Farewell examiner! :)

Dear examiner, as you can see my video instead of being a thriller movie has now become a hybrid consisting both genre of horror and thriller. I decided to challenge some conventions and see the effects it will result me in and as a result has lead me to make a hybid movie. Moreover, at the beginning in our groups, we took the different shots however, I was not very happy with the shots produced therefore, I decided to work individually and explore as my group were not keen on re- taking some of the shots. We did our shot list and storyboard together but I filmed individually. To conclude I tried my best and hope you enjoy my thriller blog.

REWIND - Final Cut

My rough cut

Evaluation 7: Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

The video above represents my preliminary video and the images below represent my progression from my preliminary to REWIND. 

Preliminary

Match on action

Reverse shot

REWIND

When I first did the preliminary task, it was more like a trial. I was unaware of techniques and how to use the equipment therefore, I had limited knowledge when using the technology, and I was unaware of all the camera angles such as reverse shot and match on action. However, later on the process my knowledge and understanding broadened and I realized what camera angles i'd use and why as I understood the importance of it. For example, to make the audience identify the dominant character and feel emotions towards them, one camera shot I could consider is a close up or even an extreme close up. This will enable the character to feel a specific way towards that character due to the characters facial expression and enable them to acknowledge the characters importance. When producing my preliminary task I failed  to make the audience understand the characters perspective, one way I could have resolved this is by having a point of view shot.


Moreover, I strongly believe that my planning has improved throughout the process in a range of ways for example, for my horror opening, we created a story board and a shot list. This enabled me to understand and see what will happen in each shot, it also helped me understand why it is important for each shot to be situated in the way it is illustrated, for example, by having the main victim lying down on the floor rather then on a bed enables that audience to realize something is not right, also it starts to build suspense and makes the audience raise questions as to why the character is there. However, in the preliminary task I produced a rough story board but was unaware of the significance of each shot, therefore I just did what I thought was right with out taking a deep thought into what all the different camera shot/angle could demonstrate. Furthermore, my shot type have broadened and improved a lot;  during the preliminary we used very basic shots such as a long shots but "REWIND" contains a range of shots for example, birds eye view shot and also different camera angles. 


In terms of equipment I can confidently use each equipment effectively in comparison to how I used the equipment in my preliminary task. I didn't really know how to use the reflector and know importance of it and I was unaware of how to use the camcorder properly, However, for my horror movie, I understood why the reflector is important and how it can make the audience emphasis about the character and how every detail has a huge impact. Also, I feel as though at the beginning of media, I was very unaware of using the software 'Final Cut Express',. Now, I can confidently use; I learnt how to create effects, and edit shots, and audio. To conclude I believe that I have improved my skills and expanded my knowledge of media terms and programs. Also, having worked individually I strongly believe I have learnt and explored so much therefore, now understand the significance of media, technology, and equipment. 


Evaluation 7

View more presentations from komalr28.

Evaluation 6: What you have learnt from the technologies from the process of constructing this product?

For my horror movie there were a lot of object and technology I used for example, the Canon Camcorder and the reflector. The video camera was very easy to use, and the reflector enabled outstanding brightness.
Garage band: was very useful for me, the reason behind is because I successfully was able to make suitable horror sound for my horror movie. Garage band consist a range of different music instruments that you can mix together in order to create a sound track.
Final cut Express: This was a very useful program as it is the dominant program that I used to make my horror movie which broadened my editing skills. It enabled me to edit sound, cut shots, reverse shots, and add effects to the shots for example fade in and out. Moreover, it enabled me to edit my soundtrack to suit the shots and add special effects which engages the audience attention.
Google: was also useful because it helped me find and establish who my target audience is, and there preferences. Furthermore, 'Youtube' enabled me to watch other thriller movies such as "memento" and "seven" which inspired me to and gave me ideas on how to make my horror movies for example, having constant flashing shot would build up excitement and grabs the audiences attention which was presented in "seven" therefore, I was influenced and included flashing shots for my horror movie.
Blogger: is where all my evidence is situated, it represents my understanding to make a thriller/horror movie, for example my research and planning, and evaluation.
Live type: This is where I created my title sequences and it enabled me to add effect
As you can see there are a range of technologies that I have used to create my horror movie, however, at the beginning we had no intention to use reverse shot, angles, and panning, but only still shots, but with the help of equipment, we realized we had to use them and show of our skills to make our movie effective to the audience by grasping their attention.

Presention 6

View more presentations from komalr28.

Evaluation 5: How did you attract/address your audience:

One way I attracted my audience is through the use of editing, for example, "REWIND's opening ends with a close up of an eye. This has been edited to make the audience feel as though that eye is looking directly at them, therefore, engages their attention as they are being watched. Furthermore,  the eye indicates to the audience that there is someone watching the victim constantly, therefore, attracts their attention by raising questions in the audiences head. This creates an enigma and appeals to the audience as they are determend to what happens next. Furthermore, with the inspiration of "seven", that consist of constant flashbacks, I have also addressed my audience by starting the opening scene with constant flashbacks. This builds the audience attention  as they are focused on all these flashing images therefore, feel confused as to what is happening. Moreover, this attracts my audience to watch "REWIND" as they are motivated to see how the "puzzle" is solved. These constant flashbacks builds excitement for the audience and plays around with their emotions;  at one point they are left to feel confused as to what is happening and then scared with use of sound. By making the audience feel emotions they are more engaged towards "REWIND". Furthermore, I have also addressed my audience through gender and age. 
The victim is a female character who is a teenager, this makes the audience feel sympathetic for her as society has now become child centered therefore, the female character is represented as a little girl in the audience's eye. This makes the audience feel connected towards her especially when something bad happens to her. As a result, they are engaged to see whether the teenager finds justice and identifies the truth. Furthermore, the victim in "REWIND" has commited a lot of murders however, the audience constantly feel sympathetic towards that female character as they are aware that she suffers from  "amnesia".

'REWIND" is a movie filled of excitement, thrills, suspence, and is a mystery that is waiting to be solved for example, the dominant female character, "Komal" has commited a lot of murders however, someone is constantly watching over her, therefore, the audience are left with suspence and are engaged as to see who this person is. Moreover, another way I attract my audience is with the use of the mise-en-scene-. This considers, lighting, editing, camera work, costumes and prompts, and hair and make up. The Mise-en-scene is everything that is represented inside a scene. The fact that the victim wakes up in a room on the floor indicates that she is in a place that she is not comfortable in, this builds questions in the audiences mind (enigma) as to why she is there in the first place, also due to the newspaper and object onthe floor such as bottles and brooms makes the audience be in the victims perspective as to what is happening and why are these objects on the floor. This attracts the audience as they are motived to see how this 'puzzle' is solved. Furthermore, the opening scene of 'REWIND' is only situated in a room which makes the story more realistic. Usually people are found in empty rooms that is dark however, I wanted to challenge this and see if I can still attract my target audience.

Camera work  plays a huge roles to attract my audience as they can only feel emotions and see what the directors wants them too view. For example, a point of view shot attracts the audience as they are positioned in the characters 'shoes', this makes the audience feel connected towards that character.  The image below represents a of point of view shot. 

This shot shows the audience where the dominant character is looking and because the point of view shot is very fast it makes the audience feel that she is in a unfamiliar room. Furthermore, the camera is also positioned from a high angle, this tells the audience that this victim is very powerful. Furthermore, I engaged the audience with the use of editing, for example, during my opening sequence the shots are very fast however, when the victim looks into the picture, the shot suddenly becomes slow due to the shot being edited, this emphasizes the significance of the picture and makes the audience think that the picture has some sort of link to the victim as a result, makes them want to know what is it. Furthermore, the victims costumes is very casual, this makes the audience understand that the victims class. Furthermore sound also attracts the audience, for example at the beginning of the horror movie there the audience see someone typing on the computer but the however, later on during the horror opening they see someone typing but the sound of the typing is very fast this build up excitement and makes them feel as though something is going to happen next. Facial expression is a huge part to attract the audience for example, when the victim see's the dead body situated on the floor, you see her crying and also when she drops the image on the floor she is also crying, this engages the audience as they feel bad that she is crying and want to know why she is crying. Also, because she looks into the picture and it is edited to be very slow makes them think that there is a relationship towards her and the person in that image. Furthermore, because the victim shows shes confused with her facial expression makes the audience connect to her as they are confused as to why she is in that room. Never the less, the title s also one factor that attracts my audience. The title "Rewind" attracts my audience because the title it self implies its something to do with the past of the character, and therefore the audience themselves are raised questions as to what it is that she has done in her past. To conclude, because the character has amnesia builds up excitement, suspense and confuse meant for the audience as there stuck watching the victim put the puzzle of her life together.

How did i attract

View more presentations from komalr28.

Evaluation 4 : Who would be the audience for your media product?

The audience of my film would be people aged 17-25. The reason behind this is because "REWIND" contains some gruesome images of blood and murder which is unacceptable from people aged below 16.Some people may think that the audience is predominantly targeted at females due to the fact that the main character is female, however, "REWIND" contains a lot of bloody shots, action, mysteries to be solved, and flashing images, therefore more likely to appeal to males in comparison to females.Furthermore, "REWIND" mostly targets the middle class people, because they are more likely to go to cinemas. It targets those people who go to movies on a Saturday or Sunday with their friends or families for a thrill. Moreover, some might think that our horror movie appeals to our target audience because it challenges the patriarchal society therefore, is something different which engages both gender to find out what happens next. Furthermore, one films that are similar to my film would be 'Se7en'. The  reason for this is because it contain constant flash backs and is a psychotic thriller.  

Who would be the audience for my media

View more presentations from komalr28.

Evaluation 3: What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?

If my film were to be distributed, it would be distributed by "Warp films". The reason behind this, is due to them being a small UK film institution. Furthermore, my film would not be able to be distributed by large companies such as "Summit Entertainment" simply because it will be a unknown production company who produced the film and my characters are unknown wheres in "Memento" the characters are famous for example, "Leonardo DiCaprio", is one of the dominant characters therefore, is well known. Also, my budget would be very low. Furthermore, Summit Entertainment is a North American film studio. Moreover, I would promote my movie to my target audience in a range of ways for example, through trailers, advertisement, and local transport for example on the bill boards. This will attract my target audience as it will be constantly shown to them where every where they go, encouraging them to watch the movie, this can result as a good word of mouth. Never the less, I want my film to be distributed in different formats which will enable them to watch it in a lot of ways for example, Blu-ray and DVD's.

Evaluation 2: How does your media product represent particular social groups?

During our production we came to a conclusion that our dominant character, (protagonist) would be played by a female character. The female character would be represented in a stereotypical aspect at the opening scene, for example, vulnerable and confused. However, during the opening scene stereotypes are challenged through gender. Having been influenced by "Memento", in which the dominant character is played by a male, I decided to challenged these conventions, therefore, used a female as the main character for "REWIND". By having a female character as the main victim, I challenged stereotypes, for example, usually in thriller movies, the main victim is always played by a male character whereby he succeeds in meeting the truth however, in "REWIND" it is a female character who is the main victim where she succeeds in meeting the truth. Moreover, both dominant characters in "Memento" and "REWIND" consist similar stereotypical qualities, for example, they both are determined to know the truth, they both are confused and lost as a result to what has happened and both characters suffer from the same illness "amnesia". The fact that the female character in "REWIND" overcomes her confidence and is determined to establish the truth, is a typical stereotype of how victims usually respond to unusual situations that is not part of their daily routine. Moreover, I was also influenced by "Se7en", and as a result, this has led my horror sequence to be filled with suspense and tension that builds confusion, for example, the constant flashing images makes the audience confused, therefore grabs their attention, making them determined to see how this "puzzle" solved.

The characters costumes in "REWIND" are very different in comparison to "Memento". This enables the audience to establish what class each character belongs to, for example, in "REWIND" the female character wheres a black tank top, and through out the movie she does not wear any branded costumes, this represents that she is of working class. However, in "Memento" the dominant character is illustrated to wear ties, suits and shirts, this tells the audiences the male character in "Memento" is upper class, therefore, stereo typically more powerful as apposed to a working class person.

One might suggest that we have challenged how gender is represented in our film, due to the fact that usually in films the dominant character is a male character, however in "REWIND" the main character is female. One advantage "REWIND" consist of, in comparison to "Memento" is due to the dominant characters being played by different gender, stereotypical the audience generally feel more sympathetic towards females characters. Also, in thriller movies, the female character don't usually kill innocent people, however, in "REWIND" the main character kills innocent people. This challenges the stereotypes of of how females are represented to have expressive roles and are defenseless,. This can also illustrate that society is constantly changing within gender and we are moving away from a patriarchal society.
Here is a slide share that tells you exactly how my media product represent particular social groups and shows some questions I took into consideration.

Evaluation 2

View more presentations from komalr28.

Stereotypes about gender and conventions are represented through different camera angles, for example:

The first shot of the opening scene represents a female characters arm from a medium high angle. The camera angle illustrates gender stereotypes, for example, due to the camera angle being a high angle, it tells the audience that this female character is not powerful.

This image illustrates a medium high angle of a female character. This tells the audience that the female character is less power and due to the camera angle being a high angle, "REWIND" consist of a voyeur whereby someone is looking down at the victim. Also, this engages the audience attention as they are positioned to be in the voyeurs perspective, therefore feel sympathetic towards the female character, as they know something is going to happen to that victim.

This image demonstrates a female character looking down, and the camera angle is a low angle. This significance of this is, it illustrates that the female character is superior. Furthermore, this image challenges stereotypes about females as they are represented to be weak.

To conclude the images below represent some of the flashback "REWIND" consist of. These images attract males because stereotypically males find suspence more appealing in comparison to females, therefore, are more engaged.

Evaluation 1: In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media product?

The image below represent the most valid clips which we believe to show conventions of thriller films which has been taken from our own thriller opening sequence.


 Story of how the opening sets up:

I wanted to start my horror opening sequence by creating suspense in order to grasp the audience's attention within minutes of the opening scene, so that they would be more engaged to watch the film. I decided that the arm of the female character would be most suitable, as a result taken from a high angle shot, this would illustrate that the female character is vulnerable and powerless. Furthermore, the camera angle that displays a female arm makes my opening sequence more dramatic. The first shot taken for my film was a medium to close up shot, capturing the female characters arm and specifically showing all the detailed blood marks on her arm. Using this particular shot enables the audience to identify that something is wrong and something bad has an is going to happen. 
Moreover, the main character is represented to be in a deep sleep, the costumes illustrate this, for example, the main character is wearing a black tank top and black joggers. This represents that she has a dark side to her and in a deep sleep, moreover, it also tells the audience that something bad will happen which attracts their attention. Also considering I used high key lighting  enables the audience to identify the blood marks on the characters arm and by using a variety of  medium-high shots, we were able to create a successful horrror opening sequence that builds suspense and grabs the audiences attention. Also, this encourages the audience to believe that something unexspected will occur. Most hybrid movies that has a combination of horror and thriller usually contain constant flashing images which also creates suspense as it builds up tension for the audience making them raise questions in their head, as a result I was influenced by 'Se7en' therefore used constant flashing images throughout my opening sequence to really capture the audience attention and puzzle them.    


Camera Work and Editing:


This image on the right provides the audience with valid information concerning the dominant character in this film. It becomes clear that the female character keeps a diary in which  she records the amount of people she has killed. I decided that it would be best if I used an medium shot to create suspense for example, when the female character is writing the audience at this point are extremely engaged as they are positioned in the characters shoes and are encourage to know what the character is writing. However, at the beginning when creating my story board I thought a close up shot would be best ideal however,  later on I realized  the audience can easily get confused, therefore, I then decided to use an extreme long shot however, this took the attention off the diary and did not represent its significance.  Additionally, a medium shot seemed perfect to address to my audience. This enabled my audience to understand the importance of the diary and be able to read the content clearly.  Moreover, by using low key lighting in this particular shot, enables the audience to  focus on the content of the diary, rather then having them focus on a range of things. Moreover, in Final Cut Express I edited the footage to make it black and white. This was extremely important as it tells the audience that this footage has happened in the past. One reason I thought I should have the past shots in black and white is due to 'The Ring'. This movie also uses black and white editing to represent the past which attracts the audience attention as they are curious as to what is it that happened in this characters past.


The title of the film:

The image on the left represents the title of the film which appears in 'dirt drop' in colors of red and yellow. The color red signifies blood and death and the yellow represents friendship. The fact the the actual title is written in yellow and then out layered in red represents how the female characters friendship is betrayed causing her to kill her best friend. Furthermore, each scene follows on to the next, the effect in which the letter are gone is "TV OFF". This represents that something is going to happen as stereo typically in thriller/horror movies when people turn the TV of the victim is most likely to get killed. One of the main reasons for using a male character as the background of the image is to represents that someone is always watching the victim. Moreover, the close up shot represents the male characters eyes, this positions the audience in the victims perspective; someone is always looking at them which gasps their attention. I first decided to use a plain black background for the title of the film however, this didn't emphasis the power of the title and attract to the audience to the best standards therefore, I decided to use a male character which would suddenly grasp the audience attention and build suspense. By using capital letters though out the title of the film, adds boldness whilst capturing the audience's attention, which was my main intention. 


How the characters are introduced:

To introduce the characters through flash backs to our target audience, I decided the first shot that I would use is a medium shot. This illustrates who the dominant character is in the film to the target audience and it establishes the characters 'illness'. Moreover, due to the effective camera shots the audience are able to understand the characters action that has been represented though the body language. This particular image enables the audience too see that this character is going to do something terrible. The fact she is looking directly at the camera with a smirk on her face illustrates this. Also, the darkness of the image tells the audience that this character is associated with secrets. Furthermore, the tank top worn by this character is black, this demonstrates to the audience that this character commits crime as black is associated with death, for example, when participating in a funeral. This image establishes the conventions of thriller and horror films as at this point in films the story line being to unfold and builds suspense. 


Lighting:

The lighting in this image is used to highlight the blood marks on the victims hand to illustrate she has comited this murder. Moreover, the fact that she female characters shadow reflects on the dead character represents her power. Moreover, I decided to use a long shot, and low key lighting to illustrate the darkness within the characters to the audience. By using low key lighting in this frame, it enables the audience to focus on the arm. Moreover, I believe it was very important to use low key lighting t illustrate shadows which would represent the darker side of the story. Additionally, the use of lighting enable the audience to see that everything with in this shot was not what it shows, and there's a deeper story towards it. 


Setting and Location:

This particular image on the left represents a room. This shot is taken when the victim turns around to see if someone is behind her however, spots no one. The reason why I chose this particular setting was because it seemed more realistic, where someone casually in is in their room typing on the laptop. Moreover, the audience at this point are engage as they assume something terrible is going to happen within the next few shots. The use of the soundtrack and lighting creates a realistic atmosphere therefore, it represents that something unexspected is going to happen to the character. Moreover, the image is a medium shot. The reason for this is because it enables the audience to establish what the setting is. 


Genre and how the opening suggests it

These two images represent exactly what genre this film belongs too. This film is a hybrid, is contains conventions of thriller and horror. Furthermore, within a few minutes of the opening sequence, the female character is represented killing a victim. This illustrates a successful film opening as it creates a range of question for the audience for example, why is she killing her? What is going to happen next? Will anyone find out? What is she gaining from killing this innocent person? Are these two characters related in any way? By building suspense and raising question in the audiences mind, these shot achieves the film goals. When creating 'REWIND'  I had no intention of creating a hybrid, the genre was specifically meant to be a thriller. However, by challenging the conventions of thriller movies 'REWIND' resulted as a hybrid, containing the genre horror. Some horror conventions that 'REWIND' consist that this image represents are: frighten and panic the audience. The victim was casually typing on her laptop however the protagonist comes and kills her, this makes the audience panic and frightens them as to what will happen next. Also, another convention this image represents is 'Fear of death' before she is killed.


Special effects


This image represents an eye looking directly at the audience. however suddenly the eye is moving and overlaps against where it was first position. The reason I used special effect on the eye is to capture the audience attention. The fact that the eye is constantly moving indicates that the antagonist is always watching from different places and angles. Also, it emphasis's how the victim can not think straight and is all over the place. The actual eye itself grabs the audience attention as the eye is looking directly at the audience as a results creates a frighting emotions. The fact that the opening sequence suddenly ends with a eye is one reason why 'REWIND' is a hybrid. Horror movies such as 'The Ring' and 'Grudge' have close up shot of eyes at random times just like 'REWIND' to create suspense and fear for the audience.

How the suspense is created:

The image on the left represents the victim identifying loads of images on the wall of people however she is unaware of who these people are. This creates suspense as the audience are positioned in the victims point of view therefore are puzzled as to why there are loads of pictures on the wall, who the people are, and what does it mean. The medium shot enables the audience to see all the pictures and the wall and view what the female character is doing. Also, it creates a focus point on the image and the dominant character which creates suspense as the audience are intrigued as to what will happen next within the next few shots and whether their questions are answered. Throughout the whole opening scene questions are constantly raised and created for the audience through flashback and prompts such as the diary. This instantly creates suspense as the audience are engaged and are interested to see how the puzzle is solved.  

View more presentations from komalr28.

Construction: Final Cut peer assessment

I decided to analyse 'Dream chaser' which enabled me to see the similarities and difference it has in comparison to 'REWIND'. Down below are some questions I answered inorder to analyse 'Dream chaser'.

• How does the opening sequence engage/create interest for the audience?
 I believe that "Dream Chaser" was very good and interesting. One reason for this is simple because of their effects for example, noise and bad TV effects where used for the CCTV camera, this engages the audience attention, making them know something is wrong/going to happen, and it also emphasis the importance of the CCTV as it is constantly being shown. Moreover, they used a lot of camera angles/shot for example, at the beginning the male character is featured with a medium-long shot. This enables the audience to see what the character looks like and what he is doing. Furthermore, the thriller ends with a close up of an object. This indicates to the audience that the object is very significant and makes them want to know more about the object creating suspense. Moreover, the editing is also very good, for example, the time is edited with the audio to make the shot flow. This encourages the audience to watch the movie.


• Does it establish characters? How?
In my opinion I believe dream chaser does establish characters to a certain extent for example, it represents that the victim is buying DVD's and it establishes who the two dominant characters are as they are the only two characters being shown throughout the opening sequence. Furthermore, one character is represented to by a typical 'rude boy/gangster' though the costumes for example, he is wearing a ero-cap,  whereas the other is portrayed to be innocent.  


• Does the opening create a mood or story/narrative? How?
The opening creates a specific mood at different stages for example, at the beginning of the opening sequence the audience are calm and relaxed as the characters are introduced minding their own business however, the mood/atmosphere suddenly changes and suspense it build when the 'rude boy' leaves an object on the floor. Furthermore, when the two dominant character bump into each other; the footage is constantly being replayed this symbolizes the importance of the two character 'bumping' into one another.  


• How is enigma established?
Enigma is created from the beginning of the opening sequence for example, firstly the CCTV camera implies someone is always watching the character therefore, the audience are determined to know why are the characters constantly being watched, and is there a main purpose for this however, when the two characters face each other that is when tension and suspense takes place. At this point the audience are interested as to what the significance of the object is therefore, they constantly have questions running through their mind as their attention is grabbed.