Final Opening sequence-Beneath the Surface

Review of draft

After looking at my draft of my opening sequence I have come to the conclusion that I need to work on the timing of my shots as many shots appeared abruptly and didn't fit in with the audio (this most likely happened due to the fact that my video editing software has a lagging issue and therefore it is difficult to be precise). I also plan to extend some shots.

Rough Draft

Diagetic Audio Editing

During editing I came to the realisation that I didn't have decent audio for some of my clips as they required the victim gaspng/panting (which they didn't). To overcome this without refilming footage I copied some of the audio from another clip which did feature panting into the clips that required audio.

Soundtrack audio editing

I was only using a section of the audio that I had access to (see previous post) and did repeat certain sections in my film opening. In order to do this without disrupting the flow of the music I faded some of the audio into one another (diagram below).

Audio

For my opening sequence I used parts of the audio bellow as I felt that it was fitting for the dark and suspenseful atmosphere.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BC_BShb5UrA

Target Audience

I believe that my film would appeal to a British audience due to the fact that both the location and the cast are British and therefore may find the film is more easier to relate to in comparison to the more mainstream American blockbusters. I also believe this film would target a mature female audience because of it's potential psychological complexity and lack of sexual content.

Classification

When considering the classifaction of my film I was torn between giving my film the rating of 12/12A or 15 due to the potential violence of the film (not present in opening but heavily implied). In order to come to a decsion I looked at the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) guidelines for insight into the film's appropriate rating.

’12A’/’12′

Suitable for 12 years and over

Exactly the same criteria are used to classify works at ‘12A’ and ‘12’. These categories are awarded where the material is suitable, in general, only for those aged 12 and over. Works classified at these categories may upset children under 12 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them.
The ‘12A’ category exists only for cinema films. No one younger than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult, and films classified ‘12A’ are not recommended for a child below 12. An adult may take a younger child if, in their judgement, the film is suitable for that particular child. In such circumstances, responsibility for allowing a child under 12 to view lies with the accompanying adult.
The ‘12’ category exists only for video works. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video work.

Discrimination

Discriminatory language or behaviour must not be endorsed by the work as a whole. Aggressive discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly condemned.

Drugs

Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or give instructional detail.

Horror

Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted, provided disturbing sequences are not frequent or sustained.

Imitable behaviour

Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied, or appear pain or harm free. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

Language

Moderate language is allowed. The use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’) must be infrequent.

Nudity

Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief and discreet.

Sex

Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. Frequent crude references are unlikely to be acceptable.

Theme

Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers.

Violence

Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated, and must have a strong contextual justification.

’15′

Suitable only for 15 years and over

No one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video work.

Discrimination

The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour.

Drugs

Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse. The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances (for example, aerosols or solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable.

Horror

Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised.

Imitable behaviour

Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

Language

There may be frequent use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’). The strongest terms (for example, ‘cunt’) may be acceptable if justified by the context. Aggressive or repeated use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.

Nudity

Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.

Sex

Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour, but the strongest references are unlikely to be acceptable unless justified by context. Works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation are unlikely to be acceptable.

Theme

No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds.

Violence

Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is also unlikely to be acceptable. There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification.

By taking these guidelines into consideration I would give my film the rating of a 15 due to the levels of horror and viloence likely to be present  further on in the film.

Risk Assessment

Emergency Numbers:
999 (in case of injury)
01380 728077 (Home)

Hazard:	Persons who may be harmed:	Property that may be damaged:	Risk Controls put in place	Risk Assessment
Cast and crew tripping over during chase sequence	Cast and crew	Camera	Make sure there are no obstacles are in the way, not run too fast.	High
Weather condition	N/A	Camera	Check weather forecast beforehand  and avoid filming in bad  conditions (raining)	Moderate
Damaging fence	Cast	Fence	Make sure that cast member doesn’t impact with the fence too hard	Low

Audience Profile

Name: Prue Winchester
Age: 17
Student in sixth form, living with parents
Fashion sense: Prefers to dress casually (jeans, t-shirt)
Favourite genre of music: Rock
Favourite Films: The Others, Moulin Rouge, Se7en, Harry Potter, Sherlock Holmes

Review of chosen cast

I worked very well with Carmella in this project, I believe she created a convincing performance which aided the atmosphere of the opening sequence and took direction well. My only criticism is that occasionally we had to redo shots due to laughing.

I only had to work with Karen (my mother) briefly as she was only required for two shots. Despite her lack of acting experience she was very easy to direct and managed to portray her role to the best of her ability.

Lists of Camera Shots/Movement/Angles used in Opening sequence

• Close-up Shot
• Extreme Close-up Shot
• Wide/long Shot
• Mid Shot
• Point-of-view Shot
• Side shot
• Cut-in
• Zoom
• Pan
• High Angle
• Eye-level

Institutional research/ film Industry: The Skeleton Key

Production

·         “A distinctly American, non-traditional ghost story,” says screenwriter Ehren Kruger, who penned the hit thriller The Ring.

·         Produced by  Universal Pictures

·         ShadowCatcher Entertainment

·         Double Feature Films

·         Daniel Bobker Productions

·         Brick Dust Productions LLC

·         MFPV Film (in association with)

·         Budget: $43 million

·         Director by Iain Softley

·         Box Office: $47,806,296

·         Financial success with a worldwide gross of $91,974,818.

·         In the US it raised $16,057,945 in its first weekend, reaching number 2 at the box office, taking a total domestic gross of $47,907,715.

·         Filmed at the historic Felicity Plantation

·         Located on the Mississippi River in Saint James Parish as opposed Louisiana, not the coastal, swampy Terrebonne Parish where it’s set.

·         The house and the grove of trees surrounding it are real, but the swamp that seems to be on the verge of engulfing the house was created by the director for the movie.

·         Behind the house actually lie hundreds of acres of fields. In reality, the house is not really run down; it was decorated with ivy, among other things, to set the tone.

Distribution and Marketing

·          It was released in cinemas in the United Kingdom on July 29, 2005, and in the U.S. on August 12, 2005.

·         The film received generally mixed reviews from critics.

·         Reported that 39% of critics gave positive reviews (based on 142 reviews)

·         Numerous television spots touting this film as a "return to the classic psychological thriller" and "the best thriller since The Sixth Sense.”

·         The New York Times said "One of the most enjoyably inane movies of the season, this faux Southern Gothic offers an embarrassment of geek pleasures".

·         San Francisco Chronicle gave a negative review of the movie and said "A well-intentioned horror film that is weighted down by stellar cast members who for the most part act as if they do not want to be there".

·         3 Nominations: Best Horror, Best supporting actress  Gena Rowlands (Saturn Award) and Best Horror (Empire Award)

 

Changes to script

Once I got to editing my opening sequence I came to the decision to cut out the news reporter voice over. I made this decision because I personally felt that it disrupted the atmosphere of the sequence and didn't work well with my selected music. I did however use some of the news reporter's dialogue in shots of the newspaper article. I also chose to include the mother of the victim instead of a friend as I believed it would make a greater impact on the audience in terms of the emotional aspect.

Script

"Beneath the Surface"

Fade in from black to shot of newspaper article, headline reads "Murders Continue”, gradually zoom in as music and voiceover starts.

Voiceover 1: At approximately 11.30 AM today another body was found

Cut to close-up of victim’s (teenage girl) foot running down country lane

Shot of newspaper article page; pan to the right over the words "serial killer on the loose”

Voiceover 1: Authorities believe the recent death is connected to the recent string of murders

Victim quickly looks behind her, her eyes filled with terror

Shot of newspaper article, close-up of the words "butchered alive"

Wide shot of victim running down lane

Shot of newspaper article, close-up of the words ‘bodies left in unrecognisable condition”

Voiceover 1: The police have yet to identify the one responsible for these killings, however they have learned that those being targeted are teenage girls.

Point-of-view shot from killer’s perspective chasing after victim

Close-up of victim’s photo on a kitchen table which is being held by victim’s friend

Wide shot of friend sat at table staring at the photograph

Mid shot of victim being thrown backwards into fence

Cut back to close-up friend’s face eyes filled with sorrow

Music fades out

Zoom in to close-up of victim’s face, victim stares directly into camera panting heavily in fear, looking around for help but finds none

Extreme close-up of victim’s eye widening in terror.

Cut to black, title appears.

Editing preview

As you can see here the beginning of my editing for my opening sequence. I have started going through my takes and selecting those I think are most appropriate and then trimming any unwanted footage and removing any unnecessary audio.

Vox Plot

The people I asked:

Carmella Lowkis Age 17
Shannen Palk Age 17

What would you expect to see in a opening sequence of a film (generally)?

C: The title and staring actors should obviously appear at the some point, but most important feature is for it to be captivating. I'd  expect some music that sets the mood of the film and some opening shots that build tension  and interest, to introduce the plot and/or main characters.

S: Introduction to main characters. Brief insight into storyline, music to draw viewer in. Opening scene should build the audience's interest.

What would you expect to see specifically in a supernatural thriller opening sequence?

C: I would expect to dark lighting, possibly with hints of blue or red. Faces or areas should be in shadow and something pertaining to the genre should happen e.g a ghost/murder. There should probably be shots from the perspective of a supernatural creature. I would expect eerie music and maybe being set at night or in a mist.

S: I would expect quite dark colours and maybe lots of shadows. Also probably bad weather. An event should happen like a murder to fit the genre and plot. Events should be seen through supernatural creature's eyes. I would imagine lots of screaming or maybe panting from the creature.

Cast Profile

Carmella Lowkis:

I made the decision to select Carmella for the role of the victim, the main role in my opening sequence. The reason for my choosing is that Carmella has been actively involved in drama in the past and achieved a grade A* in the subject and therefore would be able to provide a convincing performance. Carmella has also been involved in a number of school productions and independent drama projects which shows that she is dedicated and takes acting seriously and therefore will be easy to work with.

Karen McSweeney

I selected Karen (my mother) for the role of the news reporter (voice) in my opening sequence. I made this decision due to the fact she has a very clear and well-spoken voice which I believe would be fitting for a news reporter. I also selected her for the role of the victim’s mother as she fits into the appropriate age range for the mother of a 15-17 year old and has a very mother-like appearance. I also believe that she will be easy to work with despite her lack of acting experience.  

Finished Props

Overall I was quite pleased with the finished product as on film it looked realistic and was able to play their purpose.

Making of Props: Photo of victim

I required a photo frame containing a picture of the victim for several shots. To make this a found a spare photo frame and printed a picture off of Facebook of the actress who played he  victim in my opening sequence. I then simply cut out the picture to the appropriate size and placed it in the frame.

Making of props: Newspaper

One of my shots required a newspaper article, it played an important part of giving insight into the storyline of the film  as well as setting the mood. I orginally considered making my own newspaper from scratch however I later decided that it would be too time consuming. To make my newspaper article I got a hold of a real newspaper and glued on a picture of a crime scene and by make-believe headline. I had to play around with the font, size and colour of the headline several times in order to make it blend in with the rest of the newspaper (so that it didn't appear fake in shot). I did consider writing the actual article myself but I found that the writing wasn't visable in shot and therefore was unessessary.

Outdoor location shots

This location is where the finale of the opening sequence takes place and the victim is  murdered . This location was fairly easily to film in as there was no one else present here and nothing that would distract the audience's attention way from the main focus (the victim's fear and her death). All that was really required of this location was a surface for which victim to be pushed into, a brick wall could have sufficed however the advantages of using this fence is that it would not be painful for the actress to hit into multiple times (as we had to redo the shot several times to make it look as realitic as possible).  

This location was only used briefly for one shot (that being the point-of-view shot of the murder). Intially this shot was taken in the lane (see picture further down post) however I found that taking multiple shots in that area may have made the sequence fairly dull and repetitive and so I came to the decsion to film else where. This location was chosen specifically becasue I thought that the narrow hedges  creates the illusion of seclusion and claustrophobia which creates a tense atmosphere. 

This location was orginally selected for a wide shot. However after filming the shot several times I came to the conclusion that the location was not fitting for the atmosphere as a domestic setting tends to be pleasant and comforting, contradicting with the fear of the victim.  The setting as contained a lot of distractions.  

The counrty lane was selected for one of the beginning locations and specifically where the character of the victim was introduced. There was both advantages and disadvatages for this setting as the location provided a good space for a chase sequence with little distractions however there was the issue of passers by. Luckily I only had to stop filming once to prevent them from coming into shot and ruining the atmosphere. 

Orginal Production Logo Idea

Orginally I named my production company 'Wilting Rose Productions' and planned on having a animated logo featuring  a rose wilting. I attempted this by finding an images of both a fresh and a wilted rose and one fade into the other, creating the illusion of a wilting rose. However when trying to create this I found that the animation looked very amatuer and also didn't really fit into the atmosphere of the opening sequence, hence I scraped this idea and went back to brainstorming for new company names.

Making of Production logo

By looking at the production logo reseach I did (see previous post) I made the observation that  the majority of the logo are literal representaions of the prodcution company name (e.g Lucky-Rose Films' logo features a four leaf clover, a rose and filming camera). I decided to follow the same approach, my film prodcution company is called Red Mist Productions and by using Vegas Movie Studio (which I am also using for the editing of my film) I managed to create a fuzzy red outline for my text, giving the illusion of red mist which was further emthasised by a red tinted background.