Editing

In class we were introduced to a program called Final Cut Pro. We are able to import out shoots that were taken using the camera. We learnt how to put the shots in chronological order and this is shown via the timeline. The blue tab is the actual footage from the camera and the green tab is the sound. We can mute all the background sound and add different voice clips by importin music from Sound track pro. We had a task to make a bag swap and have 12 shots and using final cut pro helped us to edit it in the right way.

• slow down and speed up sounds and length of clips
• cutting bits out that we don't need/want
• choosing the order in which each clips goes
• adding sound

The Art of the Title Sequence - Quantum of Solace

The Quantum of Solace.













- The style of the titles are simple yet eye catching. The colour of the writing matches the colours of the background which makes it eye-catching. The writing is bold and is clean, which is perfect for a action film for James Bond. 


- The main title is the name of the film itself and the dark background with the light color of the text makes it stand out. All of the other titles are credits and all of the pictures used behind them are all very interesting. 


- The images used seems like a typical James Bond film. The girls because there is always a love interest in the film, the guns as Bond is part of the MI6 and so he is always dealing with the bad guys.


- The types of shot used - 

• long shot of when he is standing on the sand
• close up of his hand on the gun
• medium shot of the bond and the gun with his face showing

- I like this title sequence because it just seems like a typical James Bond film and the colours and pictures are interesting.

Thriller Audiences

^^^^ The worksheet where I got the information from^^^^

1) How many suspense films were released in 2009? How many films were released altogether last year?

31 suspense films were released in 2009 and 503 films where released altogether last year.

2) Action, animation and comedy account fro 52% of Box Office in the UK in 2009. Why do you think these genres are so popular?

I think these genres are so popular because of the fact that they generally appeal to a young audience who are most likely go to the cinemas and invest money on watching films.

3) why do you think Thrillers account from quite a low proportion of UK Box Office takings (4% in 2009)?

This was probably because Thrillers have a limited age certificate and also action and comedy movies that are released at the same time as Thrillers will overtake sales because they have a wider target audience.

4) Looking at the 'genre by gender' diagram above, what information can be derived about Thriller audiences and gender?

Females often go to view romantic genres as they are primarily associated with women. Surprisingly the genre 'Suspense' is more on the women's side of the diagram and that because thier are different types of Thrillers they may appeal to women more than men. Comedy is the genre featured in the middle which shows that its target audience is for both men and women.

5) Look at the age certificate for 10 of the films featured on the teaching blog. What does this tell you about Thriller audiences?

This tells is that most thriller films are targeted at people over the ages on 15 and that some scenes may be only appropriate for those ages

Introduction to cameras: SKILLS

Within lesson we were introduced to the camera we will be using to record the opening of our thriller film. 

We were aware of safety rules and hazards as well as what do in case of an emergency.

Safety rules and general rules:

• In the case of an emergency call the media department and go straight home, even if it is with the camera. An example of an emergency as such is a fire, bombing or anything else threatening to life. 
• Never expose the camera in the rain or to water. If required ask the technician for an umbrella used to protect the camera. 
• Never do illegal actions or anything against the law when filming e.g vandalizing, graffiti etc
• Never film in dangerous places such as railways or anywhere prohibited this could result in disqualification 
• Close the camera lens after use as, it is the most important an expensive part of the camera
• Always hand the camera in on time as there are only fifteen cameras within the department and many other groups will need to use them

We were also introduced to handling the camera from turning it on to changing the light intensity. Each of us took a turn in setting up the camera so that the group and media department were confident that we could use them. I learnt how to adjust the lighting according to the setting we are in. I also learnt that zooming in is not always a very good technique when using the camera, therefore we should only do it when necessary as well as ensuring that it has been focused.

The Bag Swap

Within lesson we watched a scene from the 'Collateral' of a bag swap. One of my favourite shots in this clip is when the man in the sunglasses (Tom Cruise) is walking towards the camera. It tells the audience the importance of his character furthermore, we can quickly judge his type of character through his attire and walk. The idea that he is wearing sunglasses and this is a crime thriller is very key because, sunglasses are a very important prop in terms of mise en scene within thrillers. The bag swap itself was very realistic however, the looks that were exchanged suggested that it may have not been an accident.

In order to become familiar with using the camera and, perform different shots with it we were given a brief which was to film a bag swap in a 'exciting and thrilling' way. Although the idea of a bag swap is not interesting it was our task to make it interesting, through shot types, camera angles and movement of the camera.  However, we had to have a minimum of 12 shots using POV shots, over the shoulder shots and a tracking shot in order to create tension. 

Taking of Pelham 123 & Lake View Terrace

One of my favourite thrillers of was Taking of Pelhem 123. This is a supremely suspenseful thriller that was amazing to watch. It starred one of my favourite actors DENZEL WASHINGTON and JOHN TRAVOLTA. Its basically about the hijacking of a subway train a criminal mastermind behind this crazy plan who threatens to execute the trains passengers unless a large ransom is paid. Its full of exciting footage and is makes your heart race extra fast.

Another one of my favourite thrillers of is Lake View Terrace. A nerve shedding thriller anout a guy tho stalks a new couple who's moved into their dream home. The intensity is beyond shocking and he attempts to cause so much hassel. This is one of the features of thrillers to cause an uncertain setting with obsessed characters. I loved the story line and the lengths the cop went to, too ensure a nervous surrounding.

This has helped me and inspired me through the beginning of the Thriller unit. Take a quick look at the trailers... :)

Lurpak sequence

LURPAK

I watched The Lurpak sequence in lesson and i found the ideas which were used in the short scene were imaginative. They used a boring idea of a ordinary guy making am omelette with Lurpak Butter.. But somehow transformed this and seemed to  create a visual attraction for something so simple. The music was rather tense and kept me remotely interested in what was going to happen. The close ups and extreme close ups were very impressive in capturing the detail of particular objects. The effort to make everything seem so engaging was beyond unreal. The part when the egg is hit against the edge of the bowl was my favourite part as it splashed forcefully. The use of slow motion made it more dramatic and intruding. The fact that everything that happened made the audience feel as if they were involved for instance, the fork mixing the egg yoke and the cheese being gratered. The amount of technique aspects used inspired me to make a good and exciting thriller.

The Art of the Title Sequence

This is one of the first sequences of a screen grab from the title sequence to 'THE INCREDIBLES'

I really like this beaucse it has a large amout of colour is therefore going to be memorable. This is a very clever poster as it introduces part of the actual team for example who the music was produced by then it has music notes floating around in that particular section. (2nd row, 1st box). This idea is again repeated through character design and the effects supervior. There are many mid close ups in the tile sequence which show different aspects of the film.

The next title sequence that captures my eye is 'ARLINGTON ROAD'

It basically shows images of the setting and what might actually be involved in the film. Creating the audience with having lots of questions and thoughts. Its shows a baby behind bars, tall fences, dogs and close up shots of the top of houses. This continuously creates suspense and anxiety to know what is happening. The name of the film is however quiet small and appears in the (3rd box, 1st row) alongside the name of the film on a road sign, which reinforces that it is taking place on this street.