Coursework: Preliminary exercise
1) State the genre you have chosen - horror or coming of age drama.
The genre i have chosen to apply within my preliminary task is horror.
2) Choose at least five films in your selected genre and watch the trailer and one scene from each film. Make bullet-point notes on everything you watch, commenting on camerawork, editing, sound and mise-en-scene.
1) It follows (2015)
In terms of camerawork, within this trailer, various close ups were applied to display the facial expressions portraying the emotions of the character within numerous scenes, a build up of non diagetic sound was utilised during these specific scenes in order to build up tension and suspense within the demographic. In terms of editing, an eye line match was applied when the protagonist was looking at the door that was slightly open which creates enigma within the scene as it allows the audience to view what the main protagonist was seeing to make them feel the emotions that the character was feeling. Furthermore in terms of transitions, after each scene within the trailer a blank black screen was shown to surprise the audience and create cliffhangers as they did not know what was to occur next within the trailer. With mise-en-scene, particularly lighting, low key lighting was applied to suggest that something bad was about to happen as the setting would be an isolated area that was dark which connotes danger, thus aiding the audience in decoding the message (Stuart Hall-reception theory-1970's) that there would be an unpleasant occurrence.
2) Paranormal Activity 4 (2012)
With camerawork in this trailer, a tracking shot is applied to particular scenes in order to make the audience feel like they are with the characters and experiencing their situations, thus engaging the demographic with the point of view of the character and what they are viewing, feeling etc. In addition, low angles and high angles are used throughout the trailer to convey who is more superior within each scene. For example, a scene within the trailer indicated a an older girl looking up to a younger boy from a low angle showing he is more superior within that situation which is very unexpected as it is usually the other way round. Thus this would draw the audience and persuade them to want to watch the movie due to the fact it is not a typical horror as it has unique aspects which thus generates a great audience (Steve Neale, repetition and differences). In terms of sound, non diagetic and diagetic sounds are both used to intimidate the audience as the character is screaming to show she is frightened and in danger combines with scary background music. With editing, transitions where there are disturbances make a huge impact as it leaves you unexpected and scared for what could happen after. Long shots were shown of the house abandoned and the person that consistently is attacked is usually isolated thus showing representations of a typical horror.
3) Final destination (2000)
Mise-en-scene:
Clothing: Characters dressed in clothing that typical young adults would wear, thus applied clothing to convey the age group of the characters.
Setting: applied various setting to implicate the situation that was about to occur.
Cinematography:
Close up: facial expressions
Sound:
Diagetic sounds when conversing
Non diagetic sounds to build up tension
Editing:
Jump shots applied to show action is about to occur
4) 28 Days Later (2002)
Mise-en-scene:
Lighting: dark, low key lighting portraying a typical horror genre
Setting: Isolated areas
Editing:Applied to produce jump scares
Cinematography:
Low angle/High angle: display the superiority of the characters
Sound:
Soundtrack was gradually increasing in volume to increase suspense.
Editing:
Eyeline match: show what the character is viewing.
5)
Mise-en-scene:
Clothing: The villain is dressed in all white which relates to the typical idea of ghosts wearing all white which shows how they are warning the audience that a villain is approaching.
Cinematography:
Medium shot: To show the demographic that their is a villain next to her, however the character is unaware of the situation.
Tracking shot: when she is running away to put the audience in the characters shoes
Sound:
Non diagetic sound mainly used, creates a sense of enigma (Barthes codes).
Editing:
Zoom applied to gradually get close to the characters face, displaying their emotion.
3) Write a 250 word statement of intent for your film scene. This should follow AQA's guidance (look in your coursework booklet) and clearly lay out how you will use media language to meet your brief. You should also discuss what representations you plan to create (either reinforcing or challenging stereotypes) and how your scene would appeal to an audience. This is an example Statement of intent for a preliminary exercise - it's 370 words so over the word count but covers the four key concepts as per AQA's guidance.
I plan to make a 1-2 minute film scene regarding a low budget independent horror drama feature film. This film scene was inspired by the movies paranormal activity and final destination which both included a sense of paranormal activity occurring within most scenes. Therefore i will apply this idea within my scene but add my own twist to the scene ensuring it is unique to most typical horror movies, however conforming to the same genre expectations of jump scares, low key lighting, isolation etc. Usually most horror movies include an intimidating soundtrack when something unknown is approaching, therefore i will utilise this idea within my scene as i will make sure i have a built up soundtrack before something bad is about to occur. This is so the demographic receive a clear message that something surreal was about to happen within the exact moment, thus i will apply non diagetic sound to it to build tension and suspense within the audience. Diagetic sound will be applied between the three main characters within the scene when conversing about their end of summer party the night before. The setting will be taken place within a classroom which they will attend very early as it is known to be their secret 'meet up spot' for emergencies.
Horror movies are generally targeted towards an older audience, usually 18+, as they contain scenes that aren't suitable for younger audiences, therefore i will follow this aspect by targeting them towards an older demographic of an age range between 16-18 year old .
This target audience is also usually applied so the age group can relate with the characters within my movie production , making them more familiar with the film. In addition, as my movie scene is a low budget horror drama, it would posses a more niche audience, in which the audience would be placed under the ABC1 social class classification.
4) Write a script for your film scene. You'll find guidance for writing a script in the BBC Writers' Room (click on the Script Library to read real examples of professional scripts).
Script - Now it's your turn
It's currently 3:00 am in the morning, the night before was an end of summer party and the girls are linking up at there meet up spot which is in their school classroom for an urgent meeting about a serious matter.
Maria and Ella are patiently waiting for Britney to meet them at the spot.
2 minutes later Britney walks in...
ELLA:
Hi. (smiles)
BRITNEY:
Oh, hi guys how are you?, i'm good. (while hugging maria)
How are you? (while hugging Ella)
ELLA:
Im good. (says while smiling at Britney)
BRITNEY:
Oh, so good to see you guys.
MARIA:
Good to see you too, how are you?
BRITNEY:
Yeah, im still good. (while looking down suspiciously, fidgeting with her hands)
By the way guys um, update me, what's new?(asks curiously)
MARIA:
Do you know what happened at the party last night?
BRITNEY:
Uh What, the party that happened last night?
MARIA:
Yeah.
BRITNEY:
Nah, what happened?
ELLA:
Katy died!
BRITNEY:
Huh, you're kidding right? (asks in shock)
ELLA:
Yeah, Katy!
BRITNEY:
Our Katy? (asks with surprise) (still not being able to process the information)
ELLA:
Yeah our one!
BRITNEY:
No way!
MARIA:
Weren't you their at the party yesterday? (asks with curiosity)
BRITNEY:
No,i...i wasn't their. (hesitating while playing with her hair)
(sounds starts building up)
BRITNEY:
Wait! (as she looks away)
(another sound and it is gradually getting louder)
MARIA:
Did you hear that? Did you hear that?
BRITNEY:
No, i just can't here her guys.
(loud noise occurs within the classroom and startles the girls)
(Ella and Maria grab onto each other and Britney is left isolated)
(Atmosphere fades into darkness and Ella and Maria both scream)
(Light appears, Ella and Maria are in the scene breathing heavily)
ELLA:
Wheres Britney? (asks with confusion)
MARIA:
I don't know! Where did she go? (frightened)
(Scene fades into darkness, Britney appears on the floor)
(sound builds up as she is possessed and camera closes up on her)
(Britney attacks Ella and Maria)
(Ella and Maria are now on the floor terrified)
MARIA:
You were the one that killed Katy!
BRITNEY:
Now it's your turn.
END
5) Storyboard at least five key shots from your scene, take a photo of the storyboard and upload it to your blogpost. What visual style are you trying to create? Storyboard sheets are available in DF07.
6) Write a shot list containing EVERY shot you plan to film AND additional shots to create flexibility when editing. These additional shots are often close-ups, cutaways, alternative angles or similar. I advise using a simple table on Microsoft Word to set out your shot list - you can find an example here.
7) Plan your mise-en-scene: what iconography are you including to ensure your audience understands the genre? Plan your cast, costume, make-up, props, lighting and setting.
Cast: 3 main Characters (Britney, Ella and Maria)
Costume and Makeup: Typical teenage costumes, portraying their age group
Props: Chairs ( for diagetic sound ) , Tables
Lighting: Mostly low key lighting, might include high key lighting for sense of realism
Setting: Classroom
8) Plan a shooting schedule that will ensure everything is filmed by Wednesday 27 June. Include when, where, who is required and what shots you will complete at each time/location.
My scene will be shot over the past few days depending on the availability of my actors as i will need them all present to film as they will all take part within most of the scenes. Therefore there is no particular date yet to confirm on when it will be filmed.
The genre i have chosen to apply within my preliminary task is horror.
2) Choose at least five films in your selected genre and watch the trailer and one scene from each film. Make bullet-point notes on everything you watch, commenting on camerawork, editing, sound and mise-en-scene.
1) It follows (2015)
In terms of camerawork, within this trailer, various close ups were applied to display the facial expressions portraying the emotions of the character within numerous scenes, a build up of non diagetic sound was utilised during these specific scenes in order to build up tension and suspense within the demographic. In terms of editing, an eye line match was applied when the protagonist was looking at the door that was slightly open which creates enigma within the scene as it allows the audience to view what the main protagonist was seeing to make them feel the emotions that the character was feeling. Furthermore in terms of transitions, after each scene within the trailer a blank black screen was shown to surprise the audience and create cliffhangers as they did not know what was to occur next within the trailer. With mise-en-scene, particularly lighting, low key lighting was applied to suggest that something bad was about to happen as the setting would be an isolated area that was dark which connotes danger, thus aiding the audience in decoding the message (Stuart Hall-reception theory-1970's) that there would be an unpleasant occurrence.
2) Paranormal Activity 4 (2012)
With camerawork in this trailer, a tracking shot is applied to particular scenes in order to make the audience feel like they are with the characters and experiencing their situations, thus engaging the demographic with the point of view of the character and what they are viewing, feeling etc. In addition, low angles and high angles are used throughout the trailer to convey who is more superior within each scene. For example, a scene within the trailer indicated a an older girl looking up to a younger boy from a low angle showing he is more superior within that situation which is very unexpected as it is usually the other way round. Thus this would draw the audience and persuade them to want to watch the movie due to the fact it is not a typical horror as it has unique aspects which thus generates a great audience (Steve Neale, repetition and differences). In terms of sound, non diagetic and diagetic sounds are both used to intimidate the audience as the character is screaming to show she is frightened and in danger combines with scary background music. With editing, transitions where there are disturbances make a huge impact as it leaves you unexpected and scared for what could happen after. Long shots were shown of the house abandoned and the person that consistently is attacked is usually isolated thus showing representations of a typical horror.
3) Final destination (2000)
Mise-en-scene:
Clothing: Characters dressed in clothing that typical young adults would wear, thus applied clothing to convey the age group of the characters.
Setting: applied various setting to implicate the situation that was about to occur.
Cinematography:
Close up: facial expressions
Sound:
Diagetic sounds when conversing
Non diagetic sounds to build up tension
Editing:
Jump shots applied to show action is about to occur
4) 28 Days Later (2002)
Mise-en-scene:
Lighting: dark, low key lighting portraying a typical horror genre
Setting: Isolated areas
Editing:Applied to produce jump scares
Cinematography:
Low angle/High angle: display the superiority of the characters
Sound:
Soundtrack was gradually increasing in volume to increase suspense.
Editing:
Eyeline match: show what the character is viewing.
5)
Mise-en-scene:
Clothing: The villain is dressed in all white which relates to the typical idea of ghosts wearing all white which shows how they are warning the audience that a villain is approaching.
Cinematography:
Medium shot: To show the demographic that their is a villain next to her, however the character is unaware of the situation.
Tracking shot: when she is running away to put the audience in the characters shoes
Sound:
Non diagetic sound mainly used, creates a sense of enigma (Barthes codes).
Editing:
Zoom applied to gradually get close to the characters face, displaying their emotion.
3) Write a 250 word statement of intent for your film scene. This should follow AQA's guidance (look in your coursework booklet) and clearly lay out how you will use media language to meet your brief. You should also discuss what representations you plan to create (either reinforcing or challenging stereotypes) and how your scene would appeal to an audience. This is an example Statement of intent for a preliminary exercise - it's 370 words so over the word count but covers the four key concepts as per AQA's guidance.
I plan to make a 1-2 minute film scene regarding a low budget independent horror drama feature film. This film scene was inspired by the movies paranormal activity and final destination which both included a sense of paranormal activity occurring within most scenes. Therefore i will apply this idea within my scene but add my own twist to the scene ensuring it is unique to most typical horror movies, however conforming to the same genre expectations of jump scares, low key lighting, isolation etc. Usually most horror movies include an intimidating soundtrack when something unknown is approaching, therefore i will utilise this idea within my scene as i will make sure i have a built up soundtrack before something bad is about to occur. This is so the demographic receive a clear message that something surreal was about to happen within the exact moment, thus i will apply non diagetic sound to it to build tension and suspense within the audience. Diagetic sound will be applied between the three main characters within the scene when conversing about their end of summer party the night before. The setting will be taken place within a classroom which they will attend very early as it is known to be their secret 'meet up spot' for emergencies.
Horror movies are generally targeted towards an older audience, usually 18+, as they contain scenes that aren't suitable for younger audiences, therefore i will follow this aspect by targeting them towards an older demographic of an age range between 16-18 year old .
This target audience is also usually applied so the age group can relate with the characters within my movie production , making them more familiar with the film. In addition, as my movie scene is a low budget horror drama, it would posses a more niche audience, in which the audience would be placed under the ABC1 social class classification.
In terms of the characters , I have used people from different ethnic backgrounds to convey the modern era holds a sense of diversity and equality within various races, thus showing the change that has occurred throughout the time periods. My film is a micro budget horror drama and will be funded by Warp films and distributed by Film 4.
4) Write a script for your film scene. You'll find guidance for writing a script in the BBC Writers' Room (click on the Script Library to read real examples of professional scripts).
Script - Now it's your turn
It's currently 3:00 am in the morning, the night before was an end of summer party and the girls are linking up at there meet up spot which is in their school classroom for an urgent meeting about a serious matter.
Maria and Ella are patiently waiting for Britney to meet them at the spot.
2 minutes later Britney walks in...
ELLA:
Hi. (smiles)
BRITNEY:
Oh, hi guys how are you?, i'm good. (while hugging maria)
How are you? (while hugging Ella)
ELLA:
Im good. (says while smiling at Britney)
BRITNEY:
Oh, so good to see you guys.
MARIA:
Good to see you too, how are you?
BRITNEY:
Yeah, im still good. (while looking down suspiciously, fidgeting with her hands)
By the way guys um, update me, what's new?(asks curiously)
MARIA:
Do you know what happened at the party last night?
BRITNEY:
Uh What, the party that happened last night?
MARIA:
Yeah.
BRITNEY:
Nah, what happened?
ELLA:
Katy died!
BRITNEY:
Huh, you're kidding right? (asks in shock)
ELLA:
Yeah, Katy!
BRITNEY:
Our Katy? (asks with surprise) (still not being able to process the information)
ELLA:
Yeah our one!
BRITNEY:
No way!
MARIA:
Weren't you their at the party yesterday? (asks with curiosity)
BRITNEY:
No,i...i wasn't their. (hesitating while playing with her hair)
(sounds starts building up)
BRITNEY:
Wait! (as she looks away)
(another sound and it is gradually getting louder)
MARIA:
Did you hear that? Did you hear that?
BRITNEY:
No, i just can't here her guys.
(loud noise occurs within the classroom and startles the girls)
(Ella and Maria grab onto each other and Britney is left isolated)
(Atmosphere fades into darkness and Ella and Maria both scream)
(Light appears, Ella and Maria are in the scene breathing heavily)
ELLA:
Wheres Britney? (asks with confusion)
MARIA:
I don't know! Where did she go? (frightened)
(Scene fades into darkness, Britney appears on the floor)
(sound builds up as she is possessed and camera closes up on her)
(Britney attacks Ella and Maria)
(Ella and Maria are now on the floor terrified)
MARIA:
You were the one that killed Katy!
BRITNEY:
Now it's your turn.
END
5) Storyboard at least five key shots from your scene, take a photo of the storyboard and upload it to your blogpost. What visual style are you trying to create? Storyboard sheets are available in DF07.
6) Write a shot list containing EVERY shot you plan to film AND additional shots to create flexibility when editing. These additional shots are often close-ups, cutaways, alternative angles or similar. I advise using a simple table on Microsoft Word to set out your shot list - you can find an example here.
Shot List – Now it’s your turn
Classroom
Shot No.
|
Shot
|
Filmed?
|
1
|
Long shot of main characters (Britney, Ella, Maria) conversing speaking dialogue towards each other.
| |
2
|
Medium shot of Maria and Ella breathing heavily, wondering where Britney is.
| |
3
|
Long shot of Britney on the floor screeching being possessed, intimidating the girls.
| |
4
|
Tilt/ Pan up of Britney gradually standing up while she is possessed.
| |
5
|
Close up of Britney’s face, eyes rolling back, with a creepy smile as if she is about to attack someone.
| |
6
|
Tracking shot, following Britney as she attacks both Ella and Maria, in which they land on the floor.
|
7) Plan your mise-en-scene: what iconography are you including to ensure your audience understands the genre? Plan your cast, costume, make-up, props, lighting and setting.
Cast: 3 main Characters (Britney, Ella and Maria)
Costume and Makeup: Typical teenage costumes, portraying their age group
Props: Chairs ( for diagetic sound ) , Tables
Lighting: Mostly low key lighting, might include high key lighting for sense of realism
Setting: Classroom
8) Plan a shooting schedule that will ensure everything is filmed by Wednesday 27 June. Include when, where, who is required and what shots you will complete at each time/location.
My scene will be shot over the past few days depending on the availability of my actors as i will need them all present to film as they will all take part within most of the scenes. Therefore there is no particular date yet to confirm on when it will be filmed.
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