This is a horror poster I created using photo shop. I used the template from my first original poster for the indopendent film Elipant as I liked the presentaction of using a variaty of photographs to reflect the stoy of my film.
Friday, March 27, 2009
HORROR POSTER
This is a horror poster I created using photo shop. I used the template from my first original poster for the indopendent film Elipant as I liked the presentaction of using a variaty of photographs to reflect the stoy of my film.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Question 7. Looking back at your preliminary task what do you feel you have learnt about the progression from it to the finished production?
I feel that I have achieved a lot since our preliminary task which we took part in at the beginning of the year. Since the task I have improved vastly in filming my footage, as I have begun to understand fully the requirements that I am given as well as how I wish to portray my product. I have achieved this through educating myself further on the angles in which I shoot and the significance and reflection they have on the actors/characters. I am well prepared with the pre-production side enabling myself and the team to have a full perspective of what it is we are aiming to achieve.
I have also expanded on my editing knowledge. I can now use final cut pro fluently without trouble, as well as using many of the program’s special features to heighten the professionalism of my product. My confidence in all of these areas have increased allowing me to fully focus and believe that the group and I will achieve all that we have hoped for and more if we work intensively and well.
Not only have I worked on my writing skills; having written the treatment and script for Intentions Of A Cold Hearted Killer. I have also expanded my directing skills and filming skills.
My evaluation on my preliminary task
Pre- production
To facilitate the shoot we arranged ourselves into groups of threes and fours. We then as a group discussed the roles of the Director, camera man/woman, assistant director, counting steps and prop/set arranger. We then decided who was to take on each role for our shoot. Our group diction was:
Director: Jessica
Camera woman/man: Lara
Prop/set arranger: George
Counting steps: Lilly
We then discussed who we were going to chose to be our actors and arranged for them to attend our shoot. When we were all gathered at the location, we received a sheet (Look at the attachment) with Dialog and shot angels i.e. close-up, Mid-shot, long-long. This was our script for both dialogs for the actors and directors to follow and directions for the camera woman/man to follow. When we arrived at the shoot our equipment had already been set up for us so we were able to begin right away after discussing, the plot, actor’s intentions, and which angles we were going to begin filming at.
To help us and to have kept our selves organized we could have written our plan of the shoot down so we could adhear to it when needed. On our sheet we could have included time frames for each angle in which we filmed so we allowed the same amount of time and did not have the possible pressure of rushing at the end.
All of this we included when filming Intentions Of A Cold Hearted Killer. After developing our treatment with more of an artistic tack for our title sequence from our original narrative idea we had a strong base to build on. Having taken the artistic route we were able to create a more interesting and unique final product. However to do this we had to think in depth on how we could achieve this effectively. I came up with the idea of using a clear Perspex sheet to film through. Placing two tables 5 feet apart then placing the Perspex on to the tables (so it looked like a bridge) allowing room for the camera to film from underneath. The whole idea which I had in my head looked like this:
The whole idea was to be able to see the footage as if the table were transparent.
Similar to our preliminary task we had to set up ready to film. However when filming our horror film it was up to our team to set up and prepare for the shoot. We had several things to collect from other locations and to transport them to the dance studio where we were to film. This took longer than we planed as to get the tables and other set we required we had to alternate between carrying them up the stairs and placing them in a compacted lift. Here is a list as to what set and props we required for the shoot:
- Perspex
- Table x3
- Clear Glass chemical bath
- Tape recorder
- Tape
- Large green plastic material to protect the floor
- Clever
- Artificial Blood
- Duct tape
- Sheets x 3
- Towels
- Cleaning materials Sponge, Cloths, Mop etc
- Refreshments
Once we had transported the entire camera and lighting equipment as well as our props and set to our location we began shooting at 9:30. Matt McIvor who helped and supervised the shoot talked to us about the camera’s functions and how we could capture all that we hoped to include as effectively as possible.
Production
In our preliminary task after we discussed the order of our shoot, we began to rehearse and place the actors in their positions for that scene. As I was the director it was my job to explain to the actors what I wanted from them and what their intentions and objective is in the scene. The script we were given was very simple and more of a basis to build onto. There were many different directions we could have gone with, but after trying a few different scenarios we made a final group decision to which scenario we were going to film. Our final decision was, for our male actor Jules to be seductive to begin with then turn nasty and threatning. On the other hand our female actor Emily started by being involved with her walk until Jules approached the room trying to persuade her into clearly doing something she did not want to do.
From a directors point of view, what I wanted was to fined a situation that our actors were comfortable with and able to portray but within reason of our objective as a group.
I knew from experience of directing what was required of my role although it was different when it came to filming, as I had to strongly consider movement. A lot of the time the actor’s movement was restricted due to the camera’s focuses and angle. As the director I had to make it clear to the actors where their boundries were enabling us to capture the perfect shoot. I had to be patient especially as our actor was new to the concept of filming so occasionally he would need to be reminded of his position in the scene so that he would stay with in the cameras view.
Looking at our communication and professionalism as a group, we did rather well. We worked together always sharing each others views and opinions, helping each other to make the product better, more precise, as well as sticking to the brief and the script we were provided with. We were all respectful of each other’s opinions even if we did not agree, we disused it civilly as a group and had a vote to whether or not we all agreed. We were calm and focused except for the occasional distraction or disruption but as a whole we worked well as we knew what we wanted to achieve, got on with each other and enjoyed what we were doing. I genuinely and thoroughly enjoyed shooting and being the director. It was a really lovely and exciting atmosphere to be in but at the same time focused and concentrated. I also learnt the importance of precision, clarity and working together as a group and how you can achieve something if you are focused and are determined.
With this positive experience I felt good about the shooting of our horror film. I knew, just like I had in our first task, that if we plan out the day and are clear of what we want to achieve we will be on time and will finish as planned. Once we were ready to start, we began filming the playing tape recorder from a variety of angles to capture the movement of the cogs spinning the tape around. The reason for using the tape recorder is that it is symbolic of the happenings later on in the film and represents the jerky movement that the film takes; for example the continuation and alternation of flash backs and present time.
Once we were satisfied with our footage we then moved on to filming thought the Perspex and through the clear glass chemical bath which we filled a quarter of the way with water. Once we were satisfied with our sequence we moved on to capturing footage of the blood expanding in the water and the movement of it swishing across the screen as we tipped the clear class chemical bath from side to side.
We then moved on to shoot what would take us the rest of the day to film which was our actors cleaning away the blood from the Perspex as well as destroying the tape in blood and filming the clever for short cuts. We broke for lunch then returned at 2:00 and worked till 3:10. I was really pleased with the footage we had captured. Not only did we achieve what we had hoped, we also captured a variety of shots having experimented to see what else we could come up with.
Like in our preliminary task as a group we utilized our skills allowing us all to experience all aspects. Through out the day my role was director but I also had the chance to experience what it is like to be a cameraman behind the camera filming the action. Although our day was longer when filming our horror sequence, the experience was very successful. Although our filming of our preliminary task was successful, the difference was that then the equipment, location and script was provided for us. When it came to filming our real horror title sequence we had to provide those things ourselves and it meant working tightly as a group to prepare ourselves.
When it came to editing our preliminary task we realised that our footage was not as successful as we had hoped. Although we were not aware of this when we were filming, it was clear to us that our footage was not as successful as wanted it to be. However we made do with what we had within the time frame we had. We were under a certain deadline and having lost our footage to begin with, we were under a stricter deadline of a week to complete our final product. This was not the case when we began editing the footage of our horror title sequence. We were very please with what we had captured and had a lot to work with, this was due to our clear idea of what we were hopeing to capture.We also had a lot longer to plan, prep and shoot than we did in our preliminary task. However I do feel we could have been more careful with our spendechure, seeing as we spent money on materials we did not uses. The materials we perchesed we ingredanc for fack blood, Apple juice, corn flower, fairy up liquid and food colouring. Although we had a resapey to follow, the fake blood was not thick enuff. We also ran out of food couloring so the blood which was supposed to be red was infact bright pink. Eeven though the hole fake blood senareo tearnd out to be desasteress at the last minite we found a leater bottol of fack profesonal movie blood which was ideal. Apart from this unforconet insodent the filming day was a sucsess and thurely enjoyable. However I do feel that I could have had more suport from my team mates. Althought I was the director and the film was my idea I was not up to me to cover all aspects of the product. Over time the resopsability fell on both I and Lauren leaving us to cover the artistic eloments independitly. Althought George had a good insight he did not follow throught on his duties. For example althought it was his job to creat the poster I was the one who created it using images that I took.
As a whole through both my preliminary task and my horror film I feel that I have had a good insight to what it must be like to work in the industry. The pressure and the incredible feeling you experience when completing a successful product, has incressed my decisive desire to enter into this business. I truly enjoyed all aspects of this task and look forward to the next.
I feel that I have achieved a lot since our preliminary task which we took part in at the beginning of the year. Since the task I have improved vastly in filming my footage, as I have begun to understand fully the requirements that I am given as well as how I wish to portray my product. I have achieved this through educating myself further on the angles in which I shoot and the significance and reflection they have on the actors/characters. I am well prepared with the pre-production side enabling myself and the team to have a full perspective of what it is we are aiming to achieve.
I have also expanded on my editing knowledge. I can now use final cut pro fluently without trouble, as well as using many of the program’s special features to heighten the professionalism of my product. My confidence in all of these areas have increased allowing me to fully focus and believe that the group and I will achieve all that we have hoped for and more if we work intensively and well.
Not only have I worked on my writing skills; having written the treatment and script for Intentions Of A Cold Hearted Killer. I have also expanded my directing skills and filming skills.
My evaluation on my preliminary task
Pre- production
To facilitate the shoot we arranged ourselves into groups of threes and fours. We then as a group discussed the roles of the Director, camera man/woman, assistant director, counting steps and prop/set arranger. We then decided who was to take on each role for our shoot. Our group diction was:
Director: Jessica
Camera woman/man: Lara
Prop/set arranger: George
Counting steps: Lilly
We then discussed who we were going to chose to be our actors and arranged for them to attend our shoot. When we were all gathered at the location, we received a sheet (Look at the attachment) with Dialog and shot angels i.e. close-up, Mid-shot, long-long. This was our script for both dialogs for the actors and directors to follow and directions for the camera woman/man to follow. When we arrived at the shoot our equipment had already been set up for us so we were able to begin right away after discussing, the plot, actor’s intentions, and which angles we were going to begin filming at.
To help us and to have kept our selves organized we could have written our plan of the shoot down so we could adhear to it when needed. On our sheet we could have included time frames for each angle in which we filmed so we allowed the same amount of time and did not have the possible pressure of rushing at the end.
All of this we included when filming Intentions Of A Cold Hearted Killer. After developing our treatment with more of an artistic tack for our title sequence from our original narrative idea we had a strong base to build on. Having taken the artistic route we were able to create a more interesting and unique final product. However to do this we had to think in depth on how we could achieve this effectively. I came up with the idea of using a clear Perspex sheet to film through. Placing two tables 5 feet apart then placing the Perspex on to the tables (so it looked like a bridge) allowing room for the camera to film from underneath. The whole idea which I had in my head looked like this:
The whole idea was to be able to see the footage as if the table were transparent.
Similar to our preliminary task we had to set up ready to film. However when filming our horror film it was up to our team to set up and prepare for the shoot. We had several things to collect from other locations and to transport them to the dance studio where we were to film. This took longer than we planed as to get the tables and other set we required we had to alternate between carrying them up the stairs and placing them in a compacted lift. Here is a list as to what set and props we required for the shoot:
- Perspex
- Table x3
- Clear Glass chemical bath
- Tape recorder
- Tape
- Large green plastic material to protect the floor
- Clever
- Artificial Blood
- Duct tape
- Sheets x 3
- Towels
- Cleaning materials Sponge, Cloths, Mop etc
- Refreshments
Once we had transported the entire camera and lighting equipment as well as our props and set to our location we began shooting at 9:30. Matt McIvor who helped and supervised the shoot talked to us about the camera’s functions and how we could capture all that we hoped to include as effectively as possible.
Production
In our preliminary task after we discussed the order of our shoot, we began to rehearse and place the actors in their positions for that scene. As I was the director it was my job to explain to the actors what I wanted from them and what their intentions and objective is in the scene. The script we were given was very simple and more of a basis to build onto. There were many different directions we could have gone with, but after trying a few different scenarios we made a final group decision to which scenario we were going to film. Our final decision was, for our male actor Jules to be seductive to begin with then turn nasty and threatning. On the other hand our female actor Emily started by being involved with her walk until Jules approached the room trying to persuade her into clearly doing something she did not want to do.
From a directors point of view, what I wanted was to fined a situation that our actors were comfortable with and able to portray but within reason of our objective as a group.
I knew from experience of directing what was required of my role although it was different when it came to filming, as I had to strongly consider movement. A lot of the time the actor’s movement was restricted due to the camera’s focuses and angle. As the director I had to make it clear to the actors where their boundries were enabling us to capture the perfect shoot. I had to be patient especially as our actor was new to the concept of filming so occasionally he would need to be reminded of his position in the scene so that he would stay with in the cameras view.
Looking at our communication and professionalism as a group, we did rather well. We worked together always sharing each others views and opinions, helping each other to make the product better, more precise, as well as sticking to the brief and the script we were provided with. We were all respectful of each other’s opinions even if we did not agree, we disused it civilly as a group and had a vote to whether or not we all agreed. We were calm and focused except for the occasional distraction or disruption but as a whole we worked well as we knew what we wanted to achieve, got on with each other and enjoyed what we were doing. I genuinely and thoroughly enjoyed shooting and being the director. It was a really lovely and exciting atmosphere to be in but at the same time focused and concentrated. I also learnt the importance of precision, clarity and working together as a group and how you can achieve something if you are focused and are determined.
With this positive experience I felt good about the shooting of our horror film. I knew, just like I had in our first task, that if we plan out the day and are clear of what we want to achieve we will be on time and will finish as planned. Once we were ready to start, we began filming the playing tape recorder from a variety of angles to capture the movement of the cogs spinning the tape around. The reason for using the tape recorder is that it is symbolic of the happenings later on in the film and represents the jerky movement that the film takes; for example the continuation and alternation of flash backs and present time.
Once we were satisfied with our footage we then moved on to filming thought the Perspex and through the clear glass chemical bath which we filled a quarter of the way with water. Once we were satisfied with our sequence we moved on to capturing footage of the blood expanding in the water and the movement of it swishing across the screen as we tipped the clear class chemical bath from side to side.
We then moved on to shoot what would take us the rest of the day to film which was our actors cleaning away the blood from the Perspex as well as destroying the tape in blood and filming the clever for short cuts. We broke for lunch then returned at 2:00 and worked till 3:10. I was really pleased with the footage we had captured. Not only did we achieve what we had hoped, we also captured a variety of shots having experimented to see what else we could come up with.
Like in our preliminary task as a group we utilized our skills allowing us all to experience all aspects. Through out the day my role was director but I also had the chance to experience what it is like to be a cameraman behind the camera filming the action. Although our day was longer when filming our horror sequence, the experience was very successful. Although our filming of our preliminary task was successful, the difference was that then the equipment, location and script was provided for us. When it came to filming our real horror title sequence we had to provide those things ourselves and it meant working tightly as a group to prepare ourselves.
When it came to editing our preliminary task we realised that our footage was not as successful as we had hoped. Although we were not aware of this when we were filming, it was clear to us that our footage was not as successful as wanted it to be. However we made do with what we had within the time frame we had. We were under a certain deadline and having lost our footage to begin with, we were under a stricter deadline of a week to complete our final product. This was not the case when we began editing the footage of our horror title sequence. We were very please with what we had captured and had a lot to work with, this was due to our clear idea of what we were hopeing to capture.We also had a lot longer to plan, prep and shoot than we did in our preliminary task. However I do feel we could have been more careful with our spendechure, seeing as we spent money on materials we did not uses. The materials we perchesed we ingredanc for fack blood, Apple juice, corn flower, fairy up liquid and food colouring. Although we had a resapey to follow, the fake blood was not thick enuff. We also ran out of food couloring so the blood which was supposed to be red was infact bright pink. Eeven though the hole fake blood senareo tearnd out to be desasteress at the last minite we found a leater bottol of fack profesonal movie blood which was ideal. Apart from this unforconet insodent the filming day was a sucsess and thurely enjoyable. However I do feel that I could have had more suport from my team mates. Althought I was the director and the film was my idea I was not up to me to cover all aspects of the product. Over time the resopsability fell on both I and Lauren leaving us to cover the artistic eloments independitly. Althought George had a good insight he did not follow throught on his duties. For example althought it was his job to creat the poster I was the one who created it using images that I took.
As a whole through both my preliminary task and my horror film I feel that I have had a good insight to what it must be like to work in the industry. The pressure and the incredible feeling you experience when completing a successful product, has incressed my decisive desire to enter into this business. I truly enjoyed all aspects of this task and look forward to the next.
Evaluation Question 6.
Question 6. What have you learnt about Media Technologies from the process of construction your product?
Hard Ware: Recording moving images
We were very privilege to use the JVC FYHD 110 camera one of the best provided to shoot our footage with.
This camera is the smallest and most affordable HD Cinema unleashing a new area of digital cinematography.
Functions/Accessories:
_. Full High Definition (HD) progressive recording at 24 frames per second
_. Compact shoulder style for stability, comfort and mobility
_. Three newly developed 1/3-inch CCDs with 1280 x 720 (square) pixels
_. Interchangeable lenses with standard 1/3-inch bayonet mount
_. Rugged die-cast body
_. 16X Fujinon newly developed ProHD lens included
_. User adjustable HD Focus Assist makes focusing faster and more precise
_. Live 720/60P analog component output (4:2:2 equivalent)
_. Dual Media option (record to disk and tape simultaneously)
_. XLR Audio inputs (x2)
_. Extensive user adjustable parameters can be stored on SD memory card
- http//.pro.jvc.com/prof/attributes,features.jsp?model_id=M DL101642.
With this camera we used a variety of different shot types predominantly, CU, ECU and MS, capturing successful footage that we used in our final product. As this camera was fairly easy to transport from one location to the other it was a very useful and effective camera to have and it meant we were able to access important locations like the underground easily where the rules state that only small portable cameras can be used to cause the least amount of disruption. It also meant that we were able to shoot for longer periods of time as the equipment did not take longer than 30 minuets to disassemble. This does not only include the camera equipment I also refer to the three-point lighting that we used.
The specific lights we used were portable and were very sufficient. Although there is a microphone attached to the camera we used a high definition microphone that was very sensitive to sound picking up the slightest creak of the floorboards or opening of the door. This was extremely important and useful as it meant we had less un-naturalistic sound effects to create in after effects. The more domestic sounds the better.
Soft Ware: Editing your recording
Final Cut Pro is a professional non-linear editing software application developed by Apple Inc. The software logs and captures video onto a hard drive (internal or external), where it can be edited and processed. Final Cut Pro developed a large and expanding user base including many independent filmmakers. It has made inroads with film and television editors who traditionally use Avid Technology's Media Composer. -From Wikipedea.
The Browser is where I listed my files and rushes then transported them into the Viewer, where I was able to watch individual files and trim them to my selections. After trimming the files I then placed the trimmed file on to the Timeline, where I was able to cut the footage together into sequence. As I was doing this I was able to view my edited footage on the Canvas.
After using final cut pro a few times I was able to work independently on the film editing and placing sequences together. As a group we worked intensely on the editing for less that a month. Although we had a few minor problems we were able to successfully produce a piece, which we were all very pleased with.
As my self and the other Black Cat Production team worked on the editing, Method of Madness created the music to place along side our title sequence using Sound track pro.
Working independently I learnt a lot form using final cut pro, I understand many of its functions and how to access what I need. The biggest learning curve was when we were told to restart as the presentation of the sequence were to short and within 32 seconds we had used the majority of our footage. Of course this was very difficult to get our heads around seeing as we had been working on our first sequence intensively for a week. And although we were told how strong and effective it was we still had to restart. Our beginning was weak to begin with in our second sequence as we were working with different music, but never the less as we continued the product became stronger. We then went back to the beginning to tighten the opening. When every thing was finished, we moved on to the titles. This is where we had to decide on the order of the credits, the font, size and placement. We used the font: copperplate and size: 18.45. We wanted each title to be unique so the placement was different for each one.
Hard Ware: Recording moving images
We were very privilege to use the JVC FYHD 110 camera one of the best provided to shoot our footage with.
This camera is the smallest and most affordable HD Cinema unleashing a new area of digital cinematography.
Functions/Accessories:
_. Full High Definition (HD) progressive recording at 24 frames per second
_. Compact shoulder style for stability, comfort and mobility
_. Three newly developed 1/3-inch CCDs with 1280 x 720 (square) pixels
_. Interchangeable lenses with standard 1/3-inch bayonet mount
_. Rugged die-cast body
_. 16X Fujinon newly developed ProHD lens included
_. User adjustable HD Focus Assist makes focusing faster and more precise
_. Live 720/60P analog component output (4:2:2 equivalent)
_. Dual Media option (record to disk and tape simultaneously)
_. XLR Audio inputs (x2)
_. Extensive user adjustable parameters can be stored on SD memory card
- http//.pro.jvc.com/prof/attributes,features.jsp?model_id=M DL101642.
With this camera we used a variety of different shot types predominantly, CU, ECU and MS, capturing successful footage that we used in our final product. As this camera was fairly easy to transport from one location to the other it was a very useful and effective camera to have and it meant we were able to access important locations like the underground easily where the rules state that only small portable cameras can be used to cause the least amount of disruption. It also meant that we were able to shoot for longer periods of time as the equipment did not take longer than 30 minuets to disassemble. This does not only include the camera equipment I also refer to the three-point lighting that we used.
The specific lights we used were portable and were very sufficient. Although there is a microphone attached to the camera we used a high definition microphone that was very sensitive to sound picking up the slightest creak of the floorboards or opening of the door. This was extremely important and useful as it meant we had less un-naturalistic sound effects to create in after effects. The more domestic sounds the better.
Soft Ware: Editing your recording
Final Cut Pro is a professional non-linear editing software application developed by Apple Inc. The software logs and captures video onto a hard drive (internal or external), where it can be edited and processed. Final Cut Pro developed a large and expanding user base including many independent filmmakers. It has made inroads with film and television editors who traditionally use Avid Technology's Media Composer. -From Wikipedea.
The Browser is where I listed my files and rushes then transported them into the Viewer, where I was able to watch individual files and trim them to my selections. After trimming the files I then placed the trimmed file on to the Timeline, where I was able to cut the footage together into sequence. As I was doing this I was able to view my edited footage on the Canvas.
After using final cut pro a few times I was able to work independently on the film editing and placing sequences together. As a group we worked intensely on the editing for less that a month. Although we had a few minor problems we were able to successfully produce a piece, which we were all very pleased with.
As my self and the other Black Cat Production team worked on the editing, Method of Madness created the music to place along side our title sequence using Sound track pro.
Working independently I learnt a lot form using final cut pro, I understand many of its functions and how to access what I need. The biggest learning curve was when we were told to restart as the presentation of the sequence were to short and within 32 seconds we had used the majority of our footage. Of course this was very difficult to get our heads around seeing as we had been working on our first sequence intensively for a week. And although we were told how strong and effective it was we still had to restart. Our beginning was weak to begin with in our second sequence as we were working with different music, but never the less as we continued the product became stronger. We then went back to the beginning to tighten the opening. When every thing was finished, we moved on to the titles. This is where we had to decide on the order of the credits, the font, size and placement. We used the font: copperplate and size: 18.45. We wanted each title to be unique so the placement was different for each one.
Evaluation Question 5.
Question 5. How did you attract/address your audience?
We used a range of different marketing techniques to promote our film. To attract and address our audience we used standard marketing products such as T-shirts:
We will also be me selling the soundtrack on our website www.Intentions.of.a.cold.hearted.killer.com where there will be give-aways to win and movie quizzes to challenge your knowledge.
In regards to vital marketing techniques we have created character based sites which you can find on our website where you can find out all about the actors and production team. There is also a link on this website for our main website www. Black.cat.production.com where you can find out about our upcoming projects and watch clips behind the scene of our media products.
Clips of the film and the trailer are to appear on Jonathan Ross’s film 2009 under the forth-coming independent films of the year. Information on the film will also appear on websites such as imdb where the casts and crews information will be assessable for those interested.
When the film comes out on DVD there will be two discs. The second will hold taped information from behind the scene, with interviews with all the cast, Director and producer. As well as a director’s commentary and deleted scenes. The trailer will also be available on the disc; both the extended version and the edited version.
We used a range of different marketing techniques to promote our film. To attract and address our audience we used standard marketing products such as T-shirts:
We will also be me selling the soundtrack on our website www.Intentions.of.a.cold.hearted.killer.com where there will be give-aways to win and movie quizzes to challenge your knowledge.
In regards to vital marketing techniques we have created character based sites which you can find on our website where you can find out all about the actors and production team. There is also a link on this website for our main website www. Black.cat.production.com where you can find out about our upcoming projects and watch clips behind the scene of our media products.
Clips of the film and the trailer are to appear on Jonathan Ross’s film 2009 under the forth-coming independent films of the year. Information on the film will also appear on websites such as imdb where the casts and crews information will be assessable for those interested.
When the film comes out on DVD there will be two discs. The second will hold taped information from behind the scene, with interviews with all the cast, Director and producer. As well as a director’s commentary and deleted scenes. The trailer will also be available on the disc; both the extended version and the edited version.
Evaluation Question 4.
Question 4. Who would be the audience for your media product?
Definition: No person apparently under the age of 15 years shall be admitted to any exhibition at which there is to be shown any film which has received a '15' certificate from the British Board of Film Classification.
The reason why the certificate for our film is 15 is due to the theme we exploited such as:
Language: There is a frequent use of strong language used aggressively in arrears of the film.
Sex/nudity: Sexual activity and nudity are exposed at times in detail. Again this is inappropriate for those under the age of 15.
Violence: Is predominantly Violence that is displayed in this film, as there is a strong dwell on the infliction of pain and terror. Also due to the display of harmful accessible lethal weapons used as killing tools.
Drugs: Drug usage is presented through clear instruction due to her unstable mental state.
All of which is not suitable for viewers under the age of 15 years old. My film is not the classic horror film for teens where we see gore and stereotypical story lines. It is more of a naturalistic reflection of the horror that is unfortunately a part of this world. Although it is heightened, it is presented in a naturalistic light unlike many of the typical horror film like The Grudge, The Ring etc where unlikely matter and situations are displayed. Like the vast majority of movies in general coming out of Hollywood, horror films are made mainly for teenagers skipping the real character development, and tension necessary to make a horror movie for an older audience. This is why I wrote this film to intrigue and to frighten an older audience. Although the horror elements will be appealing to the teenagers the story line is more thought provoking and will appeal to an older audience, as there is a murder story to unravel.
Due to the target audience ages above 15 there is no need to release the film during a major holiday when most children's films are released. Therefore there is not a preferred time in which the release of the film would be most satisfactory. However after being shown at The Cannes Film Festival the distribution company confirmed that “Intentions of a Cold Hearted Killer” will be appearing at independent cinemas early September 2009 and will be released on DVD in late January 2010.
Definition: No person apparently under the age of 15 years shall be admitted to any exhibition at which there is to be shown any film which has received a '15' certificate from the British Board of Film Classification.
The reason why the certificate for our film is 15 is due to the theme we exploited such as:
Language: There is a frequent use of strong language used aggressively in arrears of the film.
Sex/nudity: Sexual activity and nudity are exposed at times in detail. Again this is inappropriate for those under the age of 15.
Violence: Is predominantly Violence that is displayed in this film, as there is a strong dwell on the infliction of pain and terror. Also due to the display of harmful accessible lethal weapons used as killing tools.
Drugs: Drug usage is presented through clear instruction due to her unstable mental state.
All of which is not suitable for viewers under the age of 15 years old. My film is not the classic horror film for teens where we see gore and stereotypical story lines. It is more of a naturalistic reflection of the horror that is unfortunately a part of this world. Although it is heightened, it is presented in a naturalistic light unlike many of the typical horror film like The Grudge, The Ring etc where unlikely matter and situations are displayed. Like the vast majority of movies in general coming out of Hollywood, horror films are made mainly for teenagers skipping the real character development, and tension necessary to make a horror movie for an older audience. This is why I wrote this film to intrigue and to frighten an older audience. Although the horror elements will be appealing to the teenagers the story line is more thought provoking and will appeal to an older audience, as there is a murder story to unravel.
Due to the target audience ages above 15 there is no need to release the film during a major holiday when most children's films are released. Therefore there is not a preferred time in which the release of the film would be most satisfactory. However after being shown at The Cannes Film Festival the distribution company confirmed that “Intentions of a Cold Hearted Killer” will be appearing at independent cinemas early September 2009 and will be released on DVD in late January 2010.
Evaluation Question 3.
What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
To distribute my media product I used an independent production team called Black Cat Production, which I am the co-founder of along side George Gillies and Lauren Holly. Black Cat Production is an independent production company which privately finances and self-distributes film. Being an independent production company we were able to construct and decide in all of the decision making in regards to the cast, location, deadlines, marketing and distribution. This meant that although we had deadlines to meet with both filming and editing, if need be extra time was accessible.
Although our product was high budget we were not in collaboration with any other production or distribution companies or sponsors. This was a decision we chose as within our small production team we were able to make decisions independently without having to consider others who were contributing to the production of the film. Although we would have been open to new ideas we would have been risking our desire to increase the non-Hollywood espousing independent artistic crention. As a production our total budget over all was 2 million which we found difficult to raise independently. It took us quit a while to secure distribution and get the film certified.
To distribute my media product I used an independent production team called Black Cat Production, which I am the co-founder of along side George Gillies and Lauren Holly. Black Cat Production is an independent production company which privately finances and self-distributes film. Being an independent production company we were able to construct and decide in all of the decision making in regards to the cast, location, deadlines, marketing and distribution. This meant that although we had deadlines to meet with both filming and editing, if need be extra time was accessible.
Although our product was high budget we were not in collaboration with any other production or distribution companies or sponsors. This was a decision we chose as within our small production team we were able to make decisions independently without having to consider others who were contributing to the production of the film. Although we would have been open to new ideas we would have been risking our desire to increase the non-Hollywood espousing independent artistic crention. As a production our total budget over all was 2 million which we found difficult to raise independently. It took us quit a while to secure distribution and get the film certified.
Evaluation Question 2.
Question 2. How does your media product represent social groups?
Like all media products we have represented the classic social groups such as women, men and children. Although the man is represented as stereotypically good looking, this was not a decision I made to purposely represent the typical Hollywood beauty. It was a clear decision as at the beginning we want the audience to establish empathy and then that empathy and expectations is shattered when we realize that he is the murderer. This will take the audience on a journey very similar to the ones his victims went on. At first he is charming and attractive, everything a woman desires in the ideal man. Then our opinions are totally shifted when we discover the truth. The shock will have a bigger impact, as the audience feels emotionally attached to him. On the other hand the woman will be represented as more of a distinctive unique beauty, than a typical beauty. This was a choice that I simply made and I wanted her appearance to reflect her unique
character. When deciding the appearance of the little girl I had to take in to account her relation with the woman. Seeing as the little girl is the woman’s niece there will be a slight similarity between the two but not enough for it to be too apparent to the audience at the beginning, but enough for there to be a realization as the end.
To deceive the audience both man and woman will be dressed in normal everyday cloths heightening the naturalism of their surrounding juxtaposed with the truth behind their character and situation. However the little girl will be dressed in a white fairy dress when murdered, and through out she will be wearing light colours to symbolizes her innocence, purity and childlike manner. This is very stereotypical yet will be more subtlety presented like the woman and man to show the naturalistic surrounding.
The way we filmed the fingers aided in the construction of the characters representation. For example the perspective in which we would shoot the little girl would be from a high angle. This is because it is a classic angle used to heighten the innocence of the victims. Another reason for using this angle is to represent the perspective of which we as adults would view her. The audience will be looking at her through the perspective of the adult actors. This being the most effective way of viewing her as it will help to involve the audience with the action. Creating a very intimate feel purposely to make the audience feel discomfort and to feel the terror.
Another purposely selected visual style is the decision to film on an eye level between the Man and Woman to represent a naturalistic human perspective. Also, a low angle is used for the little girls perspective to show her naive powerless confusion within the situation. All of these visual styles and perspective will help to identify the characters in a naturalistic perspective. Juxtaposing the whole idea of the unnatural murders with the natural world making it all seem very real and possible. This is what will create the terror and suspense.
We will also use a combination of flash backs with in Sequences as well as the Placement of the story. To identify the time and period of the sequences the Date and time (if necessary) will be presented at the bottom as a reference for Clarity as the film tack us back and forth in time. The lengths of cuts and flash backs will vary to build the tension and heighten the unpredictable atmosphere. This is what we represent successfully in our opening title. Without the variation of cuts the over all product would have been less effective as the images would be repetitive. However providing a vast amount of short sequences draws the audience’s focus, as each one was different and unique. It is due to our variation of shots and placement that I am pleased with the over all presentation and am very satisfied with our creation.
I do feel we would have benefited by expanding our product using after effects. For example, creating movement within the titles as the hands wipe the blood away the titles could disappear in the direction of the wipe. However we were advised not to do so as it was unnecessary. Nevertheless I believe it would have helped us portray a more professional take.
Like all media products we have represented the classic social groups such as women, men and children. Although the man is represented as stereotypically good looking, this was not a decision I made to purposely represent the typical Hollywood beauty. It was a clear decision as at the beginning we want the audience to establish empathy and then that empathy and expectations is shattered when we realize that he is the murderer. This will take the audience on a journey very similar to the ones his victims went on. At first he is charming and attractive, everything a woman desires in the ideal man. Then our opinions are totally shifted when we discover the truth. The shock will have a bigger impact, as the audience feels emotionally attached to him. On the other hand the woman will be represented as more of a distinctive unique beauty, than a typical beauty. This was a choice that I simply made and I wanted her appearance to reflect her unique
character. When deciding the appearance of the little girl I had to take in to account her relation with the woman. Seeing as the little girl is the woman’s niece there will be a slight similarity between the two but not enough for it to be too apparent to the audience at the beginning, but enough for there to be a realization as the end.
To deceive the audience both man and woman will be dressed in normal everyday cloths heightening the naturalism of their surrounding juxtaposed with the truth behind their character and situation. However the little girl will be dressed in a white fairy dress when murdered, and through out she will be wearing light colours to symbolizes her innocence, purity and childlike manner. This is very stereotypical yet will be more subtlety presented like the woman and man to show the naturalistic surrounding.
The way we filmed the fingers aided in the construction of the characters representation. For example the perspective in which we would shoot the little girl would be from a high angle. This is because it is a classic angle used to heighten the innocence of the victims. Another reason for using this angle is to represent the perspective of which we as adults would view her. The audience will be looking at her through the perspective of the adult actors. This being the most effective way of viewing her as it will help to involve the audience with the action. Creating a very intimate feel purposely to make the audience feel discomfort and to feel the terror.
Another purposely selected visual style is the decision to film on an eye level between the Man and Woman to represent a naturalistic human perspective. Also, a low angle is used for the little girls perspective to show her naive powerless confusion within the situation. All of these visual styles and perspective will help to identify the characters in a naturalistic perspective. Juxtaposing the whole idea of the unnatural murders with the natural world making it all seem very real and possible. This is what will create the terror and suspense.
We will also use a combination of flash backs with in Sequences as well as the Placement of the story. To identify the time and period of the sequences the Date and time (if necessary) will be presented at the bottom as a reference for Clarity as the film tack us back and forth in time. The lengths of cuts and flash backs will vary to build the tension and heighten the unpredictable atmosphere. This is what we represent successfully in our opening title. Without the variation of cuts the over all product would have been less effective as the images would be repetitive. However providing a vast amount of short sequences draws the audience’s focus, as each one was different and unique. It is due to our variation of shots and placement that I am pleased with the over all presentation and am very satisfied with our creation.
I do feel we would have benefited by expanding our product using after effects. For example, creating movement within the titles as the hands wipe the blood away the titles could disappear in the direction of the wipe. However we were advised not to do so as it was unnecessary. Nevertheless I believe it would have helped us portray a more professional take.
Evaluation Question 1.
Question 1. In what ways does your media production use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media productions?
Our product is a small horror title sequence with an artistic take on our treatment that I wrote and directed. The film is presented by a series of flashbacks and flash-forwards centering on the life of a woman who over time forms a relationship with a man.
The beginning of the film portrays the fact that the woman is a murderer (antagonist), which is very significant as it forms the audience’s belief that she committed the murder of a little girl who is the main victim. We are then taken back in time starting from the man and woman’s first encounter that follows with the growth of their strange relationship. Developing from what seems to be a fairly normal domestic life their relationship generates into a series of bizarre encounters and events. This leads to the climax following the revelations of the truth.
Alone and suspicious of the woman, the man looks through her bag and comes across a tape recorder. As he listens to the tape, all the information the man has told the woman about his life and past is repeated. (This is where it is first brought to our attention that she is an agent of some sort.) Realizing that there is something wrong, the man hides the tape recorder from her when she returns from collecting the little girl from school.
As we see her late at night writing down notes in a file she looks in her bag for the tape recorder. Realizing its gone she leaves for the mans flat. As she comes up the stairs the opening sequences are repeated. This is where we realize that it was not the woman who killed the little girl. Knelt on the floor we see the man lifting the child off the floor repeating the words in a hysterical state “what have I done, what have I done….”.
We are then taken back to the continuation of the second sequence after he has left the tube station and received the text. “Meet me at my house in 10”. As he enters her house, she explains to him that next time he tries to gain a new identity he should think it through more thoroughly. She tells him that she knew of his intentions all along. That before she got too close to finding the truth behind the murder of his wife he decided to kill his little girl and make it look as if she had done it. He congratulates her on her win and explains to her that he is now going to kill her the way he killed the others.
The next sequence is in the interrogation room where the whole story becomes apparent. She was imprisoned for murder but she was sent to a psychiatric hospital because of her state of mind. This is where her taking of pills is explained. The medication she took was to help her control her schizophrenia. Then when she realized the young man’s intentions she stopped taking her medication to reduce her sentence. Despite her unstable mental state she was a young woman who would not rest until she reached the bottom of the case. She knew that he would kill her when she confronted him, so she placed a microphone underneath her skin on the side of her spinal cord. When the body was found the police finally had the recorded evidence they needed to convict him for murder. She was a private detective who was willing to risk her life for a just world. She had been on this case for 5 years because of her knowledge but had little proof of the young mans first victim who was in fact her sister. Also revealing the fact that the little girl was her sister’s child making her her niece. Explaining their connection and similarity.
The title sequence is a 1:46 minuet artistic reflection of the film representing the key contributors, production team as well as our actors. The idea of this sequence was to produce something, which was unique and would in theory capture the viewer’s attention. Despite the title sequence the presentation of the film would be naturalistic. We wanted to use these to juxtapose presentations to heighten the end of the film in which the audience is presented with a horrific vivid killing.
It is our presentation of the killings, the title sequence and the story line that makes this product a unique horror film. In regards to the title sequence that we are initially presented with, the artistic display is very interesting. The reason that its interesting is the fact that we filmed it from under a Perspex table upwards allowing us to capture interesting shapes, patters and movements. Our main objective however was to present an ambiguous presentation of the murders in order to subvert audiences expectations into believing that it would be either one of the characters who is in fact the murderer. To represent this objective successfully we filmed short sequences of both male and female whipping away the evidence left by the murder. As well as presenting certain symbolic objectives which are central to the film plot to signify that these will act as motives. For example the tape recorder in which she tapes information on the man's past, as well as the cleaver, which is a tool for the vivid killings.
To heighten the presentation we used the color rule in which we chose the classic horror colours white, black and red. It was through this that we captured a stylized form, which was inspired by the film Sin City. Although I looked at many professional media horror productions and originally created a typical narrative idea, I was advised to change it shaping it into something more artistic and original. I received little inspiration from films when gathering ideas for my artistic reflection. My predominate sources of inspiration came from violent art displays such as the work of Herman Nitch. This helped me to produce a good idea for a horror film with an edge and a twist. Although the plot is represented more as a thriller, the presentation of the killings and the title sequences heighten the horrific elements. The main convention of horror which we incorporated was the little girl who presents the classic vulnerable female victim. On the other hand however we juxtaposed the idea of the female being the classic incapable victim, by representing the strength and intelligence of a woman who out smarts a sharp fearful man who has not yet stood trial for the murders of more than four victims. Although she was his last victim, it was the most effective way to conclude the story. As by planting a microphone by the side of her spine knowing she was to be killed would leave the police with recorded evidence. This shows that it was the strength, bravery and determination of a woman who took the initiative for a just world. In relation to classic conventions of horror films not only did we show this through our characters; it was also represented through threatening killing tools and isolated locations such as the warehouse all of which heightened the suspense and terror.
Our product is a small horror title sequence with an artistic take on our treatment that I wrote and directed. The film is presented by a series of flashbacks and flash-forwards centering on the life of a woman who over time forms a relationship with a man.
The beginning of the film portrays the fact that the woman is a murderer (antagonist), which is very significant as it forms the audience’s belief that she committed the murder of a little girl who is the main victim. We are then taken back in time starting from the man and woman’s first encounter that follows with the growth of their strange relationship. Developing from what seems to be a fairly normal domestic life their relationship generates into a series of bizarre encounters and events. This leads to the climax following the revelations of the truth.
Alone and suspicious of the woman, the man looks through her bag and comes across a tape recorder. As he listens to the tape, all the information the man has told the woman about his life and past is repeated. (This is where it is first brought to our attention that she is an agent of some sort.) Realizing that there is something wrong, the man hides the tape recorder from her when she returns from collecting the little girl from school.
As we see her late at night writing down notes in a file she looks in her bag for the tape recorder. Realizing its gone she leaves for the mans flat. As she comes up the stairs the opening sequences are repeated. This is where we realize that it was not the woman who killed the little girl. Knelt on the floor we see the man lifting the child off the floor repeating the words in a hysterical state “what have I done, what have I done….”.
We are then taken back to the continuation of the second sequence after he has left the tube station and received the text. “Meet me at my house in 10”. As he enters her house, she explains to him that next time he tries to gain a new identity he should think it through more thoroughly. She tells him that she knew of his intentions all along. That before she got too close to finding the truth behind the murder of his wife he decided to kill his little girl and make it look as if she had done it. He congratulates her on her win and explains to her that he is now going to kill her the way he killed the others.
The next sequence is in the interrogation room where the whole story becomes apparent. She was imprisoned for murder but she was sent to a psychiatric hospital because of her state of mind. This is where her taking of pills is explained. The medication she took was to help her control her schizophrenia. Then when she realized the young man’s intentions she stopped taking her medication to reduce her sentence. Despite her unstable mental state she was a young woman who would not rest until she reached the bottom of the case. She knew that he would kill her when she confronted him, so she placed a microphone underneath her skin on the side of her spinal cord. When the body was found the police finally had the recorded evidence they needed to convict him for murder. She was a private detective who was willing to risk her life for a just world. She had been on this case for 5 years because of her knowledge but had little proof of the young mans first victim who was in fact her sister. Also revealing the fact that the little girl was her sister’s child making her her niece. Explaining their connection and similarity.
The title sequence is a 1:46 minuet artistic reflection of the film representing the key contributors, production team as well as our actors. The idea of this sequence was to produce something, which was unique and would in theory capture the viewer’s attention. Despite the title sequence the presentation of the film would be naturalistic. We wanted to use these to juxtapose presentations to heighten the end of the film in which the audience is presented with a horrific vivid killing.
It is our presentation of the killings, the title sequence and the story line that makes this product a unique horror film. In regards to the title sequence that we are initially presented with, the artistic display is very interesting. The reason that its interesting is the fact that we filmed it from under a Perspex table upwards allowing us to capture interesting shapes, patters and movements. Our main objective however was to present an ambiguous presentation of the murders in order to subvert audiences expectations into believing that it would be either one of the characters who is in fact the murderer. To represent this objective successfully we filmed short sequences of both male and female whipping away the evidence left by the murder. As well as presenting certain symbolic objectives which are central to the film plot to signify that these will act as motives. For example the tape recorder in which she tapes information on the man's past, as well as the cleaver, which is a tool for the vivid killings.
To heighten the presentation we used the color rule in which we chose the classic horror colours white, black and red. It was through this that we captured a stylized form, which was inspired by the film Sin City. Although I looked at many professional media horror productions and originally created a typical narrative idea, I was advised to change it shaping it into something more artistic and original. I received little inspiration from films when gathering ideas for my artistic reflection. My predominate sources of inspiration came from violent art displays such as the work of Herman Nitch. This helped me to produce a good idea for a horror film with an edge and a twist. Although the plot is represented more as a thriller, the presentation of the killings and the title sequences heighten the horrific elements. The main convention of horror which we incorporated was the little girl who presents the classic vulnerable female victim. On the other hand however we juxtaposed the idea of the female being the classic incapable victim, by representing the strength and intelligence of a woman who out smarts a sharp fearful man who has not yet stood trial for the murders of more than four victims. Although she was his last victim, it was the most effective way to conclude the story. As by planting a microphone by the side of her spine knowing she was to be killed would leave the police with recorded evidence. This shows that it was the strength, bravery and determination of a woman who took the initiative for a just world. In relation to classic conventions of horror films not only did we show this through our characters; it was also represented through threatening killing tools and isolated locations such as the warehouse all of which heightened the suspense and terror.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
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