Bloodline/finished project

This is our final finished project for the our groups thriller opening sequence Bloodline. It is a production by Trevane Roberts, Cinematography by Alex Ransome and acting was done by myself and Adrian Garncarek.
Using all of the research that we all individually looked up and using all the planning that we came up with we were able to successfully create our opening sequence.

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

This is the podcast for our question 1 of the evaluation.

Evaluation Question 2: How Does Your Media Product Represent Particular Social Groups?

This is the Podcast to Question 2 shown below

Evaluation Question 3: What Kind of Media Institution Might Distribute Your Media Product And Why?

This is the Podcast to Question 3 shown below.

Evaluation Question 4: Who Would Be the Audience For Your Media Product?

 

When conducting audience research for our thriller film, we examined the different types of audiences to see which was the most suitable. As a group, we decided that our film would have an age rating of 15 and over as well as C1, C2, D and E because most 15 year olds are in education and either unemployed or have a part time job. Social profiling was one way we used to identify who our audience would be, so we also used demographic profiling because the prior profiler had its limited uses. In terms of this, those above the age rating set would be those in skilled jobs and would prefer thriller films compared to those in the A/B category who prefer different genres and sub-genres. 

Our profiling meant that we discussed aspects such as theme where we consider sub-genres such as action-thriller or science fiction thriller but in the end we came up with the ideal concept of a crime/mystery hybrid thriller because we felt that this would be more accepted as a exciting and intriguing film that people wanted to see. The same goes for scores which we decided would be mysterious and slow building to create tension. For casting, we thought that teenage actors would relate well to our teenage audience who we believe will enjoy our film the most.

Our age rating allowed us to introduce the theme of violence into the film as part of the crime subgenre we chose. However, in terms of this content we needed to ensure that this theme was not taken too far e.g. gory and graphic blood scenes, for a number of obvious reasons. 

This murder scene from The Godfather and a screenshot from The Expendables 2 is along the lines of what we wanted to avoid. 

 

Firstly, the 15-18 year olds allowed to watch might not be able to psychologically cope with it and secondly, the film would become more of a horror genre film which is not our goal. This is why we did not show the action of murder in our film but instead let the audience presume he was killed at the end. 

As a group, we believe that our film is suitable for our chosen audience because it incorporates typically used themes such as crime and mystery, followed the codes and conventions of the thriller genre whilst still keeping to the age rating. 

Evaluation Question 5: How Did you Attract/Address Your Audience?

 

In order to accomplish this, we had to follow the standard codes and conventions set by other typically successful thriller films to engage with our audience. For example, we used filming techniques such as cross cutting to create tension and suspense which is what an audience wants to see as they expect this when they go to see a thriller genre film. 

 

 

Here is an example of cross cutting used at the beginning of the opening sequence during the titles

An example of a thriller film we were inspired by was ‘Inception’ which in terms of plot was known for its enigmas which were used to draw the audience in and eventually lead to a climax which thrills the audience. In the instance of scores, we sourced music that was similar to the feel of this film. This way people are excited and are mesmerised, therefore we create an atmosphere of intrigue and evoke the desired emotions we want the audience to feel. Below are examples from the science-fiction thriller film:

An enigma is placed at the end which makes the audience consider the question, 'Was the whole film a dream?'

A piece of the score from the film by Hans Zimmer which capitalises on the codes and conventions of thriller - i.e. slow and steady at first which builds up 

In order to see whether or not we achieved our goal in attracting/addressing our audience we got potential audiences to view it. Social networking and video sharing websites such as 'Facebook' and 'YouTube', as well as laptop screenings were used to distribute our opening sequence.
In response, the results from our feedback concur with this as most of the results were positive and few constructive points were given.

Overall, most said that the cinematography and score, combined with the editing and context of the film worked well to create a somewhat professional looking opening sequence. 

This is our short thriller opening sequence Bloodline

'Facebook' layout

'YouTube' layout

 

 

 

  

Pictures of Bloodline screenings

As a group we took into account of feedback given and we did change some things about our film, such as the opening part of the sequence which was not originally planned as a cut between candles; reactions to it suggested that it would work better if in editing we made use of cross cutting to create a sense of mystery rather than making the enigma about the main antagonist. Additionally, the scene when the murderer was walking up the stairs felt as though it was going to fast according to some, therefore we used slow motion not only to make it run at the right pace but to also create the feel of tension.

If we could change something about our film, we would take into account of some comments made and make the score extend for a longer period, improve the volume of dialogue and include more context to explain the plot better. Below is an example of dialogue that could be improved:

 

Evaluation Question 6: What Have You Learnt About Technologies From The Process Of Constructing This Product?

Whilst creating our film, we had to use a number of different technologies to make it into what it is now. In the 21st century, media is now heavily based on technology where everything is made easier through hardware and software of many kinds. It was used throughout each section of the process which included the research, planning, production and post-production.

In terms of research, we used the internet to find sources of information that related to what we were filming. This meant we conducted relevant research on the thriller genre and the aspects of it i.e. the stagecraft of these types of film are different from other films. We also used it to distribute our film to gain feedback from potential audiences through 'Facebook' and 'YouTube' which was important in that we could make necessary changes to improve our film.

 

For example, we used 'YouTube' to look up relevant exemplar film clips that we could analyse and look towards for ideas when it came to our own film - researching forms and conventions of existing thriller films and opening sequences. The internet allowed us to look over a variety of different texts allowing us to get exactly what we needed for our creativity to flourish in terms of the thriller codes and conventions.

 

An introduction video about the new features of 'YouTube' and how it works

As well as this we used 'Blogger' to organise and present our project in its different stages. The blog site made it so that we could edit our posts in whatever way looked best in terms of presentation and content - pictures and videos can be published in order for our posts to be an audio visual presentation as well. It allowed others in our group to see it and discuss what needed to be changed and added - necessary feedback was allowed either on an individual blogpost or the blog as a whole.

 

 

A screenshot of a review focusing on the features of 'Blogger' and the positive aspects of it

For the planning section of the coursework, we made use of technological convergence to compile our ideas and evidence for location and casting research. Smartphones were used to take pictures and capture videos when we needed to analyse the cast members and location 'reccies'.

  

This video highlights the photo capturing aspect of the smartphone, 'iPhone'

In the production and post-production, we used both hardware and software to finalise our project to the film it is now. Evidently, we used SD cameras which were portable, miniaturised and user-friendly - it contained features such as auto focus and white balance which helped with the overall filming process. In contrast though, there was the problem where the microphone would not pick up sound correctly sometimes like in an outside environment which is one reason why we limited dialogue in our script that was set outside.

         

A review of the SD camera our group used

'iMovie' was a piece of consumer audience product that came with the 'MacBook Pro' making it cost- effective. The editing process which was non-linear allowed us to change and edit shots and scenes in any way we thought fit best, for example it meant that we did not have to film in order of shot number in the storyboard. It was also user-friendly in that it had pre-loaded sounds, scores, transitions and effects. However, these features were flawed in that they were basic and did not live up to the standards that were needed for our film. For example, the preloaded scores did not have anything along the line of a dramatic or mysterious thriller film which is why we ended up using the internet to source royalty free scores.

An introductory video to the 'MacBook Pro' 

 

This video focuses on how 'iMovie' works concerning audio which was one aspect that helped compose the final film

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

This is the podcast for our question 7 of the evaluation.

Post-Production: Analysis of Score

In our short film, 'Bloodline' we had to incorporate a score that would follow the codes and conventions of the thriller genre, e.g. a fast paced dramatic score once the film is about to or has reached a climax - this was one of the main ways in which we as the creators of the film get to engage the audience. In addition to this, we had to be able to source royalty free music so as to not commit fraudulence and therefore had to use the internet to find a score that concurred with our criteria. The website that we used to obtain the three pieces of music is http://www.freeplaymusic.com/ which had a range of styles and feels from which we could choose.

'GRAVE DANGER' 

The first part of the score that we used in the introduction was mysterious with a tense vibe which went well with the context of a mysterious murderer preparing his weapon in the dark. Our audience does not know much about who this character is but the score indicates that something dangerous is likely to happen - the score helps provide the audience with an insight on what happens on screen as they are watching as well as what might happen next. In this case it is outlining what will probably happen to the other character in the opening sequence shown through cross cutting.
This particular score makes use of an ominous background tone which is constantly on loop to emphasise the feeling of imminent danger and so that the audience are stuck in suspense because they do not know when the score will end and therefore when something significant is going to happen. We only made use of around the first half a minute of the score because we felt that we got the desired effect out of it that we wanted our audience to feel, plus one continuous score throughout the opening sequence would not work as effectively as a variety of pieces.

'DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE'

This part of the score we used subtly to build up tension and suspense in the fact that this mysterious murderer is now finished with preparing and is now on his way to kill. When looking up this piece the word 'domestic' caught my attention because it was relevant in that it created the feel of a threat within an urban environment which is where 'Bloodline' takes takes place. 

In it there is an ambient ticking noise connoting that time is running out for the victim and that the opening sequence is nearing its climax. 

'RUNNING AWAY'

This was used to show that the victim has nowhere to hide or escape his imminent death even though he is unaware of his killer. This creates dramatic irony and therefore suspense for the audience who know that the victim is going to die but he does not and everyone is left trying to anticipate how and more importantly when he is going to die. 

There are a number of different instruments used at the same time to create that sense of urgency and danger especially when at some points they peak which creates excitement for the audience who are now intrigued by what is happening and what is going to happen.

Post-Production Analysis of Titles

During our groups post-production process as one of the things that we needed for our films opening sequence. By using our research that we all researched individually we as a group all came up with ideas of what titles should be present. Most of titles that were implemented were taken from our final storyboard.

The screenshot above is an example of one of the production ident titles that was used during the creation of the opening sequence. The creation of the title was produced during the editing process, where during the title,we added a score to it which makes it more tense. The production title was chosen from the iMovie title where we decided to choose that particular one to make it seem normal which in itself helps to create a sort of enigmas.
For the finished title shown on the left, we chose a simple white over black title where we received the idea from the London to Brighton Opening sequence which had a similar affect, which helps create the upcoming scenes more suspenseful.





Our actual title of the film Bloodline we decided to use the colour red to symbolises several things that were present in the opening sequence. For example, the red colour symbolises the death and the blood that the person will face when he is going to get attacked. It also symbolises that fact of the growing danger that the victim (Michael) faces when the killer arrives. We also like for the production company used a simple colour instead replacing the white colour in the place of red linking again to the danger that the anti-protagonist posses with him. A key area of the titles that were produced was for the titles for the people who were starring in the opening sequence or had a part to play in the filming process. For this as stated before the colour code is the same however the area that we experimented it with was where to place it. At the start we  placed some of the titles on the top left and some of the titles on the bottom right. However, watching the clip  it didn't seem to work out right and the red colour didn't go with the background. To counter this, we instead placed it all on the bottom right to where it worked fine. All of the titles in the production were created with iMovie during the editing process.                                                                                                                                                

Practice Shots

Before actually filming, I had to get familiarised with the camera and practise my techniques as the main cinematographer of our group. This is in addition to the experience from the preliminary task where we first used cameras and started to get a feel of how to film a scene. These test shots comprised of two of the most complex methods that are planned for the actual filming - this will make it to easier to film on the actual day because I know that I will be able to see the mistakes I make and improve my filming skills. 

 

The video above shows two examples of a graphic match shot which is a transition between two shots where the contents in the frame are similar to one another and it shows a relation between them both; in this case, the shots consists of two television sets and two doors in different parts of my house. The latter is more practical because my group's storyboard consists of a scene where a graphic match takes place between two doors to show that time has passed for a character to leave one location and arrive at another. One thing I could have improved was to get my framing a little more accurate so that everything lines up correctly between the two objects that will be in frame. 

 

This video conveys a practical example of a match-on-action shot showing me walking through a door to get to somewhere. This contains a long shot of one side of the door where I am about to exit, a close up of my hand on the door handle and a long shot of me leaving from the other side of the door. For the audience, this simply shows that the person on screen has left through the means of a door rather than showing someone heading in the direction of the door and cutting to him exiting on the other side - this is a more easy going and natural way to show someone exiting a room (through editing). What can be improved here is to include more footage to make it last longer because in my opinion it felt like it was going very fast as if I was in a rush; however I don't want to slow the pace so much so that it takes a very long time for the person on screen to leave a room.

Character Casting Research

Antagonist/ Jared:

Actor: Thomas Camber

Going to wear: Jeans, converses and leather jacket with a hoodie. The fact that I am going to be wearing a hoodie portrays the typical stereotype of a run down hoodlum killing for money in a hope to get by in his awkward situation.

I am playing the antagonist because I am meant to be playing a typical murderer in this scene because I am tall and look older so I am more suited for this role along with the fact that I have facial hair which can be used to make me look older.

I am going to try to look as old as I possibly can by using a variety of facial expression's.

Victim/ Michael:

Actor: Adrian Garncarek

Going to wear: Suit, he needs to look very formal as he is meant to look like a person who is in power and has a good job. A possible issue for this scene could be the fact that he possibly doesn't look old enough to play a scene like this. This can be edited with a software to try to make him slightly older looking or use camera effects to our advantage.

Here Adrian is in a uniform which is something similar to what he will be wearing on the actual day of filming. Hair and makeup and props will be used to make him fit the part of our character by making him look slightly older and important.

2nd Shooting Schedule

Date: 13/03/2013

Time: 2pm - 5pm

Location: Thomas's house

Shots: 2, 6-16

Actors: Thomas Camber, Adrian Garncarek

Crew:Alex (Camera) Trevane (Props, Assistant Camera)

Costumes/ props: Knife, leather jacket with hood, converses, a suit, newspaper.

Equipment: Camera, Tripod, Storyboard

Potential issues: Timing due to a lot of shots, continuity issues, weather, intercom not working, parents not letting us film at other's houses.

Risk assessment: tripping over household items.

1st Shooting Schedule

Date: 09/3/13

Time: 12pm-2pm

Location: Charlie Herman's house

Shots: 1,3-5

Actors: Thomas

Crew: Alex, (Camera), Trevane (Camera Assistant/Props)

Costumes and props: Jeans, converses, leather jacket with a hood

Equipment: Camera, tripod, storyboard

Potential Issues: Continuity issues such as the weather, building works done near the house. Potential issues with the lighting being too dark.

Risk Assessment: Low- Knife and candle being used which adds to a small possible risk of being injured.

Storyboard - Final Draft: 'Bloodline'

Our group had to revise over both the script and the storyboard to see if there were any improvements that needed to be made because changes will always need to be implemented - e.g. wanting to replace a shot type with another or cutting it from the film entirely.
Shots 1,4, 6-8 and 13-16 were relatively untouched because we were satisfied with what was on paper, however the other shots needed some minor alterations.

This includes:

• Shot 2 contained a title crediting Trevane as the actor, but due to scheduling complications we had to get someone else to fill the role therefore changing the title. Whilst shot 3 now contains a short amount of dialogue that we decided to include on top of the subtle score that was already there.

Before

After

• Shot 5 which need needed to be changed from a long shot zooming in onto the door handle, to a close up shot where we could see the character's hand reaching towards it. This was agreed on because typically this shot better suits a match-on-action shot rather than a slow zoom in. 

Before

After

• Shots 9-12 on the storyboard were not detailed enough so we put emphasis on the fact that the score would be continuously running throughout these shots by writing this in the 'Sound/Dialogue' box and arrows between the pictures denoting a sound bridge would take place to connect the cross cutting. 

Before

After

• The final shot  (#17) was changed in terms of the voice-over that we originally considered using to create a thrill for the audience, but we decided to cut out the non-diegetic dialogue out entirely mainly because it made the whole title sequence appear as though it is a trailer. This is very important to avoid because a title sequence and a trailer are two entirely different things and we would be downgraded for having assembled a trailer instead of what was asked of us. 

Before

After 

Location Research ('Reccies')

This part of the research entails that our group should research possible filming locations that would suit the group and be in accordance with the criteria of both the short film and the outline of the coursework. As a whole, we decided that it would be best to shoot our film in an apartment building or something similar to that, which is what we had in mind when we drew up the storyboard. This is because this type of setting is typically enclosed, cutoff and dim in terms of lighting which are elements of the thriller genre that we wanted to incorporate - making it a practical and accurate setting.

An example of such a place could be the picture below (left) as it mimics that of a maze, since there are so many flats and therefore residents implying that if murder were to be committed, it would be hard to realise this or find a body. Moreover, it looks tattered and grungy which can reflect the representational view of the character as a murderer - his lifestyle and home.  

 

Exemplar Locations - Apartment Buildings

Exemplar Location - Stairs which will be
used in a few shots as portrayed in the
storyboard.

However, in terms of accessibility, we would need to ask permission if we could film in a building like this from the landlord and/or the residents, plus we need to film in a room for one scene meaning that there might be complications. After deliberating this, the group decided that it would be best to film at Thomas' home because he lives in an apartment building which fits the criteria. 

 

Charlie's house will be used for the first location as the home of the murderer where we can make it suit our needs as dictated by the storyboard, e.g. we can turn off all the lights to make the room darker. It may not be an apartment/flat, but only the interior will be portrayed to the audience so in terms of practicality it doesn't make much of a difference.

        

 

Thomas' building  will be the interior set for the film because the rooms and corridor can be made to look small which give the sense of confinement - this is the ideal environment to place a victim in a thriller film (i.e. the woman in the shower scene for 'Psycho'). Also, it is the only possible location with an intercom system which is what we need (as shown in the final draft of the script) since it is an enigma that we inserted.