Coustume/ Prop List - Actors/Actresses

Locations

Final Animatic

Producing an animatic allowed us to visualise our ideas in terms of camera, editing, sound and mise-en-scene. Specific shots, such as the slow zoom, were visually engaging and are a classic convention of the thriller genre. In addition the jump cut flash backs also where effective when combined with the sound effects to create a suspenseful tone to the piece, this major convention of the thriller genre. Creating the animatic also helped us gather a feel for the pace of the piece. It highlighted which transitions are effective such as the cross dissolve between shoots 14 and 15. The animatic was also useful when it came to layering up sounds and music. The adjustment between levels good to experiment especially during the fade at the begging in of the opening.

I believe our animatic is good however some improvements could be made. The narrative becomes slightly confusing towards the end of the animatic. In addition I personally believe the pace of the piece needs to be consistent, slower and more gradual. This would suit the codes and conventions of the thriller genre closer.

As a team I believe we organised and divided responsibilities well between our selves resulting in efficient and constructive work. Decisions where discussed as a group and much thought was taken about decisions.

Audience Research

Sample Questionnaire 

1. What age category do you fit into?

16-18, 19-24, 25-30, 10-35, 36-40, 41- 45, 46+, 


2. Are you male or female? _______________________________


3.What thriller sub genres do you prefer? (Please circle as many as apply)

Action 
Spy
Romantic 
Psychological
Crime 
Supernatural
Drama 
Political
Medical 
Other


4. What do you look for in terms of story with a thriller? – E.g. Twists, 



5. How much gore do you expect to see in a thriller?



6. What do you like about the thriller genre? (Please circle as many as apply) 

Confusion
Suspense
Hero vs. Villain
Twist
Cliff Hangers
Mystery
Danger 


7. How do you think a good thriller should open? (Please tick one)
Death
Chase 
Everyday Life 
Flashback 
Other

We chose these questions based on the information we wished to receive from the audience. Firstly we used the questionnaire to establish who are target audience was. Based in the fact we had decided to make a film classed as a 15 certificate we came to the conclusion that the people surveyed should be older than 15. We also used this questionnaire to see which sub genres of are most popular and which conventions of Thriller they most prefer to see. From this we can evaluate our ideas and make improvements based on our research.

Results

Shot List

Initial Ideas

My group decided to go with the crime drama idea. We will further develope this idea and produce a shot list and animatic to see what our idea will look like.

Good Tutorial Site

One of my groups ideas for our final opening included flash backs. Then i found this tutorial site -

http://library.creativecow.net/articles/rabinowitz_aharon/CC_Flashback/video-tutorial.php

I had a go at recreating it myself in After Effects. This is what i came up with...

Certificate Rating

http://www.bbfc.co.uk/ - British Board Of Film Classification

 There may be frequent use of strong language however the strongest terms are acceptable in context however continued use is not acceptable. Nudity is allowed in a sexual content but not in strong detail. No constraints on nudity if not in a sexual context. Violence may be shown but without strong detail. May not dwell upon the pain inflicted on the character. Dangerous techniques such as suicide and self harming should not be dwelt upon. Accessibility to lethal weapons can not be glamorised. Strong 'gorry' images are not permitted however repeated scenes of threat and menace are. Drug taking may be shown must not encourage drug misuse.

 BBFC findings show that at the age of 18 a person should be entitled to see whatever they wish as they are an adult. However exceptions include the promotion of dangerous acts (both to the individual and society). They may also stop the portrays of sexual assault which endorse assault. Sexual scenes must be justified in the text.

I believe our work will be targeted at the classification of 15. This is because those producing it are of similar age but slightly older. This means we will know what the age range expect from a Thriller film and also have the knowledge to know what is acceptable to be shown in the film. In addition we don't plan to include any scenes of a sexual nature in our opening. However the classification will not be lower than an 15 as we plan to include some suspense and violence scenes which fall into the classification of 15. Furthermore the use of violence and sex etc. must be justified in the context of the piece. This means we will not include scenes of a violent nature for no reason.

Continuity Task

My group was awarded a Level 2 by my teacher for this

piece of work. We peer assessed each others work

in class and came up with areas of improvement for each other.

Firstly my teacher argued that the task was incomplete

as the audience didn't physically see the character

leave the room. In addition it was argued that the

music was unnecessary. However i believe it was a

good chance to experiment with sound in

Premier. Further more the reaction shots of the

characters facial expression where unclear and the

facial expression couldn't be seen.

The framing of some shots was uncentral to the actiom and drew the

audiences attention way from the action.

To improve we decided that it is best to make

it obvious to the audience what is going on.

In addition repeating shots will ensure the best

shot is captured and can be used. Finally we need

to keep consistency with our effective shots for

better marks.

I believe my group worked well together in the

organsing and execution of our continuity task.

The camera work was effective and handled well.

However in some areas the framing of the shot was

wrong. To improve we will take more care when

positioning the camera and the actors to make the

film more effective. 

In addition the editing could of been

sharper, reducing the length of the clips. This would

of made the piece more effective as it would allow the

audience to engage more and tension would of been

created. Furthermore in some clips the clicking of the

camera could be heard. This reduces the quality and

effectiveness of the extract. To remove this we should

allow the camera to run for longer after the action.

This would make it easier to remove the sound without

effecting the quality and effectiveness of the extract.

However the location and the acting in the piece

where not ideal. The initial planned location wasn't

available. From this we can learn to be more 

organized and prepared before shooting. The actors

where not amazing. When it comes to doing our

opening scene we will use drama students who

should have more experience of acting.

Conclusion

From my research i have found that each sub genre of thriller has a specific style following common conventions of the hybrid in the opening scenes. For example Western thrillers often have the titles superimposed on to the image which is commonly associated with Westerns. However through out all genres I found there was a common use of sound. Non diegetic sound is used effectively in all to create suspense, wether this is fast past or slow paced. Furthermore suspense is created through effective editing. Suspense is effectively created through short takes with longer pauses when a title appears. This tells the audience what the genre of the film is within the first few minutes and what conventions to expect. On the other hand some of the openings where slower paced,  in particular the supernatural thriller. This creates an eerie atmosphere about the piece which is the complete opposite to what you would expect from a crime thriller. In some openings the camera didn't change position and the titles came and went in front of it. With these (such as the 'Sixth Sense') sound plays a major role in creating suspense. In some openings there where a variety of camera angles and distances however they mainly related to the sub genre of thriller. Mise-en-scene is also dependent on the sub genre of the text. However the colour of text chosen is often white or red. Both are conventional to Thrillers. This is due to the cultural meaning associated to them. For example red has connotations of danger and blood both of which are associated whit Thrillers.

Practice Filming 1

Due to technical difficulties it is not possible to upload a copy of our first practice filming. This

is due to a fault with the camera. However we did learn lots from our practice.

Firstly i believe our control of the camera and its use was effective. A few panning shots could of been smoother but we didn't we didn't brake the 180 degree rule. We also worked well as a team with our organising and communication which will be important when it comes to filming the real thing.  

From this practice we learnt that using ourselves as actors wasn't a very good idea. This is firstly

because we naturally aren't very good actors and more importantly when it comes to shooting 

the real thing it will allow us to work together as a team more and make our final piece much

more realistic and effective. 

Furthermore our editing could of been smoother and more effective but over all was satisfactory. Initially our use of the editing software was slow and sluggish but we soon became use to it and our pace quickened. When it comes to producing our final piece will look into improving our skills with other software to aid in production.

Thriller Opening 5 - Sixth Sense - M. Night Shyamalan -1999 (Supernatural Thriller)

(Up to 3:00)

Camera: The camera stays still throughout the title sequence. 

The audience are presented the titles. In addition the restricted 

view is used to help create suspense. The fact the camera 

doesn't move creates the impression on the audience of 

entrapment. This is an uncomfortable feeling for the 

audience The director has done this to provide an insight 

into the narrative of the text. Within all Thriller title scenes,

the genre is quickly established and the main theme of the 

narrative is set. This ties in well with the directors use of 

sound.

Editing: The director chose to use fade transitions between

each title. This helps to establish both genre and narrative.

Fading allows the title to flow and keeps continuity at the

same time. However more importantly it creates an eerie

atmosphere within the text. This is common to most 

supernatural thrillers as ghosts and specters have 

connotations of fading and dissipating. This helps tie in 

with the genre

of the text. The eerie atmosphere created

by the fading transitions helps to create suspense, a

common feature of Thrillers thus telling the audience about

both the narrative and the genre.

Sound: Sound is for many reasons in this title scene. Firstly

sound is used to create suspense. The directors choice of

string instruments which produce short sharp notes. This

combined with the camera and editing effectively build

suspense. When the main title of the film is shown the

musical score reaches a crescendo. The director chose to

do this because if suspense is built for to long the

audience loss interest. As a result the director chose to

climax in the middle of the title scene. The eerie

atmosphere is upheld afterwards by the combination of

the piano and the string instruments.

Mise-en-scene: The title scene is shot

using very low key 

lighting this helps to set the atmosphere and mood of the 

text. The mood and atmosphere matches that of which

the audience would expect from the genre.

Supernatural thrillers are associated with eeriness and

'spooky' scenes. The sound links with the mise-en-

scene to effectively make put the audience "on edge"

and increase their engagement. This is common to

Thrillers.

Special Effects: The titles fade between one another. This

reinforces the eerie atmosphere created earlier. In addition

the titles enlarge as they zoom out. This adds emphasis to

their importance. Further more the zoom isn't dramatic it is

slow and works well with the text reinforcing the established

genre. This is done through following conventions associated

with a genre. When the main title of 'sixth sense' appears

the lighting of the text fluctuates. This further adds to the atmosphere

and genre.

Titles: The titles are displayed over a plain black background

and aren't superimposed on the text. This is common to most

supernatural thrillers. The director has done this to effectively

display the titles and to separate the titles from the main film.

The director chose white font as it it contrasts to the black

background. This simplistic way of showing titles is rather dramatic

and helps build suspense.

Thriller Opening 4 - Unforgiven - Clint Eastwood - 1992 (Western Thriller)

(Up-to 122:37)

Camera - At the begging of the extract the camera remains in a fixed position whilst the solitude character digs a

grave. The director chose to do this as to allow text to scroll up the screen. Both the text and the camera position

give an insight into the narrative of the extract. The extreme long shot allows the audience to see where the text is

set. The red sunset, the mountain and the wooden buildings are all common to the 'Western' genre. From this the

audience have a preconceived idea of what the extract will contain based upon its genre. The director pans around

the town. This shows the setting of the text, in addition the audience is shown the silhouette of a couple kissing then

the camera falls on a window. This panning allows the audience to 'soak' up the atmosphere of the text before being

led to the main story line. During the struggle between the characters a shot-reverse-shot is used between the

character with the knife and his victim. This allows the audience to see both characters expressions and reactions.

This allows the audience to engage with the characters allowing them to feel more a part of the action. Shot-reverse-

shots are common in Thrillers as the director can build suspense by switching between the two characters.

This is common in a 'face off' between the protagonist and the antagonist.

Editing - The opening shot last for a long time with out any cuts. This allows the audience to engage with the

atmosphere of the text. In addition it leaves along enough time for the text to scroll down the screen. The director

chose to use a fade transition between takes. This shows the passing of time. Usually this would be used in a Thriller

to allow the audience to 'recover' from the action. As the text continues the

director begins to use straight cuts. These can be effectively used to create

suspense at the begging of the action. The pace of the editing matches the

pace of the action. Suspense is a common convention of Thriller movies.

Sound - At the beginning of the extract the non-diegetic sound runs parallel

with the narrative. The music is suited to the genre of the text. The director

chose to do this as to set the atmosphere of the text. Contrapuntal music

wouldn't of appealed to the audience and their ideologies. The director

effectively uses a sound bridge between 2 scenes. This keeps continuity in the

text. Also it helps to build on suspense, this is because it is unexpected and

almost makes the viewer 'jump' Furthermore the director combines diegetic

sound and editing to effectively create suspense. Effectively combining the

two allows the audience to engage as suspense is created. At the end of the

action all the diegetic sound is quietened so that the click of the gun is

emphasised. This shows the importance of the gun to the narrative of the text.

In addition it shows that silence is also an effective way of creating suspense,

common to Thriller movies.

Mise-en-scene- At the begging of the extract the audience see a silhouetted landscape consisting of a house, a tree

and a man digging. This silhouette is created by the a glorious sunset. From this the audience have an impression

of the location and genre of the text. Such sunsets are associated with deserts thus the audience is led to believe that

the film is of a western genre as all 'westerns' are set in dry deserts. In addition to this the silhouette creates a sense

of ambiguity about the text. This is due to the fact the audience is limited to what hey can see. The director has done

this to make the scrolling text more effect as the audience need to read it to understand the narrative of the text. As

the scene progresses the audience are shown an apparently empty town due to the rain. However as the camera crabs

the audience see another silhouette, this time of a couple kissing. The director is trying to convey the idea that the

specific characters aren't important however the connotations associated with their actions are. The idea of conveying

an action allows the audience to add their own personal opinion to the text increasing their engagement. The

characters costume convey to the audience the characters social standing. From this the audience are allowed to

engage with the characters more. This is common to all Thrillers as it increases the effect of suspense films on the

audience. In addition to costumes the director has effectively used props. Such props as the gun are common to mostly

all thrillers. However each sub-genre of thriller has its own style of weapon. This is important to the text as it helps

establish genre.

Special Effects - Very few special effects are used in the opening of the text. The only point where special effects

are used is during the fight scene. The blood from the cut woman is common to a lot of thrillers. However it is not

necessarily apart of all thrillers. However the climax of a suspense scene is very important. In this extract the climax is reached however the action continues and suspense is continually created as the audience don't know what will happen to the character.

Titles - The titles and the scrolling font are in a classic typing font. This font suits the opening and the genre of the text. The director chose to use white text as it stands out against the background. In addition the director choice white to juxtapose the red colour of the title of "Unforgiven". Furthermore there is inconsistency in the font. The sinister font of the title of the film creates the impression to what the narrative will contain this then links back wit the chosen colour of red which has symbolic meanings of "danger" and "blood" . This is consistent within all Thrillers.

Thriller Opening 3 - Saw II - Darren Lynn Bousman, 2005 (Psychological Thriller)

Camera - Initial Point of View Shots allow the audience to see what is happening as the character does.

The audience is aware of the fact that the character doesn't know where they are. This is reflected in the

fact that the panning of the camera is quick, showing the characters distress and in the fact that there is

non-diegetic panting sound. From this is the director has effectively created suspense, a common

convention to the Thriller genre. Instead of switching to a close up of the characters face, the director

choses to use an over the shoulder shot to reveal the characters situation. This allows the audience to

engage with the character. The camera slowly zooms in on the character on the Television screen. The

director has chosen to do this to add emphasis to the importance of the character. In addition the director

uses a shot-reverse-shot technique to show the facial expression of the character as he hears what is

being said on the tele, further allowing the audience to engage. The director uses extreme close ups of

the characters eye to show the importance of it to the narrative of the text. The 360 degree panning of

the character shows the audience the full extent of the situation. In addition it helps build suspense as the

panning increases speed.

Editing - At the beginning of the text there are long takes. This helps

to establish the initial setting of the text. However as both character

and audience become aware of the distressful situation the pace of

the editing quickens. This builds on suspense increasing the audience

engagement. The director effectively quickens the pace to suit the

narrative of the text. This eventually leads to a montage sequence

continually building on suspense. After the climax of the action the

editing slows pace, thus allowing the audience to 'recover' from the

action. This is a common convention of Thriller movies.

Sound - At the beginning of the extract the director effectively

emphasises diegetic sound of the props in the scene. This adds to the

ambiguity of the situation. The director effectively uses non diegetic

eerie sounds to help build suspense. In addition it also gives the

audience the impression that the character was under sedation. This

provides an insight into the narrative of the text. As the character

realises his situation the sound levels increase as the the action

heightens. When the timer begins to start the non-diegetic sound stops.

The only sound comes from the ticking of the clock. This adds emphasis to the importance of time thus

heightening the suspense as time is against the character. In this text silence is used as effectively as loudness

The non-diegetic sound reaches a creshendo as the action reaches its peak. The director emphasises the diegetic

sound of the moving of the x-ray pictures. This helps to create suspense. 

After the height of the action the non diegetic sound quietens. This suits the 'recovery' stage of the extract and 

leads into the title scene.

Mise-en-scene - The decor of the room looks very real, however there is a low verisimilitude as the likely

chance that this situation would occur is very low. The opening shot is filmed using low key lighting.

This reflects the dark mood and atmosphere showing the audience the theme of the narrative. The colour

red is present in the text. Red has is culturally symbolic of danger and blood. This leads the audience to believe

that these will be present in the narrative of the text. The Television is used by the antagonist to communicate

to the characters. The use of common household objects as props in Thriller films is a common convention.

I believe the director chose to use a Television because the audience can relate to it. In addition through

effective use of narrative an technical codes the audience can engage with the text and come to fear the

object as much as the characters in the text.

Special Effects - The trap placed around the characters neck obviously isn't real. The special effects make it

appear very realistic. As a result there is more of a 'cringe' factor associated with the scene. This makes the

text more believable allowing the audience to engage more.

Titles - The title scene has an 'eerie' feel to it. The apparent floating text fades in then fades out. The director chose

this because it suits the genre of the text. An 'eerie' atmosphere is a common convention of all psychological thrillers.

The text is centralized, emphasizing its importance. The director chose to use white as the colour for the title.

White is symbolic of purity and innocence. The 'off' white colour helps to provide an insight into the narrative of

the text. Due to the symbolic meaning the 'off' white colour tells us that there will be a change to the purity or

innocence.

Thriller Opening 2 -The Matrix - The Wachowski Brothers, 1999 (Science Fiction Thrller)

(Up to 6:39)

Camera- In the opening sequence to the matrix all aspects

of camera movement where used. However the key ones 

to analyse are the hand held camera shots, the swipe pan 

and the 360 degree pan. When the character known as 'Trinity'

fled the fight scene the director chose to follow her with 

other the shoulder shot by a hand held camera. This 

allowed the audience to engage with the character, 

in addition the unclarity of what is in the shot helps build

suspense. This effect is also present when the director 

chose to use a swipe pan in the fight scene. This 

blurs the image making it unclear to the audience what is

happening to the character thus building suspense. 

The 360 degree pan of 'Trinity' in the air subtracts 

from the realism of the text. However it also provides 

an insight into the narrative as the audience can tell

that from the genre of the text is science-fiction as well

as thriller. Allowing the audience to engage with the text

appears to be a convention associated with all Thriller.

Editing - The extract starts with long takes however 

as the action scene begins the takes get shorter. All

editing is done using straight cuts. This helps 

create the pace of the text and the narrative. When

combined with 

the non diegetic 

sound suspense 

is effectively 

created this 

allows the 

audience to 

become more 

involved with 

the text.

Sound - Both

diegetic and 

non-diegetic 

sound are used 

effectively in 

the extract. 

The non diegetic 

musical score 

runs parallel to the text and fits in time with the editing.

The fast tempo  and long notes help to create suspense.

As the action climaxes so does the musical score reach 

a crescendo. The diegetic sound is made louder in areas 

to add emphasis and to create suspense in the text.

'Suspense' is a common convention of all Thriller movies.

Mise-en-scene - The extract is shot in a very low key 

lighting. This helps create the atmosphere and suspense.

Scenes of low lighting are common to Thrillers as 

darkness is an easy way to  create suspense because what

is going to happen next is unclear to the audience. The 

lighting also suggests an insight into the narrative of the

text. Such props as the police gun provide the audience 

with an insight into the narrative. Guns have connotations

of violence which is common to most action thrillers. The

colour green is present at the title scene. The green text 

creates adds an eerie futuristic feeling to  the text. This 

is common to the hybrid genre of science-fiction. I 

believe the title scene wouldn't of  been as affective 

with another colour.

Special Effects - The title scene is made using CGI. 

The director uses special effects to create the green

falling symbols. These relate to the narrative of the text

and help portray to the audience what is going to

be included in the text. This relates back to the conventions

of genres. From this use of CGI the audience get an 

understanding of what to expect from the text. In

addition CGI are used when the audience see the

tracing of a call. The camera slowly zooms in on one

number. From this the director is trying to show the

importance of technology in the text further using 

conventions of a genre.

Titles - The director has chosen to use a font commonly

associated with computers and technology. This

stereotypical font reinforces the directors choice of 

narrative. The director has stuck with the color of green to keep

a certain style going. Combining the falling symbols with 

the title effectively keeps the narrative flowing, in addition it 

effectively reinforces that the established genre is present in 

the narrative as the titles are the same as the convention already

established. An effective technique used by the director is

keeping the colours and the lighting of the titles similar to 

that of the opening scene. This keeps continuity.

Thriller Opening 1 -Psycho - Alfred Hitchcock, 1960 (Horror Thriller)

Camera - Throughout the opening credits the camera doesn't 

move nor change angle. The credits are presented to the audience

in front of them. In addition the titles are centralized in each shot. 

The director chose to do this to add emphasis to the titles and draw

the audiences attention to deeper meaning in the title sequence. 

The meaning interpreted from the extract links to the animation 

and graphics.

Editing - The title sequence consists only of short takes all 

accompanied by straight cuts. This is faced past editing which 

effectively combines with the non-diegetic sound. From this the 

audience expect the pace of the title sequence to be reflected in 

the pace of the narrative. In addition the editing 

(combined with the non-diegetic sound) effectively creates suspense. 

This is a convention commonly associated with Thrillers from this 

the audience gain an insight into the genre of the text thus meaning 

that they have preconceived ideas about what to expect from the 

text. As a result the director has instantly influenced the audiences 

attitude and expectations from the text as a result the director can

build on this to create an effective Thriller movie.

Sound - There is no diegetic sound present in the title sequence. 

The non-diegetic musical score provided by an orchestra is common 

to many of older thrillers. The high pitched string instruments 

effectively create suspense. This

links back to the editing to help create pace.

Mise-en-scene - The title sequence consists 

of only titles and straight lines. The straight 

lines are symbolic of rigidness and normality

this is reinforced when the lines interlink

smoothly. However this idea is juxtaposed 

when the lines and the text don't align 

smoothly representing abnormality. This 

shows the audience that the theme of 

abnormality is present in the narrative of 

the text. This is common to phycological 

thrillers.

Special Effects - The lines present in the title sequence are 

CGI images animated to move.  I believe the director chose 

to express his ideas using symbolic images rather than using 

iconic images. As a result the meaning is left slightly ambiguous

and for the audience to interpret themselves. I believe the 

director chose to do this to allow the audience to engage 

with their own opinions and ideas.

Titles - The chosen colour for the titles is white on black 

background. The positioning of the titles doesn't follow any

particular structure however most titles appear to be 

centralized in the shot. This emphasizes there importance. 

The colour white traditional has connotation of purity and

innocence. However in this title opening scene the letters of the

word 'Psycho' is distorted. I believe the director has chosen

to do this to show the idea that purity and innocence is

lost in this text.