Sunday 12 December 2010
Wednesday 8 December 2010
Thursday 11 November 2010
What is a Thriller?
We have gone through the codes and conventions of a typical thriller and as a genre the audience has certain expectations. Certain themes are commonplace within thrillers, violence, action, mystery and an intricate story line which surprises the audience when the plot is unravelled. Through analysing semiotics, we
discovered that all of these were present in the film The Usual Suspects.
Mise en scene is realistic in horror/thrillers and often composed of muted colours in terms of lighting and backgrounds. This is due to the focus on the characters, plot and their development. Costume often follows this trend but will sometimes be different to accentuate a character. For example, in The Usual Suspects Keaton wears a bright cream suit to make him stick out on the poster and to give the impression he the main character.
However, more common conventions of a horror/thriller are the inclusion of weapons such as guns and knives. There is usually blood in the films also.
Moreover, the films usually include some sort of force, for example the police. There are many thrillers that are almost entirely based on this, for example the Bourne Identity, and its sequels. The Usual Suspects could be considered as this as the film is based around the interview of one small time criminal by the police in order to find out what really happened.
The differences between a horror and a thriller is that a horror is intending to scare the audience and make them feel uneasy, whereas a thriller is more like a mystery. However there are cases where these genres cross over into one film. An example of this would be I Am Legend, which follows the story of the last man in New York City after most of it's population has been 'infected' and turned into zombies.
Mise en scene is realistic in horror/thrillers and often composed of muted colours in terms of lighting and backgrounds. This is due to the focus on the characters, plot and their development. Costume often follows this trend but will sometimes be different to accentuate a character. For example, in The Usual Suspects Keaton wears a bright cream suit to make him stick out on the poster and to give the impression he the main character.
However, more common conventions of a horror/thriller are the inclusion of weapons such as guns and knives. There is usually blood in the films also.
The differences between a horror and a thriller is that a horror is intending to scare the audience and make them feel uneasy, whereas a thriller is more like a mystery. However there are cases where these genres cross over into one film. An example of this would be I Am Legend, which follows the story of the last man in New York City after most of it's population has been 'infected' and turned into zombies.
Tuesday 9 November 2010
Preliminary Filming Task Evaluation
My group were filming in the editing suite for our preliminary task. Even though this location was not our first choice we found that it worked as a setting as it reflected the gritty nature of the actors' perfomances and the idea that the focus was on the dialogue and the actors rather than the setting. In context, it became verisimiluted. I mostly took the role of director whilst filming, directing the type of shots, when we started and finished filming and whether we need to retake a shot.
In terms of lighting, we did not use any added lighting; only the lights in the editing suite however this lighting would be described as quite hard and light, as it is very bright in the studio and the light is colourless. This was not key to the scene however if the light had been dark then the expressions of the actors would have been less visible and the scene would have been less convincing. Also the harder light was more effective than if we had used soft lighting as the dialogue would have seeming a lot softer and there would be a lighter atmosphere, which was not our aim.
When setting up, we made sure that the tripod and camera were set up correctly, for example we bubbled the tripod to set the level so that the camera was level for the filiming. We also made sure each shot was framed correctly, however we did make a few mistakes with this, however they were not used for in our finished film. Also we were wary that our equipment was not seen in the background of shots however it can be seen in the reflection of a window in one of the shots. We also chose each shot carefully, for instance we used wide shots, two shots, and close ups. I was carefully to choose low angle shots to portray one character as having more power and status than the other. We also regarded the 180 degree rule and broke it specifically to make the scene less easy to watch, ie. the audience would need to concentrate.
In terms of lighting, we did not use any added lighting; only the lights in the editing suite however this lighting would be described as quite hard and light, as it is very bright in the studio and the light is colourless. This was not key to the scene however if the light had been dark then the expressions of the actors would have been less visible and the scene would have been less convincing. Also the harder light was more effective than if we had used soft lighting as the dialogue would have seeming a lot softer and there would be a lighter atmosphere, which was not our aim.
When setting up, we made sure that the tripod and camera were set up correctly, for example we bubbled the tripod to set the level so that the camera was level for the filiming. We also made sure each shot was framed correctly, however we did make a few mistakes with this, however they were not used for in our finished film. Also we were wary that our equipment was not seen in the background of shots however it can be seen in the reflection of a window in one of the shots. We also chose each shot carefully, for instance we used wide shots, two shots, and close ups. I was carefully to choose low angle shots to portray one character as having more power and status than the other. We also regarded the 180 degree rule and broke it specifically to make the scene less easy to watch, ie. the audience would need to concentrate.
Monday 8 November 2010
Editing the Preliminary Task
I had never edited before editing the Preliminary task so I found this a quite a challenge however I took an acitve part in the process. The first challenge was to master the use of Final Cut Pro, the editing programme that we are using. I learnt that clips of film are put into the Runs Bin which concsists of all the takes that were filmed and then we would sort through them to the ones we want to use and then move these to the Log Bin.
Wednesday 13 October 2010
Monday 11 October 2010
Introduction To Video Camera
Last week we began using the cameras and firstly we learnt how to set up the tripod so that we could have the camera at adjustable levels of height and angle. It would also be more steady than using handheld camera work. To adjust the height of tripod we twisted the nuts and raised the heights of each leg. We then locked the nuts once done. To adjust the tripod further we had to make sure the camera would first sit level on the top of the tripod. There is the equivalent of a built in spirit level on the tripod known to us as the 'bubble' so we would 'bubble' the tripod to set the spirit level straight. When putting the camera on we also had to make sure that the camera was locked in so it wouldn't fall off whilst filming. Once the tripod was set up and locked in, we learnt about the functions of the camera.
Firstly was the timecode. Every camera has a time code and it shows the time used filming. It counts in hours, minutes, seconds and then frames and in each second there are 25 frames but the time code only displays up to 24 as the next frame will be zero. It also helps during playback as you can take down the timecode of the exact shot and go back to it later.
We then learnt about white balancing. Every time the setting of a shot is changed (ie. going somewhere else to film it like another room) the white balance needs to be set. White balance sets the colours of the camera to match the white in the room so if it is not set the shot may be off color and look strange. To set white balance you zoom in on something white or a piece of blank paper so that the camera is only looking at the white object. You then press the white-balance button on the side of the camera and wait until it adjusts. When you see a number on the screen of the camera the white balance is set.
When zooming the camera we learnt the camera may not always be in focus. Focus determines how sharp a shot is, if not focussed then a shot will be blurry. So to focusthe shot zoom in on the subject and use the focus wheel on the front of the camera. Adjust it until focussed.
We also learnt about aperture. Aperture controls how much light goes into the camera and can be adjusted with the coordinating wheel on the front of the camera. All of these are operations of the cameras.
Next we discovered some camera skills including basic camera shots such as establishing shots which show the setting or character within a setting to establish the location of the film. Other types of shot include medium shot which shows the subject in some detail but still has the overrall view of them, close up which shows the subject in great detail and two-shot which is a shot that houses two subjects within a frame at a similar distance to a medium shot. How things are framed is also an important camera skills and we learnt about the rule of thirds; when a screen is divided into three both horizontally and vertically the square in the middle is the focus of attention so when framing a subject put the thing that you want to be focussed on in this square. Moreover when filming continuity editing must be considered as otherwise a film may end up out of order and confusing to an audience. To achieve temporal and spatial continuity you can use dissolves and fades when editing so that each shot moulds into the next however they cannot always be used so cutting through shots is used more. Another way to stop viewer disorientation is to use the 180 degree rule. This rule states that when filming the camera should not move more than 180 degrees around the subject. This keeps the action flowing but still gives space for different shots. The rule is sometimes deliberately broken to confuse the audience but more often the camera pans around enough to switch sides and keep the continuity intact and the 180 degree then applies again, but on that side.
We then moved on to practice filming by holding a practice shoot. This shoot was open to mistakes and we probably commited more than one of the 'Deadly sins of Filming' as shown below:
We also learn the industry terminology for a shoot, starting with the standby. When everyone is position for a take they call 'standby'. Next is Turn over or Roll Film (Rolling). This is called by the director and tells the camera operator to start filming. The few seconds that run before strating are known as the lead in and help the process of continuity editing. The cameraman thus responds with the same call to show that he is up to speed. The director then calls action, which is the cue for the actors and crew to start filming. Finally. when happy with the take, the director will leave a few seconds at the end, called Lead out and then call cut. This is the sign for the crew to stop the camera.
Firstly was the timecode. Every camera has a time code and it shows the time used filming. It counts in hours, minutes, seconds and then frames and in each second there are 25 frames but the time code only displays up to 24 as the next frame will be zero. It also helps during playback as you can take down the timecode of the exact shot and go back to it later.
We then learnt about white balancing. Every time the setting of a shot is changed (ie. going somewhere else to film it like another room) the white balance needs to be set. White balance sets the colours of the camera to match the white in the room so if it is not set the shot may be off color and look strange. To set white balance you zoom in on something white or a piece of blank paper so that the camera is only looking at the white object. You then press the white-balance button on the side of the camera and wait until it adjusts. When you see a number on the screen of the camera the white balance is set.
When zooming the camera we learnt the camera may not always be in focus. Focus determines how sharp a shot is, if not focussed then a shot will be blurry. So to focusthe shot zoom in on the subject and use the focus wheel on the front of the camera. Adjust it until focussed.
We also learnt about aperture. Aperture controls how much light goes into the camera and can be adjusted with the coordinating wheel on the front of the camera. All of these are operations of the cameras.
Next we discovered some camera skills including basic camera shots such as establishing shots which show the setting or character within a setting to establish the location of the film. Other types of shot include medium shot which shows the subject in some detail but still has the overrall view of them, close up which shows the subject in great detail and two-shot which is a shot that houses two subjects within a frame at a similar distance to a medium shot. How things are framed is also an important camera skills and we learnt about the rule of thirds; when a screen is divided into three both horizontally and vertically the square in the middle is the focus of attention so when framing a subject put the thing that you want to be focussed on in this square. Moreover when filming continuity editing must be considered as otherwise a film may end up out of order and confusing to an audience. To achieve temporal and spatial continuity you can use dissolves and fades when editing so that each shot moulds into the next however they cannot always be used so cutting through shots is used more. Another way to stop viewer disorientation is to use the 180 degree rule. This rule states that when filming the camera should not move more than 180 degrees around the subject. This keeps the action flowing but still gives space for different shots. The rule is sometimes deliberately broken to confuse the audience but more often the camera pans around enough to switch sides and keep the continuity intact and the 180 degree then applies again, but on that side.
We then moved on to practice filming by holding a practice shoot. This shoot was open to mistakes and we probably commited more than one of the 'Deadly sins of Filming' as shown below:
We also learn the industry terminology for a shoot, starting with the standby. When everyone is position for a take they call 'standby'. Next is Turn over or Roll Film (Rolling). This is called by the director and tells the camera operator to start filming. The few seconds that run before strating are known as the lead in and help the process of continuity editing. The cameraman thus responds with the same call to show that he is up to speed. The director then calls action, which is the cue for the actors and crew to start filming. Finally. when happy with the take, the director will leave a few seconds at the end, called Lead out and then call cut. This is the sign for the crew to stop the camera.
Sunday 3 October 2010
Thriller/Horror Mood Board
A mood board is a collection of images and other media forms to create an idea. My mood board for a thriller/horror would consist of these.
Mirrors. Even though I don't have a phobia of mirrors, I still find them incredibly unnerving as however irrational it is, a reflection could morph into anything. Moreover, as shown in the photo, there could always be the possibility that your reflection has a mind of it's own. This idea has been exploited by the horror film Mirrors as people are killed by their own reflections.
The fear of the dark concerns me and it's a potent idea for a thriller as it could be explored as what is hiding in the dark or how empty the dark is. Also, the fear of the dark is common and is quite a primal fear and this is often exploited by horrors and thrillers as its gives protagonists easy get aways and can scare and audience in many ways. For example, synchronous sound could portray something on a black screen that is there but the audience 'can't see'.
The fear of the dark concerns me and it's a potent idea for a thriller as it could be explored as what is hiding in the dark or how empty the dark is. Also, the fear of the dark is common and is quite a primal fear and this is often exploited by horrors and thrillers as its gives protagonists easy get aways and can scare and audience in many ways. For example, synchronous sound could portray something on a black screen that is there but the audience 'can't see'.Wednesday 29 September 2010
Tuesday 28 September 2010
Photography Composition and Image Manipulation
Photography brings a visual language that is universal in understanding. We must then understand its vocabulary which consists of shapes, textures, patterns, lines, colours, shade of light to dark and sharp to blurry images. Just as we must learn to arrange words in a coherent order in order to make sense when we write or speak, so too must we put visual elements together in an organized manner if our photographs are to convey their meaning clearly and vividly.
Composition means arrangement: the orderly putting together of parts to make a unified whole; composition through a personal, intuitive act. However, there are basic principles that govern the way visual elements behave and interact when you combine them inside the four borders of a photograph. Once we have sharpened our vision and grasped these basic ideas of principles, then we will have the potential for making our photographs more exciting and effective than ever before.
In Photoshop, we learnt how to manipulate images to create new posters. Originally, we were given a series of film posters to play around with including Cloverfield, 30 Days of Night, Easy Rider, The Sarah Connor Chronicles and Crank. We learnt how to cut and paste images into others, create new layers in photoshop document and how to use the clone tool. We were also taught how to change the colour of a layer of image so that it would match with the rest of the image, therefore creating a seamless transition between the new layer and the background. Our task was then to take the poster for the film Cloverfield and to edit out all of the writing, insert a person from another poster so that they would match the colours of Cloverfield and finally, create a reflection of them in the water. I chose a lady from the Bad Boys poster and edited her into the Cloverfield poster.
I found using photoshop easy as the tools are logical and pretty straight forward. It is also useful for desgining posters and other media products for this reason and is ideal for making things such as DVD covers.
In Photoshop, we learnt how to manipulate images to create new posters. Originally, we were given a series of film posters to play around with including Cloverfield, 30 Days of Night, Easy Rider, The Sarah Connor Chronicles and Crank. We learnt how to cut and paste images into others, create new layers in photoshop document and how to use the clone tool. We were also taught how to change the colour of a layer of image so that it would match with the rest of the image, therefore creating a seamless transition between the new layer and the background. Our task was then to take the poster for the film Cloverfield and to edit out all of the writing, insert a person from another poster so that they would match the colours of Cloverfield and finally, create a reflection of them in the water. I chose a lady from the Bad Boys poster and edited her into the Cloverfield poster.
I found using photoshop easy as the tools are logical and pretty straight forward. It is also useful for desgining posters and other media products for this reason and is ideal for making things such as DVD covers.
About Myself
My name is Laura Bowman and I decided to take AS Media at Hurtwood because in the past I took part in some small student videos and I wanted to find out how to create a proper film. Before coming to Hurtwood to study I was at Queen Annes School, mainly studying drama. However, I am more into music, specifically rock, classic rock and heavy metal. I like alot of bands but my current favourites are Disturbed, Suede, Deftones and Bring Me The Horizon.
As well as listening to music, most of my free time is spent watching films, the last film I saw at the cinema was Knightr and Day but out of all the films that I've seen at the cinema the best for me would have to be Inception. It was a thriller about the world of dreams, and was similar to another film starring Leonardo Di Caprio, Shutter Island which was also centered on confusion of reality.
I don't have a favourite film of sorts but I my preference is towards thrillers, action films and sci-fi but one of my best films in the horror genre is Hannibal and in terms of TV Drama I enjoy Taggart and most other murder mystery programmes.
As well as listening to music, most of my free time is spent watching films, the last film I saw at the cinema was Knightr and Day but out of all the films that I've seen at the cinema the best for me would have to be Inception. It was a thriller about the world of dreams, and was similar to another film starring Leonardo Di Caprio, Shutter Island which was also centered on confusion of reality.
I don't have a favourite film of sorts but I my preference is towards thrillers, action films and sci-fi but one of my best films in the horror genre is Hannibal and in terms of TV Drama I enjoy Taggart and most other murder mystery programmes.
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