Location sheet

Location Visit Sheet Programme Title: Anybody Home? Client: Shamma Writer: Alex Producer: Sam H Director: Sam D Date:

Rough Sketch/Explanation of location and key points to note Simmons drive, Dagenham Shamma’s house Access to location via: Bus and walking Name and number of location contact: Shamma- 07538148217

Health and Safety Issues to note: Traffic, bus , general public

Potential Filming Problems : Too Dark to film Too cold to film Sound issues Issues with the actors Technical difficulties

Additional Notes:  (map of area/weather forecast etc)

Animatic

This is an animatic storyboard made by our group.

Storyboard

This is the storyboard of our film, created by myself and the rest of my production team.

Risk assessment

Risk Assessment

Group Members: Location:

Hazard	Person(s) at Risk	Likelihood of Hazard 1 – Extremely Unlikely 5 – Extremely Likely	Severity of Hazard Outcomes 1 – Very Low Risk 5 – Very High Risk	Risk Level (Likelihood + Severity) 2	Measures to Take to Manage Risk	Risk Managed? Y/N
Traffic	Everyone on the road	2	4	6	Be very weary on the road, wait for the green man	yes
weather damaging the equipment	the cameraman, soundman	3	1	4	cover the equipment in rain, or take them inside and dry them off before going to use them	yes
Falling down stairs, accidents that happen whilst filming	actors and cameramen	2	3	5	make sure to watch your step and clear the stairs.	yes

Contacts

Emergency Service:
Robert Clack School:
Other Contacts:

Costumes and props

Sam: innocent, returning home, seemingly normal day.

Something like this is ideal as it shows he is returning home from a normal day, wearing nothing too fancy or unusual.
















Intruder: sinister, mysterious, villain,

Black items of clothing paint the person as being evil and villainous. It is standard thriller convention of having a thug in a black hoodie with black gloves. This is important as it means we don't have to spend time sowing the audience who is the villain. They can figure it out just by the clothing. 

The audience in our feedback stated that they thought it would add to the story if the intruder was to wear a mask. The mask just makes it clear to the audience that he is the villain,  it also adds an element of mystery as we cant see the face behind it.

Treatment

Treatment

Group Roles Cinematography: Shamma M Mise-en-scene: Sam D Sound: Alex M Editing: Sam H

Title: Anybody Home? Tag Line: Home Sweet Home, or so they say

Synopsis: A young man arrives home from a day out and starts to discover little clues that lead him to believe that he is not alone. Whilst exploring his house he finds a very suspicious note surrounded by a collection of photographs of himself that he didn’t know existed. A shadowy figure then ascends from the darkness …

Key Genre Conventions: Suspense : there is a lot of suspense and tension throughout. Including a smashed glass. The camera angles used match those often used in thrillers such as close ups, medium shots, eye-line match and action match.

Mood board

Production meeting 3

Today we had a production meeting to discuss what the intruder has to wear. This wasn't really settled and we're gonna have to film 3 different outfits. This is because Sam thought it would be better if i didn't wear a mask as it shows i'm an ordinary person and in someways that is scarier. However, i thought it would be better if we listened to the audience feedback and wore a mask. Then we couldn't decide what mask as i have 2 that would work. Both would be good however it comes down to which one looks better when we come to edit. it should be fine to film each sequence 3 times as i'm not in that many shots. Also, the shots i am in don't last too long.

Final idea

The final idea we chose to film was "Anybody home?"

We chose this because although our other ideas were good we felt as though this was, not only easier to do, but there was more little things we could implement.
These things include smashed glasses, and some creative shots often used in thrillers.
In addition to this, "Anybody Home?" appeals to a larger audience as more people can relate to something simple like an intruder as oppose to a football match.
Furthermore, we thought more people can empathise with sam who is just returning home from a day out.

Production meeting 2 : Making the collage

Today, we made a collage of photos that we took of our lead actor sam. The purpose for this was to make it look like sam's character was being followed. In our film Sam will be looking at the collage when the intruder attacks.
This is an important component of the story as it shows that it isn't a coincidence that the intruder chose sam. It also shows that the killer has some skill, which leads the audience to believe that he is a threat. Also, it is a good distraction as the audience doesn't expect the attack then. While they are focusing on sam's expression or the collage, a loud noise along with frightening scenes will remind the audience they are watching a thriller.

Initial ideas

White Hart Lane

This an idea that involves Sam Howlett going to a football match as if he was vlogging the event. Something happens that causes panic and luckily sam is there to film the event.

Anybody home?

This idea is Sam returning home from a day out, however he soon discovers he isn't alone in his house.

Production Meeting 1

The roles are as following:

Alex Maloney : Cameraman
Sam Dumbleton: Director
Sam Howlett: Actor
Shamma Mukandsatsama: sound

This is when we assigned the roles. We thought about the characters, location and shot types. We developed three ideas for a thriller opening.

My Production Team

My production team consists of myself and three others.

Sam Howlett
Sam is the main actor in the group. He helps out with sound whenever he can.

Sam Dumbleton
Sam is the camera/ sound man. He also helps me to create the ideas for plots and shots.

Shamma Mukandatsama
Shamma is also a camera/ sound man that sometimes fills in roles in our films.

Alex Maloney
I am The main ideas man for the group. I also do camera work and acting.

Evaluation of Preliminary task

In our preliminary task we was trying to tell the story of a 'hit man' who is getting the job to kill someone. The story shows the meeting of a rich and powerful person. A lot of the backstory is left untold to leave suspense for the audience. I think the camera work we used was fairly good. The only issue with that was the shot where the camera goes around the hit man's face. In thought this was a very good idea. However where we was filming made it difficult as it was a very small area, this meant it was hard for sam, our cameraman, to circle me with the camera. Other mistakes we made was still hearing someone shout "action" in the background at the start of the film. This was a mistake that should have been corrected when editing. The good elements of the film was the way that the film flowed. This was due to the way in which we edited it. For example putting certain scenes after where they was originally supposed to be. This lead to a more natural feel to the film. The improvements we could make are to do with the film and plot in general. Mainly the setting. It is quiet clear we are filming in a school. Even though it is supposed to be the office of rich and powerful business man. if we were to film this now we would make it more obvious that shamma is powerful and dangerous by the setting and miss-en-scene.

Preliminary Task

This my Preliminary Task, "The Hitman"

The art of the title

The art of the title is a website that is designed to showcase how the titles of films are made and the wide variety that can be created.

It also shows the names of all the designers that worked on the title. 

Title sequences

A title sequence's purpose is to show the audience who was behind the film , such as lead actors, directors etc. Also, the title sequence can be rolling as the film starts or have its own segment in the show. An example of this is 'Friends' the TV show. At the start of every episode you see the same title sequence. In thrillers, title sequences can be used to build suspense before the film starts. Furthermore, the title sequences can be rolling as the film starts to lead the audience into a false sense of security.

Studio Idents

Studio Ident

What is a studio ident? 
A studio ident is the animation before a film that tells the audience who was behind the production of that film.
Why is it important?
Studio idents are important as it represents the company responsible for the film. In addition, an ident is what the audience sees before the film, so it should make a good first impression.
What is the importance of the design?
The design of a studio ident is very important as it represents the company. If the design is bland, then the audience will instantly assume that the company is bland. Equally, if the design of the ident is grand and bold then the same could be said for the studio.

Example


20th Century Fox is a studio that is part of the 'big six '. Its ident is very bold and grand. 20th Century Fox is a very big corporation that is responsible for a lot of the blockbusters we know today. This lets us know that the film we are about to watch probably has a big budget and will more than likely be successful.


The MGM ident is a lion roaring. This makes the studio seem mighty and powerful.  Also, the uniqueness of the ident makes the studio seem original. MGM is a mini major corporation. This means it isn't as big as the 'big six'. However, it is bigger than the independent film studios.



Film 4 is an independent film studio. The ident shows us different perspectives of the film 4. This shows us everything isn't what it seems, and that film 4 will show us a different look on things.

Continuity Editing

Continuity editing is making sure the scene makes sense. For example if a character walks throw a door then closes it. That door should be closed in the next scene. Continuity is there to ensure there aren't any mistakes in the film.
In addition to this there is the 180 degree rule that states that two characters in a scene should maintain the same left right relationship throughout the scene.

Speed/ style of editing

Film editing is the way in which editors can assemble their shots into a sequence and have them tell a story. The speed of the editing tells the audience how to feel. If a scene is longer than usual, it is so the audience can experience it for longer. In a thriller, longer scenes are used to build suspense and bring the audience in to eventually hit them with a jump scare. Similarly, faster editing is useful to speed up scenes and get the audience to the desired scene quicker.

Analysis of modern thriller openings

In a lot of instances thriller openings use a very similar format in that the opening is very ominous and sets the tone for the film. In many cases they actually foreshadow the film. The opening to the film is very important as it shows the audience what to expect for the rest of the film.

mise-en-scene: Casino Royale

Casino Royale is very heavy on mise-en scene. For example, James bond is seen to be wearing a suit which shows he is a professional and slick. Furthermore, the fact he wears some black clothes shows he has a dark side and can be dangerous. The villain is shown to be wearing all black, black gloves and a soviet hat. This has connotations that he is dangerous and cannot be trusted. It immediately puts him in the stereotype of violent Russians.

Evaluation of sound exercise

Our sound exercise was fairly good, considering we didn't have long to film or plan what we was doing. The plot of the film wasn't the best, it was just a theft. However that wasn't the point of the exercise. The point was to get used to using the mic and learning how to ensure the background noise doesn't interfere with the film. This was tough because we had to make sure we could still be heard but the wind didn't drown us out. We done the best we could, however we had to lower the volume, this makes it somewhat difficult to hear the dialogue at the end. Another problem with the film was when sam swore. He done this because he forgot that i was going to attack him. This had to be beeped out during the editing. All in all i think mistakes were made as it was our first time. However, these mistakes won't happen again as they are easily preventable now we have some experience with the equipment. In addition, it didn't help that the sound man kept changing as we all wanted a turn. This lead to different audio levels which made it strenuous to edit.

Sound exercise

This is our sound task.

Shifty

“Shifty” An Independent British Thriller.

“Shifty” is a British Film that was made in 2008 as part of the microwave scheme The microwave scheme provided young London film makers with a platform to make a small independent film.

The rules of the microwave scheme were that the film had to be made in 18 days and with a budget of less than £100,000. “Shifty” was the second Microwave film to be released and opened in 51 small independent cinemas including the Curzon chain and on its opening weekend it took £61,000. The final box office takings were £143,000. Most of the film’s profits came from DVD and television sales.

“Shifty” was distributed by Metrodome. They spent £50,000 on making celluloid prints, administration and advertising of the film. The intention was to attract two different audiences. The first of which was the middle class audience that regularly sees small independent films at independent cinemas. In addition they wanted to attract a new, younger urban audience. This audience had made “Kidulthood” and “Adulthood” profitable.

Targeting Audiences and Cross Media Convergence

In order to target both audiences, Metrodome produced different trailers. Interestingly the trailer targeting the youth audience had a soundtrack of ‘hip hop’ music. However, there was no soundtrack in the actual film.

In addition Metrodome ran adverts on pirate radio stations, used Fly Posters (which are illegal) and gave out ‘business cards’ which made Shifty look like a drug dealer and directed the recipient to a website. In addition to this, a music video was uploaded to promote the film. The music video used audio suitable for a younger audience. This lead to more exposure for the film.

Furthermore, emails were sent out virally that made shifty look like a drug dealer, these emails were banned, however the publicity generated had already helped promote the film.

Finally, Metrodome targeted the youth audience through a competition offering £500 worth of studio time to young musicians. The winner of the competition had the chance to work with a musician who starred in the film.

Synopsis
"Shifty" isa thriller that builds slowly. There are three parts to the story. The first part is the fact that Chris, a young man in his twenties visit his best friend back home, who he hasn't seen for years. We are lead to believe that something awful happened.

We quickly learn that Shifty has become a drug dealer.This creates a realistic picture of urban life as shifty has to make a living illegally. The second part of the story is about Trevor, a drug addict, the film follows his search for drugs as e becomes more and more desperate.

The third part to the film involves Glen, who places Shifty in danger by lying and claims shifty is short changing his supplier. The film builds towards a climax which takes the audience by surprise.

Rope

"Rope” is a psychological thriller. It was adapted from Patrick Hamilton’s Play which appeared in 1929. The Play was based upon the real life murderers Leopold and Loeb who killed an innocent man to see how it felt. The case became very famous in America. It was linked to the ideas of Nietzsche and his notion of ‘Superman’ a morally superior being. These ideas influenced Hitler and the rise of the Nazis.

The film was made in 1948 and directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

What makes this film famous is the unique editing. Hitchcock wanted to film the story as one long continuous take so that it was like watching a play and the audience felt they were ‘living’ the action.However, in his time Hitchcock had to work with 10 minute rolls. He tried his best to hide his cuts but they are noticeable to a more modern audience. Using this editing technique creates a feeling of claustrophobia. The actors and the audience are both ‘trapped’ in the film. The fact that the body is present throughout the film adds to the tension as the fear of discover exists from the onset.

Another fascinating element to the film is the way homosexuality is portrayed. The relationship between the two murderers is clearly romantic but due to the times, Hitchcock wasn't allowed to state that.

Source Code

Source Code

Source code is a futuristic thriller, in which a soldier exists in a simulation of a train bombing. The objective of the soldier is to figure out who bombed the train. The film raises many philosophical points, including points about parallel universes and dimensions. In addition the film has moral and ethical dilemmas on whether or not such a thing should exist to prevent terrorism.

The film ends with many things open or unanswered, for instance the audience doesn't know whether or not the soldier is dead or alive, or whether he is continuing living as the man on the train. Either of these endings hint toward an alternate dimension.

For all the excitement the film has romantic moments. There is an ongoing romance and a very moving scene where the soldier, Colter Stevens (played by Jake Gyllenhaal) phones his father.

The film was made in 2011 and was directed by Duncan Jones.

. The film contains CGI special effects and cost $32,000,000 to make.

Colter Stevens is a resourceful hero. He gets out of a lot of scrapes as he challenges fellow passengers.

At the end of the film he challenges/persuades the scientist Colleen Goodwin to allow him one more attempt to enter the source code and change the outcome. She grants him this wish and whether he achieves his goal or not is unknown.

This film is an example of an ordinary person, albeit a soldier, who has been dragged into a situation he does not really understand.

Thrillers are villain driven plots. Colter Stevens is not only against the bomber he is also against the creator of the Source Code who refuses to let him die and wants to use him for future missions. Until the end of the film Stevens is powerless and is driven by others. In addition he also has to fight his own demons. This gives the impression that Colter Stephens is against the world.