerie feel so that it conveys a mystery/horror feel. Within the window in the background, I cropped shadows and darkened it so that it became black. This creates ambiguity within the mise-en-scene as the viewer can only see a silhouette of a figure, yet have no information about them. Within the foreground, I added heaps of snow to link with the setting and to create a more authentic look. I also added a ‘caution – biohazard’ security tape to develop the scene and give some information about the possible plots. By combining these various aspects onto one piece, it gives the viewer an idea of what the setting may look like and how it can be recreated on a real set.   

(Image Created on Pixelmator) 

Opening Sequence Storyboard

Opening Sequence Storyboard

In order for our group to gain an understanding around the scenes within our opening sequence, we created a storyboard illustrating the various shot types we will use. The type of shot and camera movement have also been shown in order to know the various perspectives and camera movements within each scene. For example, within the first few scenes, the type of shot used will be in the perspective of the stalker and the camera movement will use techniques such as panning and tracking. Though there is not much dialogue within each scene, the use of sound is one of the main focuses of the opening sequence. Foley such as footsteps, heartbeats and heavy breathing feature throught various sequences as well as faint music, setting the eerie scene of the genre of the film, thriller. This storyboard will help when it comes to filming as it allows our group to clearly see what needs to happen within each scene and the various use of foley that we need to collect. 

Opening Sequence Storyboard

Final Group Idea: "Obsessed"

Final Group Idea: 'Obsessed'

This prezi production is a collection of all aspects of our final group idea. Each segment is set into 5 different points consisting of: premise, an explaination of each scene, Costumes & props, Lighting & location and sound & camera angles.

Character Auditions

Character Auditions

Our group decided to hold character auditions to ensure we get the correct actors for the role who can portray the 'Stalker' and 'Innocent Girl' as the best way possible. It was important for the main character of the stalker to be well chosen to make the production as authentic as possible and to create an engaging enigma surrounding the deranged mind of the stalker. The character of the 'Innocent Girl' known as 'Sarah', was also an important role as we had to choose a specific type of person who fits the character traits of the role, such as being fashionable for her age, the ability to act different emotions such as fear and have a clear voice. We held three auditions from each role of Vincent (stalker) and sarah (innocent girl) in order to get the best fit for the role. We decided to go with Matthew Clark for the role of the stalker as his presence allowed his character to become mysterious whilst also retaining a 'normal' trait through the use of costume and actions. We also decided to go with Lucy Parsons for the role of the 'Innocent Girl' as she had a clear voice and an ability to effectively bump into the other characters, a key aspect for the scene. Upon picking the characters, we carried out some test shots prior to the actual filming of the scenes. 

Research Into Establishing The Genre

Research Into Establishing The Genre: "Kick-Ass"

Mise-en-scene:

The opening sequence begins with the surrounding of a high school, signifying the background of the main character. The further use of creating the atmosphere of a typical teenagers bedroom emphasises to the audience that the main character is like any other person within their school. However, the character is portrayed as a ‘nerd’, connoting the idea of weakness or having a lack of courage. The various references to superheroes, such as comic book stores and superhero magazines, could also foreshadow the future transformation of the once typical teenager into a hero. The use of comic book stores within superhero movies is conventional of its genre as it clearly emphasises what the film is about, the life of the hero. The use of scenes where criminals are seen fighting and stealing also connote the genre of the film being action as violence and injury is present.

Setting:

The majority of the movie is filmed within dark streets, gang hideouts and abandoned buildings denotes the idea of criminal acts, violence and action. The use of the location, New York, also gives the audience an idea of other films also filmed in this location that are of the same genre. This urban lifestyle connotes crime, danger and violence, which are present within the film. By Kick-Ass often wondering around the streets or driving with other ‘superhero’ figures, it could show they are heroes as they are able to gain the courage to fight crime during the night.

Costume:

The use of costume is conventional of its genre as the hero masks his identity. The use of tight clothes, capes, leather, weapons and other costume features emphasises the superhero, action genre of the film.  One of the protagonists also has a remarkably similar costume to Batman, showing various aspects of these other superhero movies. They also tend to wear generally dark colours, besides Kick-Ass, showing how his character is challenging stereotypes.

Props:

Various weapons are shown throughout the course of the film, featuring in most of the scenes. The use of guns, knives, flamethrowers and bombs emphasise the action aspect of the film and show the violence and danger of the situations. These weapons connote violence, death and injury, making it clear to the audience that the genre of the film is action related.

Sound:

Non-diegetic music of fast upbeat music is conventional of action films as it creates fast paced scenes, gripping the audience into the action. The use of diegetic music such as gunshots shows the action, rather like other superhero films like batman.  The use of punching and kicking sounds also shows how action and violence is key throughout the film, and also establishes the genre. The use of dialogue shows the comical side of the film. ‘They’d get their ass kicked’ ‘He should call himself ass kick’. This comical play on words emphasises the comedy aspect of the film, showing how ‘Kick-ass’ is almost making a mockery of existing superhero films.

Lighting:

The use of low-key lighting creates a contrast between light and dark shadows within the scene, making the superhero stand out. This also emphasises the action genre as most violence and criminal activity takes place during night. The use of high key lighting during the first few scenes at the high school could show the normal aspect of the main characters life, however, when the lighting changes, it shows how the identity of the character changes when he becomes a superhero. 

Analysis of A-Level Opening Sequences

Analysis of A-Level Opening Sequences

It is important for our group to understand the ideas behind exsisting opening sequences to see how they are successful and how they can be improved. These opening sequences are both within the genre that my group have decided to go into, so it is important to see the effective techniques these groups had used in order to make a convincing opening sequence. It is also important to see what things they could have improved on, making it clearer for our group to avoid anything that may not look good within our trailer. 

Analysis of A-Level Opening Sequences

Lighting Used in 'Thrist' (2009)

Lighting Used in ‘Thirst’ (2009)

How has lighting been used to represent the priest’s transformation into a vampire in ‘Thirst’?

Character	Lighting Techniques	Purpose/Effect
Priest	Backlight	The backlight makes the priest stand out from the background to give the impression that he is ‘holy’. This is a clever use of lighting as it represents the occupation of the main character before he turns into a vampire.
Priest	Top Lighting	This technique cascades a shadow across the characters face so that the audience cannot see the features of the priest. This use of lighting is often used for villains, foreshadowing the future transformation into a vampire.
Priest	Under lighting	This creates shadows across the face to mask the identity of what the light is being directed upon. This is conventional for horror films as it creates an eerie atmosphere and hides the identity of the characters.
Priest	Low Key Lighting	This creates large areas of darkness and creates a contrast between light and dark colours within the scene. The darkness creates ambiguity, as the audience cannot see the scene clearly, This is a common convention of horror films.
Priest	High Key Lighting	This is typical for the scene, which takes place within a hospital as this area is often clearly lit. This makes the figure stand out as the high contrast makes the figure clearer. This creates a sinister sense, as bad things tend to occur during at night, not day.
Vampire	Backlight	Backlighting creates a dark shadow on the face of the villain, as the key light is not placed directly in front of the figure. This darkness connotes evil as dark lighting is often used within horror films.
Vampire	High Key Lighting	High key Lighting creates a realistic atmosphere as dark, low-key lighting is often conventional of the genre and can be perceived as fake and unreal. This lighting could also show that the character may be good as well as evil, reflecting in the light and dark lighting used within the trailer.
Vampire	Low Key Lighting	The low key lighting makes the scenes seem very dark and creates deep shadows, creating a sinister effect as the audience cannot tell what is happening in the scene as it may be hidden. Low-key lighting is also conventional of its genre so in some cases it has been used for a successful effect.
Vampire	Under Lighting	Under lighting creates a distorting effect, making the main character, the vampire, seem eerie and villainous. This is effective in addressing the genre of the film, as the audience may be shocked with the outcome after using this technique of lighting.
Vampire	Top Lighting	This technique creates an eerie sense as it cascades a shadow across the face of the villain, hiding the identity of the figure. This could be seen as somewhat scary and sinister as the audience do not know what the vampire is going to do to its next victim.

The DOP (Director of Photography) effectively chooses a varied amount various lighting within the scene to create a realistic movie rather than conventional techniques that are often predictable. The use of high key lighting with the priest is the lighting technique I found used most successfully as it demonstrates the occupation of the character and symbolising the ‘holy’ nature of his character after he changes into a vampire. The use of lighting is effective all round the trailer as it is used for effect and has clearly been thought about. For our own opening sequence, the use of varied lighting may be used to ensure the film is not completely conventional of its genre, but also to make it realistic by experimenting with various light sources.