Main Task Research: Opening Credits Order

From researching the opening credits we have summerised that this is the order that are credits will run in:

• Name of the studio
• Name of production company
• Producers Name
• 'A film by' Directors Name
• Film Title
• Actors
• Casting by
• Music by
• Production Designer
• Costume by
• Visual Effects by
• Editor
• Director of Photography
• Producer
• Story By
• Written By
• Director

Images that Represent our Basic Plot

These are the images we feel represent our plot:

Main Task: Basic Plot

To create an opening title sequence for a murder mystery film, we first needed to come up with a basic plot for the film, to generate images and themes for the title sequence.

As we are doing the title sequence for a murder mystery film, the plot has to contain the conventions of the genre. The basic plot for our film is going to be a woman gets killed by a mass murderer. This woman is the latest in a line of people that the murderer has killed in odd ways. The police investigate the murder, with lots of twists in the plot, before eventually catching the killer in the films climax.

The film would be similar to the 2009 version of the film, Sherlock Holmes. Also, it would be similar to the film, Se7en.

Textual Analysis of the Opening Title Sequence from the film, 'Bullitt'

The film, 'Bullitt', is from the murder mystery genre. This is shown through the choice of images, typography, cuts, sound and camera angles used in the opening titles.

All the images used in the opening titles are all very dark, which is usually viewed negatively. Dark is usually associated with crime and murder, which relates back to the genre. The images mainly consist of close ups on the characters faces, which are mostly taken from low angles. This angles connote importance, as well as making the characters appear intimidating. Furthermore, the close ups connote tensions which would relate back to the genre.


The typography used in these opening titles is typical of crime genre films, which covers murder mysteries. The font is bold and square, which is see a lot in opening title sequences in American crime films. It connotes importance and dominance, which is why it is used when police are investigating crimes in films.


The cuts used in this title sequence are quite peculiar. They appear in different ways, which could relate to the murder mystery genre. One particular cut shows the following shot appearing through a name on the credits as the name grows bigger. These cuts could represent the varying twists and clues in the plot of a murder mystery genre.


Finally, the background music used in these opening titles is soft jazz music, very similar to the iconic music from the film, 'The Pink Panther', which is associated with investigations. Because of this association, the audience assumes that the film involves the investigation of a crime of some sort.

Textual Analysis of the Opening Title Sequence from the film, 'Sleuth'

The film, 'Sleuth' is in the murder mystery genre. This is shown through the choice of images, typography, cuts and the background music used.

There are few images used in the opening title sequence, however, the ones that are used are bold. It starts with a black screen with the sound of type writing (we can assume that this would be diegetic sound), then small, thin white writing appears in the corner. This would connote that the it is quite emotionless film, the characters are cold hearted and there is not a lot in there life anymore. This relates the murder mystery genre, as the opening titles would symbolise the murder.

The next image is in a dark room with the silhouette of a man staring at a computer screen with surveillance recordings on the screen. At this point, the non - diegetic, background music starts. The music is quite a sad orchestral sound. This, again, could connote the emptiness of the characters life; he is spending his life in a dark room watching surveillance footage of, what we assume is his house, which appears to be very grand. This can relate to the murder mystery genre because, the character may have killed in revenge, of a previous incident, which has left their life empty.

The cuts used are very slow and soft transitions. This could also relate the the character in the film, connoting the emptiness in his life.

Textual Analysis of the Opening Title Sequence from the Film, 'Se7en'

The film 'Se7en' is a thriller/ murder mystery film.


We can see that the film, 'Se7en', is a thriller/ murder mystery through the use of images, typography, cuts and backing music.


The sequence contains the images of open scrapbooks filled with information and photos of different people. Also, there are drawings of different men which have died is bizarre ways. The collection of pictures and drawings of bizarre deaths could connote either the investigation of a crime scene, linking back to murder mystery, or, the room this is taking place in is dark and messy, and we only ever see the hand of the character which could connote an obsession/ stalking, which relates to the thriller genre. Furthermore, it shows the making of the scrapbooks and a hand moving hair on to a clear bag, this has connotations with crime scene investigations, which links back to the themes and genres of thrillers and murder mysteries.


The typography within the sequence is very small and thin jagged. The letters are not written in a straight line. This would be associated with being in a hurry, and jotting down notes, which would related back to the genres of thrillers and murder mysteries. This is because it shows rushing around and taking notes as if investigating a crime.


The cuts in these opening titles are very jagged and sharp, much like the typography used. This is used in as it disorientates the audience, keeping them entertained by the fast pace, and not knowing the next action. Furthermore, the use of fast cuts connotes action and danger, which are all part of the genre.

Moreover, the background music used adds horror themes. The music is quite disturbing, and disorienting, which adds to the overall atmosphere of the opening titles. The music uses a lot of screeches, which have the effect of adding a little fear to the opening titles. All of the sound used in these titles are non - diegetic sound. This adds to the affect of the overall atmosphere the opening title sequence creates.

Research of Murder Mysteries

Use the arrows to navigate around.

Research on Film Opening Title Sequences

From studying film opening title sequences, I have summarised that opening title sequences do not really give anything away about the plot of the film, their purpose is only to establish the theme, atmosphere and tone of the film, the majority of the time they reveal nothing about with the plot.

Almost all film opening title sequences are around two minutes in length, which fits well which the brief, as it requires our main task to be no more than two minutes in length.

We also summarised that the typography was very important in the opening title sequence, this is because different fonts bring different connotations with them, and can dramatically affect the themes and tones portrayed in the sequences.

When designing opening title sequences for films, the best way is to think about the meanings, values and the theme that the plot is trying to get across to the audience, then come up with some images that represent these well, from this you can easily put together a opening title sequence for a film.

Our group has decided to do our opening title sequence on a film, within the genre of 'murder mystery'. The next few posts will be textual analysis' on film opening title sequences of this genre, and a textual analysis on the film, 'Se7en' which is iconic for its opening title sequence.

Introduction to Main Coursework

For the main part of the coursework, we have to create an opening title sequence for a new, fictional film, which will last no longer than 2 minutes.

This is what the brief says;
"The titles and opening of a new fiction film, to last a maximum of two minutes.

All video and audio material must be original, produced by the candidate(s), with the exception of music or audio effects from a copyright-free source.

The presentation of the research, planning and evaluation may take the form of any one, or combination of two or more, of the following:
• a presentation using slideshow software such as Powerpoint;
• a blog or website;
• a podcast;
• a DVD with ‘extras’. "

It is clear from the brief that we need to focus on original opening title sequences from films; here is an example from the iconic film, 'Se7en' which I will later do a textual analysis on;

Analysis of Preliminary Task

We found the Preliminary task very challenging. I feel this was because we made the it too complicated for ourselves. I feel that now we have completed the task we have made it a lot harder for ourselves to shot.

Looking at other groups' work, it was very simplistic and mainly focused on the brief, and not trying to add things that were not in the brief. For example; a lot of other groups came up with simple ideas, such as, passing small objects such as pens etc. This gave them a lot more chance to focus on the shot composition. The had more time to focus on the framing, shot/ reverse shots, match on action shot as well as displaying the 180 degree rule, which we had a lot of trouble with.

When editing, we realised that we had over complicated things, and so we decided to leave out the contrapuntal sound, as it was not required in the brief, the rest of the groups had  not bothered with it, which is why we were less successful.

However, we have demonstrated the examples of a shot/ reverse shot, match on action and the 180 degree rule. I feel we have learnt from the mistakes we have made in the Preliminary task, and will take them into the Main task.


Our Peers' Preliminary Task
When watching, we looked out for examples of match on action, shot/ reverse shot and the 180 degree rule. Each of the groups we watched showed these. Match on action was either shown through the passing of items, or the opening and closing of a door. Shot/ reverse shot was used in every group when there was dialogue from the actors. And the 180 degree rule was not broken.

The Final Preliminary Task

This is the final Preliminary Task scene from 'Escape Productions';




The next post will contain an analysis of the production of the Preliminary Task.

Editing the Preliminary Task

Now we had captured all the shots we needed, we were able to begin editing.


We begun editing by removing the shots that were not going in the scene, then cut down the shots we did want until we had the basic scene. However, some of the shots we first agreed would make the best cuts broke continuity, so we had to use other shots that we had taken when filming to compose the scene.


We then began cutting the shots together to create a seamless scene that displayed a shot/ reverse shot, match on action, and the 180 degree rule.


Unfortunately, we did not have enough time to re-shoot the shots that we wanted to, so we feel that the Preliminary Task suffered, and was not as good as it could have been. But, the scene contains all the aspects the brief required, so we feel it was successful.


The next post contains the final Preliminary Task.

Filming the Preliminary Task: Third Attempt

We felt, as a group, that we had learnt from the mistakes of the first two shoots, so we felt that the third attempt went a lot better. We got the shots we needed, and we felt they were to a good quality.

We were not under a great deal of pressure this time some things did not get so complicated. We focused on each shot individually, making sure that they were all of a good quality.

In the next lesson we will begin editing the shots we have captured today.

Filming the Preliminary Task: Second Attempt

Deciding that we needed to re-shoot the Preliminary task, we picked a new location for the filming and had a second attempt.

When shooting this time, the shots were lacking quality again. With the pressures of a time limit, the shot got very confused. The first time we shot in the new location, we forgot to check for the 180 degree rule again. Fortunately, we realised our mistake before we had finished shooting, and only a few of the shots we breaking continuity, so we still had a chance to re-shoot the shots.

We took the shots back to be edited, and begun editing. However, as a group, we came to the decision that the shots we not good enough because we had rushed through the final shots.

Because, we were editing on a different day, we could not just shoot the poor scenes again, this is because we did not have the same props or costumes, so it would break continuity. Concequently, we had to re-shoot the whole scene again.

Filming the Preliminary Task

When we started shooting, it did not all go to plan. When we got the camera out and looked at the mise-on-scene of the shots, we realised that there was a lot of posters and pictures on the wall of the chosen location, which we weren't allowed to remove. Looking back at our choice of location, i think that we, as a group, chose the wrong room.

Because of this, when filming we tried to manipulate the shots around the background, so we could get the right background, to convey the desired meanings. However, this was not a very good decision because our shot/ reverse shots suffered and were not good enough.

On the first attempt of shooting the scene, we had a lot of trouble shooting. we only had the props we were using in the scene for a limited amount of time, so we decided to film the shots with the props in first. This led to later problems as we were filming shots out of order, confusing us. Also, because of this we failed to notice mistakes we were making, such as breaking the 180 degree rule when shooting the shot/ reverse shots. We had to redo these shots as it was breaking continuity and would disorientate the audience.

We attempt filming the shots a second time. This was more successful than the first attempt as we had learnt from the mistakes we made in the first attempt. We shot the scenes in order this time so we made sure they we all shot and then checked every time we shot so we were following the 180 degree rule. However, we still had to manipulate the shots to fit the background, again, because of this the shot/ reverse shots suffered. When filming we had the angle too tight one of the characters, so there was very little looking space and you could not really see if there was an eye line match.

We took these shots back to be edited, but when we looked at the rushes, we thought that these shots could have been better. Because this was due to the poor choice of location, we have decided to try filming in a different location. Unfortunately, we had run out of time for this lesson, so we are going to attempt re-filming the shots again in the next lesson.

Further Planning of the Preliminary Task

Now we had a better understanding of what we wanted to do for the preliminary task, we began to plan in further detail. We started off by writing up a list of the various tasks that needed to be done before we started filming; these included:

• Writing up a storyboard.
• Selecting the music to go in the scene.
• Finding a suitable location for the scene to be shot.
• Selecting the sound effects to go in the scene.
• Writing up a simple script for the scene.

We started off by creating a storyboard for the scene:

When creating the storyboard, we always had in mind the three aspects that the brief stated needed to be including the the task; an example of match on action, shot/ reverse shot and the 180 degree rule. Furthermore the scene had to include two characters; one character walking through a door, an object had to be exchanged and there had to be dialogue between the characters. We made sure these aspects were included.


Also, when putting together the storyboard, as well as concentrating on the visual part of the scene, we had to think about the audio that is going to be used in the scene. This included sound effects, background noise and any music that we wanted to include to help the overall affect of the scene.


We first storyboarded the audio by thinking about the effect we were trying to create. By doing this we could think about the kinds of sounds we wanted in the scene. Firstly, we thought about the background noises and music, as this is essential for creating effect. After this we thought about the sound effects to keep continuity.


After storyboarding these sounds, we looked at the sounds from http://www.sounddogs.com/, which is a free, and copyright free sound download site. We then voted on the best sounds and downloaded them, ready to begin editing when we finish shooting.


The location we easy to find as we decided to set the film in an office-based room, so we just needed an empty classroom.


Then finally we wrote up a simple script :
Shot 5
Character B: Have you got the money (rough, aggressive voice)
Shot 6
Character A: Yeah, where do ya' wanna meet?
Shot 7
Character B: The train station at 11
Shot 9
Character A: It's all there.


We are now ready to begin shooting the scene.

Sound Used in the Preliminary Task (Non - Diegetic and Contrapuntal)

Non - diegetic sound is sound that cannot be heard be the characters in the text, it can only be heard by the audience. This type of sound is used to emphasise the mood of a scene; for example, in a scene where a character has just died, often sad music is played so the audience can understand that this is a distressing and upsetting scene. It helps the audience to empathise with the characters.

Here is an example of non - diegetic sound from the film, 'The Boy in the Stripped Pyjamas':

The opposite to non - diegetic sound is diegetic sound. This is all the sound that the characters in the text can here, such as dialogue, sound effects etc.


Contrapuntal sound is a form of non - diegetic sound. It is a sound bed (sound that continues over the scene) that contrasts the mood of the scene. This is a technique that is often used in horror films, as it emphasises the scary mood. Here is an example from the film, 'Final Destination 3':

The opposite of contrapuntal sound is parallel sound. This is a sound bed that matches the mood of the scene. This is particularly effective in distressing, sad scenes as they help the audience understand and empathise with the characters in the scene, such as in the example, used previously in this post, from 'The Boy in the Stripped Pyjamas'. 

Planning for Preliminary Task

In the lesson we developed more of an idea of what we will be doing for the preliminary task; working out the aspects of Idea 1 in more depth because we felt idea 1 was the best.

When we looked over the Idea 1 we decided that the original idea was too complex for the brief, so we decided to pay closer attention to the brief. We decided to keep this idea over the other, but we decided to shorten the idea as take parts and characters out, so it was simpler and it focused more on the aspects the brief is looking for.

One of the things we decided to change was the idea of the child being dragged in by character B. This is because it is heading away from the brief, which is over complicating the task. We also decided that we would use a non diegetic sound bed with contrapuntal sound to add to the horror and overall effect of the scene.


Here is an example of contrapuntal sound from the film 'The Shinning':

Research for Ideas

Idea 1:

Human Trafficking

Human Trafficking is exploiting people without consent to do so. 

Sexual exploitation 87%

In the UK police believe that 4,000 have been brought into the country and forced to work as prostitute. 

The gangs behind the trade sell women from £2,000 to £8,000

‘Human trafficking, the modern day slave trade is the fastest growing form of international crime.’

http://www.care.org.uk

There have been cases of which women have been lured in by adverts in there countries for jobs, these can vary in occupations. 

The ages of people who are trafficked vary between generally the ages 18-24 years but there have been cases of young children trafficked as well.

On Tuesday 2nd October 2007 the BBC posted on there website an article about children being trafficked into the UK to work as prostitutes or child labours. UNICEF told the BBC that more than half the children smuggled into the UK go missing. 

“Fear, deprivation, hunger, being beaten, being sexually abused… we suspect there are thousands,” said David Bull, executive director of Unicef UK.

“For a child to be brought to the UK for purposes of exploitation is the most horrendous experience imaginable.”

Child slavery is not a thing of the past it is a thing of the present.

Idea 2:

Crime and Gangster Films are developed around the sinister actions of criminals or gangsters, particularly bank robbers, underworld figures, or ruthless hoodlums who operate outside the law, stealing and violently murdering their way through life.


In the 1940s, a new type of crime thriller emerged, more dark and cynical.


They glorify the rise and fall of a particular criminal(s).


Gangster/crime films are usually set in large, crowded cities, to provide a view of the secret world of the criminal: dark nightclubs or streets with lurid neon signs, fast cars, piles of cash, sleazy bars, contraband, seedy living quarters or rooming houses.


Rivalry with other criminals in gangster warfare is often a significant plot characteristic.



Our scene would look something like this clip from film, True Romance, with a few adaptations.

Ideas for Preliminary Task

Idea 1:
Character A= the buyer 

Character B= The kidnapper 

Character C= The child

One of the ideas our group came up with is Human Trafficking. The idea will be to film in a cafe as it is popular meeting place. We will have character A sat down at a table already. There will be match on action as character B and character C come from outside, through the door and into the cafe. Character C will be dragged by character B. There will be use of shot/ reverse shots when the characters are speaking dialogue and character C will only be mainly seen when the exchange is made. Money will be taken using a close up to highlight the significance and the deal will be done. Using a sound bed to emphasis the importance of the entertainment and also to add to the continuity editing. We may also use depth of field for the exchange to highlight importance.


Idea 2:
Character 1: Gang Leader


Character 2: Person forced into working for gang


Another idea our group came up with was a gangster style scene. The idea will be shot in a dark, dank room. As it is a setting that has associations with this idea. Character 1 will be already sat at a table in the room. There will be a long shot of character B walking in through the door, taken over the shoulder of the character A, depth of focus will be used to add meaning to the action . There will be shot/ reverse shots taken while the characters are talking, a package will be thrown across the table, using match on action shots, then a mixture of close ups and mid shots would be used, to add significant meaning to the character walking out. A sound bed will also be used to add meaning to the action.

180 Degree Rule

To keep continuity, the 180 degree rule must be used when shooting a shot/ reverse shot.

When shooting two characters sitting opposite each other, the 180 degree rule must be adhered to to ensure continuity is kept and the audience is not disorientated.

To explain the 180 degree rule, you first need to imagine a 360 degree circle around the two characters, with a line down the middle (180 degrees). The shots must be on one side of the line, this way the characters appear to be facing each other, if the line is crossed when shooting, the characters will appear to be facing the same way, breaking continuity. To make sure you have done this successfully, the characters should appear in opposite corners of the frame, and stay there through out the scene with looking space in the other side of the frame, where the other character would be.

Shot/ Reverse Shot

A shot/ reverse shot is where is normally a continuity technique that is normally used in conversation scenes.

When filming a shot/ reverse shot, the whole scene is shot several times from various angles. These shots are then cut together so it looks something like this clip from bbc soap, Doctors:
 
When cut together, the scene show the first character is shown talking; the shot is normally taken over the shoulder of the character that is not being filmed. Then the same with the other character. Normally the shots are mid shots. This pulls the audience in on the character, helping the to see and understand the emotions of the character through the conversation. It also makes a boring dialogue scene more interesting for the audience, as well as making the scene seam real.


However, to ensure continuity is kept, a shot/ reverse shot must follow the '180 degree rule', which will be explained in the next post.

Match on Action

A match on action shot is where an action is shot from lots of different angles, then cut together to make it seem seamless, thus keeping continuity, by tricking the audience in to thinking that the action was shot in one go.


Here is a good example from bbc's 'Merlin', which uses the match on action shot a lot (between 50 seconds - 1 minute 20):

This example of a match on action shot uses approximately 20 differing shot; including close up of the dagger, the dagger and the hand, close ups of the characters faces and mid shots of the characters, which have been cut together to make this single action scene entertaining for the audience and seamless; keeping continuity. All of these varying shots connote meaning, contributing to the overall meaning of the scene to make it entertaining.

Introduction to Preliminary Coursework

For this part of the coursework portfolio we need to create a short video piece which demonstrates our understanding of continuity editing. This is what the brief says:

"Continuity task involving filming and editing a character opening a door, crossing a room and sitting down in a chair opposite another character, with whom she/he then exchanges a couple of lines of dialogue. This task should demonstrate match on action, shot/reverse shot and the 180-degree rule."

Its quite clear then that we should focus on the three elements mentioned in the brief in our work; 'Match on action' - here is a good example I found on 'Youtube': 'Shot/ reverse shot' - here is a good example I found on 'Youtube':
And the '180 degree rule' - here is a good example I found on 'Youtube':