The Hunger Games (2012)

The first thing that we can implement into our film is the black screen where the film explains what happens in the future, according to this universe. We can implement this into our by doing the exact same thing. Starting the film with our opening credits and title then use 30 seconds to explain the scenario. While we are explaining the scenario we could play some eerie music either composed by us or we will find a pre-made track in editing.

The second thing that I liked about this opening scene  is the sudden change of scene leading off with a scream  from a girl. This will get the audience’s attention. We can replicate this by using our editing software to use a similar scream to replicate the same type of tension that Gary Ross has used in this opening scene.

The last thing that we can implement in our film is the Crane that is used to follow Katniss as she runs through the woods. We don’t have to use a crane to replicate this shot we can use just a basic tripod and have the camera man follow the character as he/she runs. My idea is that we use this walking room long shot to show the character running from the antagonist.

The Difference Between a Horror and a Thriller

There are several similarities between these two genres, for example they both rely on suspense and tension to keep their respective audiences on the edge of their seats. However there main difference and the reason why they are two separate genres is that: a horror film shows whereas a thriller film suggests. This simply means that a horror film will show its gore and horror whereas a thriller suggests to the audience that something has happened.

Codes and Conventions of Thrillers

Suspense is used to create tension, paranoia and anxiety upon the audience.

Trepidation (shocked) is used in jump scares to scare the audience. This leaves the audience’s heart racing because it makes the audience jump.

The protagonist is often threatened in some way by an antagonist. This creates an “edge of the seat” feeling among the audience throughout the film.

The setting is generally a dark and gloomy atmosphere, such as rain or at night. This tells the audience that something is not right and therefore creates more tension.

The use of shadows is a common convention used in thriller films to hide an identity.

Mirrors are used for the same effect, to hide someone’s identity

The plot revolves around a character in a “Puzzle” plot, where they must work out some kind of mystery.

The protagonist is set a problem that they must overcome such as an escape, a mission or a mystery.

Stairs are used to show the audience that the character is trapped once they have run up there and there only escape is going back down the stairs.

The use of imagery shows how the antagonist is who he is and it also hides his identity with and suspenseful grip.

Vertigo (1958)

      The use of chilling music identifies the suspense and mystery.

      Vertigo is shown at the beginning of the scene with the swirling, moving shapes.

      There are sudden bursts of trumpets as the opening credits appear to make the audience jump.

      The scene opens with extreme close up of a person’s face to show the emotions of the character.

      Tension builds as the person’s eye opens dramatically in surprise or shock, fear.

      The actress does not blink when the camera is on her face to show her fear and to make her look innocent.

      The music helps build tension because that is an important role in creating suspense. 

Stormbreaker (2006)

      The camera shots are quick and change at fast intervals (free hand shots) used to show how frantic the scene is. 

      The music is chilling in the opening but then quickly changes with the light of a match and the music becomes a lot higher paced.

      The tempo changes from once scene and the sound bridges between them.

      Piano music is prominent within the opening scene before the higher paced music kicks in.

      The screen is blurred and speech is heard at the beginning over the shot as it becomes clearer.

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

 The first thing I noticed is the mysterious twinkly music at the first 20 seconds. This makes the audience ask questions about what is going to happen and what the film is about. Jonathon used this to create tension and make his film feel intriguing. We can recreate this using sound effects and composing some of our own music on the keyboard and percussion.

The second thing that I liked about this opening scene is the entrance of the first character. She emerges from the mist climbing up a hill. This is used to create suspicion as to if she is the protagonist or the antagonist. We can recreate this by using filters to create weather effects so then we can create the same suspicion.

The last thing that we can use in our film is the over shoulder shot of the character running through the woods. The director has used this to create tension because the audience starts to wonder where she is going. We can recreate this  by doing exactly the same thing have the camera man follow the character to create the same level of tension as seen in the  opening scene of The Silence of the Lambs.

 

The Bourne Identity (2002)

The first thing I noticed that can be developed into our film is in the opening credits that the sound of thunder and rain instead of the original theme tune to Universal Studios to create tension. We can implement this into our film by using some sound effects such as thunder so then we can create the same tension that Doug created.

The next thing that I noticed is that the title of the film is flashed up on a black-screen this will get the audience’s attention. We can replicate this easily by doing exactly what Doug did: fade to black, flash up the title of the film then fade back into the next or current scene.

The last thing that I liked and think that should be implemented into our film is the protagonist going under some form of stress. In the Bourne Identity we see the main protagonist (played by Matt Damon) is unconscious throughout the two minutes. We can replicate the same stress in a different way for example we could reverse it so that the antagonist is unconscious at first then wakes up and starts threating the protagonist. 

 

The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

The first thing I noticed that can be developed into our film is the music. It uses the violin and the drums to create tension for the audience. The music is also being used because there is action or some form of event that is going to happen.  This can interpreted into our film by composing our own version of this tension music or using a pre-made track to re-create the same tension that is used in this scene.

Also the next thing that I noticed that can be developed into our film is the use of weapons as props. In this scene we see a guy holding a gun to create the idea of death that the genre, thriller, offers. This can be interpreted as the antagonist uses a weapon such as a knife to threat the protagonist by holding the weapon to a vital part of their body such as the neck.

The last I noticed that can be developed into our film is slow face reveal of the antagonist, in this case Bane, is revealed slowly by  a hostage bag is lifted from his face. We can interpret this as the antagonist of our film wearing some form of a mask then he/she will take it off for the scare factor and tension.

Psycho (1960)

• The black background with grey lines running across the screen, which then move out to reveal the credits and title makes the audience feel confused about what is happening. This may also show that a character might have a split personality.
• The credits change from horizontal to vertical and the letters shift into each other in the credits. This makes the audience think about what is going on.
• The grey lines move side to side and reveal more credits, almost looking at traffic moving down roads.
• The music has a high tempo and is short and sudden. It is also chilling and creates a nervous atmosphere among the audience as it makes them feel as if something bad is about to happen.
• The music is mainly composed of violins, adding to the chilling atmosphere.
• The opening credits shift to a wide shot of the location.

Shutter Island (2010)

• The opening scene is in a dark, mysterious place that unnerves the audience from the beginning.
• The music is chilling and goes from quiet to loud.
• The music increases as the camera shot and the scene changes, creating tension as the sound crashes.
• The camera angles seem to differ between extreme close ups and wide shots of various objects.
• There is a shot of rain fall (pathetic fallacy) building suspense as the audience is unsure of what is happening.
• A shot of fire in a dimly lit room creates a feeling of danger and it develops a suspenseful atmosphere.
• A weapon of some kind, a gun, knife etc. is shown with a close up, giving the impression of crime and danger to intrigue the audience.

• The use of the colours black and red are used to create suspense and an atmosphere of danger, suspicion and evil.
• The strike of a sudden match from an otherwise pitch black room makes the audience jump due to having a slow beginning then having a quick strike of an object.
• Long wide shots of larger, usually solitary things, such as fields or woods give a daunting impression to the audience and also showing the audience where they are.
• The title is in big, bold, red letters sticking with the colour scheme. Red also stands out as the colour of blood showing the audience that there may be a murder.

PlumbeTech Film: Preliminary Task

Our Preliminary Task

Our preliminary task is a chance to show off our skills and knowledge to determine whether or not we should be on the course. Our piece of work was a success so we are now planning for our next venture.

 

 

To create a successful film you need to plan it. You need to make sure all the components are in place, such as a drafted plot, a finished plot, a storyboard and importantly you need to make sure that you're organized and on top of all of your deadlines. You also need to get on well with the people you work with to prevent arguments and members falling out. All this is important if you intend you reach targets on time. Above all else, enjoy the experience!

 

In our preliminary task we covered a very basic plot with some simple camera angles. For example, we tried to incorporate the 180 degree rule during the conversation as much as possible. Our preliminary task is simple and we wrote a basic script and storyboard before taking the camera out and shooting. We experienced some issues with background noise and some scenes being filmed in a slightly odd order but we were able to edit it enough to find solutions. With future projects we would like to take the basic to the advanced and create films with more solid plots and organize ourselves before filming and editing to ensure as much efficiency as possible.

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to GHEM's Blog

Welcome to our Blog!!!

You will follow us through our time creating our own Thriller film. Throughout the next several months you will be kept updated on how our project is getting along. We will upload ALL of our research, planning, group meetings, our film itself, our evaluations and any gossip, that may need to be told, that happens within our group!!!!   

Who are we?

Ellis Morgan - Team Leader

Matthew Holyome - Quality Assurer

George Plumbe & Harvey McKenzie

And Now Without Further Ado I Welcome You Into Our BLOG!!!!!!!!!

Preliminary Task: Ellis and Matt

Our Preliminary Task

It took a while but we finally managed to complete our preliminary task. It was laborious but extremely fun. We had a laugh and a cry; tears of joy though, but we finally did it.

Have a look.  

Well what did you think? 

To create a successful film you need to plan it. You need to make a script, storyboard, treatment and you need to make sure that you're organized and on top of deadlines and what you need to do. You also need to get on well with the people you work with to prevent arguments and members falling out. All this is important if you intend you reach targets on time.

In our Preliminary Task we had a little bit of a framing issue where people's heads are either missing or being cut off. We also have irrelevant things in the shot, like the woman in the background. We, as a team, will ensure that our camera is not at an odd angle when filming our proper film. To do this we need to make sure that the spirit-level on the tripod is even. To overcome this on uneven surfaces, like sand or gravel, we could use a piece of cardboard to stand the tripod on. Before filming the scene we will also ensure that the framing is perfect to prevent losing people's head. This will be done in rehearsals.