Film Production: Practice Filming and Editing

Below is the short film that was made as a preparation task including a variety of shot types!

I found this task extremely useful at this stage in my planning as it gave me time to experiment with the camera and shooting of a short production. This was a beneficial task that enabled me to differentiate between the shots that are easily produced and the shots that are harder to grasp, therefore this re triggered some of my previous knowledge from last years filming and none the less allowed me to gain some new skills that will help me further me in the filming process. All of the shots that were created were done using a video camera using a tripod - something that I was unable to use last year due to my lack of skills on how to control the tri-pod with a steady hand. Consequently, from the help of this task I have furthered my tri-pod skills and feel some what more confident in using a tripod for my trailer!

Magazine Analysis: Entertainment Weekly (Spiderman)

This is a magazine front cover from the popular and established ‘Entertainment Weekly’ promoting the new Spider Man 2 film that was yet to be released when this magazine was published. This edition of the magazine has been retitled ‘Spidey, Entertainment weekly’, this marketing trick was cleverly used to entice those Spiderman fans into reading the magazine as it implies that this edition is going to revolved around the movie. Further to this, the Black sans serif font ‘Spidey’ dominates the magazine title as it contrasts to the white used for ‘Entertainment Weekly’. This has an effect on the audience as it is the first thing they notice (other than the main image), due to the large scale of the text meaning that it is predominantly visible Spider Man lovers.

The main image placed in the centre of the cover is of the recognisable character spider man, who is seen to be holding the female character in a hostile position, giving the readers chance to infer the storyline, from this predominant image. The fact that the female character is placed at the forefront of the magazine implies that she could be of greater strength than first anticipated. Yet this idea could be subverted due the protagonist’s hand surrounding her making her look vulnerable and smaller due to her lower positioning on the page.

The character Spiderman’s mode of address seems to appear as if he is looking direct at the reader. Entertainment weekly has chosen to do this to appoint the reader into looking at this magazine, a ploy that makes the reader feel as if they are being watched!

The high key lighting used to brighten the female characters face complements her complexion enhancing the fact that the character is female and vulnerable, therefore making the reader’s purchase the magazine to salvage the female character almost. In contrast to this the dark and shadowed lighting used to overshadow Spiderman, adds to his thrilling character as appose to the innocent and liable woman.

The evident language used through puffs and taglines all convey a similar tone. The adjective 'Shocking' has been used to describe the twists that are of significance in this magazine. This conventional language appeals to the audience as they will want to be the first people of knowledge to the 'twists' in the new film.

Overall, this magazine cover is one that I aim to take inspiration from as the colour scheme is complementary of the main image, back ground and titles. Therefore the main lesson that can be learnt is that the pictures and the other colours have to match.

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Diary Post: Film Production Update

Hey,
So, today a two member of my class and I got together and decided that some initial practice with the cameras and tripods would be something that would go down a treat in preparation for the making of my trailer. Due to the fact that it is been a while since we got our hands on some equipment we thought it was appropriate to make a short film (with no structured narrative) to further our filming skills, making us extra ready to start shooting our trailer!!...woohoo!! I will keep you posted with what's to come...


Our short film consisted of -

• Various shot types
• A range of angles
• And some playing around with the tripod/cameras!

Magazine Analysis: Total Film (Avatar)

This magazine front cover from Total Film is promoting the film avatar, which is clearly recognisable from the main character on the front. Like the other magazine covers I have analysed, the mid shot of the character is placed in the centre of the page, drawing the audiences attention to this aspect of the magazine. The positioning of the character is situated in the middle crossing all thirds of the page which shows that clearly the character is the most conspicuous element on the magazine. The image is of the character looking straight down the camera, using direct mode of address, this makes the audience feel as if the character is making contact with them, predominantly, putting pressure on them to purchase the magazine. Also, the eye colour in which the character obtains adds to the direct mode of address as his eyes contrasts against the solemn blue colour. The yellow florescent eyes make a imminent impact on the audience staring directly at them in such a bright colour. 

There is a constant colour tone of blue being presented throughout the this magazine, blue has been used as this is a colour that the audience will be able to identify as being related with this film, therefore as soon as they see the blue colour scheme they will immediately be able to link this with such film. None the less, blue is stereotypically a 'boys' colour, therefore this could have been used by the makers of this magazine to attract a primarily male audience.

The subheading 'Its a guy thing' further implies that the primary audience for this film is males as this language is implying that only males will understand what's in this magazine, therefore it is unsuitable for the female audience. Other subheadings on this magazine include 'wild things' 'why the big paws?'. Here, it is evident that this magazine aims to portray an animalistic theme throught, due to the sci-fi/animal symbolism used in the film.

Magazine Analysis: Empire (The Dark Knight)

This is a magazine cover from the film specialist magazine ‘Empire’, featuring the joker from the Batman Phenomena ‘The Dark Knight Rises’. The film is clearly evident from the main central image dominating this front cover. The well-known character ‘The joker’ takes pride of place in being the USP for this magazine, as he is easily recognisable in his distinct look. Having him as the main image will immediately attract the demographic of Batman Lovers, as well as others who have never seen the Batman trilogies.  

This character is positioned at the fore front of this magazine cover overlapping the title suggesting that the image is more important than the magazine itself. This is something I am aiming to replicate in my magazine as it is a common convention of all magazines no matter what the genre. The joker has been cleverly positioned in a way that advertises his devious traits and personality, by the simple positioning of his hands on his knees.

Despite being slightly overlapped by the main image the title is written in sans serif font and is the largest text on the page, giving an indication that it is important for the potential buyers of the magazine to identify the magazine company first, in this case Empire, as this may be a reason why people would purchase the magazine – due to this company being highly established and an extremely popular film magazine. The title is written I red which immediately advocates the genre of the film being thriller, due to common connotations of the colour red being, violence, brutality etc, all things we are expected to see in a film of this genre. The red title also complements the black background, making everything on the foreground of the magazine cover stand out.

None the less the Buzz Words have a big impact on the attraction of an audience. Words such as ‘Plus!’ ‘World Exclusive’ imply that this is a magazine that is direct and exclusive for you as a reader. These words are conventions of magazine front covers as they entice the potential readers by making them feel as if this is a one chance opportunity to find out the inside gossip on the magazine. 

The dark low key lighting highlights the jokers hands and face contrasting his pale complexion to the dark and solemn colours of his costume. Therefore this supports the genre of the film and replicates his dark personality, that fans of the Batman series would know about. And for those who don't, this is something that has been done so the audience want to get to know the character.

Trailer Analysis: The Notebook Theatrical Trailer (2004)

The Notebook trailer, a popular romantic drama starring Ryan Gosling opens with non diegetic high pitched music, music that replicates a piano playing. This immediately sets the tone for the film, suggesting the tranquil and solemn feels that depict the drama element in in the genre. This music is played over a birds eye view shot of two characters on a rowing boat, a romantic thing to do, therefore this supports the genre. Furthermore, the sepia effect that has been used to colour the footage gives the audience a indication to the era this film was set in, in this case being the 1940's. This adds to the realism of the film, emphasising the innocence of the sincere love they felt for each other. This is something that will attract the primary audience of the female gender. Yet the fact that this is a film that is set in the olden times, this may attract a secondary audience of the elderly as they may be interested in reliving their childhood.

We then hear the diegetic sound of the bell on the bicycle and the long shot of the two couples on the bike. This makes the characters seem childlike and innocent, appealing to the target audience who would be able to identify to not the lifestyle of these characters due to the era it is set in, but the experiences they are going through. 

The voice over is present throughout the majority of the trailer, summarising the plot and giving a overview of the characters relationships as we see them on screen. This is effective way of enticing the audience as they are hearing the narrative as well as seeing the visuals. The voice over is of one of the characters who plays the elderly character Noah in the story, therefore the audience would be engulfed by this factor and will want to watch the film in order to hear the rest of his story. The voice over says "Who will she choose?", this engima code will excite the audience into wanting to find out the answer to this open question, an effective way of enticing the audience to watch the film.

The credits are placed at the end of the trailer like in many trailers, this works as a USP for the film as this includes the actors, the production company etc. Therefore the followers of the production company who have produced similar films of this genre are going to have an interest in watching this film. None the less, the followers of established actors such as Ryan Gosling are going to be within the targeted demographic of this film.

Trailer Analysis: The Notebook Theatrical Trailer (2004)

The Notebook trailer, a popular romantic drama starring Ryan Gosling opens with non diegetic high pitched music, music that replicates a piano playing. This immediately sets the tone for the film, suggesting the tranquil and solemn feels that depict the drama element in in the genre. This music is played over a birds eye view shot of two characters on a rowing boat, a romantic thing to do, therefore this supports the genre. Furthermore, the sepia effect that has been used to colour the footage gives the audience a indication to the era this film was set in, in this case being the 1940's. This adds to the realism of the film, emphasising the innocence of the sincere love they felt for each other. This is something that will attract the primary audience of the female gender. Yet the fact that this is a film that is set in the olden times, this may attract a secondary audience of the elderly as they may be interested in reliving their childhood.

We then hear the diegetic sound of the bell on the bicycle and the long shot of the two couples on the bike. This makes the characters seem childlike and innocent, appealing to the target audience who would be able to identify to not the lifestyle of these characters due to the era it is set in, but the experiences they are going through. 

The voice over is present throughout the majority of the trailer, summarising the plot and giving a overview of the characters relationships as we see them on screen. This is effective way of enticing the audience as they are hearing the narrative as well as seeing the visuals. The voice over is of one of the characters who plays the elderly character Noah in the story, therefore the audience would be engulfed by this factor and will want to watch the film in order to hear the rest of his story. The voice over says "Who will she choose?", this engima code will excite the audience into wanting to find out the answer to this open question, an effective way of enticing the audience to watch the film.

The credits are placed at the end of the trailer like in many trailers, this works as a USP for the film as this includes the actors, the production company etc. Therefore the followers of the production company who have produced similar films of this genre are going to have an interest in watching this film. None the less, the followers of established actors such as Ryan Gosling are going to be within the targeted demographic of this film.

Trailer Analysis: Bridesmaids Theatrical Trailer (2012)

This 2011 hit film Bridesmaids directed by Paul Feig opens with a wide establishing shot of a urban city - in this case New York City, a popular american state. Immediately from this shot, we can infer that this is where the film is going to be set, giving us an idea of the characters frantic, busy lifestyle. City states are conventional for films within the chick flick genre as usually the female characters a surrounded by hectic lifestyle that adds to there character. 

It then quickly cuts to a medium two shot of two female characters who are very excitable over the engagement of one of the females. The diegetic sound hears the two screaming, (a stereotypical convention of females) accompanied by the dialogue "so, will you be my maid of honour". From this one scene it is clear who the targeted demographic is - females due to the fact that they can identify with the narrative - getting engaged etc. The fast past editing reflects the fast paced lifestyle of a woman that is being represented throughout the film. This shot then quickly cuts to a close up of the female protagonists showing their gleaming facial expressions that complements the dialogue.

Later on in the trailer, we are exposed to the inter titles. The florescent pink font complementing the light pink background, are a indication to genre being a Chick Flick. The use of pink also connoted femininity which appeals to a female target audience. The inter title 'This May' states the release of the film, yet isn't specific in the release date imposing the audience to find out the information for themselves, a marketing technique that is familiar in trailers. 

We then see a close up shot of the blonde outcast female character calming her fear of flying with a alcoholic beverage, creating a comedic effect and according to the uses and gratifications theory allowing the audience to escape in this film, and perhaps even identify to the stressed atmosphere that surrounds this character.

The drunken blonde character challenges the typical representation of women. Dialogue supports this when she states "i'm ready to paaaartyyyyyy!". Although women are known for partying more than men, in such situation (being maid of honour) on the plane on the way to a wedding, this is a something that is unexpected, suggesting to the audience that this film is going to deviate from the conventions of a cliche click flick film.

Trailer Analysis: The Girl On The Train (2016) - Shot List

In this task I looked closely at the shot types that construct a teaser trailer. From deep and close viewing of the trailer I noted down all of the different shot types that were evident throughout the first 1 minute of the 2:36 minute trailer - there was 36 just in the first minute, sometimes with more than 1 shot per second creating a fast paced trailer. This is something I need to replicate in the creation of my film. Within the next few weeks I will begin the Planning for my trailer including making my own shot list that will include a variety of shots that I plan to include in my trailer. Therefore by doing this task I was able to gain a understanding of the large number of versatile shots that I need to include to make my trailer as professional as possible. The shots are listed below: 

0:00 - Film rating approval screen

0:08 - Institution logo (Universal)

0:09 - Institution logo (Dreamworks)

0:11 - Close up of blonde female character

0:17 - Panning establishing shot of house

0:19 - Long shot of female on balcony

0:21 - Medium shot of female in bedroom
0:23 - Two shot of male and female
0:25 - Inter title 'One week ago'
0:27 - Upwards pan close up of female
0:28 - Low angle close up of female body
0:29 - Pull focus of female protagonist and group of girls
0:31 - Inter title (at 4:36 pm)
0:33 - Long shot of female running
0:34 - Tracking shot of woman running
0:35 - Ariel shot of train
0:35 - Close up of woman running (low key lighting) 
0:35 - Sped up close up of train
0:36 - Inter title 'A woman disappeared'  
0:39 - Close up of brunette female on train
0:42 - Long shot of woman under bridge
0:44 - Inter title 'based on the thriller that shocked the world' 
0:47 - Medium shot of female character
0:48 - Tracking shot of women on train
0:48 - Camera moves the front medium shot of women on train
0:50 - Medium shot of train 
0:51 - Extreme close up of female
0:53 - Long shot of police cars and police
0:54 - Long shot of male character
0:55 - Long shot of other male character 
0:56 - Close up of female
0:57 - Wide shot of police scene with pull focus
0:59 - Fade to black 
1:00 - Medium shot of police investigator