Screenplay

Sophie and I were put in charge of writing the screen play, following the proforma (for guidance) that we were given. We found this a relatively easy task to complete... but whether it was effective and not awful was another question. We spent a good while changing some of the lines as it started off rather cheesy! I feel as though we put a lot of effort into the screen play, even though it is not that long, and it was worth it.

Here is a copy of the first page from the screen play:

 

We wanted the screen play to look professional, neat and tidy, so we completed it in typewriter font with even spaces between lines and the sides of the page.



Storyboarding

During the pre-production process we completed a few storyboards- to ensure that they were accurate. On these we drew a rough sketch of what we wanted the shot to look like, then underneath we wrote about what type of shot it was and how we were going to use depth, focus, framing and composition effectively to make the best product we could.

In it we used several different shots including an extreme close up at the beginning, followed by a tracking shot, a p.o.v., an over the shoulder and a master shot. It was important that we got a range of shots and especially a master shot so that we had all the footage we would need later on in editing. The master shot is really useful as when it comes to editing, if you don't have the footage needed, you can keep cutting back to it!

In our storyboard we also included any sounds/ music we may need in there, so that it would be easier to complete in the editing stages.

Treatment

After having had decided on a general narrative and genre, the next stage was to complete a treatment. We were given a proforma for this which allowed us to complete it in the right way. In the film treatment we had to include the following:

• Film Title
• Production team name
• Film duration
• Roles within the team
• Actors and characters
• Costumes
• Synopsis
• Location
• Props
• Lighting
• Sound

Some of these categories we were able to complete immediately however others, such as, lighting sound and logistics couldn't be filled in until later.

Here is what the document looked like:

 

We completed this as a team and all participated to ensure that it was correct, as tthis would make it easier to use later on. 

Brain storming ideas for Genre and film ideas

Ideas, ideas, ideas...

The first thing we decided needed to be completed as a team was to decide upon a genre and film idea, that we would base our opening upon. We completed this using the chalkboard wall at the back of the classroom. We then made 4 titles- Horror, Thriller, Romance and Action. These were the genres that we agreed would be easiest to complete, as Sci-fi would be expensive and we couldn't do comedy as it is hard to come up with hilarious content, which the audience would appreciate and enjoy.

Under each of our four titles we listed anything that fitted with the genre. Some of us already had ideas for parts of the narrative and so we listed these as well. Soon we ruled out Romance and Action- as Action would require fast driving (none of us have a licence) or running and Romance is soppy and hard to pull off. So we were left with Horror and Thriller!

Organ trafficking
 This was listed under the horror category and we felt that by using this we would also be making awareness of something that could happen in reality. Also this is an idea that isn't often displayed in many films as it is quite risky.

We then decide that we would have a girl (stereotypical victim- conforming to conventions) captured by a psycho who would start cutting her up and sell her organs on the black market. This idea was then developed into a dream so that she had almost pre-empted what was going to happen. Our only worry was... pulling it off effectively!

Insidious

 



The opening titles for Insidious are presented on a black background with red writing. This almost foreshadows something bad is going to happen as the connotations of red are blood and danger. The music starts from the very beginning and is low and has a high pitch which creates a horror/ eerie feel to what is happening in shot. This music carries on throughout the 2 minutes but begins to climax at 0:41 when a little boy in bed appears on screen.

The way that the screen fades to black at 1:19 and then suddenly at 1:22 'Insidious' appears on screen in red writing on the screen, causes the audience to jump and therefore has them on the edge of the seat from the very beginning. This is my favourite part of the opening as it sets the expectations for the rest of the films and intrigues the audience to want to see if it lives up to these expectations, which pulls in the attention of the viewer.

At 1:31, a house comes into shot, which is in black and white. This creates a horror feel and helps to set the genre for the film as black and white is a convention for horror movies.

After the climaxing point the music then begins to fade out and return to normal.

Here is the opening for Insidious!

Dolls (1987)

 

In the opening of Dolls the first thing we see is a black background with white writing on, which reads, ' Empire pictures presents'. The opening two minutes for Dolls is relatively simple with nothing really happening. When the actors names appear in order of appearance, they have a doll inside one of the letters which sets the narrative and therefore gives us an insight into what the story is going to be about. The actors names and crediting continues from 0:22 until 2:00, which is a massive amount of time. If I am honest, at this point it made me disengage with what was happening as I became bored.

In the opening that I shall create in my team, I will ensure that our opening 2 minutes aren't boring and that the narrative starts as I think that include parts of the narrative captures the audiences attention and makes it more enjoyable.

Hostel III

 

In the opening of Hostel III, the opening was very quick and went straight into the action. I dislike this as it jumps straight in and doesn't really have much of an introduction to setting or anything. Scott Spiegel directs and produces mainly horror films and programmes and so this is his usual type of film.

 

I like the way that the main colours in the opening are dark, which makes the shot seem cold and depressing, instead of warm colours such as yellows and bright colours. I also like the way that the audience can see more of what's happening than the characters in it. This causes a kind of enigma as we wonder what the relevance of one of characters not being able to see the dagger is used for.