Filming Schedule and Prop List

Before filming I created a filming schedule so I knew what shots to film and when. Over three days I filmed the outdoor clips (which I did not us in the end) and the indoor clips such as the scribbling out of faces in pictures. 

 I knew the importance of filming each scene on the same day and preferable within a short time period. If I had to come back to film it would have meant that there would a slight change in scenery such as lighting change or a missing prop. In the film these mistakes would have easily been noticed so continuous shooting is important.

I stuck to my filming schedule and it helped keep me organised. However the clips were not long enough so therefore I filmed extra outside of the schedule. The outdoor clips would have made up this time but due to discontinuous editing the lighting changed drastically which effected the flow of the film. Due to this I omitted them from the movie in replacement for more indoor clips. 

The prop list was helpful as it gave me a check list to look at before filming. Due to this there were no missing props in any of the clips. If I was not able to shot continuously this would have helped me set the scene up again making sure their is no change in props.  

Survey

I wanted to find out who my target audience would be so I could create my film with that specific audience in mind. To do this I created a questionnaire which I handed out to people at school and other friends and family.

I made the questionnaire simple so that everyone would understand but if there was anything the participants were unsure of anything I made sure that I would be there to answer questions.

I started by asking the age and gender of the participants to establish what kind of person I would try to aim my film for. I learned that the majority of possible audience members are female. 66% were female whilst only 33% were male.

The age gaps covered all ages and participants had to check which box they belong to. The results were:

• Under 10:  0%
• 11 - 15: 13%
• 16 - 25: 66%
• 26 - 30: 7%
• 31 - 40: 7%
• 41-50: 0%
• 51+: 7%

16- 25 was the most popular age group so I aim to attract audience members from that group. Due to this result I interviewed 16-25 year olds to find out more on what would attract these audience members. The result was that a good plot and favourite actors play a part in attracting an audience member.

 

I started asking more detailed questions such as what genres appeal the most. I asked participants to rank a list of genres with their favourite genre being number one and so forth. 

The top three genres were horror coming in first with 18%, crime coming in second with 16% and action in third with 13%.

I took the first two genres and I used them to create and idea of what type of film would be popular. Due to the results I decided that I wanted to create a film about a stalker because it incorporates horror and crime. 

I also asked about what elements of a film is important to the participants. Elements include things such as cinematography, soundtrack, costume and make up etc. To the participants plot was the most important aspect of a film with 24% of the vote. I knew that I would have to focus on the plot as it is a very important part of a film. Therefore within the opening I placed clues to the plot in the props and scenery. For example I used the investigation board at the end of the opening to show the tenacity of the stalker and this shows the audience what he is like. 

Another important aspect was the cinematography with 17% of the votes. From this I decided that I would also have to focus on the effects and general layout of the film. I used the flicker effect in the film as it adds life to the shots and makes them more interesting to look at. I also change the dimensions of the film so it had the 'black bar' effect. This is commonly associated with professional film and trailers so I used it to make my film look neater and more finished. 

The last question I asked was what were the participant's favourite thriller films. I did this to get an idea as to what kind of thriller films people like.  Below are some of the most commonly mentioned films. 

Image created on wordle.com

Learning How To Use Final Cut Pro 10

When it comes to editing my thriller I will be using Final Cut Pro X so on the "" we had a taster lesson so we can get to grips with the program and edit our thrillers efficiently.

The software is from Apple Inc and has been used to edit 'The Social Network', 'The Kids Are All Right', 'No Country for Old Men' and an up and coming film called 'Focus' featuring Will Smith.

During the lesson I learned about the layout, the basics of putting together clips, adding transitions and effects, how to use multicam and many other things. Below are my notes from the lesson which can be used as reference later on when I am editing.

Making the Soundtrack

My thriller is based around a piece of music which is synchronised with the clips and movements of the actors. After listening to a lot of music from opening titles I got the idea that I would like to create something quite heavy and textured. It was based on the opening music of 'Se7en' but with the beat 'Counting Bodies Like Sheep.

The use of mechanical sounds such as 'Information Factory' that was a Garageband preset was inspired by the TV show 'American Horror Story'. This theme has several looping noises that resemble industrial and household machines which I though would add a rough texture to my own piece. The theme can be found here.

To record my soundtrack I used Garageband which allowed me to piece together several tracks with ease. Garageband comes with its own preset tracks and loop which I used to complete my music.

I first started by adding a beat. Garageband makes it easy to create a drum track by picking a style and adjusting kick, snare,toms, percussion etc until you have found a beat that suits you. There are also different artist that you can pick from who all have individual styles. I pick Aiden as his style was quite heavy sounding. My drum line was rather basic as I only wanted it to serve as a metronome and not to have much focus on it so that the rest of the sounds take the main role. However it is the one consistent throughout the entire piece.
Next I added something before the drum line to add ambience and quiet before the kick of the drum. I used it to build up the tension.

This is often used at the beginning of theme for horror films. It is also used in the beginning of the 'American Horror Story' opening theme tune.

To start with the mechanical sound effects I first added a squeaky buzz noise as it resembles a drill. It creates an illusion of an industrial city which suits where I planned to film my thriller.  It plays with the theme of how stalking has been made easy through the world industrialising; evolving due to the advances in technology. There is also something rather eerie about industrial noises as they can be dangerous.

To find the noise I looked in the sound presets which can be found by clicking the loop button in the picture opposite. It is found to the right of the screen.

After adding the first noise I realised that I would need to start to fill in the piece a bit more quicker otherwise the main part of the the music would not come until the end of the piece. To do this I added a loop that I adjusted to be quite loud so it could compete with the drum. The loop was called 'Information Factory' and resembled the sound effects of the 'Portal' franchise which is renowned for industrial sounds.

After a while the music gets repeatitive so I added a new sound to change it. I added an echo-y scream sound which resembles 'Counting Bodies Like Sheep' where there is a male scream that is distorted and echoed. When I picked the preset sound it was much longer so I cut it using cmd + t and then used the sound line to create a fade out. By doing this it makes the effect sound cleaner then it would if I had just left the cut as it was.

I wanted to create more ambience so I added some road sound effects. Where I will be filming will be in a town where there will be the sound of cars on distant roads so I thought it would suit it especially as I would not be filming in sound so it would have sounded nice to add the ambience post-filming. There is also a low humming to the effect which builds up the texture of the sound.


Next I added 'Hit Impact' to add to the beat but also as it is a sudden noise it creates fear and tension. It has a reverb to it to make it sound more metallic sounding but it somewhat also makes its sound sinister by adding an echo-y feel to it. As it can symbolise a clock striking it creates the illusion of time running out which it is for the girl as her stalker approaches.

Lastly to end the piece I wanted a build up to the point where the stalker finally approaches his victim. I knew I wanted a swell as it would create a cresendo but I chose drone as it added to the metallic mechanical theme.


I decided after the cresendo I would end it on an anti-climax to give a eerie tone when the focus is on the board. To do this I faded out the music to the point where it is silent. After it is completely silent I will add a black screen to add to the quiet effect.

Film Classification

Classification in films is used to protect children from disturbing and harmful content. Films in the U.K are classified by BBFC and are ranked based on  discrimination, drugs, horror, dangerous and easily imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, and violence. The classificaton is used for both DVD relases and theatre releases. Symbols are placed at the beginning of the films or on the DVD box where it is easily seen so consumers know whether the film is suitable for them and the people who are viewing it with them.

The classification are as follows:

'U' - 'U' stands for universal so it is viewable for all ages and audiences. Typically 'U's are suitable for children from four years old upwards. However parents are warned that it is impossible to predict what might upset a particular child. According to BBFC " Films or videos with this BBFCinsight should raise no significant issues in terms of discrimination, drugs,imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, threat or violence."

Bad Language:

There is no bad language in 'U's apart from mild swears such as 'damn'.

Sexual Behavior:

Cuddling, kissing and subtle references to sex are permitted however there is to be no focus on sex, sexual behaviors or innuendos.

Violence:

Mild and slapstick violence is allowed. Focus on violence is not permitted and all fight scenes must be short. Brief scenes of horror are allowed as long as there are reassuring positive elements such as comedic music.

My thriller opening has long scenes of horror which would not be suited for a 'U' movie as well as hints to threats, violence and sexual behavior.

'PG' - 'PG' stands for parent's guidance. Movies with this classification tend to tend more with issues such as bullying, bereavement or racism however parents should be the ones who decide if their child can watch the movie as some children may find it upsetting whereas some might not. These movies typically are suited for children aged 8 and older.

Bad Language:

Mild bad language such as 'son of a bitch' or 'shit' may be used but are used very little and are often used in a a good context. Aggressive and constant swearing is not permitted for a PG.

Violence:

Some violent behaviour is acceptable however it must be mild. According to BBFC,  "Violence is generally more acceptable in a historical, comedic or fantasy setting, because of the distancing that this provides. It isn’t uncommon for PG films to feature ‘roller-coaster’ action or set pieces, where the emphasis is clearly on the adventure or journey of the main characters rather than the detail of violence or fighting."

My thriller does not promote or feature too much violence, 'jump scares' or any bad language it does deal with the issue of stalking and assult which would not be suited for younger audiences so it would not be classified as a 'PG'.

'12' and '12A' - This classification is not suitable for children under the age of 12. '12A's are movies where an adult must accompany the 12 year old.

Strong Language:

Strong language will be used in '12's and '12A's such as 'f*ck' but it depends on the context and manner in which it is said.

Sexual Behaviour:

Nudity, sexual behaviour and sexual references must be brief but are permitted.

Violence:

According to BBFC's site, "At 12A, moderate violence is allowed but it should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if they can be justified by their context (for example brief sight of bloody injury in a medical drama).

Action sequences and weapons may be present at 12A or 12, and there may be long fight scenes or similar. Weapons which might be easily accessible to 12 year olds (such as knives) should not be glamorised in 12A and 12 works.

Sexual violence, such as scenes of rape or assault, may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated at 12A and 12. Such scenes must also have a strong contextual justification."

'15' - 15 movies are not suited for anyone under the age of 15 as they tend to contain:

•   strong violence
•  frequent strong language (e.g. 'f***').
•   portrayals of sexual activity
•   strong verbal references to sex
•   sexual nudity
•   brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence
•   discriminatory language or behaviour
•   drug taking

(List taken from bbfc.co.uk)

However at a 15, there is only to be brief verbal references to issues such as stalking and there should be no focus on sadistic or sexualised threat. Though it is possible to make my thriller a '15' it would be safer to make it an '18' due to the issues it deals with. 

'18' - These movies are not suitable for anyone under the age of 18 and cannot be watched, rented or purchased by anyone without proof of age. Movies with this classification have not limit on swearing or themes. '18' movies tend to include:

  strong violence

•  frequent strong language (e.g. 'f***').
•   portrayals of sexual activity
•   strong verbal references to sex
•   sexual nudity
•   brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence
•   discriminatory language or behaviour
•   drug taking

(List taken from bbfc.co.uk)

Due to the horror nature of my thriller it is best that I classify it an 15. It means that younger viewers are unlikely to see the disturbing topics but still allows for a wide audience.

ALL IMAGES AND INFORMATION FROM BBFC.CO.UK

Storyboard Version Two

I made a second draft of my storyboard as I changed the idea slightly so it fit the idea of a stalker stalking his victim and it focuses more on that than him killing his victim. By adding some more clips I made the opening longer and make more sense.

Most clips stay the same but I took out clip of removing the box from under the bed because it did not have any relevance to the opening. I also took out any scene with the knife because it focused too much on killing the victim than the stalking.

I added more clips that focused on the pictures of the victim as it filled in more space between clips as well as showing the stalker's obsession of the victim by going back to the same image. It is to represent how she has taken over his thoughts.

I kept the same template and style as I found it to work effectively as well as making it easier to convey what I want each clip to look like. This time I numbered the frames as it was easy to mix up the sheets.


The colour tone and representation are the same in this version as it still suited the opening.

Titles have not been drawn onto the storyboard but this is where they will be:

• Frame 1 - Company by...
• Frame 2 - Film by...
• Frame 3 - Victim's name
• Frame 4 - Stalkers name
• Frame 5 - Extra's names
• Frame 6 - Extra's names
• Frame 7 - Title
• Frame 8 - Casting by...
• Frame 9 - Music by...
• Frame 14 - Written by...
• Frame 19 - Directed by...

The colour, font and action of the titles are the same as version one. 

In this version I have set some timings as I would like to have the opening synchronized to music which I have composed myself.

 The timings  are also not written on the storyboard as they might be changed after the music is composed. These are the current timings:

• Frame 1 - 8s
• Frame 2 - 8s
• Frame 3 - 8s
• Frame 4 - 8s
• Frame 5 - 4s
• Frame 6 - 4s
• Frame 7 - 8s
• Frame 8 - 8s
• Frame 9 - 8s
• Frame 10 - 4s
• Frame 11 - 4s
• Frame 12 - 4s
• Frame 13 - 8 s
• Frame 14 - 8s
• Frame 15 - 4s
• Frame 16 - 4s
• Frame 17 -  4s
• Frame 18-19 - 12s

The four second clips are to create a fast pace and build up the suspense. Whereas the longer clips are to establish more story.

Storyboard Version One

 For the story-boarding process I made my own template in Microsoft Word based on templates used by Dreamworks storyboard artist. Before making my own storyboard I researched how storyboards are designed and what kind of information are put onto them. I looked at this web page which gives tips and diagrams of story-boarding techniques. 

My template has for boxes for each clip with space on the right to add information about how I would like the scene to be shot for example I added what shot type, camera angles, some mise en scene and general directions for the actors.

All directions such as actors movement are shown in red to make it stand out as the major movement of each clip.The pictures are drawn roughly with little detail as all detail has gone into the writing yet it still shows exactly what happens in each clip.

My thriller opening is about a stalker (shown on the storyboard as 'A') who is researching, stalking and then approaching his prey. The opening is full of short clips of close ups of actions 'A' is doing for example crossing out names on a list of previous victims. At the beginning you see him walking in the dark. His identity is hidden in this darkness to show his anonymity but also to represent hidden dangers. His victim is not know immediately but there are hints to her identity in the series of close ups where his is locating and finding out information on her. The scene is somewhat puzzling at the beginning as the clips are just parts of an unseen bigger picture but when the knife is shown there is an atmosphere of danger which gives the audience a hint as to what might happen. The opening ends on a long shot of a research board showing the whole picture of what is happening and shows that 'A' is a stalker and 'B' is his victim.

I have not put where the titles will be put but they will be in this order:

• Company
• Film by...
• 'A's actor's name
• 'B's actor's name
• Title of thriller
• Casting by
• Music by...
• Written by...
• Directed by...

This order is based of the information I got from previous research of movie opening sequences which can be found here.

The titles will be white to contrast with the dark surroundings. The font will be sketchy and look handwritten. It will flicker like its is from an old projector and preferably look grainy to add to the old feel. 

The colour tone of the opening will be quite dark but with the warm yellows of street lamps when it comes to scenes with 'B'. The yellow adds a sense of warmth and normality to an otherwise dangerous scenario. This lures the audience is a false sense of hope but adds tension and a shock when they realise the danger  and that the opening will not end pleasantly. The blackness of the rest of the opening adds as sense of hidden danger. However it also signifies death, forewarning the audience what happens to the victim.

When it comes to representation you can tell that it is middle class England due to the clothes of both the victim (casual clothes) and the stalker (plain clothing). As there is no dialogue to show dialect or accents it is important to show class and location in other ways. The scene is based on a typical road in England with semi-detached houses. The location is to represent normality but this shows that this scenario can happen anywhere and to anyone.  The stalker is male as in media most stalkers are. 83% of stalkers according to www.novabucks.org/otherinformation/stalking/  are male, so I made the stalker male to represent this. The victim is also female because most victims are female but it also represents women are the weaker sex which brings about the battle of the sexes.