Friday 25 February 2011
Locations for filming
There are various locations which I will use during the production of my film. Firstly, for the scenes such as the running scene, we will be filming at Telford Town Park, when it is quiet to give the idea that it is an derelict area, which would be the ideal place for someone to get kidnapped or hurt.For the scenes such as when the stalker is looking through people's Facebook pages, this will be filmed at Amie Farrell's house, where there is access to the computer. We have to film at Amie's as the computer is a prop which we have decided to include, and therefore have to film in our own time to get the most from this scene. The lighting will be dark and dingy with the only light coming from a lamp, this creates a dark and suspenseful atmosphere. I think we will need to get permission to film at Telford Town Park and therefore I will get a permission slip completed by either Harvey or Andy.
The target audience for my film
I think my film is aimed for the age range of over fifteen years old, I think this because the plot could potentially be hard to follow and also some of the scenes could upset people of younger ages. I also think that it is more appealing to the female gender. This is because the whole cast in the film are females and also therefore more females are likely to connect with the characters. The film is aimed for females who enjoy thriller films as well as enjoy to watch films such as Mean Girls. This is because of the jealousy element between the girls.
Synopsis of my film
The film which I will be producing is based around the idea of an obsessive stalker. The stalker was originally part of the friendship group but through an argument she was kicked out of the group and lost her friends. Due to feeling like she’s been abandoned and isolated, she decides to take action on the people who caused her to feel that way. The film begins with a clip of one of the girls running and being grabbed by the ‘stalker’. The film then shows flashbacks and clips of extracts which gradually unravel the storyline and who the stalker is.
Cast List
In our film, the part of the stalker will be the main role, this will be played by Amie Farrell. The girl who will play the role of the girl being stalked is Tara Smout, this is also an important role within the film. Myself and Stephanie Hornby will play the roles of the girl who gets stalked friends. The camera work will be distributed between all of the members in my group, however, Stephanie and I will probably controll more of the camera as Tara and Amie are playing main characters.
Summary Of My Ideas
Whilst planning the opening of a thriller film for our coursework, we came up with my ideas. Firstly we decided to go down the route of a psychological thriller by using a stalker theme. We got inspiration from the film ‘One hour photo’ who was written and directed by Mark Romanek during 2002. We thought about what we would need to include when producing a thriller film, and ideas we came up with were the following:
- To emphasise the 'stalker' theme we decided it would be a good idea to use social networking websites such as Facebook. We thought this would help express the stalking theme if there was shots of the stalker searching through someone's Facebook profile,pictures and reading what they were up too. We thought we could use over the shoulder shots for this, by doing this we can hide the face of the stalker too add mystery for the audience.
- We also had ideas to use the initial opening shot of the girl running and being stopped by the stalkers hand on her shoulder, however then recalling back and telling the story through the opening. We thought this would then gradually reveal why the girl was running at the beginning. We thought this would look effective and would also make the audience use their minds whilst watching.
- We also decided that we could use shots of the stalker prank calling the girl and worrying/scaring her, and making her conscious that someone is watching her. We though this would add to the suspense element of the film. We were inspired to use the type of flashing images effect for these ideas from the film 'Seven' which was directed by David Fincher during 1995.
- Another idea we came up with was to show a 'wanted' poster with the description of a stalker praying on teenage girls, and using a mug shot of the stalker, however not showing all of their features, which would leave the audience wondering.
- To end our film, we decided to use the flash of a photograph to take the screen to white and then run the opening credits. We thought the use of a flash links back to the stalker theme, as the stalker will be taking the photograph.
- We also realised that the choice of music needed to help emphasise the scene and also create an atmosphere for the film. We also realised that the music needs to be quite contrasting, because in some areas the music will need to be 'eerie' and menacing whereas in other areas it will need to be dramatic.
Research into film classifications
I have conducted some research into film classifications and I have examined what makes each film under the specific classification. I have used the British Board Of Film Classifications to aid my research.
Classification U
This specific classification means that a film is suitable for audience over the age of four years old. ‘U’ films are always set with a positive moral framework and they offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror. Works which are suitable for pre-school children to view alone will have this indicated within the Customer Advice area. There is no use of discriminatory language or behaviour, no references to illegal drugs or drug misuse- unless there is an anti-drug message suitable for young children. There can be use of scary sequences however they should only be mild and brief with a reassuring outcome. There can be no potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy, also violence shown in these works must be mild, only occasional mild threats. There can be infrequent use of very mild bad language, with occasional natural nudity with no sexual contact. There can be use of mild sexual behaviour- for example kissing, with references only to ‘making love’. The theme of the works must be both sensitive and appropriate for young children.
Classification PG
This classification means that a film can be used for general viewing of any age, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child over the age of eight years old. Parents are advised to consider whether the content of the work may upset younger or sensitive children. Discriminatory language and behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable in ‘PG’ works unless it is clearly disapproved of or in an educational or historical context. There can be references to illegal drugs or drug misuse, but they must carry a suitable anti-drug message. Use of horror must not be intensely frightening, there can be no use of potentially dangerous behaviour which children are likely to copy, and there must only be mild bad language. There can be use of natural nudity with no sexual context, sexual activity may be implied but it should be both discreet and infrequent as well as mild. There can be use of moderate violence without detail if it is justified by its context.
Classification 12/12A
This classification means that films are suitable for audiences over the age of twelve years old. Works of this classification may upset children under the age of twelve or contain material which parents will find unsuitable for them. The classification ‘12A’ category exists only for cinema films. No one under the ages of twelve may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult, and films classified ‘12A’ are not recommended for a child below twelve. The ‘12’ category exists only for video works. No one younger than twelve may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video work. Discriminatory language or behaviour is accepted mildly however, aggressive discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly condemned. Any element of drug misuse must be infrequent, dangerous behaviour must appear pain and harm free however must not be dwelled on in detail. Moderate language is accepted, use of strong language must be infrequent. Nudity is allowed in a ‘12/12A‘, but in a sexual context must be brief and discreet. Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed, and sexual references must be appropriate for young teenagers. Moderate violence is acceptable but there should be no emphasis on blood and injuries.
Classification 15
This classification means that works should only be viewed by audiences over the ages of fifteen years old. The works must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour. Drugs taking can be shown in the work but must not promote or encourage it. There can be use of strong threats and menacing unless they are sadistic or sexualised. Dangerous behaviour should not dwell on detail would could potentially be copied. Strong language can be used frequently throughout the work, and nudity is allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. Sexual activity can be portrayed without strong detail, there can be sexual references in the work. Violence can be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury.
Classification 18
This classification means that works should not be viewed by anyone under the age of eighteen.
In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC’s public consultations and The Human Rights Act 1998, at ‘18’ the BBFC’s guideline concerns will not normally override the principle that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:
where the material is in breach of the criminal law, or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence
where material or treatment appears to the BBFC to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – for example, any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which may cause harm to public health or morals. This may include portrayals of sexual or sexualised violence which might, for example, eroticise or endorse sexual assault
where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context. Such images may be appropriate in ‘R18’ works, and in ‘sex works’ (see below) would normally be confined to that category.
Sex material seeks to inform in matters such as sexuality, safe sex and health. Explicit images of sexual activity are accepted in this classification. Works can contain clear images of sexual activity.
Classification U
This specific classification means that a film is suitable for audience over the age of four years old. ‘U’ films are always set with a positive moral framework and they offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror. Works which are suitable for pre-school children to view alone will have this indicated within the Customer Advice area. There is no use of discriminatory language or behaviour, no references to illegal drugs or drug misuse- unless there is an anti-drug message suitable for young children. There can be use of scary sequences however they should only be mild and brief with a reassuring outcome. There can be no potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy, also violence shown in these works must be mild, only occasional mild threats. There can be infrequent use of very mild bad language, with occasional natural nudity with no sexual contact. There can be use of mild sexual behaviour- for example kissing, with references only to ‘making love’. The theme of the works must be both sensitive and appropriate for young children.
Classification PG
This classification means that a film can be used for general viewing of any age, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child over the age of eight years old. Parents are advised to consider whether the content of the work may upset younger or sensitive children. Discriminatory language and behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable in ‘PG’ works unless it is clearly disapproved of or in an educational or historical context. There can be references to illegal drugs or drug misuse, but they must carry a suitable anti-drug message. Use of horror must not be intensely frightening, there can be no use of potentially dangerous behaviour which children are likely to copy, and there must only be mild bad language. There can be use of natural nudity with no sexual context, sexual activity may be implied but it should be both discreet and infrequent as well as mild. There can be use of moderate violence without detail if it is justified by its context.
Classification 12/12A
This classification means that films are suitable for audiences over the age of twelve years old. Works of this classification may upset children under the age of twelve or contain material which parents will find unsuitable for them. The classification ‘12A’ category exists only for cinema films. No one under the ages of twelve may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult, and films classified ‘12A’ are not recommended for a child below twelve. The ‘12’ category exists only for video works. No one younger than twelve may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video work. Discriminatory language or behaviour is accepted mildly however, aggressive discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly condemned. Any element of drug misuse must be infrequent, dangerous behaviour must appear pain and harm free however must not be dwelled on in detail. Moderate language is accepted, use of strong language must be infrequent. Nudity is allowed in a ‘12/12A‘, but in a sexual context must be brief and discreet. Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed, and sexual references must be appropriate for young teenagers. Moderate violence is acceptable but there should be no emphasis on blood and injuries.
Classification 15
This classification means that works should only be viewed by audiences over the ages of fifteen years old. The works must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour. Drugs taking can be shown in the work but must not promote or encourage it. There can be use of strong threats and menacing unless they are sadistic or sexualised. Dangerous behaviour should not dwell on detail would could potentially be copied. Strong language can be used frequently throughout the work, and nudity is allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. Sexual activity can be portrayed without strong detail, there can be sexual references in the work. Violence can be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury.
Classification 18
This classification means that works should not be viewed by anyone under the age of eighteen.
In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC’s public consultations and The Human Rights Act 1998, at ‘18’ the BBFC’s guideline concerns will not normally override the principle that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:
where material or treatment appears to the BBFC to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – for example, any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which may cause harm to public health or morals. This may include portrayals of sexual or sexualised violence which might, for example, eroticise or endorse sexual assault
where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context. Such images may be appropriate in ‘R18’ works, and in ‘sex works’ (see below) would normally be confined to that category.
Sex material seeks to inform in matters such as sexuality, safe sex and health. Explicit images of sexual activity are accepted in this classification. Works can contain clear images of sexual activity.
Thursday 24 February 2011
The Results from my Questionnaire
Here are the results from my questionnaire:
Person One
1- A
2-D
3-A
4- I think they are ok but they don’t grab my attention.
5-
Like- I like the action in them
Dislike- I think that sometimes the plot can be quite confusing and hard to follow.
6- D
Person Two
1-B
2-A
3-D
4- I don’t enjoy thrillers because I find them frightening.
5- Like- N/A
Dislike- I don’t like it when they make you jump!
6- E
Person Three
1-A
2-C
3-A
4- Most thrillers are not realistic.
5- Like- I like psychological thrillers when they make you use your head to work out the plot
Dislike- the blood and guts type of thriller.
6- E
Person Four
1-B
2-D
3-A
4- They make me feel uneasy and curious.
5- Like- working out the plot of the film
Dislike- Far fetched thriller films.
6-D
Person Five
1-A
2-B
3-A
4- I like the suspense in thriller films.
5-I like working out the story.
6-E
Person Six
1-A
2-A
3-A
4- they are really good.
5- I dont like it when theres too much happening in the plot.
6-D
Person Seven
1-B
2-A mixture of comedy and romance
3-B
4-I like them because they make you thinnk
5-Like-ake you think
Dislike- That they dont always look realistic.
6-E
Person Eight
1-B
2-D
3-A
4-I like thrillers because of the suspense.
5-Like- The suspsence in thriller
Dislike- when they are confusing.
6-D
Person Nine
1-B
2-A
3-D
4-I like them because they are interesting.
5-Like- The interesting plots in the thriller genre
Dislike- Pointless Gore
6-D
Person Ten
1-A
2-Romantic comedy
3-D
4-I think they are scary, especially when they make you jump.
5-I dont like the build up of suspense
6-D
Overall, I have a very mixed set of results. From conducting my questionnaire, I have learnt that I need to make sure my film is both realistic and easy to understand.
Person One
1- A
2-D
3-A
4- I think they are ok but they don’t grab my attention.
5-
Like- I like the action in them
Dislike- I think that sometimes the plot can be quite confusing and hard to follow.
6- D
Person Two
1-B
2-A
3-D
4- I don’t enjoy thrillers because I find them frightening.
5- Like- N/A
Dislike- I don’t like it when they make you jump!
6- E
Person Three
1-A
2-C
3-A
4- Most thrillers are not realistic.
5- Like- I like psychological thrillers when they make you use your head to work out the plot
Dislike- the blood and guts type of thriller.
6- E
Person Four
1-B
2-D
3-A
4- They make me feel uneasy and curious.
5- Like- working out the plot of the film
Dislike- Far fetched thriller films.
6-D
Person Five
1-A
2-B
3-A
4- I like the suspense in thriller films.
5-I like working out the story.
6-E
Person Six
1-A
2-A
3-A
4- they are really good.
5- I dont like it when theres too much happening in the plot.
6-D
Person Seven
1-B
2-A mixture of comedy and romance
3-B
4-I like them because they make you thinnk
5-Like-ake you think
Dislike- That they dont always look realistic.
6-E
Person Eight
1-B
2-D
3-A
4-I like thrillers because of the suspense.
5-Like- The suspsence in thriller
Dislike- when they are confusing.
6-D
Person Nine
1-B
2-A
3-D
4-I like them because they are interesting.
5-Like- The interesting plots in the thriller genre
Dislike- Pointless Gore
6-D
Person Ten
1-A
2-Romantic comedy
3-D
4-I think they are scary, especially when they make you jump.
5-I dont like the build up of suspense
6-D
Overall, I have a very mixed set of results. From conducting my questionnaire, I have learnt that I need to make sure my film is both realistic and easy to understand.
Questionnaire
Questionnaire
Please circle the option which applies to you:
1. How often do you watch films?
a. 1-4 times a month
b.5-10 times a month
c. More than 11 times a month
d. Never
2. Which genre of film do you normally watch?
a.Romance
b.Thriller
c.Action
d.Comedy
Other (please state)……
3. How often do you watch Thriller films?
a.1-4 times a month
b.5-10 times a month
c. More than 11 times a month
d. Never
4. What is your opinion on Thriller films?
5. What do you like/dislike about Thriller films?
6. Who do you think the target audience is for the Thriller Genre?
a.U
b.PG
c.12
d.15
e.18
6. Who do you think the target audience is for the Thriller Genre?
a.U
b.PG
c.12
d.15
e.18
Thursday 17 February 2011
The equipment which is needed for the production of our film
The equipment which I will use to produce my film will be the following:
· Video Camera
· Tripod
· Mac
· Editing software- Final Cut
The History of the Thriller Genre
The History of the Thriller Genre
Thriller is a genre which is used in literature, film and television to create suspense, excitement and tension. The most common use of this subgenre to thriller are mystery, crime and psychological thrillers, however there are also many other subgenres. Thriller is also very closely coincided with the horror genre, To which both use suspense and atmosphere to cause feelings of dread in their audiences. The genre of thriller film developed from well known novels. Then later these novels were studied and adapted and later reproduced into a thriller film.
A film is portrayed as a thriller when the storyline gives the audience thrills, and keeps them on the ’edge of their seats’ as the plot builds up towards the climax. The tension is usually built up by a character being placed in a menacing situation, a mystery, or a trap which seems impossible to escape. There is also use of life threatened during a thriller film, as the main character is usually unsuspectingly or unknowingly involved in an extremely dangerous situation.
The common plots in crime thrillers are ransoms, revenge and kidnappings, which are elaborated on for the effect on the audience. In mystery thrillers, the common methods are investigations and the ‘whodunit’ technique. This is technique when there is a complex plot of a detective story where the audience is provided with clues of the identity of the criminal. The elements which are usually shown in a psychological thriller are mind games, stalking, death traps, obsession. These elements are generally combined to a certain extent, where it creates a complex plot which creates thrills the audience.
The atmosphere in a thriller film is also enhanced through the lighting and use of music. An example of this is from the opening of the film ‘Alien’ by Ridley Scott in 1979. In the opening of this film, the lighting is minimal and dull, this creates the atmosphere of suspense and mystery which links into the thriller genre.
One of the most well known and popular thriller films is ‘Psycho’ which was directed by Alfred Hitchcock and was produced during 1960. This film is a psychological thriller based on the American 1960‘s time period. The film was adapted from the1959 novel which was written by Robert Bloch also called ‘psycho‘. Both the film and novel are based on the cases on convicted serial killer Ed Gein, this therefore allowed the directors of the film to associate the film with other genres such as horror, drama and mystery, as well as the thriller.
Overall, the genre of thriller is used in various ways to create an atmosphere which excites, thrills and entices the audience to carry on watching a film. This is done in several ways, such as through the use of lighting, mise-en-scene and also with the added use of non digetic and digetic music. The thriller genre was a popular genre during the past fifty years and is still increasingly popular within the industry today.
Target Audience For Thriller Genre
Target Audience For Thriller Genre
I personally think that the target audience for films of the thriller genre are aimed for the age of fifteen and over. I think this because some of the scenes and storylines used within a thriller film can be dramatic and sometimes of a scary nature, therefore I think anyone under the age of fifteen could be affected by what they have seen.
I also think the thriller genre is aimed more towards the male gender. This is because stereotypically, males are more interested in gruesome and scary elements of films than females. I feel that males will find films more exciting and edgy to watch, and find thrills through doing this, as opposed to females. Although many females enjoy to watch thrilling films, I think the majority of an audience for a thriller film would be males.
Overall, I believe that thriller films are targeted towards the age range of over fifteen years old and for majority of males.
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