This is an outline of our opening scene. It includes a rough detailed explanation of what will be depicted in a step by step sequence of our film opening. The storyboard describes the actions of what the characters/actors are doing in a particular section of the film. It also includes what camera shots are used at a particular moments throughout the scene.
A step by step account of the process of making our film opening. I used Prezi to demonstrate clearly the process of producing our film opening in an organized way. Location, genera, story board and cast is detailed and explained through prezi. The reason why we chose certain aspects and how we are going use or do certain aspects
The logo of the movie company associated with the film. In this case it is called 'Horror Pictures' in the first cut but was later changed to 'Grim Pictures' and it is displayed before the film starts and before the film title is displayed. The logo was made with the software Live Type. The logo can be seen at the start of our film opening
The mood board sets the scene and provides inspiration for our version of a horror film opening. The pictures are from horror films we have studied to get an idea of how to create our own. The pictures provide us with a concept of how to stage and create scenes that are being shown in the pictures. The age certificate information, allows us to determine what age certificate would be suitably best for our film and for what it features
Texas Chainsaw Massacre-1974
The film opening is simple but effective. The use of a narrator and credits help to create a background story which relates to the film. The opening is rather clever as the background story is fictional but the film itself is loosely based on true events.This makes the fictional story seem more real and therefore more realistic. The tone of the narrators voice is serious and the credits are wrote as a incite of a terrible event that happened. With words like 'nightmare' and 'tragedy' help to establish the genera of the film along with the seriousness of the narrator. I like this opening as it proves that you do not need special effects or complicated action sequences in order to successfully tell the background story and establish the atmosphere and the emotion of the audience. John Carpenter's The Ward
This film opening is much more creative and more technical then the first one but still delivers its purpose. Old photographs of gruesome medical treatment used for the mentally ill quickly help to establish the setting of the film, along with the live action shot of a hospital ward. This straight away tells us that the story takes place in a mental institution and therefore ties in with the relevant title of the film. The use of the gruesome images also help to establish the genera of the film and create a dark atmosphere. The use of shattered glass is also very effective in creating a sense of destruction and something not right, something broken. Along with the shattered pieces glass, the sounds of a thunder storm and low key music helps to develop a dark and sinister atmosphere and once again reveals the genera of the film. I like this film opening as it effectively creates the emotion and the atmosphere needed to relate to a horror film.
Final Destination 4
This film opening is a lot more intense and starts the movie straight away in order for the audience to become gripped. The opening starts of with a happy atmosphere but quickly changes to the audience becoming concerned due to the actions in the opening scene. Because the film is a sequel the audience already knows the whole concept of film but the opening is so fast paste with action that it keeps the audience guessing what happens next. Even though the opening is rather action packed, the gruesome deaths of the action in the opening scene, reinforce the horror genera of the movie. I like this opening because it starts the movie straight away and grips the audience instantly. I like the fact that the film decides to imbrace its predictable story line with the same format that made it successful in its previous films. The use of live action events instead of a title sequence, straight away enabled the audience's attention to firmly fixed on the movie
An example of a student's work at recreating the opening/title sequence of the movie Saw
I choose this students piece of work because it relates well to the genre of horror.
I also liked the way the opening was edited and the use of the sound
I thought this project went well, considering it was the first time I had used the editing software. I believe I achieved the tast that I was set successfully. My film my not be of the best quality but it does follow the story set in the task. If I had to do the task again I would of been more creative with the filming and editing of the short film. The finished product does reflect the story set, but the film it self is very basic in terms of technicality.
Group work Advantages & Disadvantages
I found that working in a group had its advantages and disadvantages in which contributed to the end piece of work. The advantages of working in a group was having the ability to listen and contribute ideas together. Instead of just one idea we were able to have several different ideas that were all taken seriously and reflected upon. As a group we where also able to use our computer and creative skills together. In the same way of having different ideas as a advantage it also caused a disadvantage. With different people voicing their ideas, a lot of things said where forgotten and not taken into account in the end process. When doing group work it can be difficult to persuade people about your idea, something you would not have to worry about if you where doing it on your own.
Camera & filming skills I learned
When doing the project I was able to get a real hands on approach to using a camera. I learned about using the Tripod and how to get the best out of my camera and filming work. I learned to use zoom and to be able to ensure that I know what shots will work and what shots will not. I learned about panning shots and useful tips like checking the footage and taking extra footage then I actually need. I also learned about Clip handles and to make sure I take the date and time of the camera when filming.
Lighting & sound
I learned how to film around lighting situations. I relised that experimenting is key to ensure you get the best footage result with the right lighting. I learned that when dealing with filming it is better to film outside in daylight to get the best result. With sound I learned that you need a silent back ground to ensure you get good quality and you can hear the sounds of importance.
