Sunday, 29 December 2013
Top 30 Camera Shots
I have just stumbled across this guide to Empire's top 30 camera angles, including multiple examples of films in which each one is used. This link I am finding extremely valuable.
The all-important link: http://www.empireonline.com/features/film-studies-101-camera-shots-styles/
Many of these shots are frequently used in the films that have influenced my plan for an opening sequence, such as the Deep Focus shot, POV shot and the Whip Pan.
Some of these shots I have previously been unaware of, and I feel using these new techniques will add depth to the work I produce on a visual level.
Tuesday, 3 December 2013
Audience Survey
Click here to take survey Here is the survey I have composed in order to collect audience information about film preferences. PLEASE TAKE THE SURVEY. Thank you.
*1. Which genre of film do you enjoy watching?
I put a link to my survey on my Facebook page and on an online forum. From the results of my survey, I found out that my audience would react very positively to a film of my chosen genre. The fan-base would be vast, with over 70% of results stating that the audience members would watch a pastiche film and also audition for one. Most of the results read that the audience play videogames for fun, so would be able to identify with some of the references I would make in my film.
*2. How many of these films have you seen?
*3. Would you audition to be in a film like this?
*4. Do you play videogames? If so, list here:
I put a link to my survey on my Facebook page and on an online forum. From the results of my survey, I found out that my audience would react very positively to a film of my chosen genre. The fan-base would be vast, with over 70% of results stating that the audience members would watch a pastiche film and also audition for one. Most of the results read that the audience play videogames for fun, so would be able to identify with some of the references I would make in my film.
Friday, 29 November 2013
Morecambe & Wise breakfast scene
For my 2 minute film piece, I am considering choreographing a scene similar to the one performed by comedy duo 'Morecambe and Wise'. I would intersperse this with shots of people running, as I think to pair the mundane task of cooking with frantic movement and panic of running would have comic value.
Friday, 22 November 2013
Film Opening Time Line
http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/great-expectations/#
Here is a film opening time line for 'Great Expectations' (2011)
00:02 - RAY WINSTON
00:06 - GILLIAN ANDERSON
00:11 - DAVID SUCHET
00:15 - and DOUGLAS BOOTH
00:21 - MARK ADDY, CHARLE CREED-MILES, SHAUN DOOLEY
00:23 - OSCAR KENNEDY, VANESSA KIRBY, IZZY MEIKLE-SMALL
00:27 - PAUL RHYS, JACK ROTH, CLAIRE RUSHBROOK
00:30 - screenplay by SARAH PHELPS
00:33 - produced by GEORGE ORMOND
00:35 - directed by BRIAN KIRK
00:42 - GREAT EXPECTATIONS
00:44 - by CHARLES DICKENS
The credits appear relatively oddly spaced, the number of seconds between them varying widely.
The music for this film opening seemed to build, starting softly at the beginning with only one or two instruments being played. As the piece moved on, more and more depth seemed to be added to it, and by the end of the opening the music had reached a delicate, reserved crescendo using only one instrument. This was effective when paired with the butterfly starting off translucent, then becoming more white/grey, then developing fine black patterns on it's wings until finally, it's jet black and in the iconic pose of a butterfly preserved for display - referencing part of the story, and one of Miss Havisham's famous lines.
Miss Havisham: [to Pip of a butterfly collection] "Look closer if you wish. My brother's collection. He went to the furthest reaches of the earth in his quest for the purest specimen of beauty. And when he found it, he stuck a pin through its heart. He's dead now. Cholera. In the tropics. Struck down in his relentless pursuit of beauty. Perhaps it was beauty's revenge to stop his heart when he had stopped so many others."
Here is a film opening time line for 'Great Expectations' (2011)
00:02 - RAY WINSTON
00:06 - GILLIAN ANDERSON
00:11 - DAVID SUCHET
00:15 - and DOUGLAS BOOTH
00:21 - MARK ADDY, CHARLE CREED-MILES, SHAUN DOOLEY
00:23 - OSCAR KENNEDY, VANESSA KIRBY, IZZY MEIKLE-SMALL
00:27 - PAUL RHYS, JACK ROTH, CLAIRE RUSHBROOK
00:30 - screenplay by SARAH PHELPS
00:33 - produced by GEORGE ORMOND
00:35 - directed by BRIAN KIRK
00:42 - GREAT EXPECTATIONS
00:44 - by CHARLES DICKENS
The credits appear relatively oddly spaced, the number of seconds between them varying widely.
The music for this film opening seemed to build, starting softly at the beginning with only one or two instruments being played. As the piece moved on, more and more depth seemed to be added to it, and by the end of the opening the music had reached a delicate, reserved crescendo using only one instrument. This was effective when paired with the butterfly starting off translucent, then becoming more white/grey, then developing fine black patterns on it's wings until finally, it's jet black and in the iconic pose of a butterfly preserved for display - referencing part of the story, and one of Miss Havisham's famous lines.
Miss Havisham: [to Pip of a butterfly collection] "Look closer if you wish. My brother's collection. He went to the furthest reaches of the earth in his quest for the purest specimen of beauty. And when he found it, he stuck a pin through its heart. He's dead now. Cholera. In the tropics. Struck down in his relentless pursuit of beauty. Perhaps it was beauty's revenge to stop his heart when he had stopped so many others."
Iconic Sounds
Some of the key iconic sounds from the Pastiche genre are (I am looking at a mixture of comedy, action fantasy, gaming genres):
There are usually a lot of explosions in action films, so I might use this convention in my pastiche.
The game over track is an iconic sound, referenced in films with the video game theme to signal a death or the end.
The 8bit track is iconic to vintage video games which is often very relatable to gaming audiences.
The gun shot sound is extremely recognisable as it is used in a wide range of genres. People recognise it even if they've never even seen a gun in reality.
Zombies are one of the most popular human-mutant features in fantasy films, and their moan is easily replicated seeing as they are formed from creatures that were once human beings.
There are usually a lot of explosions in action films, so I might use this convention in my pastiche.
The game over track is an iconic sound, referenced in films with the video game theme to signal a death or the end.
The 8bit track is iconic to vintage video games which is often very relatable to gaming audiences.
The gun shot sound is extremely recognisable as it is used in a wide range of genres. People recognise it even if they've never even seen a gun in reality.
Zombies are one of the most popular human-mutant features in fantasy films, and their moan is easily replicated seeing as they are formed from creatures that were once human beings.
Thursday, 21 November 2013
Typical Synopsis
Typical Synopsis for an 'Action-Comedy' -
A down-trodden 'lovable loser' type character is living their unsatisfying life undisturbed. Then something significant happens requiring them to become a hero or use some physical/metal skill only they possess to overcome the villain. They will often be taken out of their natural everyday environment and end up somewhere they don't know how to behave. They may come across another, 'hero type' character who becomes their guide/love interest/friend. In the end the loser gains respect after defeating his enemies and returning home where their life is considerably better, usually after honing their special skill. These will contain a lot of slapstick in comparison to an Action film.
Typical Synopsis for a 'Syfy-Comedy' -
A 'nobody' character may be living perfectly happily until a series of unusual events begin to occur. They may be told by another (more experienced) character that they possess supernatural capabilities. They must then work on their powers to become strong enough to: save their home planet/dimention, overthrow an evil ruler in a futuristic world/setting, or save the planet from certain destruction by another planet. There is often an impossible feat the character must perform, and using their special powers (which should be more powerful than anybody else possessing them) save everyone. In the end they settle in to using their powers, and are often made a leader or a ruler due to their bravery. These are often feel good films, opposed to Syfy.
Typical Synopsis for a 'Teen-Comedy' -
A nerdy teenager whom is particularly unpopular usually attempts to boost their social status by providing fake IDs/alcohol/drugs, resulting in much physical comedy. They will often have feelings for a popular girl considered way out of their league, but will attempt to court them anyway. The police are often involved and make attempts to try and stop them. Eventually, the nerd uses their natural intellect to get the popular people out of a bad situation, sometimes by sacrifising themselves. These films can end in two ways. The first, the nerd gains the respect of their peers, gets the girl, and is happy. The second (and more popular version) the nerd is popular for that night and that night only, and the next day at school they are treated just as they were before and the girl refuses to date them. The character may be happy that he achieved the goal, just for the night, or angry that it didn't last for more than a few hours.
My hopes for my film opening is to use aspects of all three of these film genres and create a divine hybrid of lonely characters, social status, peer pressure and unconventional heroes.
Typical Synopsis for a 'Pastiche Film' -
A group of mundane, introverted nerds from different walks of life, ages and families come together for a greater good, either for the sake of everyone or against their will. Each character has an attribute exclusive to them which the group cannot function without. One link from the group will falter and leave and it is up to the rest of the group to restore order and regain their trust to defeat the demons and their demons. Everybody wins, a lot of death is usually expected.
A down-trodden 'lovable loser' type character is living their unsatisfying life undisturbed. Then something significant happens requiring them to become a hero or use some physical/metal skill only they possess to overcome the villain. They will often be taken out of their natural everyday environment and end up somewhere they don't know how to behave. They may come across another, 'hero type' character who becomes their guide/love interest/friend. In the end the loser gains respect after defeating his enemies and returning home where their life is considerably better, usually after honing their special skill. These will contain a lot of slapstick in comparison to an Action film.
Typical Synopsis for a 'Syfy-Comedy' -
A 'nobody' character may be living perfectly happily until a series of unusual events begin to occur. They may be told by another (more experienced) character that they possess supernatural capabilities. They must then work on their powers to become strong enough to: save their home planet/dimention, overthrow an evil ruler in a futuristic world/setting, or save the planet from certain destruction by another planet. There is often an impossible feat the character must perform, and using their special powers (which should be more powerful than anybody else possessing them) save everyone. In the end they settle in to using their powers, and are often made a leader or a ruler due to their bravery. These are often feel good films, opposed to Syfy.
Typical Synopsis for a 'Teen-Comedy' -
A nerdy teenager whom is particularly unpopular usually attempts to boost their social status by providing fake IDs/alcohol/drugs, resulting in much physical comedy. They will often have feelings for a popular girl considered way out of their league, but will attempt to court them anyway. The police are often involved and make attempts to try and stop them. Eventually, the nerd uses their natural intellect to get the popular people out of a bad situation, sometimes by sacrifising themselves. These films can end in two ways. The first, the nerd gains the respect of their peers, gets the girl, and is happy. The second (and more popular version) the nerd is popular for that night and that night only, and the next day at school they are treated just as they were before and the girl refuses to date them. The character may be happy that he achieved the goal, just for the night, or angry that it didn't last for more than a few hours.
My hopes for my film opening is to use aspects of all three of these film genres and create a divine hybrid of lonely characters, social status, peer pressure and unconventional heroes.
Typical Synopsis for a 'Pastiche Film' -
A group of mundane, introverted nerds from different walks of life, ages and families come together for a greater good, either for the sake of everyone or against their will. Each character has an attribute exclusive to them which the group cannot function without. One link from the group will falter and leave and it is up to the rest of the group to restore order and regain their trust to defeat the demons and their demons. Everybody wins, a lot of death is usually expected.
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