Friday, 24 March 2017
Wednesday, 22 March 2017
Preliminary Task 1 - Creative Critical Reflection
The Final Delivery
1. How does your product use or challenge conventions and how does it represent social groups or issues?
Our product challenges the theme of crime and how teenagers can become involved.
This is obviously a dramatization, but the overall outcome is very real as teenagers do get themselves into criminal acts that aren't as intense but can still result in similar consequences.
The situation we have placed our main (Teenage) character in is indeed a more surreal situation (A deal-gone-wrong situation, handing over drugs or something possibly worse) for the purpose of creating tension and suspense easier, and to also be unique in our approach. Our props list though is more blatant, with Walter's clothing being a very generic stereotype and The boss's attire being very professional and almost intimidating. This is Also accompanied by the many closeups of him, adding to the tension as his attire is obvious and extremely formal unlike his counter part, setting Walter up as a very vulnerable man currently. The lack of closeups of Walter almost represents the audience, trying to distance themselves from him, also making Walter seem ever more vulnerable and Alone. Walters clothing also represents an almost careless/destructive side to him, making it more believable to the overall plot that he went further and further into a situation that he could not escape. Overall, the Costumes for each character represent what their motivations are, and also show a little bit of their personality and how they conduct themselves generally.
3. How did your production skills develop throughout
this project?
(Incase this fails to load)
4. How did you integrate technologies - software, hardware and online - in this project?
Even though I chose to use obsolete material (DeNoiser, Reverb etc), they worked just fine and even better in a sense that the layout was easier to use and allowed for more time to be spent on making a better product overall, also being truer to the effect I had been aiming for.
I also used several Fx audio clips to overall create more tension and help with the continuity to the next scene (Hammer of the gun, Gunshot etc). With the Simple gain levels, I was able to make several audio clips louder and at times quieter, working hand in hand with the Echo effect to create an over-dramatic but still realistic echo of the shot within the enclosed room.
Lacking the knowledge to make a realistic Muzzle flash, I aimed to cut to black ( Which worked quite well) to add a sense of dread as the viewer sees the gun beforehand, followed by the Hammer clicking down, a slow pause followed by a loud and dramatic gunshot. Adobe premiere allowed this to work quite well, allowing me to have my Soundtrack, Fx and added dialogue separately, also allowing me to have clips separate also if needed.
Wednesday, 8 March 2017
Thriller Sub-Genres
Sub-Genres
Psychological Thrillers:
The main focus of most Psychological Thrillers is of a Character with a troubled Mental or Emotional state, questioning their grip on reality as they seek answers to what is currently going on, as there is always something else going on that is normally not Base level. These films even play on our minds through a suspenseful roller coaster as we unravel the mystery at the same time as the Main character.
Reaction shots are commonly used in these films to show emotion as they react to the realization of things, with the director also using shots that pan into a specific object or scene that is crucial to the plot, as this is needed to help guide the audience's attention unless the object is obviously standing out blatantly in the composition. A key feature that all Psychological thrillers contain are Plot twists, where the mystery is solved, and we as an audience realize that the solution to the mystery was likely in front of us the whole time, or that we realise that the Main character isn't as innocent as they seem.
The soundtrack is normally very dramatic, normally picking up as something is suddenly discovered.
The Machinist (Psychological Thriller)
This is a classic movie that follows this very list of Psychological Thriller techniques, from the Plot twists to the very Mentally unstable character that is on a mission to find out what's really going on.
Suspense is created throughout the whole film, with the film in the intro setting Reznik up already as the not so innocent character who has appeared to have murdered another person, with the motives behind his actions being very unclear. As the film continues, the director uses many panning shots to show key objects and plot points in the film that are needed to help the audience uncover what is going on, leading them finally to the shocking ending. This movie overall ends on a spectacular Plot-Twist that is very ambiguous, changing the perception of Reznik from a Psychotic man with no grip on reality to a man troubled with massive grief throughout his life as he causes accident after accident, beating himself heavily over it... Or he can still be perceived as the 'Not so innocent' character he was thought out to be, with the ending being seen from different perspectives from how you felt about Reznik.
Spy Thrillers:
Most Spy Thrillers may have numerous elements of action included in them, but they still follow a realistic approach and a suspenseful one as a Character is almost trying to escape, with heavy themes of Escapism and overall Espionage. Spy Thrillers can sometimes incorporate the themes of Science Fiction, Action or even Comedy, but are not overall necessary. Fast pace cuts between shots in actions scenes are normally used to create an overall more intense viewing, as the next example shows (A chasing scene instead, still creating tension). Most of the soundtracks consist of a Cold-War like feel, overall Jazzy (Like the James Bond theme song)
The Man from U.N.C.L.E
This more recent Spy Thriller is almost a mashup of the previously mentioned genres, having Comedic, Romantic and Action themes throughout the whole film. The fast pace editing can be seen in this Chase scene, creating a more tense situation as the heroes race towards their ally in distress as both face difficulties of their own trying to get to her in time. The escapism theme comes from the very start where one character is attempting to escape from the other after stealing valuable intel, barely getting out in the nick of time.
Legal Thrillers:
Legal Thrillers normally follow Lawyers and their employees as they attempt to solve a very serious case where normally, their client is at that moment found guilty. The system of justice in itself is a major part at times as both parties attempt to find a legal way to get their client free from judgment.
Legal Thrillers follow a very suspenseful and tense story, with most of them steering away from major plot twists. Shots consisted in these thrillers are normally flashbacks as witnesses retell events and reaction shots as key information is addressed.
The Lincoln Lawyer
This Legal Thriller still follows the normal the normal themes that are expected of it, except for the fact that this one is daring enough to have a unique plot and overall plot twist at the end that is very ambitious, having an almost corrupt (Morally) but very likeable lawyer that works with different gangs, finally meeting the Main client of the movie who admits to Mickey that he indeed killed the girl (Through various flashbacks of the Murder and reactions shot of a Horrified Mickey, knowing to the full extent what this man is capable of) with himhaving to keep it a secret due to the law of secrecy between a Lawyer and His client. Suspense builds as he scrambles to legally put his client in jail, trying to be witty and secretive as they follow hot on his trail and attempt to stop his ambitious goal. Throughout this film, numerous flashbacks are shown as characters give their testimonies, painting a picture for what happened on the day of the crime for us, with many reaction shots throughout the film as each gets closer and closer in rivalry.
Crime Thrillers:
Legal Thrillers and Crime Thrillers are very much different. Where Legal Thrillers will mostly follow indirect tension in actions (Trials, Questioning etc), Crime Thrillers follow a very more serious tone, with the suspense and tension being brought about by Criminal activities and Violence. Most focus on Heists, Shootouts, and Chases. Most of these Thrillers focus on Action themes, with fast pace editing as characters rush to escape. Most of these focus on the relationships between the criminals in the movie, normally attempting to make their actions understandable and almost justifiable. Most Crime Thrillers have Plot Twists, but not all of them.
The Town
This Crime Thriller focuses on very direct sequences, with the Criminals fighting it out to escape from very serious scenarios (Heists), having to think smart and be quick as the cops approach, eventually with Chase scenes ensuing as they attempt to escape from the Law right after a brief shootout between the groups. This movie also focuses very much on the Relationship side, as one of the Criminals falls in love with one of the workers of the bank they robbed, with many of his friends acting strongly against it, seeing it as very unprofessional. As we follow Doug's lifestyle, the movie tries to show us his struggle with his love relationships and his work conflicting, also trying to justify his actions through his rough life currently. Conflict is also present (With Doug following a 'Clean' approach to heists unlike his partner Jem who is almost careless and eventually, very messy).
Overall, this movie steers away from any Plot Twist and instead puts the viewer through a very tense ride through the situations these men face.
Sci-fi Thrillers:
Sci-Fi Thrillers mainly focus on the aspect of technology or the extraterrestrial, with many ideas or themes being very creative in the sense that they are allowed to be creative and unrealistic (Mostly still believable in the sense that it could occur in the future sometimes). Not only do they do this, but they focus on unordinary locations (Other planets for example, in a future where space travel to several other worlds is very much possible). Many of these Sci-fi Thrillers focus on a slow but very intense chase or fight scenes, possibly against an unknown entity that is attempting to kill the character, with the mystery of the creature also being another suspenseful revelation. Plot Twists are not always present, but some movies ambitiously do this.
Minority Report
This Sci-fi is less based on the extraterrestrial or just overall outlandish locations, but instead, is focused on a very advanced technological society. In this society, the Law is able to see a crime before it is committed, leading to our main character (An officer) being chased down for being accused of a false crime (That is related to the plot twist). This Sci-fi movie focuses a lot on the technological side, with the actions scenes being fast and unordinary as officers bring various different devices to the table in the attempt to capture the Rogue officer. This world is explored to great depths as many futuristic aspects are introduced, such as Intelligent Cyborgs etc.
Techno-Thrillers:
Techno-Thrillers are normally a combination of Sci-Fi, War, Action, and Spy Thrillers, having a combination of their techniques. Techno-Thrillers mainly focus on Futuristic versions of the mentioned genres, someone a combination of more to introduce a different and unique idea. Techno-Thrillers are technically unrestricted in ideas, being able to make a Futuristic Spy film about a future Dictatorship. These films tend to stay realistic like my last Sci-fi example, but also tend to be Technologically advanced to, in a way, make it more believable and possible to be seen in the near future.
Source Code
This Techno-Thriller combines a Sci-fi theme behind the machine that is able to take him back in time, an almost Spy theme as he roams around trying to find answers, and overall a Political and almost War themed movie (War against terrorism in this case). This movie tends to follow each of the expected conventions within each Sub-Genre, from the chase scenes to the dramatic suspense as he comes to realize (The Sci-fi element) what the government did to him, and the abomination they made him. This film is very linear in Character development and sacrifices overall relationships for the mission at hand, drawing it out till the end of the film. Fast cut editing is also used in some scenes dramatically as he becomes more and more wreckless in the virtual world.
Thank you for reading my Genre essay :)
Feel free to leave your opinions in the comment section.
Psychological Thrillers:
The main focus of most Psychological Thrillers is of a Character with a troubled Mental or Emotional state, questioning their grip on reality as they seek answers to what is currently going on, as there is always something else going on that is normally not Base level. These films even play on our minds through a suspenseful roller coaster as we unravel the mystery at the same time as the Main character.
Reaction shots are commonly used in these films to show emotion as they react to the realization of things, with the director also using shots that pan into a specific object or scene that is crucial to the plot, as this is needed to help guide the audience's attention unless the object is obviously standing out blatantly in the composition. A key feature that all Psychological thrillers contain are Plot twists, where the mystery is solved, and we as an audience realize that the solution to the mystery was likely in front of us the whole time, or that we realise that the Main character isn't as innocent as they seem.
The soundtrack is normally very dramatic, normally picking up as something is suddenly discovered.
The Machinist (Psychological Thriller)
This is a classic movie that follows this very list of Psychological Thriller techniques, from the Plot twists to the very Mentally unstable character that is on a mission to find out what's really going on.
Suspense is created throughout the whole film, with the film in the intro setting Reznik up already as the not so innocent character who has appeared to have murdered another person, with the motives behind his actions being very unclear. As the film continues, the director uses many panning shots to show key objects and plot points in the film that are needed to help the audience uncover what is going on, leading them finally to the shocking ending. This movie overall ends on a spectacular Plot-Twist that is very ambiguous, changing the perception of Reznik from a Psychotic man with no grip on reality to a man troubled with massive grief throughout his life as he causes accident after accident, beating himself heavily over it... Or he can still be perceived as the 'Not so innocent' character he was thought out to be, with the ending being seen from different perspectives from how you felt about Reznik.
Spy Thrillers:
Most Spy Thrillers may have numerous elements of action included in them, but they still follow a realistic approach and a suspenseful one as a Character is almost trying to escape, with heavy themes of Escapism and overall Espionage. Spy Thrillers can sometimes incorporate the themes of Science Fiction, Action or even Comedy, but are not overall necessary. Fast pace cuts between shots in actions scenes are normally used to create an overall more intense viewing, as the next example shows (A chasing scene instead, still creating tension). Most of the soundtracks consist of a Cold-War like feel, overall Jazzy (Like the James Bond theme song)
The Man from U.N.C.L.E
This more recent Spy Thriller is almost a mashup of the previously mentioned genres, having Comedic, Romantic and Action themes throughout the whole film. The fast pace editing can be seen in this Chase scene, creating a more tense situation as the heroes race towards their ally in distress as both face difficulties of their own trying to get to her in time. The escapism theme comes from the very start where one character is attempting to escape from the other after stealing valuable intel, barely getting out in the nick of time.
Legal Thrillers:
Legal Thrillers normally follow Lawyers and their employees as they attempt to solve a very serious case where normally, their client is at that moment found guilty. The system of justice in itself is a major part at times as both parties attempt to find a legal way to get their client free from judgment.
Legal Thrillers follow a very suspenseful and tense story, with most of them steering away from major plot twists. Shots consisted in these thrillers are normally flashbacks as witnesses retell events and reaction shots as key information is addressed.
The Lincoln Lawyer
This Legal Thriller still follows the normal the normal themes that are expected of it, except for the fact that this one is daring enough to have a unique plot and overall plot twist at the end that is very ambitious, having an almost corrupt (Morally) but very likeable lawyer that works with different gangs, finally meeting the Main client of the movie who admits to Mickey that he indeed killed the girl (Through various flashbacks of the Murder and reactions shot of a Horrified Mickey, knowing to the full extent what this man is capable of) with himhaving to keep it a secret due to the law of secrecy between a Lawyer and His client. Suspense builds as he scrambles to legally put his client in jail, trying to be witty and secretive as they follow hot on his trail and attempt to stop his ambitious goal. Throughout this film, numerous flashbacks are shown as characters give their testimonies, painting a picture for what happened on the day of the crime for us, with many reaction shots throughout the film as each gets closer and closer in rivalry.
Crime Thrillers:
Legal Thrillers and Crime Thrillers are very much different. Where Legal Thrillers will mostly follow indirect tension in actions (Trials, Questioning etc), Crime Thrillers follow a very more serious tone, with the suspense and tension being brought about by Criminal activities and Violence. Most focus on Heists, Shootouts, and Chases. Most of these Thrillers focus on Action themes, with fast pace editing as characters rush to escape. Most of these focus on the relationships between the criminals in the movie, normally attempting to make their actions understandable and almost justifiable. Most Crime Thrillers have Plot Twists, but not all of them.
The Town
This Crime Thriller focuses on very direct sequences, with the Criminals fighting it out to escape from very serious scenarios (Heists), having to think smart and be quick as the cops approach, eventually with Chase scenes ensuing as they attempt to escape from the Law right after a brief shootout between the groups. This movie also focuses very much on the Relationship side, as one of the Criminals falls in love with one of the workers of the bank they robbed, with many of his friends acting strongly against it, seeing it as very unprofessional. As we follow Doug's lifestyle, the movie tries to show us his struggle with his love relationships and his work conflicting, also trying to justify his actions through his rough life currently. Conflict is also present (With Doug following a 'Clean' approach to heists unlike his partner Jem who is almost careless and eventually, very messy).
Overall, this movie steers away from any Plot Twist and instead puts the viewer through a very tense ride through the situations these men face.
Sci-fi Thrillers:
Sci-Fi Thrillers mainly focus on the aspect of technology or the extraterrestrial, with many ideas or themes being very creative in the sense that they are allowed to be creative and unrealistic (Mostly still believable in the sense that it could occur in the future sometimes). Not only do they do this, but they focus on unordinary locations (Other planets for example, in a future where space travel to several other worlds is very much possible). Many of these Sci-fi Thrillers focus on a slow but very intense chase or fight scenes, possibly against an unknown entity that is attempting to kill the character, with the mystery of the creature also being another suspenseful revelation. Plot Twists are not always present, but some movies ambitiously do this.
Minority Report
This Sci-fi is less based on the extraterrestrial or just overall outlandish locations, but instead, is focused on a very advanced technological society. In this society, the Law is able to see a crime before it is committed, leading to our main character (An officer) being chased down for being accused of a false crime (That is related to the plot twist). This Sci-fi movie focuses a lot on the technological side, with the actions scenes being fast and unordinary as officers bring various different devices to the table in the attempt to capture the Rogue officer. This world is explored to great depths as many futuristic aspects are introduced, such as Intelligent Cyborgs etc.
Techno-Thrillers:
Techno-Thrillers are normally a combination of Sci-Fi, War, Action, and Spy Thrillers, having a combination of their techniques. Techno-Thrillers mainly focus on Futuristic versions of the mentioned genres, someone a combination of more to introduce a different and unique idea. Techno-Thrillers are technically unrestricted in ideas, being able to make a Futuristic Spy film about a future Dictatorship. These films tend to stay realistic like my last Sci-fi example, but also tend to be Technologically advanced to, in a way, make it more believable and possible to be seen in the near future.
Source Code
This Techno-Thriller combines a Sci-fi theme behind the machine that is able to take him back in time, an almost Spy theme as he roams around trying to find answers, and overall a Political and almost War themed movie (War against terrorism in this case). This movie tends to follow each of the expected conventions within each Sub-Genre, from the chase scenes to the dramatic suspense as he comes to realize (The Sci-fi element) what the government did to him, and the abomination they made him. This film is very linear in Character development and sacrifices overall relationships for the mission at hand, drawing it out till the end of the film. Fast cut editing is also used in some scenes dramatically as he becomes more and more wreckless in the virtual world.
Thank you for reading my Genre essay :)
Feel free to leave your opinions in the comment section.
Wednesday, 1 March 2017
Calling times for The Final Delivery
11:30 - 12:30
- Camera, Sound and Lighting crew needed
Get all gear and props ready and up to the Salvation room
Set up for needed Scene's
Begin setting up gear
12:30 - 1:20 (1:50 Latest)
- Camera, Sound and Lighting crew needed
Finish setting gear up (Includes lighting etc)
Overlook script etc and shots
Prepare anything else needed
1:20 - 1:50
- Crew needed
Sound, Lighting and Camera test
1:50 - 3:10
- Actors and Crew needed
Start getting required shots
3:10 - 3:30
- Actors and Crew needed
Get last shots
Re-do some shots if wanted
3:30 - 3:40
- Crew needed
Pack up the gear
Deconstruct set
Vacate the area
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