Evaluation

The 7 Key Questions...

In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
Our opening thriller sequence shows conformity to the forms and conventions of the thriller genre. A key element to any thriller is the soundtrack- our film demonstrates drama that is created through the track used. The tone of the music doesn't have any orchestral value, as associated with many thrillers, yet the acoustic instrumental tones give a subtle sinister edge to the sequence. I think we have developed the typical characters considered in the thriller genre- a protagonist features prominently in a plot, whereas we have used a male and female character within the opening to our film. A sense of wonder is put amongst the audience, as the characters who appear to be at the centre of the storyline, are no longer the focus, after the event takes place. This creates suspense on some level, as the audience are left thinking about the remainder of the plot. We have challenged the conventions of the thriller in some respects with the fist camera shot, as the audience see action straight away, the combination of slowed down editing and acoustic music gradually eases the viewer into the storyline.

How does your media product represent particular social groups?
Our thriller opening sequence doesn't necessarily represent a particular social group, however, in terms of character, the focus on a young couple could apply. The representation of the lengths people will go to for the one they love are demonstrated by the end scene, where a killing has happened, yet we are not sure who is the victim, nor who has committed the crime. As the couple are fairly young, the raw emotion of devotion can be seen by the way they never leave each others side, in a way showing vulnerability of young age.

What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
I think an established independent film company, such as Film 4 or a wider known company such as Paramount would be best to distribute our media product. British corporation Film 4 are known for producing realistic, and poignant films such as 'Slumdog Millionaire' (2008). To contrast, international institution Paramount pictures are responsible for unassuming action thrillers such as 'Hard Rain' (1998). The combination of the two would allow higher budget for film production, as well as new media convergence, allowing access to an audience ranging from teenagers to adults.

Who would be the audience for your media product?
The intended audience for our media product would be aimed at teenagers and adults- for film classification purposes, the footage would be certified at '15' (according to the bbfc). As the content may be associated with audience imagination, as opposed to visual footage, out product would be most suited for this age range. Although no actual scenes of violence are portrayed during the opening sequence, further storyboards indicate scenes of a more graphic nature, hence the stated classification.

How did you attract/ address your audience?
We aimed to attract out audience with the use of sharp titles with black and white footage in the hope the audience would be intrigued by the methods. Another factor was our selection of music- the acoustic guitar strings give a subtle squeak when played, catching the attention of the viewer. The edits we applied are fairly gradual, therefore slowing the pace of the sequence, yet the contrast between filmed footage and what the audience sees, is aimed to attract.

What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?
I have learnt that there will we setbacks and limitations on initial plans, due to the development of modern technologies, and natural surroundings. As we filmed during dusk, the scenes inside the house had to be lit artificially- due to the diminish of natural lighting outside. This seemed to work during filming, but when it came to editing our opening thriller sequence, we found the light given was too warm, so had to apply a gray scale effect. Although not intentional, I think this has resulted in good footage, appropriate to the genre. I have also learnt how to work the version of software used for editing on Apple Mac Books, giving me a wider knowledge of how effects/ transactions are applied efficiently and within context. I now also know how to apply music to the desired scenes, and how to export the finished product onto DVDs, and upload onto international websites such as YouTube.

Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

I feel our continuity piece lacked the professional touch in certain places, for example when the victim is 'beaten up'- it was intended to look good, but the reality of not wanting to cause actual harm to the actor resulted in a slightly pathetic slap. Taking this into consideration, we should have re shot that particular scene; we have progressed in terms of striving for a finish without amateur mistakes, meaning it would have been re-done if it were part of our thriller. I believe my knowledge on camera shots, angles & editing techniques has improved, allowing more accurate transitions between scenes, and I feel this is seen within the finished sequence.

Feedback

One of the resaons we uploaded our thriller opening to YouTube was to gain feedback from people who viewed the finished piece. Due to the vast range of videos on the site, we unfortunately had not comment, so resorted to using the social networking cycle. As the popular website Facebook has a newsfeed (which allows 'friends' to view what has been posted instantly), we posted our thriller sequence to obtain quick comments of both praise & critisism from those online.

-Chicagofairy "The music goes well with the video- its got a real creepy feel"

-"I like the use of slow motion and fast motion to indicate the rush"

-"The email, gun shot and missing posters were a nice touch"

-"I really like the point of view running, really captures what the escapee's are feeling and doing".

'Helpless'

Here is our finished thriller opening, 'Helpless'. We uploaded the finished piece onto YouTube, where it can Be accessed by any who wish to watch it, this method will also allow us to acquire a range of feedback- a crucial element to film making.

Audio

For our soundtrack we wanted an piece of audio that created drama, tension and an element of vulnerability. This criteria lead us to think an orchestral track would be appropriate, but after playback over the filmed material, we didn't' feel it fit the scenes of the car. We looked at soundtracks used on some popular action thrillers, but again, found them unsuitable, on this occasion due to the situation the characters were in. This lead us to looking at what our own musical taste was, as today's' music scene contains a wide range of acoustic/ indie sounds, and listening to our own preferences.

We found some fairly unknown tracks by a band, The Temper Trap and decided one a track titled 'Soldier On'. we feel its fits our criteria perfectly, as the strings on the acoustic guitar create an almost sinister feel, and the occasional high-pitch of vocal emphasises aspects in the sequence, such as the headlights down the alley.

Film Classification

The British Board of Film Classification, or BBFC is responsible for efficient classifications of cinema films. The stated information advises the public on suitability of content, allowing appropriate viewing choices without restricting freedom.


U (Universal)
Suitable for all
A‘U’ film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. ‘U’ films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror.

PG (Parental Guidance)
General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children
Unaccompanied children of any age may watch. A ‘PG’film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children.

12A/12
Suitable for 12 years and over
Exactly the same criteria are used to classify works at ‘12A’ and ‘12’. These categories are awarded where the material is suitable, in general, only for those aged 12 and over. Works classified at these categories may upset children under 12 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them. The ‘12A’ category exists only for cinema films. No one younger than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult, and films classified ‘12A’ are not recommended for a child below 12. An adult may take a younger child if, in their judgement, the film is suitable for that particular child. In such circumstances, responsibility for allowing a child under 12 to view lies with the accompanying adult.

-The ‘12’ category exists only for video works. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video work.

15
Suitable only for 15 years and over
No one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video work.

18
Suitable only for adults
No person under the age of 18 may view an ‘18’ film in a cinema., also no-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an ‘18’ rated video. Foll wing the Human Rights Act 1998, BBFC's ‘18’ classification allows rational freedom for adult viewing. Exceptions are possible where viewing material breaches the criminal law, inappropriate behaviour e.g portrayal of drug abuse, sexual assault, or violence, or where explicit sexual content cannot be justified by context.

R18

To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to adults of not less than 18 years
The ‘R18’ category is a special and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults. Films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and video works may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops. ‘R18’ video works may not be supplied by mail order.

*all information courtesy of http://www.bbfc.co.uk/*

With regards to the classifications of the BBFC, I think our thriller would fall into the category of either '12' 0r '15'. The opening scenes are not material associated with the typical '15' rating of a thriller film, however, when producing storyboards, we established a basic plot for the remainder of the film, which would push the criteria boundary of a '12' certificate.

An Insight into Thriller Footage...

Inspiration and ideas
To gain an insight into the conventions of the thriller genre, as a group we watched a variety of opening scenes to give us inspiration as to what impact can be made on the audience within the first few minutes, the films which demonstrated this included;

• Taking Lives
• No Country for Old Men
• Se7en

By viewing these films as a group, we were able to identify the key elements that utilise the opening filming sequence, establishing plot and gaining audience intrigue.

'Psycho'

Alfred Hitchcock's iconic 1960 thriller 'Psycho' creates tension and suspense throughout the storyline. This particular extract, of the shower scene was, and remains to be one of the most iconic sequence of film making. At first glance the audience is hit with shock from the brutality of the stabbing, however, when watched more analytically, Hitchcock has actually used a clever combination of sound effects and quick cut editing to illustrate the sequence and that no visual violence can be traced. This play on human emotion and imagination has inspired modern day thriller hits, such as 'Taking Lives', and, even though the planning for our thriller opening does not include footage of similar theme, the technique will be considered for any future material filmed.

Location Scouting

Once we had established the basic plot for our thriller opening, we began to research various locations which would suit the story. Using a stills camera, we photographed possible areas which could create the desired effect when it came to filming.