Monday 20 February 2012
Audience Expectations - Action Genre
As part of research into genre and expectations of genre, I interviewed various people on their opinions of the action genre, using the following questions:
Here are the results:
16 year old:
- What do you expect to see in the first 2 minutes of the film?
- What sort of main characters would there be? (Male? Female? Age?)
- What kind of event do you expect to occur/begin within the film?
Here are the results:
16 year old:
- In the first two minutes I expect an introduction to the movie, setting the scene
- I think the main character is most likely to be a middle aged man
- There would be build up to an action sequence such as a car chase
- Titles, introducing characters
- Male, around 25
- A fight that results in someone dying, explosions, etc
- There should be titles and introduction of characters
- A young female character, in her 20s, and a male who is a little older
- There would be build up to a gun fight
- The scene would be set, introduces one or two main characters
- Two middle aged males
- An intense fight that would involve explosions
- Introduction of character and setting, probably an urban area such as a big city
- Main characters would mostly be middle-aged men, with a few female characters
- A dramatic fight scene betweens rivals- the 'bad guys' and the 'good guys'
- Shots of the setting- a city
- Female and male characters, middle aged, probably rich or powerful
- A fight, conflict
Sunday 19 February 2012
Film Opening Remake
The film opening we chose to remake was The Shining. (1980) We chose this film opening out of a selection of films and ultimately chose The Shining as we thought it would be more of a challenge to try and remake in comparison to a film opening such as Juno.
By doing this film opening we learnt more about time management and organisation- before we shot the film we had to create a storyboard and shotlist. This helped us be more prepared in what we were going to film and allowed us to discuss ideas and possibilities as a group before filming. Creating a film opening also helped us to think about location, especially as we were only allowed to film on the school site. This will help us when creating our actual film opening as location is important in making shots suitable. Something I personally got out of creating a film opening is more knowledge in film editing, using iMovie, as at times the shots we had to work with weren't long enough or of best quality and so editing was used to tweak them. This taught us that we should attempt to re-film shots more than two or three times in order to have the best to choose from when it comes to editing.
By doing this film opening we learnt more about time management and organisation- before we shot the film we had to create a storyboard and shotlist. This helped us be more prepared in what we were going to film and allowed us to discuss ideas and possibilities as a group before filming. Creating a film opening also helped us to think about location, especially as we were only allowed to film on the school site. This will help us when creating our actual film opening as location is important in making shots suitable. Something I personally got out of creating a film opening is more knowledge in film editing, using iMovie, as at times the shots we had to work with weren't long enough or of best quality and so editing was used to tweak them. This taught us that we should attempt to re-film shots more than two or three times in order to have the best to choose from when it comes to editing.
Genre Certification
Various films of the comedy genre appear to use different certifications dependent on the type of comedy the film includes.
Films such as Shrek 2 (2004), Toy Story 3 (2010) and Finding Nemo (2003) have a Universal certificate. These films generally appeal moreso to families or children due to this certificate, and are often animated movies that appeal to mass audiences.
Finding Nemo (2003) Opening
On the other hand, films such as Forrest Gump (1994), Bruce Almighty (2003) and The Hangover (2009) have certificates such as 12, 12A and 15. This is perhaps due to the fact these movies involve different humor to that of family-friendly animation movies- there may be more adult themes mentioned, more violence and particular language used.
Forrest Gump (1994) Opening
From this information, the target audience and certificate will have to be considered carefully in regards to the type of humor used within the comedy aspect of our film opening.
Films such as Shrek 2 (2004), Toy Story 3 (2010) and Finding Nemo (2003) have a Universal certificate. These films generally appeal moreso to families or children due to this certificate, and are often animated movies that appeal to mass audiences.
Finding Nemo (2003) Opening
On the other hand, films such as Forrest Gump (1994), Bruce Almighty (2003) and The Hangover (2009) have certificates such as 12, 12A and 15. This is perhaps due to the fact these movies involve different humor to that of family-friendly animation movies- there may be more adult themes mentioned, more violence and particular language used.
Forrest Gump (1994) Opening
From this information, the target audience and certificate will have to be considered carefully in regards to the type of humor used within the comedy aspect of our film opening.
Jelly Babies Activity
The jelly babies activity involved creating a storyboard for a 2 minute long film opening based on a list of film briefs we were given to choose from. The jelly babies were used to help with the positioning of characters on the storyboard in order to think about framing and composition in regards to shots. The purpose of this activity was to get us thinking about the typical conventions for the genres given and to form a narrative that would only cover the first two minutes of a film rather than tell the whole storyline.
The film brief we chose to create a storyboard for was the genre of sci-fi, in which aliens invade the Earth. Within our storyboard the pace is slow and introduces the main protagonist as this is often the case with the beginnings of many films as to focus the audience's attention on one character. Various shots are used throughout the storyboard, such as close-ups to focus on the radio, an establishing shot of the surroundings to show how isolated and alone the character is and mid-shots of the character driving in order to clearly show expressions and actions.
The narrative shown within the storyboard reveals a male character (shown with the jelly baby on the various post-it notes) driving their car in the middle of an area that is perhaps far off from civilisation and alone. He then proceeds to turn the radio on, in which diegetic sound would be used to show a radio presenter saying, "Welcome to Projection Radio!"- this then links to the title of the film, which is shown through the character's eyes as he looks out onto the road. Establishing shots are then used to focus on the surroundings, showing an unidentifiable object in the sky amongst the stars that peaks the audience's curiosity and prompts them to carry on watching. Diegetic sound from the radio then says "It's a clear night tonight." to which the main character looks up at the sky, eyes looking at the object in the sky for the camera to then show, through various close ups, as to what the object is. From here an extreme closeup is used on the object in the sky- a UFO- and the audience can see lots of aliens inside through a window.
Various things within the storyboard comply to the generic conventions of sci-fi- particularly with how the main protagonist seems to be aware of the UFO, despite it being far away in the sky. It could be argued that the radio represents the ignorant public, who believe that nothing wrong is about to happen. Since we only created the storyboard to cover the opening, this is the only main generic convention used but more would be revealed later in the film- we did not want a lot to happen in the opening but for there to still be enough that would be interesting for the viewer.
Overall, from the jelly baby activity I learnt more about the positioning of characters and how much actually happens within the first two minutes of an opening scene- that not much narrative is revealed but there are still conventions which link to the genre. It also made me think more about the positioning and timing of titles and how they can be integrated within a film opening in different ways depending on the genre.
The film brief we chose to create a storyboard for was the genre of sci-fi, in which aliens invade the Earth. Within our storyboard the pace is slow and introduces the main protagonist as this is often the case with the beginnings of many films as to focus the audience's attention on one character. Various shots are used throughout the storyboard, such as close-ups to focus on the radio, an establishing shot of the surroundings to show how isolated and alone the character is and mid-shots of the character driving in order to clearly show expressions and actions.
The narrative shown within the storyboard reveals a male character (shown with the jelly baby on the various post-it notes) driving their car in the middle of an area that is perhaps far off from civilisation and alone. He then proceeds to turn the radio on, in which diegetic sound would be used to show a radio presenter saying, "Welcome to Projection Radio!"- this then links to the title of the film, which is shown through the character's eyes as he looks out onto the road. Establishing shots are then used to focus on the surroundings, showing an unidentifiable object in the sky amongst the stars that peaks the audience's curiosity and prompts them to carry on watching. Diegetic sound from the radio then says "It's a clear night tonight." to which the main character looks up at the sky, eyes looking at the object in the sky for the camera to then show, through various close ups, as to what the object is. From here an extreme closeup is used on the object in the sky- a UFO- and the audience can see lots of aliens inside through a window. 
Overall, from the jelly baby activity I learnt more about the positioning of characters and how much actually happens within the first two minutes of an opening scene- that not much narrative is revealed but there are still conventions which link to the genre. It also made me think more about the positioning and timing of titles and how they can be integrated within a film opening in different ways depending on the genre.
Consideration of Genre
Genre is a term used to categorise a film or piece of media. There are many various genres, such as action, adventure, comedy, crime, romance, sci-fi, horror and many others. Within this there can be hybrid genres- a genre of film in which more than one genre is included.
Different types of genre appeal to different audiences at different levels- for example, a horror film including gore would be targeted more to older teenagers and above, depending on the certificate of the film. An action film involving superheroes would appeal more to comic book fans, teenagers and males.
Within genre there are conventions which help to differentiate it from different genres. A sign is something you see in its raw, physical form and the signifier is what the sign means and symbolises within its context. An example would be a knife in a horror movie; the sign is the knife and it would signify things such as danger, death and murder- all things associated with horror movies. Alongside this is the denotative level, which is what you see and the connotative level is the thing's connotations.
A clear example of a film scene which uses signifiers and signs is Psycho from 1960, as seen below. This is the example used earlier- involving a knife which has connotations of death, violence and danger.
However, conventions and signifiers can often be specific to the genre of a film. As Psycho is a horror movie, it is part of its generic conventions to involve things that have connotations of death and violence. This is not something expected of a film genre such as a romantic comedy, which may have signifiers such as flowers and letters which would perhaps connote romance and love.
It is for this reason that our group will have to make sure to consider the conventions and signifiers in relation to the genre of our film opening. It is also important to do this because it will be what gives first impression of the film and the representation of its genre to the audience.
Different types of genre appeal to different audiences at different levels- for example, a horror film including gore would be targeted more to older teenagers and above, depending on the certificate of the film. An action film involving superheroes would appeal more to comic book fans, teenagers and males.
Within genre there are conventions which help to differentiate it from different genres. A sign is something you see in its raw, physical form and the signifier is what the sign means and symbolises within its context. An example would be a knife in a horror movie; the sign is the knife and it would signify things such as danger, death and murder- all things associated with horror movies. Alongside this is the denotative level, which is what you see and the connotative level is the thing's connotations.
A clear example of a film scene which uses signifiers and signs is Psycho from 1960, as seen below. This is the example used earlier- involving a knife which has connotations of death, violence and danger.
However, conventions and signifiers can often be specific to the genre of a film. As Psycho is a horror movie, it is part of its generic conventions to involve things that have connotations of death and violence. This is not something expected of a film genre such as a romantic comedy, which may have signifiers such as flowers and letters which would perhaps connote romance and love.
It is for this reason that our group will have to make sure to consider the conventions and signifiers in relation to the genre of our film opening. It is also important to do this because it will be what gives first impression of the film and the representation of its genre to the audience.
More on Student Film Openings
Based on the research and analysis of student films in a previous post, I have conducted a list of what I personally thinks works well and doesn't work well in a film opening.
What works well:
What works well:
- Using non-diegetic music or sound to help set the scene, such as in a horror piece.
- Keeping the storyline simple and well paced- not having too much happening at once to avoid making it look like a short piece.
- Using a variation of shots and angles to help keep a pace and offer different perspectives on a scene or characters.
- Having titles in the correct order and integrating them into the piece in a way that doesn't distract the audience's focus.
- Editing and cuts that flow with the piece, such as with a match on action that doesn't look choppy, in order to give the film a more professional, well-finished look.
- Using generic conventions through props, costume or other mise-en-scene factors to indicate the genre to the audience. With some genres this can be easier to do than with others, but overall mise-en-scene helps to set an atmosphere straight away without any necessary use of plot development or dialogue.
- The film's main title being at the end. This can make the film opening look like a trailer or sometimes almost make it seem as if the piece is finished.
- Having the storyline be predictable- this can mean that the audience won't want to see the rest as they already know what is going to happen.
- Having a key event of the film start within the first two minutes, such as a character dying. This means that there is no chance for the audience to connect to characters or see them develop in their setting- being launched straight into an intense scene within the first two minutes can put the audience off.
- Having unsteady shots with a pan or tilt. This can easily be corrected with the use of a tripod or dolly and avoids giving a hand-held camera feel (if undesired).
Student Film Openings Analysis
The Lurker
(Ilkley Grammar School)
The genre for this film opening is made clear from the start by using connotations and signifiers linked with the horror genre. Examples of this are shots of a girl walking around on her own (which has connotations of being vulnerable, susceptible to danger) and the creepy non-diegetic sound used. Mise-en-scene is used well with the use of location (woods- this adds to the isolated feel) and props. (such as the knife) Arguably the lighting could have been made darker in order to make it creepier but may have not been easily achieved or fit well in with the rest of the film, as the main character is in school uniform. This overall sets the theme and atmosphere for the rest of the theme well and the unnerving atmosphere makes the audience question what is to happen, prompting them to keep watching. A variation of shots are used such as pans, midshots and tracking shots which help to give the impression that the protagonist is being followed.
However, there are negative aspects of the opening. Titles are not used anywhere within the film opening and the film's main title is not shown. The narrative for the film, that despite being simplistic, is rather predictable, as the film opening ends with the antagonist getting closer to the naive protagonist with a knife. This predictability can mean that the opening loses its appeal for the audience watching, as the film's storyline is stereotypical for its genre and most of what is to happen is revealed within the first two minutes.
Overall, certain aspects of this film opening are good, such as the non-diegetic music used, various shots and the use of mise-en-scene, but the lack of titling and the simplistic, predictable storyline have the possibility of making the opening plain and boring for viewers rather than being effective and interesting.
Wrenched
(Ilkley Grammar School)
This film opening, of thriller/horror genre, has a good use of titling with production logos shown at the start. The title do not obtrude or distract from the main content of the film, which allows the audience to pay attention to whatever they choose. The use of non-diegetic sound throughout the film opening is good as both non-diegetic music is used to set the atmosphere and feel and the diegetic sound- such as the kettle boiling and dialogue- helps to add to this. Multiple camera angles are used such as midshots, over the shoulder shots and close ups which gives variation and keeps the viewer interested. Editing is effective in this piece, particularly to show the difference between the male character's actions and the female character's actions. The narrative is not necessarily obvious- keeping the audience watching- or stereotypical to the film's genre.
On the other hand, there are aspects of the film opening which are not so good- such as the film's title being shown at the end. It could also be said that there is perhaps too much happening within the first two minutes, or that it could be paced slower to make it seem more like a film opening as opposed to a short film.
In conclusion, this student film opening has a lot of good aspects with in regards to things such as the use of diegetic and non-diegetic sound, camera angles and narrative- however the pacing may be a bit too fast paced and the main film title being shown at the end of the piece.
Retribution
(Sidney Stringer Academy)
This film opening is also of the thriller/horror genre, shown from conventions and aspects within the piece such as the girl being tied up, the blood and the non-diegetic music used. This piece uses titles, unlike the first student film opening I analysed, which clearly shows the production company as well as the cast. The use of non-diegetic music beats in time with the titles shown to give more of an impact and the music adds to the unsettling atmosphere. The use of editing is good with the clear differentiation between past and present with the use of cutaways and changing to black and white. This use of flashbacks helps to build up to the moment and gives some background information on the main character introduced. There is a variation in camera shots such as pans and tilts to make the audience carry on watching and keep them interested.
However, negative points about the film opening are things such as the main film title being shown at the end. This is something that is usually shown for film trailers, not film openings, and almost makes it seem as if the sequence has ended. The narrative shown is quite clear and almost predictable as the film starts out in the middle of quite an intense event, which may make the rest of the film's plotline predictable for the audience. This may mean that the attention of the audience wavers, as the first two minutes are rather stereotypical and unoriginal for a horror/thriller film.
Overall, this film opening uses good generic conventions which make the film's genre clear to the audience, the use of non-diegetic music helps to set atmosphere, theme and mood and the use of flashbacks helps to add some background to the plot. However, the plot shown within the first minute and a half seems rather simplistic and unoriginal for the film's genre which may lessen the interest from the audience as what is to happen is too obvious.
(Ilkley Grammar School)
The genre for this film opening is made clear from the start by using connotations and signifiers linked with the horror genre. Examples of this are shots of a girl walking around on her own (which has connotations of being vulnerable, susceptible to danger) and the creepy non-diegetic sound used. Mise-en-scene is used well with the use of location (woods- this adds to the isolated feel) and props. (such as the knife) Arguably the lighting could have been made darker in order to make it creepier but may have not been easily achieved or fit well in with the rest of the film, as the main character is in school uniform. This overall sets the theme and atmosphere for the rest of the theme well and the unnerving atmosphere makes the audience question what is to happen, prompting them to keep watching. A variation of shots are used such as pans, midshots and tracking shots which help to give the impression that the protagonist is being followed.
However, there are negative aspects of the opening. Titles are not used anywhere within the film opening and the film's main title is not shown. The narrative for the film, that despite being simplistic, is rather predictable, as the film opening ends with the antagonist getting closer to the naive protagonist with a knife. This predictability can mean that the opening loses its appeal for the audience watching, as the film's storyline is stereotypical for its genre and most of what is to happen is revealed within the first two minutes.
Overall, certain aspects of this film opening are good, such as the non-diegetic music used, various shots and the use of mise-en-scene, but the lack of titling and the simplistic, predictable storyline have the possibility of making the opening plain and boring for viewers rather than being effective and interesting.
Wrenched
(Ilkley Grammar School)
This film opening, of thriller/horror genre, has a good use of titling with production logos shown at the start. The title do not obtrude or distract from the main content of the film, which allows the audience to pay attention to whatever they choose. The use of non-diegetic sound throughout the film opening is good as both non-diegetic music is used to set the atmosphere and feel and the diegetic sound- such as the kettle boiling and dialogue- helps to add to this. Multiple camera angles are used such as midshots, over the shoulder shots and close ups which gives variation and keeps the viewer interested. Editing is effective in this piece, particularly to show the difference between the male character's actions and the female character's actions. The narrative is not necessarily obvious- keeping the audience watching- or stereotypical to the film's genre.
On the other hand, there are aspects of the film opening which are not so good- such as the film's title being shown at the end. It could also be said that there is perhaps too much happening within the first two minutes, or that it could be paced slower to make it seem more like a film opening as opposed to a short film.
In conclusion, this student film opening has a lot of good aspects with in regards to things such as the use of diegetic and non-diegetic sound, camera angles and narrative- however the pacing may be a bit too fast paced and the main film title being shown at the end of the piece.
Retribution
(Sidney Stringer Academy)
This film opening is also of the thriller/horror genre, shown from conventions and aspects within the piece such as the girl being tied up, the blood and the non-diegetic music used. This piece uses titles, unlike the first student film opening I analysed, which clearly shows the production company as well as the cast. The use of non-diegetic music beats in time with the titles shown to give more of an impact and the music adds to the unsettling atmosphere. The use of editing is good with the clear differentiation between past and present with the use of cutaways and changing to black and white. This use of flashbacks helps to build up to the moment and gives some background information on the main character introduced. There is a variation in camera shots such as pans and tilts to make the audience carry on watching and keep them interested.
However, negative points about the film opening are things such as the main film title being shown at the end. This is something that is usually shown for film trailers, not film openings, and almost makes it seem as if the sequence has ended. The narrative shown is quite clear and almost predictable as the film starts out in the middle of quite an intense event, which may make the rest of the film's plotline predictable for the audience. This may mean that the attention of the audience wavers, as the first two minutes are rather stereotypical and unoriginal for a horror/thriller film.
Overall, this film opening uses good generic conventions which make the film's genre clear to the audience, the use of non-diegetic music helps to set atmosphere, theme and mood and the use of flashbacks helps to add some background to the plot. However, the plot shown within the first minute and a half seems rather simplistic and unoriginal for the film's genre which may lessen the interest from the audience as what is to happen is too obvious.
Friday 17 February 2012
Certification
Film certification is done to be protective of audiences and consider a broader public opinion. There are legal obligations involved in film classification, which restricts access to material on the grounds of age. Censorship is different to film certification, in which material is cut or prevented access to.
The BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) is a self regulatory body that certifies British film- local councils are in charge of cinemas and have to comply to the BBFC's rules. The Videos Recording Act from 1984 meant that the BBFC classifies home video. They have to note down any dangerous or criminal activities on videos or DVD and are very aware of laws regarding children and animals.
Films are certified based on factors such as level of discrimination, drugs, horror, imitable behavior, language, nudity, sex, theme and violence. There are 5 film classifications: U, (universal - suitable for all) PG, (parental guidance) 12/12A, (suitable for 12 years and older) 15, (suitable for 15 years and older) and 18. (suitable for only adults)
Research of film certificates will help us in the consideration of certificate for our film- for example, we may choose 12/12A as our film certificate due to possible action or violence that may be included, as well as the possibility of mild swear words being used. This also links in with the genre of our film, comedy, as there may be conventions of comedy used that do not necessarily fit in below a 12/12A rating.
The BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) is a self regulatory body that certifies British film- local councils are in charge of cinemas and have to comply to the BBFC's rules. The Videos Recording Act from 1984 meant that the BBFC classifies home video. They have to note down any dangerous or criminal activities on videos or DVD and are very aware of laws regarding children and animals.
Films are certified based on factors such as level of discrimination, drugs, horror, imitable behavior, language, nudity, sex, theme and violence. There are 5 film classifications: U, (universal - suitable for all) PG, (parental guidance) 12/12A, (suitable for 12 years and older) 15, (suitable for 15 years and older) and 18. (suitable for only adults)
Research of film certificates will help us in the consideration of certificate for our film- for example, we may choose 12/12A as our film certificate due to possible action or violence that may be included, as well as the possibility of mild swear words being used. This also links in with the genre of our film, comedy, as there may be conventions of comedy used that do not necessarily fit in below a 12/12A rating.
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