Wednesday 18 April 2012

Initial Idea

Idea 1


The idea that me and my group came with was reguarding the storyline of a paedophile who wants to grasp on a young teenager. The ideas that we initially came up with was the two characters having a conversation via a social networking website and they were talking about meeting up in a set location. The core of the opening is that they end up meeting up and then the opening ends on a cliffhanger making the audience wonder what is next to happen. Below is a rough idea of how my group were going to set it out.


Beginning

- The antagonist (young teenager) is on social networking site messaging the protagoinist (paedophile) typing where to meet up. The camera then gives a quick shot of the image that the paedophile has as his display picture.

- The camera then views the characters from both perspectives. For example it will show the paedophile getting his equiptment together before he leaves, it will then show the camera from her perspective as she she puts on her make up before she leaves.

- Throughout the cause of the beggining of the Thriller opening, the Paedophile is not revealed however the young teenager is revealed as she is getting ready. The paedophile is only seen picking up props such as; a knife, a condom, his jacket, his wallet and his keys.


Middle

- The antagonist and her mum have a conversations about wheather the Antagonist (Alisha) is alout do go out to meet her friend. This would be the lie and the early enigma of the story.

- It then shows him looking a wall of pictures of victims that he has dealt with in the past right before he leaves his house.

- It then shows Alisha on the bus getting to the location in which the will meet Darren.


End

- She steps off the bus and walks to the meeting place.

- He leaves his house in preparation to go and meet her.

- They walk towards each other. then the story ends.

Conventions of Crime Thriller Genre

Conventions of a general thriller film

- Suspicion                  - Enigmas                                       - Extraordinary events
- Drama                       - Investigation                                - Antagonist in danger
- Fast Pace                  - Antagonist & Protagonist            - Storyline that requires thinking
- Crime                         - Cliffhanger                                  - Complex Narrative

The list of conventions above are only a few conventions of a thriller genre. There are many more conventions that make up the thriller genre.

I personally thought that it would be a good idea to do research of the conventions of a thriller film before looking into the conventions of a crime thriller genre itself. Below are the types of words that i managed to find relating to the conventions of a thriller film.

In order to get more of an insight of into the conventions of a thriller, my group and I were asked to complete a PowerPoint together in order to gain more knowledge about thrillers. We all decided that we will do about crime thrillers. The reason as to why we decided this is because we believe that out two minute thriller opening will be very closely related to a crime thriller genre, therefore we thought that it would be essential to carry out information about the crime thriller genre and get more knowledge about it. The images below are images of all the slides that were included within the PowerPoint that we completed. I will also give a bit of information as to why we included this information and how it has helped in finding information about the conventions of the genre.


This is the first slide that was included within the presentation of crime thriller. This is where we introduced ourselves to the class and we talked about why we chose crime genre. Most importantly, these are the people that were in the group. All four of us carried out research.


In this particular slide, we talk about the definition of what a crime thriller is. This is another set of research that we did in order to get a better insight of crime thriller. The reason as to why we researched the definition is because we wanted to be 100% that we are sure of what a crime thriller actually is. We also came together and gave examples of ideas of crime thrillers so that if gave the audience a clear understanding of what a types of crime thrillers there are out there.



This is the third slide in which we included. This was also something that we researched and included within out presentation. This is where looked on various websites to find the conventions of the narrative of a crime thriller. In the presentation we decided to bullet point the types of conventions that we found in order to make them as clear and as well-structured as possible. By researching this particular slide, we managed to find out a lot of information related to the sub-genre which has the potential to help us for our main task.



In this particular slide, we spoke about how the genre of crime thriller match the conventions of a thriller overall. This is another set of relevant information that we obtained for our main task. The reason for this is because we done research on how the conventions of a crime thriller matches the conventions of a thriller overall. We managed to research the impact of the thriller conventions as well. In this slide, we also spoke about the ways that it matches.


After talking about the conventions of crime thrillers, i thought that it would be a good idea if i was to include examples of films so that the audience get a better insight of what my group were talking about. The slide shows 8 different DVD's of examples of crime thriller films. In order for us to get a clearer understanding crime thriller, we even decided to watch a few you tube links in order to help us understand crime thriller films a lot better.


This is the slide where we showed the class an example of an opening of a crime genre. This is to help them know and understand a little bit more about the crime thriller genre.


With this slide, we analysed the film and we looked at the parts that suggested that it was a crime thriller genre. This was simply done in order to give us a better understanding of the genre, and also give the audience a better understanding of the genre.

 


Here we simply analysed the film and we talked about why it we thought it was a crime thriller. In this particular print screen, its clear that its a crime thriller because it matches the convention of the main thriller genre. It also has a few aspects of crime within it. Its evidence of both crime and thriller merged together.


 
Audience Expectations of a Thriller

What would the audience expect:
Within a thriller film, the audience expect the film to meet many conventions. The reason for this is because the conventions of the thriller genre is what makes up the genre itself. If the film dosen't meet the conventions of the genre, then it wouldnt count as a thriller genre, therefore it wouldn't meet the expectations of the audience. An example of a thing that the audience may expect is most likely to be alot of drama and investigation. The reason for this is because within a thriller genre, there is usually a good person as well as a bad person. The bad person usually does something wrong and it causes investigation by the good person. Another example of something that the audience may expect is a complex narrative. For example, 'North by Northwest,' had a storyline which was complex because it had the audience wondering what was going on due to the fact that one of the characters were identified incorrectly. This is something that is expected within a thriller genre because it creates enigmas for the audience and makes them ask questions.

What the audience would not expect:
I personally believe that in a thriller genre, the audience wouldnt expect anything happy to happen until the end. The reason as to why i would say that nothing good will happen until the end is because at the end, the antagonist would have usually been found or exposed and they usually die in most thriller films. Another thing that i wouldnt expect in the thriller genre is if the antagonist is never revealed. I believe that there is only a certain amount of time in which the antagonist can hide for, i believe that before the end, its important for the protagonist to be revealed.


Research Into Typical Synopsis

In terms of a thriller genre, a typical synopsis is the typical conventions of a thriller that usually happen. For example in most thriller genres, the protagonist is always placed in danger at the beginning of the film. It is usually the antagonist that is slowly revealed throughout the cause of the film. Another example of a typical synopsis of a thriller film when the antogonist usually exploits the weakness of the protagonist during the film. The typical synopsis of a thriller genre generally includes criminal activity. For example, it usually includes iconography such as police officers, weapons, blood and many more.

The one thing about the typical synopsis of a thriller is the fact that the antagonist isn't always a villain. However the antagonist does usually try to work against the protagonist in order to meet the main conventions of a thriller genre. In a few thriller genre's the narrative usualyl consists of issues of identity and they are usually explored. For example, this happens within the storyline of North by Northwest.

The final thing about a typical synopsis is the fact that it links to the general story lines of a thriller. For example, the audience are expected to know what happens within the film. It also links to the conventions of a thriller genre in which the audience are espected to know the types of things that should be included with the thriller genre. The main example is the fact that there is usually a protagonist and and antagonist. Another example is the fact that within a thriller genre there are usually enigmas and cliffhangers.


This is an example of a typical synopsis which links to the conventions of a thriller genre. The film is called 'The Fugative.' It was created in 1993.

Sunday 15 April 2012

Collage of Iconography Associated With Thriller




The image above is an collage of iconography which is related with thriller. The reason as to why i did this is because i wanted to know some of the types of props and and icons that are involved with thriller films. I did this because i want to get some ideas of the types of things that i may be able to include in my own thriller opening. From the collage, we see alot of weapons and blood. The reason for this is because they are examples of the primary things that are seen within thriller films. Due to the fact that my two minute opening won't be showing any killings, there will be no need for me to worry about blood and death. However, i may include some of the probs such as the knife to show a representation that my film is a thriller.

Overall, by creating this collage, i have got a rough feel of the types of things that I will like to include within my main two minute thriller opening.


Iconic Sounds Connected To The Genre

In order for me to make my two minute opening as good as possible, I decided that I will do some research on the iconic sounds connected with the genre. The reason for this is because I wanted to find soundtracks that will relate to the genre very well and help me deliver the content of the film out to the best of its ability. I personally believe that in films, sound has a huge impact, and different types of films have different types of iconic sounds. For example, action type films may have fast paced, quick tempo type of music, whereas a romance may have slow high pitched music.

In order to find out more about iconic sounds connected to thriller genres, I decided to undergo some research and watch & listen to some soundtracks on thriller films. One of the thriller films that I looked at was called Psycho. This is one of the thriller films that were also produced by Sir Alfred Hitchcock. Throughout the cause of the film, there was an iconic sound which was recognisable to the thriller genre. It kept coming up when there was something suspicious going to happen. It was a high pitched violin sound, which kept coming up. This is an iconic sound because it was a sound that also appeared quite often in another thriller film called Jaws. 




Below are examples of two thriller films that i have decided to look at; They are called Psycho and Jaws:


Jaws:
This is an example of a thriller film with an iconic sound to thriller. The reason for this is because it has its unique sounds. For example, throughout the film, you will hear a low sound which begins to gradually increase in volume and increase in pitch when something is going to happen. In most cases you will also hear the tempo increasing. This usually represents the antagonist getting nearer or that they are going to do something evil. Its some cases its a deep sound with a 'boom boom boom' sound. This has a particular purpose, and the purpose is to create tension within a scene. The iconic sounds used within this particular film also has impact on the audience. It makes them feel that something dangerous is about to happen. For example, the music could be a lead up to a murder. In this particular film the music was used to lead up to the part when the shark attacked. The directors of the film could have decided to use other sounds but they decided to use this particular sound for many reasons. Many would say that it was used to create enigma, however may would say that it was used to create tention for the audience.

Throughout the cause of the film, there were also other iconic sounds recognised within the film to suggest that its an iconic thriller sound. For example, there was also alot of litttle sounds when there was a lead up to something happening. In this case, before we hear the iconic 'boom boom boom boom' sound, we hear a high pitched violin playing in the back ground. This could have been done for many reasons, it could have possibly been done to make the audience wonder what will happen next. It sort of creates all types of questions for the audience and it makes them think about the disasaster that is likely to happen. There is also another iconic sound within jaws which is heard in other thriller films. This is something that usually happens before danger as well. You begin to hear a low pitched piano sound in the background as a lead up to the iconic 'boom boom boom boom' sound. It makes it sounds like giant footsteps to make it seem as if there is someone following the protagonist.

The link below is an example of the sounds which will usually be heard within a thriller genre. Its also example of the sounds used in Jaws which is spoken about above.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH7czR4fjEA (Jaws 1975)




Psycho:
This is another thriller film with some iconic sounds as well.  However this particular film uses slightly different iconic sounds to the Jaws film. The main reason for this is because of the narrative of both of the stories. They are oth different therefore its unlikly that they will need to use the same sounds. The reason as to why Psycho has different iconic sounds to Jaws is because Psycho is a more spooky film. This film uses the famous 'da da da da' sounds. This is an iconic sound recognised in thriller when something big in the film is likely to happen. Its an iconic sound that usually appears if the antagonist is creeping up on the protagonist, or its often used when one of the characters is about to get hurt or even murdered. The good thing about this particular iconic sound is the fact that it sounds like two different sounds merged in together. This in my opinion has the ability to create an enigma for the audience due to the fact that it can make them wonder if the protagonist will be able to get away or not. The famous 'ding ding ding ding' sound was used in the scene where the lady gets murdered in the bath. After her murder, the sound changes to a more deeper sound. This is also a noticable iconic sound found in many thriller films. The low pitch sound sounds as if it is being played on a pianno and its often heard alot during thriller films. Below is an example of the iconic sounds used in this film
 
The ideal iconic sound recognised with the thriller genre is that type of slow tempo, high pitched sounds. The reason for this is because in most of the thriller films that people tend to watch, this is the type of sound that comes up usually when there is a sense of tension, or when something unpredictable is about to happen. In most cases it has escalating sounds till it reaches the moment, and in some thrillers it doesn’t. However in most thrillers most of them have this type of iconic sound.



Sources that i watched to get an insight of Thriller Films

Below is simply links and sources that i used to help me get a rough idea of information about thriller films. The reason as to why i wanted to do this is because i wanted to have a rough insight of what i will be including within my own thrller film. I also wanted to take some ideas and conventions so that i could apply what i learn from these sources into my own thriller film. Most of the sources that i looked through and watched were all helpful in giving me information relating to a thriller opening. I also watched some thriller films in order to help me get a rough idea of how thriller films are laid out.




This is the first link that i used to help me find some information about thriller conventions and information reguarding thriller films. This particular link also gave me a slight insight of what to expect from thriller films and it also gave me ideas as to what i should include in my own thriller film.




This is another link that helped me gained knowledge of conventions of a thriller film. The reason as to why i used this link to find conventions is because i wanted to know the basics of a thriller film so that i can include them when i am working on my main thriller opening task. This particular link gave me alot of help and alot of knowledge reguarding thriller films. It also told me the types of things to include and the types of things not to include and it also gave me examples of thriller films to use.




I also looked at documentaries to help give me an insight of thriller conventions. The link above is a documentary of the thriller film Vertigo. The good thing about this particular link is the fact that it gave me alot of helpful relevent information that could help with my main task. It talked about the best places to locate parts of a thriller, for example, best places to locate murders and mysteries and so on.  This particular documentary gave me a good insight of a thriller film.




I even watched thriller movies to help me get a rough idea of the type of things that i will need to include within my thriller opening. The link above is a thriller film that was directed by the great Sir Alfred Hitchcock. The film is called North By Northwesty. In this film it has many conventions of thrillers, for example, it has enigmas, a lot of investigations, many secrets to be revealed, it also has alot of drama. The good thing about this film is the fact that it managed to give me a good insight of things that i should include to make a good thriller.


I also watched a few other things to give me an insight of thriller films and i read a few articles and books to give me knowledge about thriller films. I also done some research on the internet to help me find some information about thriller films.

Thursday 12 April 2012

Certificate Ratings - BBFC Research

Why are certificates designed?
Certificates are designed to help parents and guardians decide what their children can see as well as to prevent children from watching material aimed at older people, which may contain strong scenes of sex, horror maybe even violence.




Here, I will talk about all the different types of certificates that they’re for when going to watch the cinema. I will also talk about all the different possible reasons as to why it could be at that particular certificate and why the BBFC may have decided to choose a particular certificate for a particular film. After doing research about all the different certificates and their meanings, I will also apply it to my final 2 minute thriller opening. By doing research on the certificate ratings, I believe that it would give me a rough idea of the certificate rating that I will give to my film. 

Firstly, the BBFC stands for British Board of Film Classification. They are an independent body which were established in the film industry in 1912. They were then made responsible for deciding the certificates for the different types of film, and it was their decision to allow what age group is allowed to see what type of film. The BBFC were responsible for the final decision of the certificate of a film, therefore whatever they (along with the Local Authorities) had said, was final. Although the BBFC is responsible for the certificates of a film, the Local Authorities, under the Licensing Act 2003, have the power to over right the decisions of the BBFC. However it rarely ever happens due to the fact that the BBFC is usually accurate.

 The BBFC does not only classify the certificate of films, they also classify the certificates of a few other things. For example, they classify things such as DVD’s, Games, Books and Magazines. This in my opinion shows how powerful and reliable the BBFC proves to be, due to the fact that it makes a lot of decisions. 

There are a few different certificates that I will be looking at below. I will firstly state what it is, the importance of it, what it means, why there is that particular certificate and also what it involves. There are 7 different certificates in which I will be talking about: U, PG, 12 & 12A, 15, 18, R18, I will also try to show examples of each of them. Below shows information about each of them:




This stands for Universal. This basically means that the film is suitable for all age groups. The universal benefits children under the age group of 12 the most, simply because this is all they can watch if they were alone. In order to make sure that films don’t upset or frighten younger children, when it’s marked as a U, you will be 100% certain that the film will be suitable for all ages from four years and above. Certificates that are rated with Universal should usually be set with positive framework and it should offer reassuring counterbalances to any threat or horror. Overall, a universal certificate is viewable for a pre-school child to watch alone and he/she wouldn’t need any parental guidance.


This stands for Parental Guidance. This basically means that a child has to be guided by their parent when viewing this film. This certificate generally applies to children at the age of 4 – 11. The difference with the Universal certificate and the Parental Guidance certificate is the fact that there may be some scenes that are unsuitable for young children which is why they may need to be accompanied by an adult. This could range from horror, to even a sad story which may hurt the child’s feelings. The BBFC claims that PG films shouldn’t disturb a child around the age of eight or older, however parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children. 





This is a combined category. The ‘12’ alone, means that nobody below the age of 12 is allowed to watch the film. In order to watch a 12, you must be over the age of 12 to watch it. The reason for this is because there is only material and content that is suitable for people above the age of 12.

However ‘12A’ means that anyone below the age of 12 that wants to watch the film must be accompanied by an adult. The reason for this is because some parents/adults may feel that the content is suitable enough for their son or daughter to watch therefore they may go and accompany them.



This basically means that nobody below the age of 15 is allowed to watch the film. Even with parental guidance, they still wouldn’t be allowed to go and watch the film. The BBFC are very strict on this rule of making sure that teenagers especially are old enough to go and watch a particular film. The reason as to why it could be a 15 is because it may include some content that may not be viewable to those below the age 15. The aged 15 certificate also includes bad language and blood within them and this is something that may not be acceptable for younger viewers. This is very similar to the aged 18 certificate but only for a younger age and it includes more appropriate things.




This certificate basically means that nobody below the age of 18 can view or purchase a DVD rated 18. They can’t even watch it at the cinema or play games related to it. The certificate rated aged 18 is important. The reason for this is because it has the potential to include basically anything inside it. The reason for this is because it’s said that once you reach the age of 18, you are officially an adult therefore you could view anything or watch anything. When a certificate is usually rated at the age of 18, it usually includes things such as: Drugs, Sex, Alcohol, Weapons and Blood. Its made 18 so that people below the age of 18 won’t try and watch and imitate the film. 18 year olds and above are seen to be mature enough to watch the film.



This is a certificate which restricts some of the audience from viewing the 18 film. You also have to be above the age of 18 in order to view it as well. The difference with R18 and 18 is the fact that they are to be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops and to its not to be seen by adults under the age of 18. The BBFC says that the R18 category is a specially and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults.

Tuesday 3 April 2012

Alfred Hitchcock

Sir Alfred Hitchcock


Alfred Hitchcock was born on 13th August 1899 and died on 29th April 1980, and since the day he was born he had dreams of becoming a director/producer. Eventually as time went on, he managed to reach his dream and become what he wished. He became an icon within the thriller genre and many film directors used to look at the types of things that he does. He pioneered many techniques in the suspense and psychological thriller genres because those are the sub-genres that he enjoyed the most.

Through his lifetime, he established a successful career in the British cinema in silent films. At the age of 57, Alfred Hitchcock then moved to Hollywood at the age of 57 and became an American citizen whilst still remaining popular in Great Britain. This is when he became even more popular and he became recognisable within the directing industry. He created many different types of camera shots in order to make the audience engages and interested. He also framed shots in order to maximise anxiety, empathy and fear and he used to do this during the process of editing.

In terms of the films, Alfred Hitchcock was successful and he directed up to 59 films. The very first film that he was involved in was in 1922. The film was called No.13. Since then, he helped produce films such as; Rare View, Murder, Secret Agent, Sabotage, North by North West and many more. He was also involved in the big name films such as Vertigo and Psycho. The final film that he was involved in was the Family Plot which was in 1976. He then died 4 years later.

Many people wonder why he is such an iconic director. The truth is because of the things that he has managed to achieve in the past. People know him by the things that he included in the films that he creates and help direct. For example, people know him for his uniqueness in things like the sounds that he uses within his thriller. Also the eye that he usually includes in many of his films make the audience automatically think of Alfred Hitchcock due to the fact that it’s a icon that he often uses. These are reasons as to why many people would class Alfred Hitchcock as an iconic director. Through the iconography of the film, we know that its an Alfred Hitchcock thriller.