Question 1- In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products

Question 1

I have selected 9 particular frames from my  thriller film opening which incorporate or challenge stereotypical conventions of thriller films. 

Frame One: Story and how the opening sets up

At the start of the film we wanted to show the basis of  the narrative therefore we used a panning shot of the setting. This showed the Bunker itself  and the empty landscape of its surroundings, the colour of the mise-en-scene tells the audience the scene was set within an older year. The old image suggests the plot of story has a hidden old ghostly story behind it therefore conveying a convention of thriller films. The titles also assist the shot to explain the location. Despite the opening scene looking like a stereotypical location it doesn't set a clear narrative from the start. This opening follows the introduction of 'X-Men' as they too show the location alongside titles to set the mood. Where 'X-Men' use rain 'pathetic fatalist' to set the mood of the opening shoot, our movie uses a filter to make all the colours gloomy and dark. Without the vibrant colours of green of the grass and blue of the sky the mood portrayed is very depressing and sad.

Frame Two: Camera work and editing

To create suspense and allow the audience to become familiar with the characters from the beginning of the film a niche variety of shots were used in the bunker scene. Using long and medium shots the audience can see the clothing of the person as well as the setting within each shot. Closer shots were used within the second scene to allow the narrative to flow and create suspense. Using a variety of shots as well as the pace between shots worked well to build the suspense for example when the lights go out within the bunker the camera swings from different camera angles, from first the writing on the wall to the close up of the ghost face to then a high angle of the characters running up the stairs to get away. The pace allows the audience to keep engaged into the film as they wouldn't want to miss anything key.

Frame Three: Film Title

The title page is a separate shot to the scene. The title was placed in between the two scenes to break them up, we did experiment with putting the title page on the end of the 2 minutes however this made the opening look more like a trailer. The blood dripping and close up of the scary eye conveys the conventions of a thriller because it looks scary as well as give elements of the narrative. With the title being 'The Bunker' I decided it would be a bit cliché if the title was over the long shot image of the bunker therefore it was placed against a back drop. Also makes a stronger narrative due to the female going missing in the last scene and then appearing being blood within the title, suggesting she has died or something big has happened to her. 

We of course used film titles of production companies which has been explained before hand.

Frame Four: How the characters are introduced

The characters were introduced as a friendship group from the beginning of the film. This was to show the connection and relationship between the characters. The characters are shown walking down a lane before approaching the bunker. The filter which is used through this scene doesn't show any colours therefore the characters identity isn't strong, names aren't used either within this scene however the distinctive looks each character has makes them unique and obvious to the audience such as, the female is the only girl within the group, there are different ethnicities which make the characters distinctive as well as height different between the male characters. Within the second scene a title states the location of the house 'Simon's house' then a male character is shown, suggesting that his name is Simon, this is the protagonist. The clothing used was quite basic; as before mentioned we got the female to wear a skirt to make her look more faltering where as we got the males to wear basic jeans and a jumper or/and coat. We then got the character 'Simon' to wear a polo shirt for the second scene because polos are a bit more fashionable and older people, within their 20's, would stereotypically wear these types of tops. In 'The November Man' the male protagonist character wears a top, this was an influence for our costume idea for the second scene.

Frame Five: Lighting

The bunker was a dark location therefore we had to use torches to lighten the surroundings. The torches illuminated the walls of the bunker which allowed us to film enough footage. To our advantage the darkness and torches created shadows  when walking down the bunker corridor therefore we used this to create and add suspense to the outcome. The torches were also used to highlight individual part of the bunker such as the graffiti, 'The Devil is Here' is written within the bunker walls (we didn't do this). The torches highlighted this writing so when filming it became clear what was written. In terms of the outside and house scenes we used natural day lighting to give it a natural look, however we did film towards sunset with the bunker scene to allow the light look as if it is falling behind the bunker hill.

Frame Six: Setting and Location

We used the 2 locations in which we had decided on from the beginning of the planning. The bunker was set in Hartlip where as the house was set in Parkwood, Rainham. However due to publishing the film in mainstream cinemas we decided to say the house is set in a more mainstream location 'London' to allow the audience to attach and connect with the narrative easier. The locations were accessible which lead us to film quite easily, despite the weather issues we had on our first original filming date.  Using the filter within the first scene allowed the two scenes to juxtapose massively which helped emphases on the time change. With additional help with the music the locations where completely identified separately.  The setting of the house was already a plain layout therefore additional props weren't needed which helped us to be more organised. 

Frame Seven: Genre and how the opening suggests it

We followed top thriller conventions in order for our audience to understand the genre of the film is thriller. A convention we used strongly was the pitch and tempo of the soundtrack. We had several different sounds which were used throughout however, there are sudden changes within the music and scary screams which creates suspense and the heart jumping changes are quite scary therefore informing the audience it is a thriller. Another convention we used was our choices of camera angles. We used a side camera to make it look like someone is watching them come into the bunker, this idea of a stalker or someone watching the characters gives the feel of suspicion therefore telling the audience someone is watching them which is scary, again telling the audience that it is a thriller. Also the added elements of writing and the scribbles used on the female in the photo frame shows that bad things are happening and creating a scary atmosphere therefore allowing the audience to see that it is a thriller. We did subvert one of the 

stereotypical conventions of a thriller because we had added the sound of a birds song which is relaxing however this juxtaposes the scene therefore still allowing the audience to be on edge as they could tell from the first scene that it was a thriller therefore it creates the mind thought of 'What's next?'. When the stereotypical conventions of a thriller film are challenge it makes the film more interesting and makes the audience think about the differences. These convention combined allows the audience to see the film has a thriller genre.

Frame Eight: Special effects

We used face paint to create a special effect, this was to create suspense as well as make the bunker come across as more scary. We used this  special effect to create a fuller story line as well as make the footage look more interesting. We didn't really add many special effects as the footage originally looked quite good and created a clear story line.

Frame Nine: How suspense is created

Suspense was created throughout the film, one way in which we done this was by adding slow motion to one of the actors opening the door on the side, this slow motion suggested that they were scared and could possibly leave even though they didn't, this slow motion also made the noise from the door deeper and louder. This created suspense because the noise is sudden and the audience are unaware on what is on the other side of the door. Suspense is also created when the 3 boys are running away, the female isn't present therefore allowing the audience to ask 'where is she?' and 'what happened?'. This is then followed by a loud scream which create even more suspense as it questions the audience more 'who's scream is that?'. In the second scene a sound of creaking is heard and the camera flies round to where the sound is coming from however nothing is there. This creates suspense because there is no one around to make that noise therefore asks the audience again 'where did that sound come from?'. All this continuous questioning within the audiences head creates suspense because they are confused and questions without answers are accruing, not knowing the unknown creates suspense because of the curious thoughts.

The Bunker

The Bunker

Below is our final outcome of our product, enjoy.

Behind the Scenes- Sound

Sound

The sound we used to create suspense and tension within our video was a combination of Youtube Non-Copyrighted music and sounds made by ourselves.
We looked for a range of sounds to create the right atmosphere. We had already looked into Hammer's production realises, these being mainly thrillers therefore we chose this one, from our research we found out at he beginning of a film there are an average of 2-4 indents, therefore we used both Hammer and their production company Warner Brothers as our indents. The Warner Brothers ident has a set piece of music therefore we had to use that despite it not being non-copy righted however using sound effects in IMovie we found a approbate sound in which was used for the ident music for Hammer Productions. We chose this music piece below to be the sound of Hammer productions because the mysterious sound creates tension, also the music builds which quickly building excitement and suspense on what to expect.
Hammer Productions -Youtube Link

When filming the sound of the characters talking weren't as projected as we were hoping therefore we recorded the voices to put over the top to make them more clear as well as using a different technique. After adding and cutting the voices, the voices didn't blend as they sounded like they had been added therefore by clicking onto the audio effect tool the speech had the muffle filter added to them to make they sound more natural, by adjusting the volume of the voices they blended in with the footage well.

The background music which we used throughout the first scene was found on Youtube. We decided to use this music as it was quite deep and slow making building the suspense. The background music which is used within the second scene is gentle however still builds suspense as the music is quite fast despite it being soft. The contrast within music from the first scene to second scene isn't massive however still creates a clears contrast. In the first scene the music is made with the use of a solo piano, using the same beats over and over were as the second scene the music is also played by a piano but within a higher key and using the same 2/3 beats with an occasional higher note. The piano instrument keeps the continuous and relaxed atmosphere however with sudden changing within the music builds the suspense as the audience knows something is about to happen.
Scene 1- In the Bunker -Youtube Link
Scene 2- Simons House -Youtube Link


Additional sounds where added which where created by ourselves and using Youtube videos. When watching the footage back the first time we noticed a when the doors were touched or moved then it created a loud echo creaky noise, this was used to our advantage as we didn't need to add additional sound just make these elements louder. The sound of heavy breathing was found off youtube which was lapped by the sound of whispers which was also found on Youtube, both off which were non-copy righted. These whispers and heavy breathing created suspense and the sudden change in sound would make the audience jump. Between the two sounds is a sound of a scream as the girls face appears, this is unexpected therefore will startle the audience, the volume here was also increased to make the change even bigger. The loud scream is also used when the Bunker is shown this is to show that is it the same person screaming and they are still trapped within the Bunker. When the 3 characters where running away the sound of footsteps where added, this was made by recording ourselves running on the spot, this then was added and because the sound was made on carnet it was loud and echoed slightly.
Heavy Breathing -Youtube Link
Heart Beat -Youtube Link

Then the title is shown, this was made by myself using photoshop.  The original image was of Charlotte (on of the characters within the scene) on photoshop I was able to make her eyes white, increase her make-up to show she's a female and add a title and dripping blood. We used a scream again as the audience stereotypically probably thought all the sudden loud noises were gone and the title was showing, however when the girls face appears and the scream is put in place in a loud volume the audience will become frightened again as they wouldn't have inspected it.

After the title we change scene to years down the line. Birds tweets where used which was a sound found you Youtube, to suggest it is the morning and relax the audience as the sound of birds calls are quite calming. The background music was then played throughout as discussed before hand.

When Simon picks up the photo, a floor board creak heard this makes Simon turn round and look where the sound is coming from, then when he returns the photo of Charlotte was starched out. The sound of whispers where added again to show the connection from the Bunker to the house and represent some sort of spirt. The music then changes slightly to create some deeper slower sounds to emphasis the horrible event. At first we used orchestra music however it didn't fit the genre as it sound more like an action sound rather than a thriller, therefore we changed it to a slower but still a deep piece of music to give a strong unpack on the image.
Ending Music -Youtube Linker

Behind the Senses- Make-up

Make-Up

As before mentioned we decide to add a scary face. We used face paint to to make females eyes darker and the rest of her face pale, we done this to make her look ghostly however the dark eyes make her look scary and almost bruised as if something or someone has hit her. Below is a tutorial as how the make-up was constructed.

We used a brown eye brow pen, bronzer as well as brown eye shadow to create a bread on our actor Kyan. This was to make him look older and show the time has passed by. This was effective because the facial hair showed/ suggested that time had passed therefore his has gone through adulthood, allowing him to grow a bread. This adheres the stereotype of a male as males have breads to make them look manly and grownup.

Behind the Scenes- Editing

Editing

We used a software called IMovie in order to edit our film. I had never used this software before therefore it took a while to edit our video due to the lack of knowledge on this software.  The outcome was successful and certain edits were made, the video below decisive these decisions and why they were chosen.

Behind the scenes- Filming

Filming

The Bunker

Due to weather conditions we had to change the date of the original scheduled, luckily we sent a contingency date we reschedule the filming day of the bunker scene from the 8th February to the 11th of February liked we planned, this then lead to the house date being filmed to the 28th February.


In order to film the second half we needed to take the photo in order for it to go into the photo frame. We took the photo before filming of the 4 characters standing outside the Bunker, despite the filming footage not showing the photo being taken, the audience can clearly see that the photo is connected to the Bunker and reminds them of the before scene. I then used photoshop to remove the Nike tick logo on the black jumper and on the trainers this is because we don't have copyright to the brand. Removing it covers our back however if this was to be released within the cinema then the production company could get Nike to sponsor the film to advertise their brand.

Filming commenced on the 11th February. We met the cast at the meeting time of 16:00 in the afternoon and we walked to the Bunker. We decided as the season is Winter the natural light in which we had access to would be lost quite quickly therefore the outside shots were filmed first to allow use to take full advantage of the natural sun light. We followed the storyboard very well however we decide to change a small element of it. Instead having the light go off twice, we had the light go off once and an added scary face would be shown to increase the tension and give the character more of a purpose to be running away. The actors followed the directions well and were enthusiastic, this made the filming process calm and structured.

When approaching the Bunker torches where added to lighten the Bunker. We didn't have access to a Nokia phone torch therefore we used normal torches, despite the change the torches highlighted the bunker and created shadows which created a spooky and scary
atmosphere.

As this part was unplanned it was filmed after all the other footage. We film this within a walk-in wardrobe as there were now windows therefore it would be as dark at the bunker. When using a phone torch light the light was flashed in her face whilst she looked at the camera and looked angry/ scared. After adding this to the rest of the footage we decided this was a successful change and makes the story clearer.


Simon's House
As before mentioned we filmed the second scene on the 28th February.
The Bunker scene was filmed in '2003', and the scene in Simons house was then filmed in 2016. We wanted to use the same characters to allow the audience to understand who they are and the connection between the sence however we had to show that time had changed therefore that required making him look older.

We used Ellie's house for the location because her living room landscape is quite plain therefore gave us a good canvas  to work with. We removed additional photos which were already on the side and replaced one of the images within these photos with the image which was taken at the Bunker. When filming we came across the challenge of the reflection of the camera being seen in the photo frame glass, therefore we decided to take the image out and cut it down to size to fit in over the glass to prevent the reflections.
This film shoot went quite smoothly and additional footage was filmed to fill and gaps of continuity.

Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes

Here's a short video of use taking photo's whilst filming. This was to show that we didn't used copy righted videos and we took turns in filming.

Planning- Script

Script

This below is a written script of the first 2 minutes of our thriller opening. This, when filming, allows us to follow the script and the storyboard.

The Bunker

BY

BETHANY HEAD, ELLIE SMITH & AYO OSIKOYA

FADE IN:

TITLE CARD: 2003

EXT. BUNKER – SUNSET

In the middle of a field stands a bunker, grass covering its entirety.   The sound of teenagers talking in the background can be heard as they walk down a lane leading towards the bunker.

AYO suddenly stops and spots the bunker.  The chatting stops as it becomes silent.

AYO

Come on guys who’s up for a laugh?

CHARLOTTE

But it’s so dark

SCOTT

It’s okay I have a torch

The mumbling of the teenagers starts.   They start to crawl through the barbed wire one at a time at the side of the bunker.

Walk towards the bunker; see the teenagers approaching it slowly.   Sound track begins of deep slow music.  

The camera looks down the stairs and as it views the darkness.  Charlotte approaches the stairs and starts walking down them with a torch

Each character continues to walk down the stairs as the surroundings are observed.  The torch is lit and the surroundings are highlighted.

The row of rooms is visible.  Sound track becomes louder.

Turn round to view a closer room. The sound track becomes even louder.  Return to the view of the room.

Light goes out, scene just plain darkness.  Sound track reaches climax, screaming of the teenagers overlap.

Light comes back on.  Screaming of the teenagers stop and the soundtrack continues on a lower volume.

Charlotte’s expression is discussed because the boys screamed.  The hallway is highlighted.

Light goes back out.  Sound track climax’s again and the teenagers scream.

Hand held camera as the teenagers run away. The soundtrack still at its climax as the characters run away.

Characters crawl back through the gate, struggling as the fear is making their bodies tense.  Sound track picks up the pace to exaggerate the speed and increase the suspense.

Sound track becomes high pitched.  Bunker is shown as a close up and slowly zoom out.  Suddenly cut to the Bunker stairs, high pitch soundtrack stops and a girl’s scream is heard.

CUT:

TITLE PAGE: THE BUNKER

INT. ELLIE’S HOUSE – Sunrise

TITLE CARD: 2016

Ellie’s house in a row of terrace houses with a black.  The natural sound of morning bird calls can be heard to create a calm relaxed atmosphere.

TITLE CARD: KYAN TURNBULL

Hand reaching to a door handle.  Then pulls it down to realise the lock.

KYAN walks through the door wearing jeans and polo.  Looking tired he observes his surroundings. Bird calls stop, leaving silence present.

His eyes are drawn into the photo frame on the side table.  Photo frame placed between a lamp and other photo’s. Deep sound track starts.

Walk towards the photo. Sound track continues. Reaches towards the photo, sound track get louder.

Camera zooms into photo, then a loud sudden deep sound. Kyan looks round to observe the surroundings. However when he looks back round to the photo, the female character is scribbled out.

Deep sudden noise. Scene.