Final Version

Evaluation

Overall we feel we have created a reasonably good thriller opening considering the lack of time we had to make it (due to circumstances). However, because of this we have had to make compromises with some of the features we were hoping to include e.g. the flasing images and flickering. Another part we feel could have been better was the dietetic soundtrack as it is very broken up, making it amateur sounding and lacking in continuity. Through we were very pleased with how the titles look (the font and how they fade in and out). We have met all our aims in the plan of the time making for the film.

Class Feedback

Bear in mind we had one lesson to upload all our footage from filming and put it in order, and do a small amount of editing so some parts may not sound/look as good as they could be. But then this is only the rough cut version.

We did an exercise where by the whole class looked at each others work and wrote down good and bad points about our work. Below are some of the comments we receieved.
Sound:

-When Alice is walking on her own the sound of heavy breathing was really effective and was a good way to create creepy atmosphere.

-Good natural sounds of the forest-sound would be good, can hear the sound of voices at very start.

Editing:
-Some shots could be shorter

-Tiles will go well in multiple shots
lower some of the levels of sound to make the background clearer

Mise en Sene:

-Realistic (likes bob marley)

-Location is effective as it is a thriller

Camerawork:
-Different style of camerawork, worked well, gave a sense of atmosphere.

-Hand held worked well, made viewers feel more like you were the characters.

-Angle of Alice running was very effective.

-Good shot of guy in background.



OVERALL:
We think that the film will look a lot better when there is a diagetic soundtrack and credits will make it look more professional.

Filming Delay

We were scheduled to film on the weekend of the 27th of Feb. This was postponed due to bad weather making it unable to film in such weather. We then have the chance to move are filming date to the following Wednesday where we all had a day off due to teacher training. The plan was to meet at the l0cation at around midday, but due to complications I was not able to make it.
Once we got to college on Thursday, we presented our problem to the course leader Tanya who gave us the weekend to complete filming for the filming deadline on Monday the 8th.

Filming

On the 6th of march we arrived at our location , at around 9 am. Our filming session went fairly smooth, however we did have 1 or 2 complications. The main problem we had was trying to get the dog to bark. We tried everything, but unfortunately the dog wasn't having any of it. Although, the rest of our footage was perfect, everything we had in our shot by shot list, we managed to film. And most of this footage, was of very good quality. As a group we are very happy with how our filming session went, everyone was on time, and everyone knew what role they where having to play. Everyone contributed towards our footage, and we all made a 100% effort towards it.

During this weeks lessons, we intend to upload our footage, and begin to start the editing process. We have already started to produce the music for the final piece.

Test Footage

We have filmed this rusty chain dripping, turning up the contrast to make it seem more abstract and creepy, also bring down the brightness to achieve as similar effect. fo shizzle

What is a Call Sheet?

A call sheet is chart issued to the cast and crew of a theatrical or film production, listing the production schedule. Typically, in addition to including a schedule, the call sheet also includes a list of contact information for other members of the cast and crew. Call sheets are often issued at the beginning of the week, because schedules change frequently, and trying to plan further ahead can become quite complicated. As a general rule, when a call sheet is assembled, the scheduler assumes that everyone is available at any time, unless specifically informed otherwise.

The information on a call sheet can be difficult to interpret at a glance, especially for people who are not familiar with the industry. Typically, the production schedule is listed by “call time,” as in the time at which people are expected. Call times vary, depending on whether someone is in the cast or the crew, and what is scheduled for the day. In addition to listing call times, the call sheet also includes the location of the call, and makes a note about what is being planned, so that people know what to expect.

Call Sheet

(Update)
We were unable to film on this set date due to un-fit weather conditions. We have been given one overnight camera loan to get all of our footage.

Location Report

Location:

We intend to film in the ruins of a Norman Castle in Cheveley Park stud (just outside the village of Cheveley) the castle is in a wooded area; an ideal location for the project. Fortunately, the location of our opening is reasonably close to where we all live, so will not be too much trouble to get to. One of the main features of our film is what we thought was a well, through further research we learned it was in fact an Edwardian fridge.

Permisson:

• No permission is needed for us to use the forest as the location for our thriller.
• The still images we will be using will be taken at various locations around college and at the castle

Extra Information On the Castle and its' History:

The castle building stood on a rectangular platform surrounded by a formidable V-shaped moat. The moat was probably always dry. Parts of the coarse stone in which the castle is made with still remain visible

It is thought that it originally contained a variety of timber structures, including the lord's main hall and other buildings such as a chapel, kitchens, store rooms and accommodation for guests and retainers, some of which were probably set against the inner face of the curtain wall. The ward has not been excavated or significantly disturbed, and the buried remains of these buildings are considered to survive well. Access to the interior was provided by a drawbridge across the centre of the north western arm of the moat. The castle is thought to have been built by Sir John de Pulteney, financier and four times Mayor of London, who was granted a licence to crenellate the dwelling place of his manor in Cheveley in 1341. The resulting structure, which is the only Edwardian castle in Cambridgeshire, is more likely to have served as a mark of Pulteney's status than as a military stronghold, and to have provided a prestigious hunting lodge as the centre piece of a deer park established shortly thereafter.

We feel the unique History of the castle adds something extra special to our film.

Conventions Of A Thriller

It is difficult to state a clear definition of a thriller as they cross over many genres, however the single most characteristic of a thriller is the obvious one, it "thrills" the audience. The plots are scary, the characters are at great risk and the films are constructed in a manner that makes the watcher really want to know what happens next. There is no formula for a thriller, other that that most thrillers follow one of a few common narrative structures.Thrillers can be divided into countless categories, i.e., action thrillers, psychological thrillers,millitary thrillers, spy thrillers, and the list goes on. It's easier to recognise a thriller than to describe it.

Some other conventions could include:

• Mystery to the spectator.
• Suspense, which is key to a thriller.
• Micro elements - musical score, use of distorted, hand-held camerawork. Adds to suspense/tension.
• Low lighting, which adds to mystery and suspense.
• Protagonist in the form of the main character
• Antagonist in the form of a villain or enemy.

Examples that may "thrill" you are see below. "Scream" and "Paranormal Activity"

Examples Of Thrillers

As you can see each cover art uses a lot of dark colours, mixed with reds and whites to make it stand out. This gives you an idea as to the main storyline, that its going to be a dark film that may or may not be scary.

Inspiration

Props And Equipment List

Props:

• The Dog
• 2 Dog leads
• Dog collar
• 2 torches
• Bag
• Speakers
• Ipod
• Phone

Equipment:

• Camera
• Tripod
• Map ( Just In Case )

Job titles

SAUL BASS (1920-1996)
was not only one of the great graphic designers of the mid-20th century but the undisputed master of film title design thanks to his collaborations with Alfred Hitchcock, Otto Preminger and Martin Scorsese. When the reels of film for Otto Preminger’s controversial new drugs movie, The Man with the Golden Arm, arrived at US movie theatres in 1955, a note was stuck on the cans - "Projectionists – pull curtain before titles".

Until then, the lists of cast and crew members which passed for movie titles were so dull that projectionists only pulled back the curtains to reveal the screen once they’d finished. But Preminger wanted his audience to see The Man with the Golden Arm’s titles as an integral part of the film.

He was regarded as a industry expert in title sequences.

in regards to are own opening credits, we will be using inspriation from the film "Six Feet Under"

Storyboard

Page 1

Page 2

Page 3

Details of Filming

Here are some pictures I took from the location of our film, the top left is where the shot at the beginning of it, as we walk towards the castle. I have also taken a picture of the well from close-up and far away.


We intend to film in the Cheveley park stud which is just outside the village of Cheveley. We intend to be filming at around 4 on both evenings. We have arranged to meet at Cheveley primary school, which is fairly near where we intend to film. Luke is responsible for bring the dog, and all necessary items, such as the lead for the dog, treats etc. Alice will be in charge of the camera equipment and for bringing it to the filming location and also the speakers in which the characters which will be playing music out of: "Don't Worry" by Bob Marley. This music will actas a contrapuntal device.
We have all exchanged telephone numbers to arrange a meeting location. From there we will walk to the location.

Shot by Shot Plan

0.00-0.05: 180 degree pan to establish the location at eye level.
0.05-0.07: A still long shot of the well
0.07-0.09: A still mid-shot of the well
0.09-0.11: A still close-up of the well
0.11-0.26: A long shot of the dog walkers coming closer
0.26- 0.29: A mid-shot of the two walkers in mid conversation.
0.29 - 0.34: The dog starts to play up
0.34-0.36: Over the shoulder shot of owners Reaction as he wonders why the dog is playing up.
0.36-0.39: Dog still remains to play up
0.39-0.43: Close-up of owner dropping lead (this will later be made into slow motion)
0.43-0.45: close-up of owners face
0.45-0.52: High angled long shot of the two characters as owner of dog run off to find dog
0.52- 1.00: Slow zoom on vulnerable female. Whilst we zoom in the diegetic music will fade out.
1.00- 1.06: Close-up of half her face and half the background of forest with strange figure in background.
1.06- 1.16: Changes to hand held camera as character walks to find her friend and looks through the forest as leaves rustle etc.
1.16- 1.24: Put camera on floor as she runs past after hearing dog barking from a distance.
1.24- 1.39: point of view shot from the stalker through the leaves of the trees, as the vulnerable girl stumbles across the well.
1.39- 1.47: Hand held view of the female character, as she looks around the well.
1.47- 1.51: Character looks down the well
1.51- 2.01: Flashing images of close-ups
2.01- 2.06: Long shot of stranger on hill, dark silhouette

Shot list

Establishing Shot: At the beginning we will use an establishing shot to introduce our characters and location. The camera will then pan round the forest at an 80 degree angle to reveal the location in which the thriller set.

Over the shoulder shot: This will be used when the dog becomes distressed and the charecters, discuss the situation.

Reaction shot: This will be used as the characters reaction to both the dog playing up and when it runs off. This will lead to the audiences realization of the troubled situation. We will also use this particular shot when the characters discover the creepy location to reiterate their frightening dilema.

Mid shot: This shot will be used regularly throughout the film to illustrate the storyline. For example: at the beginning where we zoom in on the well and of perhaps the characters.

Long shot: This shot will also be used to show the well from a distance and also when the stalkers silhouette is on the hill.

High angled shot: This will be used as the camera looks down into the creepy well to create a sense of disorientation.

Low angled shot: This will be used as we look up onto the man on the hill, this will clearly illustrate the characters vulnerability.

Point of view shot: When we look down into the well, as we look around the forest and as the dog runs off.

Close up: we will use this as we flicker from images. To build up suspense and tension.

Logo Creation

This is the production log that we have created and edited on Photoshop and then added it into Final Cut so that we could edit it. We decided on 'storm productions' as we felt it fitted in with the thriller theme adequately.

Thriller Pitch

This is a combination of our ideas, we have put together various pictures from Google that encapsulate our thoughts and ideas for this project. We have chosen various creepy, shadowy images to portray the atmosphere. From this task we have decided on the creepy location of the ruins of a castle in Cheveley Park Stud.