Friday, January 31, 2020

Title Research: Silent Hill

1. How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?
There were 27 titles during the opening sequence.
2. What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?
The images prioritized were mainly the faces of the people being listed, but it was also on occasion of the environment that was used to shoot the opening scene.
3. What connotations do the images carry?
The images of the people with the title shows their significance. Not only because their name is being viewed, but also to potentially show their role in the film. For instance, one of the actresses were introduced on a desk among evidence. There is a chance that she is a victim.
4. How is the genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?
The genre is reinforced through not only the grey scale and roller coaster themed recordings, but also through the off putting music and the occasional hand or face. It encompasses the theme of thriller by making the audience uncomfortable while also making them long for more.
5. How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?
As stated, there was ample suspense through the roller coaster theme. Never knowing whether the cameras tracking shot would go fast or slow, turn or fall would leave me in constant anticipation.
6. What strategies are used to ensure an enigma from the outset?
the connection of the faces to their locations in the building was enigmatic as well as the weird crawling people who would show up on the screen from time to time.
7. What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?
The strategies used to appeal to the audience was my simply incorporating things that suit your trademark thriller— suspense, tension, and fright.
8.How has technology been used effectively? You want to consider camera angles, transitions and editing techniques?
Technology was definitely used effectively— the use of tracking shots, flash pans, Ariel shots, and Dutch angles were all key details observed in the opening titles. It was also noticed that the transitions were very fluid, and it felt as if it was one long shot.

Title Research: Split

1. How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?
In the opening sequence, there are 26 titles including some of the actors' names, producers, directors, etc.
2. What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?
The screen goes back and forth between footage and a black screen with the titles repeated multiple times. The footage shows a girl being taken down a long hallway.
3. What connotations do the images carry?
The footage adds to the suspense aspect of the opening sequence, making the audience wonder where the man is taking the girl. The multiple copies of the same title on the black screen goes with the title of the movie, Split.
4. How is the genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?
The beginning of the film automatically has the audience on the edge of their seats, which is a main theme in the thriller genre. The suspense hooks the audience into the movie right away.
5. How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?
Again, the opening sequence establishes suspense upon the audience almost immediately. It foreshadows what the movie is going to be about and keeps the audience wondering.
6. What strategies are used to ensure an enigma from the outset?
By adding the footage of the movie in between each title screen, the audience gets a peak at what's going on between the man and the girl.
7. What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?
The strategies used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience included using suspense music to build the moment and the camera shots that showed some detail but not enough to give away the movie.
8.How has technology been used effectively? You want to consider camera angles, transitions and editing techniques?
Just as I stated in the previous question, this opening sequence gives just enough detail to draw the audience in by using small shots and suspenseful music. Some of these shots include: tracking shots, close-ups, pov shots, and low angles.

Title Research: Silent Hill Revelation

1. How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film? - 28

2. What images are prioritized in the opening sequence? In the opening sequence of the film the  images that were prioritized were of ballerinas trying to protect themselves in a chaotic scene.

3. What connotations do the images carry? The images carry the connotation that something horrific has occurred within this place and the outcome of it is can be seen by these images.

4. How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset? The genre is reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset of the film because the beginning of the film because it creates a mood of suspense within the audience and it has viewers questioning how all of the chaos could have started.

5. How does the film establish an enigma from the outset? The film establishes an enigma from the outset by establishing a scene of mystery that creates some suspense within the audience. The different images of a ballerina trying to catch a knife and another ballerina trying to protect herself from things that are falling from above.

6. What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience? The strategies that were used to make the film appealing to its target audience were: creating a sense of suspense, adding in incidental music that assisted with the mystery mood, and the directors left it off with a cliff  hanger so it would leave the audience wanting more.

7. How has technology been used effectively? You want to consider camera angles, transitions and editing techniques. Technology has been used effectively because, the editing of the opening was done by using many different/unique camera angles that aren't normally used. The transitions from title to title also shown how well technology used when creating this film. The titles would appear then disappear and afterwards another title would appear on the screen.

Title Research: Get Out

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?
There were 24 total titles displayed in the opening sequences of the film.
What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?
The prioritized images in the opening sequence were photos that one of the main characters have taken himself. They were black and white images of the natural environment that he knew, or, in other words, the everyday events that happen in his surroundings. There were mainly wide shots of an event that contributes to the plot of the story, tracking shots of trees on the side of a road, dolly shots and a pan of the two of the main characters' apartment, and one-shots each of two of the main characters.
What connotations do the images carry?
The connotations that the images carry are of a common, raw, and gritty tone and ambiance.
How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?
The genre is reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset by them leaving people bewildered as to what's going on by presenting them with a very suspicious scene then switching to a series of calm, everyday scenes.
How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?
The film establishes an enigma from the outset by beginning the film with a confusing, suspicious scene that leaves the audience in awe; then switching to a series of calm, natural scenes.
What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?
The strategies that were used to ensure that the film appealed to its target audience were dialogue, a sound bridge, and incidental music. The use of dialogue added a comedic tone to an overall suspenseful and suspicious scene. The use of a sound bridge and incidental music built on to the suspense even more. The use of all of these techniques appealed to a variety of audiences; ones that enjoy comedies, thrillers, and action films.
How has technology been used effectively? You want to consider camera angles, transitions, and editing techniques.
Technology has been used effectively by the use of eye-level angles, many different camera shots like close-ups and wide shots, the use of jump cuts, and the use of dissolving titles. These techniques added to the film's genre and left an appeasing impression on the audience making them longing for more.

Title Research: www.artofthetitle.com

In order for my group members and I to learn more about adding titles into the beginning of our films, we were told to take a look at two websites. One of these websites is called https://www.artofthetitle.com/titles/ aka"Art of the Title" which is a website that is used for showing title sequences at the beginning of films. When a person clicks on the website a grey background will appear with posters from movies such as "the Politician". This website is a good website for learning about title sequences because it gives background information of the movie as well as a visual of the title sequences being shown. Located at the top of the home page is a drop box that gives people the option view all titles or to view all features. There's also a search box in the right corner so that people can just search up a film instead of exploring the sight to find it. It's basically a quicker way to find what you are looking for. This website also has a box at the top of the page with the names of designers as well as studios. Another good thing about this sight is that it doesn't just give the titles of movies it also gives titles for things such as short films and tv shows. The films that are on this sight date back to the 1900's all the way to 2020. The films on this site include many different genres such as: horror, comedy. action, and even thrillers. In addition, to what was previously mentioned this site is also good because the films are organized in chronological order. If they weren't in chronological order then it would be harder to find what you are looking for. In my opinion, this website is truly a helpful website. Not only for its titles but for the information that comes with it as well. All in all, this is a website that I would recommend to others if they are wondering about how titles work.

Title Research: www.watchthetitles.com

Today in class, we were given two movie title websites. One of them was www.watchthetitles.com. We were given these sites to help inspire us and give us ideas to what kind of approach we can take towards our title sequence. Most importantly it shows us what they are supposed to look like. Once you type in the web address and have arrived on the website's homepage you are welcomed with the title at the top left corner of the screen. The title of the page is "Watch the Titles!". Then you will see a black background with dissolving slides of different movies. At the top right corner of the screen, there are four sections or main categories: title sequences, designers, studios, and search. These will drop more categories when hovered over. Below that you will be provided with a range of links: films, interviews, feature film, tv shows, event titles, student projects, video games, and french fridays. Once you click these links you will be brought to another side of the page that provides you everything that falls in the category. This feature is very beneficial to the owners and viewers of the website. The content is organized and clear making this part of the website easy to navigate. As a result, the viewers will be more comfortable and pleased with the website. Although, the movies in these are not ordered chronologically. To the average eye, the movies are randomly assorted. The movies range from comedy, to animation, to horror. The website also has a section for interviews. These interviews are ordered by actors, not interviewers. I personally am impressed by this website's design.


Sunday, January 26, 2020

Genre Research: Choosing Our Genre

After much consideration, the genre that my group members and I have decided to do is thriller. We came to this conclusion after observing and analyzing the different genres that we have researched. Those genres were war, horror, and thriller. Overall we just felt that our film could be best described as a thriller. We came to this conclusion by comparing our film with the other genres. When we compared it to war we immediately knew that this wasn’t going to work because that wasn’t going to be the direction that the film was heading in. When we compared it to a horror film we realized that our film wasn’t going to be gory enough to be considered a horror film. When doing this we realized that the aspects that make up and that are in a thriller film are the same aspects that will be in and make up our film.

Genre Research: Exploring Different Genres

To further our quest on different genres, my group members and I decided to explore the genres horror and thriller. Horror films are intended to ignite fear and suspense in the audience. Thrillers are intended to be suspenseful and keep the audience on their toes.

The common camera angles in horror films and thrillers are high angles, birds eye view, low angles, and close- ups. High angles, birds eye view, and low angles are used to show the superiority and/ or the inferiority/vulnerability of a character. Close- ups are used to show the reactions of the characters, and the intensity of the scene. The most common camera movements are tilts and pans. Tilts are used to identify a supernatural being or antagonist in general. Pans are used to show the full area of the scene. The most common camera shots are tracking, point of view, and over the shoulder. Tracking shots are used to film someone’s passage while they’re running from the antagonist(s); they are also used to show when someone is being followed. Point of view shots are used to show the traumatic or horrendous thing or person that a character is looking at; they are also used to show that someone is being watched, or trying to find something. Over the shoulder shots are used to show someone or something lurking being someone else.
The common mis en scene aspects in horror and thriller movies are all of them. They include costumes, lighting, actors, makeup, props, and setting. The distinctive, out of the ordinary costumes are typically worn by the antagonist(s); they fit according to their back stories and personalities. The lighting in horror and thriller films is usually eerie or ominous. The actors in these films must have exceptional abilities; they have to be very convincing and switch from various emotions such as sorrow, fear, and shock. The makeup in these films are very detailed and gory at times especially in serial killer movies. The main props in horror films are the weapons that the antagonist(s) use. The setting of a horror and thriller film is usually in a small or made up town.

The common sounds and editing of horror films and thrillers are diegetic and non diegetic, sound motifs, incidental music, dialogue, cutaway, eye-line match, reaction shot, and jump cut, and eyeline match. Diegetic sounds are present when the scene is calm. Non-diegetic sounds are heard when a very climactic scene is occurring like when the antagonist(s) draws their weapon. Sound motifs occur when the antagonist(s) are about to appear. Incidental music is used to build suspense in the scenes. Dialogue in these type of movies are stemmed from fear and shock, and the characters figure out what to do next. Cutaways are used to show the action that was described in the previous scene taking place in the current scene. Eye line matches are usually used when a character discovers something awful; first their reaction is shown, and then the thing that they are reacting to. This is similar reaction shot; the only difference is that the character could be reacting to something they hear as well. A jump cut is used to show the passage of time. For example, at the end of the movie when he antagonist(s) was defeated and the protagonist(s) is at peace, the scene will move from the climax during the night to the falling action the next morning.

Examples of horror films:
 It (2017)
 The Conjuring (2013)
 Ouija (2014)
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019)
Examples of thrillers:
Us (2019)

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019)

A Quiet Place (2018)

Split (2016)

Genre Research: Bird Box

1.) Common Camera Angles (CAMS)
      -High angles
        In the movie, there were majority high angles. This varied from slightly above eye level to aerial shots in order to convey different purposes, mostly towards the climax and the end of the movie. For example, when Tom went outside to check who was at their door, the people unaffected by the murderous force were viewed from a high angle purely because of the angle that Tom was standing at, somewhat similar to a POV shot. However, the scene where they had to travel the river (nearing the waterfall), the high shot was utilized to show how drastic and treacherous the situation had become.
     - Wide Shots
    Wide shots were extremely common, and were used not only as establishing shots, but as shots to drive and evoke emotion. It was noticed that wide shots are always used in some way, shape or form when the force takes over the people. (Except for Tom). When Saundra was hit by the bus, when the mother of Boy (Olympia) jumped out the window, and when the old lady(Cheryl) collapses after stabbing herself. It can be noticed that all these shots took place at their deaths, perhaps to give the viewer the full visual of what had occurred
    - Close ups
     Close ups were also commonly used shots, but they were used for a different aspect of the possession. While wide shots were used to show the product of the force, the close ups were used to show the event taking place. This, also contrary to the wide shots, apply to every individual. Right before their deaths, there would be a close up of the fear on the faces of those impacted right before they die, most likely utilized in order to represent them being impacted by the force. (They were used in other senses, but this is the most frequent utilization)
    - Zooms
  Zooms were extremely common and occurred typically between a medium shot to a close up. They were used to enhance close ups in order to further excel the mood that the creators intended to display. However, this was not the only purpose, and they were also used to accompany tracking shots.
    - Tracking Shots
   Tracking shots were used very frequently throughout the film. Similar to high angles, their use was very versatile and was inserted for many different purposes throughout the film. In the beginning during the hospital scene as she walked past the lady banging her head on the glass; as she was driving with Saundra, who later crashed the car; and as she was running with the group to find a place of refuge. This was the most common use. However, towards the end the purpose of a tracking shot changed- although used to follow people nonetheless, it was also used to surround them as the camera circled the faces of focus. This was seen when Tom became impacted by the force as well as when the main character heard the sounds of the force and ran with her children to the sanctuary.

2.)Mis en scene (CLAMPS)

  -  Costume: in the beginning of the movie, everyone wore vibrant and clean clothing. However, as situations deteriorated, clothes became dull and dirty (climax to falling action). As the movie came to a close as they entered the safe place (school for the blind), the clothes, though never returning to the level of brightness it once was, returned to its clean state.

- Lighting: the movie, as commonly seen in thrillers, had started out with bright lighting. Partially attributed to the close and setting, the colors bursted through the screen in the first few minutes of the film. This was met with a contrast after the death of Saundra— the colors were no longer bright, though the light still shone, and as the film progressed, the lighting gradually became darker and less vibrant up until they found refuge in the school.

- Acting/Actors: the actors used to create this movie were experienced in their craft and included people such as Sandra Bullock, Trevante Rhodes and Jacki Weaver. The excellent acting skills of every individuals propel the film, contributing to its immense success.

-Makeup: aside from your average makeup design in the beginning of the film, the sole purpose of makeup in this film was to make the characters look worn and dirty or to add blood for effect. This included full body makeup.

- Setting: the setting was elaborately thought out and planned. Although a few of the scenes were attributed to green screen, most of them were properly scouted by the producers. The most commonly  used setting was likely the forest, which was used when the mother and her two children ultimately had to travel alone to find safety.

3.) Common Editing
 - Cut: cuts were extremely common, simply because they are the most basic transition between non-correlated elements.
- cross cutting: cross cutting was seen throughout the film in various representations; most commonly between a POV shot of them looking through the blind folds and their present actions. An example of this is towards the end when they are running up the stairs and there is a constant switch between the blind fold POV and an extreme close up of the family scurrying up the stairs
- shot reverse shots: shot reverse shots were also extremely common, used in most every two person dialogue.

4.) Common sound:
-Scores: scores were the most common usage of background sound in the film. Music in the background was intense, but under no circumstance did they use words or a singer to contribute to that.
- Diegetic sound: diegetic sound was used throughout the film. Steps, creaks, scratches, ruffling, and leaves were all used appropriately according to the location and the action.
-Dialogue: dialogue was also used very frequently; there was constant communication between the characters in the movie so long as they were not alone.
-Non-diegetic sound: on occasion when the force would come on the people, particularly towards the end, you would hear noises that did not properly suit the scene or location. The best exams ple of this is at the end when the main character hears Tom calling her to look at him even though he’s already dead. His voice does not fit into that scene, nor did the noise that accompanied his pleas.

5&6.) Elements we liked and didn’t like
- The use of lighting and color design in the film was marvelously executed throughout the film. The contrast between the beginning and the ending of the movie was subtle but impactful, slowly luring the audience. However, everything including the execution, the editing and the shots were marvelously placed to create this excellent film. The camera movements and angles were excellently placed for it to seem realistic, and the editing used for the glint in the eyes was spectacular, and really. improved what already was excellent acting.
I found no fault with this film.

Genre Research: A Quiet Place

A Quiet Place (2018) is a movie about a post-apocalyptic society where a supernatural being, sensitive to sound is dominant. In order to survive, people must stay silent. This movie follows a family trying to figure out how to survive. This movie fits the theme of thriller because it keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, wondering whether the monster will hear/find the family. It also ends on a cliff hanger, with a sequel coming out this year.

Camera angles, shots, movements:
1. Tracking shots are very common in this movie because of how fast the monster is. There's plenty of running for this reason.
2.  Establishing shots show the emptiness of the town and where the family is.
3. Close ups were used to show character reactions.
4. Wide angles to show the family walking in a line when they travel.
5. Low and High angles to bring life to a shot.

Mis en scene:
Costumes- the characters seem to be wearing layers of clothing, however its just regular clothing. They don't wear shoes.
Lighting- varies throughout the movie; in daylight it's light, at night it's dark with the exception of string lights that the family uses as a warning for the creature.
Actors- The actors in this film had to be able to show emotion without any type of dialogue. They even learned a bit of sign language for the role. One of the actresses is actually deaf in real life.
Makeup- The makeup used just made it look like they had been living the same way for a long time, whether it was making them look dirty or tired.
Props- When traveling, the family carries baskets, bags, etc to fill with supplies. They also have a radio system inside their house that they use for S. O. S. signals. Another significant prop is the hearing aid for the deaf character which happens to help when sensing the creature.
Setting- post-apocalyptic society; they live on what seems like a farm.

Editing and sound:
Diegetic sound- the majority of this film is quiet so you can only hear the sounds of nature.
Non diegetic sound- the noise of the monster is added.
Score
Shot reverse shot- when the characters are speaking to each other in sign language.
Eye line match- when looking at the monster, this editing allows the audience to see the character's reaction.
Jump cut- often followed by a title with how long they've lived in silence.

Elements liked and disliked:
I loved that this movie was able to keep my attention even with the lack of sound. There wasn't anything that made me dislike this movie. I would 100% recommend it to anyone who enjoys thrillers.


Genre Research: Us

1. Common camera angles, shots, and movements in the film "Us":

 - Close Up: The close up shots were mainly used to show the reactions of the actors after something shocking happened.
- Long shot: This shot was used to show everything on the actors body from head to toe.
- Tracking shot: This track showed the characters being followed by the camera throughout the movie
- Over the shoulder shot: This shot was used to build up suspension throughout the movie
- Establishing shot: This shot was used to set the scene
- Low angle: This angle showed the floor view of the victims being killed
- Reaction shot- This was used to show the actors reactions to events that happened throughout the   movie. For example, when the evil family revealed their faces this shot was used to show the families reaction.
- Reverse shot- This was used to show the characters speaking to one another.
- Eye-line match- When the mother would look at the other family this shot showed her reactions.

2. Common CLAMPS / "Mis En Scene"

- Costume: The costume for this movie is a red tethered jumpsuit that looks similar to what prisoners wear except it was red.
- Lighting: The lighting in this movie was based off the time of day. For example during the day the lighting was bright and during the night it was dark so the actors weren't able to be seen as much as they normally would be seen in the daylight.
- Actors: The actors in this movie played the role of the antagonist and the protagonist which is why this movie was so unique. They played both roles because there were 2 of the same families from different places. One of the families were able to speak and the other family couldn't speak at all, other than the mother.
- Make up: Make up was used to create burn marks on one of the actors faces which could be considered as a special effect.
- Props: The main prop used in this movie was a pair of scissors that was carried by the antagonist throughout the movie.
- Setting: The setting of the movie took place at an old cabin and a pier where the mother grew up as a child.

3. Common Sound

-Diegetic sound: The diegetic sound in this movie mainly occurred outside. For example, at night time you were able to hear the crickets outside.
- Non diegetic sound: Sound effects were added when things were blown up such as the car scene.
- Dialogue: There was conversation throughout the entire movie.
- Incidental Music: This type of music was added in the scary parts of the movie to create suspense

4. Common editing in the movie

- Cutaway
-Action match
Reaction shot
Reverse shot
Eye-line match

5. Elements of this genre

- There is ongoing conflict and multiple plot twists.
-There is a lot of suspense.
- There are a lot of things that got in the way of the family escaping.
- You get a huge climax.
- There's always a surprise ending that leaves you questioning everything.

6 and 7: Elements that you do and don't like

- Our group likes all of the elements that come with the thriller genre because you never know when and where something is going to happen. The feeling of suspense keeps us interested in the movie which is a good thing from an audience members perspective. If we had to chose one thing that we didn't like it would be the surprise ending because some endings are confusing and they take a while to understand.

Genre Research: The PowerPoint

In order to explore and test a different genre, my group members, Aaliyah, Lauren, and Anishkaneel, and I made a PowerPoint on the genre war. In this PowerPoint we discussed all of the aspects that are found within films of this genre. These aspects can be identified as C.A.M.S., mis en scene, editing, and sound. C.A.M.S. stands for camera angles, movements, and shots. In the PowerPoint, we described the most common of each in the genre. Mis en scene is everything that you see that makes up a scene. These can be identified as C.L.A.M.P.S. It stands for costumes, lighting, actors, makeup, props, and setting. When discussing editing, we described the most common ones for the genre; we did the same process when discussing sound. To add on, in the PowerPoint we also discussed the elements that we did and didn’t like. Overall the PowerPoint was a very helpful and constructive tool to help us explore another genre.












Genre Research: The Intruder

The Intruder, a thriller movie made in 2019, is about a young couple (Scott and Annie) that buys their home from a lonely, mysterious widower (Charlie). Trouble arises when we discover that Charlie is too attached to the house and refuses to let it go, then ends up feeling the same way about Annie. He will stop at nothing to get what he wants. This movie is filled with suspense and action. This allows the audience to stay intrigued, alert, and speechless wondering what’s going to happen next.

The camera angles present in this movie are close-ups, medium close-ups, eye level, high- angles, low- angles, and God’s eye. Close- ups were used for n this movie to show the characters emotion to what just happened, like a reaction shot, and to show the intensity of the situation. Medium close- ups were used to show the conversations between the characters and the emotions that came along with them. Eye- level angles were used to capture the realness of the situation. This also applies for high angles, low angles, and God’s eye (aerial). The camera movements present in this movie are zooms, dollies, tilts, pans, and tracking shots. Zooms were used to focus in on the subjects when the scene is calm. Dollies and tracking shots were used in this movie to capture the actions like running and jogging which is very present in this film. Tilts were used to build up the scene by showing the aspects of the scene and the physical characteristics of the subjects, then getting to the main idea or focus of the scene. Pans were used to show the areas that were important to the scene(s). The camera shots present in this film are establishing, two- shots, three- shots, over the shoulder, long, medium-long, medium, point of view, and wide shots. Establishing shots were used to show where the following scene is taking place. Two- shots and three-shots were used to show the main conversations taking place between the main characters. Over the shoulder shots did the same thing, but they also showed the intensity of the conversation. Long, medium- long, and medium shots were used to show the characters’ full physical response and reaction in a scene. Point of view shots were used to show the antagonist’s (Charlie) view when he’s lurking and spying on the couple. Wide shots were used when the scene is calm or uneventful; this is usually followed by a zoom.

There were many aspects that made up the film. These are known as mis en scene. Said aspects are, costumes, lighting, actors, makeup, props, and setting. The costumes in this film are the day-to-day modern wear of average citizens. The lighting in this film is both natural and artificial, but mainly natural. The actors in this movie portray various strong emotions to fit the scene; they come out of there true characters in a remarkable way to get the audience to really feel and understand the direness of the situation. The makeup in this movie starts off simple, like the every day makeup that majority of people wear; this was present on Annie. As the plot thickens the makeup progressively gets gory; it starts with a few bruises, moves to a bloody gash, then ends with both of those combined and an added puddle of blood coming from the antagonist. The main props used in this film were a few shotguns, an axe, a wooden baseball bat, smart phones, and modern cars. This film had many different settings that proved to be important to the scene. These settings include inside and outside of the house, the woods which the backyard of the house led to, the hotel where the antagonist was supposedly residing, an office inside Scott’s work establishment, outside of a bar where Scott was meeting with clients, inside of 3 cars, a cafĂ© where Scott found out information that led to the climax of the film, the closest road to the house, and the hospital. All of these were in the suburbs and city side of Napa Valley, California.

The common edits in the film were cross-cutting, shot-reverse-shot, cutaways, eye-line match, action match, and jump cuts. Cross- cutting was used when the protagonists were talking about the house while leaving the house viewing in the beginning of the movie. While they were discussing their thoughts of the house and their future plans, the antagonist was doing something questionable and heinous in some people’s eyes. This contradicted the original calm, optimistic tone and mood set by the protagonists. Shot-reverse-shots were used to show the magnitude and severity of the situation. Cutaways were used show the thoughts of the antagonist, and events of the past. Eye-line matches were used after a close-up of a character to show what they were looking at. Action matches were used when a characters were describing or doing something in one scene and another character was doing the same thing. Jump cuts were used to show the passage of time. After the couple toured the house and were discussing it, the next scene shows when they move into the house. Later in the movie the holidays change from Thanksgiving to Christmas in the matter of minutes.

The common sounds in this movie were diegetic, non-diegetic, dialogue, voice-over, incidental music, ambient, and sound bridges. The diegetic and ambient are found when the scene takes place outside, like bird chirps and leaves rustling, and inside, like water running and dishes clinking. The non-diegetic sounds can be found in scenes outside, like when there were shots fired outside of the house. The dialogue present in this movie goes from calm to very dramatic and intense. Voice overs are present when the protagonists are having a conversation that relates to the antagonist’s actions in the next scene; this conversation continues into that scene. Incidental music was used to build suspense in the movie, like when one of the characters are about to do or find out something exciting or important to the movie. Sound bridges were used in this movie identity the suspicious sounds being heard. The protagonists would hear a strange sound in one room of their house and go to find out where it is coming from in another room in the house.

The elements that I enjoyed in this movie were the acting abilities of the actors, and the detail that was put into the settings and makeup. The elements that I didn’t like were predictability of the scenes, and the lack of intelligence in the characters’ actions.


Friday, January 17, 2020

Continuing Final Project

After much consideration, my group members and I have narrowed it down to two pitches. We did this by discussing the pros and cons of them all. We chose them from three total. The first pitch is a horror film, and it was created by Lauren. The plot is about all of the most infamous antagonists in horror movies team up to spread wickedness and cause both physical and mental destruction in the world. Examples of the most infamous antagonists are Dracula, Frankenstein, and Pennywise. The second pitch is a suspense/thriller, and it was created by Aaliyah. The plot is about a bridesmaid that is obsessed with the bride who happens to be her twin sister. The bridesmaid has a twisted, sinister desire to take her sister’s life, and will let nothing get in her way. The third and final pitch is a murder-mystery/ thriller created by me. The plot is about a demented person going on a killing spree. He or she kills all of those that commit the 7 deadly sins. Ideally the killer would be someone close to the victims since they would know for sure that they have committed the sin. The two that we have narrowed it down to are Lauren’s and mine.

The first pitch that we have decided on is Lauren’s pitch about the most infamous antagonists coming together to wreak havoc on the world. There are many pros to her pitch. It can bring all generations together since it features villains from different decades that they are all familiar with. The idea of combining popular characters that share a common goal is very popular amount audiences. Lastly, provides an opportunity for famous protagonists or even a new protagonist(s) to surface. There was one con that I could think of that would put a huge dent in our film. This con is copyright. The infamous antagonists are not our original characters, and we don’t have permission to use them. The other cons aren’t as major, but still a big deal. One is that it sounded too much like the movie Goosebumps and it’s sequel Goosebumps 2. The other one is that special effects and makeup for certain characters would be very difficult for us to do.

The second and final pitch that we have decided on is my pitch about a serial killer killing all of those who commit the 7 deadly sins. There are many pros to my pitch as well. It’s something that my group members haven’t seen before. We can easily get the message across in the opening credits. It doesn’t require complex special effects and makeup. Lastly, the plot would make the movie more compelling and get more attention because it will spark conversations about what’s morally wrong or right. There weren’t any cons that my group members could think of, but there were was one that I thought of. I’ve had this pitch of a movie since I was in elementary or middle school, and a few years ago someone did something similar on a show. Though in the end this is an uncommon, creative, and chilling pitch that we are excited to film.

As you can infer, my group members and I decided to go with my pitch.

Starting Final Project

When first entering this class I knew very little about what it took to create a film. The most I knew was a little of how to distribute and about 1/3 of how to edit it. Then, once I began the class I went from brainstorming ideas, filming, and editing a commercial, music video, and soon a movie. Throughout these projects there has been a lot of ups and downs. For instance, when we were filming the commercial we ran out of time on the first day to film all of the scenes, we didn't have a few of the main props, and the laptops that we received kept dying. Another example would be when we were filming our music video. We went completely off our storyboard. Moving on to a more positive note, we really enjoyed filming our music video, and it came out better than we imagined. As for the commercial, even though it wasn’t the best, we got to relive our childhood. We’ve already began planning for our final project, the movie, and are very optimistic.

In this class I have learned majority, if not all, of the many aspects that go into creating and distributing a film. I have learned about all of the basics and all of the camera angles, movements, shots, mis en scene, editing, sound, and the 5 phases of film making. The basics include a take, scene, shot, shooting, subject, computer general imaging (CGI), script, storyboarding, treatment, and funding. The camera angles that I’ve learned are eye-level, high angle, low angle, and oblique/dutch/canted. The camera movements I’ve learned are pan, flash pan, tilt, tracking shot, zoom, and handheld. The camera shots I’ve learned are establishing, wide, long, medium- long, medium, medium close- up, close up, extreme close-up, two-shot, three shot, aerial/God’s eye/ bird’s eye, point of view, over the shoulder, trunk, stock, and crane. Mid en scene is everything that you see that makes up the scene. This consists of C.L.A.M.P.S ( costume, lighting, actors, makeup, props, and setting). The edits that I’ve learned are cross- cutting, split screen, cutaway, insert, dissolve, fade in, fade out, shot reverse shot, eye-line match, graphic match, jump cut, burn in, burn out, iris in, iris out, reaction shot, and wipe. The different sounds I’ve learned are diegetic, non- diegetic, folcy, sound bridge, sound motif, dialogue, voiceover, soundtrack, score, incidental music, and ambient sound. The 5 phases of film making are development, pre-production, production, post-production, and distribution. Two talents that I learned are how to put together scenes and edit them.

When creating a movie you must first start of with a pitch. A pitch is a Hollywood term to describe an idea where a film is encapsulated in 25 words or less. Usually with one sentence. My group members, Anishkaneel, Aaliyah, and Lauren, and I have come up with 3 pitches for a movie. The first pitch is a horror film, and it was created by Lauren. The plot is about all of the most infamous antagonists in horror movies team up to spread wickedness and cause both physical and mental destruction in the world. Examples of the most infamous antagonists are Dracula, Frankenstein, and Pennywise. The second pitch is a suspense/thriller, and it was created by Aaliyah. The plot is about a bridesmaid that is obsessed with the bride who happens to be her twin sister. The bridesmaid has a twisted, sinister desire to take her sister’s life, and will let nothing get in her way. The third and final pitch is a murder-mystery/ thriller created by me. The plot is about a demented person going on a killing spree. He or she kills all of those that commit the 7 deadly sins.


Audiences and Institutions Essay

6. To what extent is digital distribution vital to the media area you have studied In a world where different technological innovations ...