Final product

Question 7

Question 6

From constructing my final opening sequence I have learnt many different things from all stages these being: research, planning and construction. Therefore by including all these new technologies I was able to produce a successful media product.

In our first media lesson our teacher introduced us to our media coursework handbook which helped us understand what is ahead and the different forms and conventions to create a successful final product and a creative blog. 

I had little experience in the AS Media studies course so most of the technology i hadn't used before. These skills in the different technologies I developed over the year, such  a website blog to present the way i came up with ideas for my final product, a video camera and also websites like padlet and popplet. 

The first new technology site I used was blogger.com 

I now have an account which i can access wherever i am through different devices such as phone, iPad, computer etc. 

I posted frequently about the different idea i had come up with and the research i had gone through to create my final product. Through using blogger i learnt how to write in a different style, embed documents ( compose and html) and imputing images.

The next step i carried out was completing my preliminary task this is where i carried out both film and print tasks which influenced me to come to the decision to make a film opening. It was the first time i had used a video camera which was a Cannon HFG25  which was used for both the preliminary task and final production. I was not great at using the camera at first as i did not have the knowledge or skills. However after some practice and the time by the time i got to my main production i was able to carry out a smooth running film opening. 

When planning the for the final product I used storyboards, screenplay and treatments. In order to write a screenplay for 'Run' i used a new technology that i was introduced to called celtx. This software allowed me to write different stage directions effectively and made it look professional for when i uploaded it for my blog.  

Question 5

Question 4

Please click on the image to see its full version 

Question 3

I have used Padlet to create a creative visual answer to my question 3 

Question 2

Here is my response to Question 2 in the form of a blog post essay containing pictures and screenshots. 

How does your media product represent particular social groups?

A social group can be defined has been defined as two or more people who interact with one another, share similar characteristics and collectively have a sense of unity. This can be through gender, ethnicity, age and class. 

The characters within the film range from the age of 16-40. I have done this deliberately to show the different social groups that are affect through the horrific events that are carried out. The audience are meant to question why the young adults are being killed and what made them deserve this. Every character has a little back-story to them but this is discovered gradually throughout the film, so by the opening have no dialogue it creates a mystery and makes it more intense for the audience. 

The two characters in my horror film opening is 'Amy' the teenager and the serial killer. I am creating the representation of females being the victim which reinforces the conventions of a horror film as the female is usually the victim and she is also blonde, blue-eyed adding to her vulnerability. I  carry this out through the certain camera, editing, sound, miss-en-scene and music techniques. As the opening reinforces the conventions of a horror genre with the female being the victim it matches Carol Clovers theory about how female murders are usually the ones in horror films. Other  existing media products that reinforce this are ; scream, Halloween and Friday 13th all have a female killed in the opening scene. 

The mise-en-scene in the opening of my film adds to the representation of Amy is different ways. Firstly the clothing Amy wears matches a typical ordinary teenager with her leggings, plain top, trainers. 

My setting of a forest is not somewhere which anyone would normally feel safe in after seeing all the signs and police tape, as a forest seems like an isolated area. , therefore I am representing my main character as someone who doesn’t feel safe in a this location which adds to the vulnerability of the character. This is shown through the camera low angle shot of Amy dropping the warning sign and then a close up of this. You then see her running off in the distance through a medium shot. 
Below are screenshots from my film production of the low angle shot and medium shot. These screenshots are taken from Adobe premier pro where i edited my film production on. 

I chose 'Amy' (Maddie) to represent this age as I felt it would be similar to my target audience. As my target audience ranges from 15-30 and British/Americans and my primary audience are males, I felt she is a character which my target audiences can relate to in some way. 

Gender 

Amy is a teenage female, which would relate to the horror conventions as normally its a female that get kills in the opening and my target audience will be familiar with this. In research on which gender is more likely to watch horror movies, males were found to prefer watching horror films compared to females. This could be seen as the stereotypical view of genre target audience as females are stereotypically more likely to be scared than males. Stereotypes of males are usually tough and strong where as females are seen to be weak and emotional, which relates back to the opening of my production as Amy's vulnerability is expressed. 

Class 

Class is not really represented in Amy or in horror in general as the genre does not appeal to one class. Amy is dressed in leggings and top and does have a large house , wit expensive cars which would suggest she is middle/upper class, as it is what those classes are typically associated with. 

Question 1

I have used powerpoint to answer my first question which highlights the different forms and conventions of a real media product and how I have developed or challenged them. It contains different screenshots and pictures to help emphasise my points.  

Q1) in What Ways Does Your Media PDF by Anonymous UV8gffM75n on Scribd

Evaluation

For the evaluation I will analyse and look back on the preliminary task, production and post production processes through seven questions. I will be using creative ICT formats for my responses to these questions. 

Questions PDF by Anonymous UV8gffM75n on Scribd

Equipment

I will be using the equipment in the screenshots below to identify what i need exactly to create a professional looking film opening.

- canon legria hf g25


- halo light amaran


- Tripod

Final soundtrack and sound effects

After listening and adding sound effects to my film i have finally chosen different digetic and non-digetic music/sound effects which will contribute to the build up of horror in the opening of the film making it an effective opening.  I chose these from premium beat which had a variety of different genres so it was extremely helpful as I was able to fin the sound effects for the forest and the house which were directly appropriate for that shot.

suspicious behaviour : non-digetic 

youtube - sirens, helicopters: diegetic sound 

youtube- scream 

youtube- forest sounds 

I have chosen the forest sounds to create a more realistic approach which will be a diegetic sound in the opening first minute, it will be interrupted by the sirens and helicopters during the second minute which will give a sense of suspense and a horror atmosphere. Suspicious behaviour will run in parallel with the forest and helicopter sounds but will first be quite, but will become louder as Amy approaches the warning sounds, this sound will be non-diegetic as I will be adding it in for affect but she will not be able to hear this. The loud scream at the end when Amy gets attacked leaves the viewers in horror but also makes the audience jump. 

Below are the links to the sound effects and soundtracks I have used

https://www.premiumbeat.com/royalty_free_music/songs/suspicious-behaviour?auto

Sound by Anonymous UV8gffM75n on Scribd

Intertitles

During the opening scene there will be inter titles that will fade in and out which will allow the audience to see who and where the film is set. In the opening the text is most likely to be white/black depending on what fits in best with the shots. Below are some screenshots from my opening in premier pro to show how it will look and where the inter titles will appear

This first shot shows the intertitle saying  the location 'epping forest' which helps the readers have an understanding on where and what time its based. The timing will be significant as i have followed the traditional horror film scenery and also by it being dark/night.

The next 4 screenshots are the names of the actors and production team

Lastly the ending will finish when the serial killer attacks Amy and will will end very quickly with a blackout. The main title will then appear 'Run' however I am still deciding on the way the title will be brought up and in what writing but below are a few ideas.

http://www.dafont.com/bad-coma.font?text=Run

Sound effects and tracks

audio pdf by Anonymous KkaCR8Db on Scribd

Collage on different font types for title

Doc1 by Anonymous UV8gffM75n on Scribd

This is a collage on all the different types of fonts and effects on the word "Run" which is the title of my film. 

I will refer back to this collage when being nearly complete on my editing of the film opening sequence which will help me chose which one suits best at the end. 

Filming in the house

When filming in the house we had already taken some shots in the draft which were successful to use in the main production so we was well prepared to carry on from where we started. We was able to look back on the draft and pick out shots which need to be re looked at, however our main problem was the darkness outside as we needed it to be a dark scene, but visible for the viewers to see the killer outside through the glass. All equipment was ready and set up the only problem was the tv turning static but we was successful in the end. 

Stage one 

setting up- 

Mise-en-scene for the serial killers outfit ready; mask, trench coat, black trouser, knife

mother driving away 

Tv remote 

key for back door 

all lights on 

Stage two 

filming- 

making sure the shots are accurate as possible from where draft ended 

start filming from her opening the backdoor running to her mother - story board

All lights switch off at the same time 

serial killer enters from backdoor ; audience need to be able to see this 

Filming in the forest

When filming in the forest we found many advantages but also some disadvantages. When filming the draft the main struggle was getting the weather to be how we wanted it to be so foggy but mid day. This was however successful in the main production. When putting up the signs and tape it was windy so there was a panic as many of the signs fell down how stapling them to the trees was identified. 

Stage one 

Setting up - 

signs up and police tape  

Identifying from the storyboard when the first shot will be taken 

warning signs on the floor and in the trees 

Stage 2 

Filming in the forest 

analyse from the story board what shots are taken from where and how 

make sure they are taken 3 times 

Stage 3 

Look at the shots taken so far and identify if any need to be re looked at and taken differently or again 

update on filming day 2

So I completed the last day of filming today so the extra day is not needed that i know of it i am going to go through the different shots to make sure everything is correct and if anything occurs i will update. Everything went extremely well in the house and i was able to finish at the correct time as the filming flowed smoothly.  

Update on filming day 1

Hi just to give a quick update I have started filming and we have just completed day one, so far it has gone successfully, however we had one problem with the location as we had to wait half an hour until the forest area we was filming in was clear, so this did set us back a bit but in the end we finished the first day efficiently. Furthermore the next part being filmed will be in the house that will occur on the second day of filming hopefully the weather is appropriate as it needs to be dark, however the filming schedule shows that we will be filming in the evening and the weather forecast is how we want it to be. 

Textual analysis 4

What could go wrong

I have made a table which identifies the key things that could go wrong on the day and how to prevent them but I have also uploaded a picture of the whiteboard where I have written down a variety of different things that could go wrong.

What Could Gho Wrong by Anonymous xt5ewN1O on Scribd

Screenplay

RUN Screenplay by Anonymous UV8gffM75n on Scribd

Things to take on set

Equipment :

Camera:

Tripod 

light 

Props:

Mask

warning signs 

police tape 

stapler 

knife 

Essentials:

script - to have an exact idea on how shots are taken

storyboard - have a image of the shots and what angles to take them at, also setting 

camera charger-just in case camera dies as experienced in the draft version of filming 

These lists will create a more smooth approach when filming on the day so decreases the amount of errors that may occur 

Storyboard

I created a story board before carrying out my main production as it helps create a more efficient successful filming day. This is because it allows me to know exactly what angle and where to take the shot so i don't miss anything out. When I storyboard this production i am effectively setting up a plan for production, including all the shots I'll need, the order that they’ll be laid out, and how the visuals will interact with the script. The storyboard is a starting point or suggested thorough line around which I can plan my coverage (all the angles I will shoot of a scene). This really comes in handy when I am making my opening of the film,  as it ensures I won’t forget any scenes and helps me  piece together the clips according to my vision. 

  

Section B - Film industries

In class we are now on section B as we completed section A so now we analyse different audiences and institutions.

In order to produce a successful film the company must market their film in different ways using media convergence. To create a global buzz the film must be advertised effectively, and t modern society films can be advertised in different ways; youtube, social media, etc.

The studio will have to think of unique ideas to promote their film and effectively engage the audience. Also the target audience must be shown when advertising this also helped me when picking out my exact target audience as i looked at many other horror films and they all had the same target audience and also similar age boundaries.

The studio will need to think of a USP and new marketing tools to promote their film as successful as possible. 

Props and costumes

For my production i will have a variety of different props and costumes to make the opening realistic and effective.

There will be either one of these masks, however when filming the draft i was able to identify that the first one seemingly looked more horror looking however the other one is a back up just incase.

The serial killer will be wearing a black trench coat, black trousers and black boots. This reoccurring theme of black also represents the darkness of this man. He will obviously also have the mask covering his face.

There will also be a knife that the serial killer will be holding which will be seen in the shot where he is entering from the back glass door but also what he uses when he attacks her.

The headphones will have a huge significance in the opening especially in the first minute as Amy does not realise whats ahead of her and cannot hear the surroundings as she's playing music.

Amy will also be carrying here phone which her music will be playing from in the forest which blocks her from hearing the sirens but also she asks for help in a close up shot in the house.

Plan for film day

Date :

March 4th, 5th and 9th if needed 

Time: 

6-9pm 

Location:

• Epping Forest 
• Loughton - house 
• Garden

Above you can see the screenshots on where i am planning to film, the map shows the located area in Epping forest, Loughton that I plan to film the first half of the opening in. 

The house picture is were 'Amy' lives, the effects of large glass windows have an impact on the build up in the opening where the serial killer is seen coming through the door and also when Amy sees her mum driving away. 

Locations

I have planned to film in Epping forest to create a more practical approach not only for the actors but also for carrying equipment, props, etc. By the forest being off the house it actually creates this reality approach as the audience are able to see Amy come through from the forest back home, also making it realistic as she has just go on a run. The whole idea of filming in a forest first came about when i was creating textual analysis as i wanted to create the most effective horror opening, i looked at the film 'hush' which is based in a house in a forest. This opening in particular was very effective for me so i took up the idea to open the film in a forest but also have a separate location which is the house.

Below are some location shots that I have taken myself of the forest

Final Treatment

This is my final treatment as i have adjusted the story line as seen through my character profile. 

Logline

This horror film, contains an opening full of suspense were a teenage girl is attacked in her own home by a serial killer who has a purpose that will be discover during the film. 

Opening 

The film starts in the afternoon in a forest close to her home, (panning and tracking shots are shown of her on a run in the forest). She then slows down after she steps on one of the warning signs on the floor and goes on her mobile phone but as she looks up she sees all of the police tape and signs. She goes over to them and after reading it she runs home. There will be quick shots of a knife, volts machine and warning sign. It will then going onto a tracking shot of the sky which shows how its got dark. There will be a zoom out of the house from the outside perspective. Amy will open the glass door and there will be a close up of her locking it to highlight the need to lock the door. She has run home to tell her mum what she has seen but sees her mum driving off as she slams on the glass window. Amy will then go into the living room and sit down, the shot will be a medium shot from a side angle to show the long glass window in the background. There will be a close up of her texting her brother to come home but whilst this is going on the serial killer enters through the glass door which only the audience can see, so from then on in the opening the audience are one step ahead of Amy which will keep them more intrigued because she does not know that the serial killer is entering the house. The power will then go so the whole house will be pitch black so Amy will use her phone torch as a light. There will be tracking shots etc following Amy who is on her way to the basement where the voltage room is to turn the lights back on, the sound will be important here as it will get louder overtime she gets closer to the serial killer. Amy goes downstairs and enters the room there will be shots of her looking around the room and showing how she is afraid. Whilst she is trying to turn the lights on in the background the serial killer will be there so again only the audience can see this, a dart will be throw to frighten Amy and also make the audience jump. Furthermore there will be close up of the serial killers mask and the knife he is holding. Lastly as Amy turns the lights on and turns around the serial killer will attack her. 

Treatment

A film treatment (or simply treatment) is a piece of prose, typically the step between scene cards (index cards) and the first draft of a screenplay for a motion picture, television program, or radio play.

Director and camera - Amrisa Bassi  

Main Characters 

- Amy : Maddie K

- Serial killer (William Stone) : acted by Sean Johnson (teenager) 

- Serial killer (William Stone) : Simon Brody 

- Police Officer (Martin Andrews): Luke Matthews ; name will come up on screen after the opening 

- Police Officer (Marting Andrews) : acted by Daniel Gostling (teenager) 

- Father of Amy's (Harry Carter) : Richard Banks 

- Father of Amy's (Harry Carter) : acted by Kieran Gill (teenager) 

Scene 2 

This scene will involve a police station scene with Amy parents there which will be the first time these characters are introduced this is where their names will come up at the bottom along with the others in the film. This is an element of seriousness as no one knows at this point who the serial killer is but the close ups show how distraught the family are. Just before Martin (police officer) asks the father his name which is when they come to the realisation that they knew each other from secondary school which is where a flashback occurs of them at school and William stone being pushed to the floor by Harry (Father of Amy's) . You see Martin run over to William and helping him up. It will then go back to the parents at home sitting in silence. Obviously, at this stage no one knows the serial killer is William Stone so these flashbacks will be a mystery to the viewers. The search for the serial killer will continue. 

Scene 3 

Another 3 murders occur very abruptly and more flashbacks will come up. Martin realises by himself at night when he puts together all the information of shots of him in the police station in a dark room with the board linking to all the murders that it was his friend William. The audience then from this become aware of all the flashbacks and why the serial killer is doing what he is doing. the will flashbacks of William getting bullied by the fathers of the teenagers who are being murdered along with Amy's father who is emphasised to be the leader. 

Scene 4 

Martin tries to get in contact with William but struggles until he finds his hidden house however he enters the room when william is not home and finds a board of all the murders linking together and all the ones about to happen, whilst he's looking at this William will enter from behind. They both stand there in shock, they both sit down and discuss what happens but this at first is a struggle for Martin as he seems to show signs of being unstable mentally. There are flashbacks of William self-harming himself which leaves Martin in shock. 

Scene 5 

The film carries on as Martin cannot convince William to hand himself over to the police as he feels guilty if he does it himself. The parents meet up who children have been killed in Amy's house and discuss what has happened, William then enters the room without them knowing and listens to there plans to find out who it is. He then speaks saying "what a lovely plan" and startles all of the parents. He then leaves them 

Scene 6 

The film ends in the house of Williams when all the parents are standing in the room. 

Feedback from survey

When analysing the results from the survey I gained 21 responses so a variety of different opinions where able to be identified. This was helpful for when filming as we were able to pick out what to change before we started filming so the story board was adjusted to the responses . 

Overall one more male took the survey than female but this will not cause a problem as my target audience is more towards males. 

This is helpful as it shows how i have emphasized my film needing to be realistic to what my target audience want which is the same. 

The opening scene of my film is going to be full of suspense and mystery with the scene in the forest with the signs and police tape with the sound effects of sirens and helicopters in the background to the scene in the house where the lights go off. 

This did cause a slight problem as we have used both and house and forest however the house can be seen a being in an isolated location. 

My target audience is fro the age of 15 above so all the feedback given was helpful. 

My film is more of a psychological horror 

Research (Qualitative) Focus group

When carrying out my focus group I chose 3 girls and 3 boys where I discussed my draft opening and some questions that will benefit me when filming. This was a successful task as it helped me especially when i went to film my real film task as i took into consideration what they said

1. When reading my treatment what was your initial thoughts .

Laura : " The story line is very engaging and makes me want to watch the film instantly. It has that typical horror idea but I also enjoy the serial killer situation as its very intriguing to see why he became what he is. 

James: " I think that this would make a really good film as it in loves suspense horror and action that attracts viewers like me. 

Gina : " I think that the story line is fantastic and I would go and watch it in the cinema. I also think its unique as it is more than just a horror film because while the serial killer is going around we actually find out the background about him." 

Kieran: " I want to see this film it sounds so interesting and i like the idea of flashbacks being involved."

Ruby: " It something i would really enjoy and i'm not a extreme horror fan but this whole idea of the serial killer but his tragic background does interest me hugely and its really unique."  

Sean: " Its a great story line of a film and is something that would attract me straight away."  

2. When viewing the draft of the opening first half in the forest how did you feel? 

Laura: "Its an amazing first draft i enjoy it and it makes me want to see what happens next." 

James: " I especially love the idea of the headphones as it adds to the suspense because she cannot hear the sirens." 

Kieran: " i think it was so intense but there needs to be more shots of the warining signs and 'Amy' reading them." 

All members agreed with these statements after or had similar thoughts. 

3. What do you expect to see in a horror film? 

Boys: Lots of killings and things that make us jump. 

Girls: Murder scenes and scare the viewers and horror settings like darkness. 

4. Which horror films do you enjoy? 

James, Gina and Kieran: Hush 

Sean: Saw 

Ruby and Laura: The conjuring 

The focus group will help me strengthen my filming especially as I was able to show them the first draft on my phone but also gain an understanding on what they think of my treatment.