Evaluation

1. Evaluation Thomas Smith 4262 Click here to go to the next slide. Click here to come back to this page.

2. Short Film Analysis:Film 1 Film Title: ‘Career Suicide’ Director: N/A Film Length: 1minute 5seconds

3. What is the film about? • The film starts off in what looks like a normal everyday office. However, the audience and main character soon realises that it is not all what it seems and that the office space is actually Heaven and Hell. • The main actress is then given a quick tour of the building and ends up in what looks like a basement. • She is then told that she has this part of the job (Not a very good one!) because she ‘killed herself’. • The film then quickly ends with a very disappointed main actress.

4. Opening Scene. Establishing shot: This allows the location of the film to be easily recognised by the audience. I found this film on the website ‘Youtube.com’ and no other website. This suggests that the company who created the film is very limited on funds, therefore has to rely on free video sharing distributers. Once again, the short film is suggested as being quite unknown through the video only being viewed 1995 times. This could be linked to the film only being distributed and exhibited on Youtube.com and no where else. A dolly shot slowly tracks the 2 characters. This emphasises their importance to the audience and shows that they are the main actress’s within the film.

5. Editing/Camera Shots Shot reverse shot Editing is used through out this short film to show the various conversations that occur. This over the shot camera shot allows the conversation scenes to be a lot easier to follow. It also gives the audience the same perspective as each character. Camera shot Throughout the film, close ups are used to show the conversation ‘s between the actors. However, close up shots are also used to show the actors facial expressions. This helps to develop the storyline and makes the production feel more believable. The editing within the film is very obvious. At one point, the screen slowly turns white and then re appears with the characters in a different location. I believe this is used to emphasise the ‘Heaven’ and ‘Fantasy’ themes which are shown throughout the short film.

6. Sound Throughout the film, there is an office like tune (Non diegetic sound) that is constantly playing in the background. I believe this is to set the atmosphere of the film, but to also constantly remind the audience that the film is just a slight hit on religion and is only a fantasy. (this is shown through the very corny ‘Jingle’ which can be heard in the song) Ambient sound. Throughout the film, a small collection of ambient sounds can be heard. One of these is the ‘crunching’ of the toast. I believe that this is emphasised to suggest the main character’s confusion. (added with her facial expression) Footsteps are also over exaggerated to emphasise the movement of the characters between scenes and locations. Diegetic sound can be heard throughout the short film. Examples of this are office sounds, other people talking and phone calls. These are used to reinforce the film’s location and realism to the audience. Diegetic Sound

7. How it affects our short film… • From looking at the short film called ‘Career suicide’ I believe that it has shown us what techniques we must use when filming our own film. For example, there are excellent examples of shot reverse shot editing and also over the shoulder shots when emphasising conversations between characters. There are also a few examples of establishing shots that help set locations which our group will definitely need to use in our production. Tracking shots are also used, our group was deciding on whether to use this type of shot in our production, however, after watching the effect that it has in this film, we will be using them. • ‘Career suicide’ also has good examples of Non diegetic and diegetic sounds that gave our group something else to think about when planning our film. (What sounds would be heard, and what sounds would we need to cut out of filming). The same happened when listening to the ambient sounds within the film (the footsteps and ‘crunching’ of food.) Our group has taken the idea of ambient sounds on board and has been thinking of ways that we can use them to reinforce our film’s genre; Psychological thriller. An example of this would be by creating a louder ‘Jingle’ effect when keys are on screen etc. • Even though that this short film isn’t within the same genre of our film, I believe that it is very beneficial to our group because it has excellent examples of Editing, Camera shots, camera angles and sound. Therefore, from this our group will be looking at ‘Career suicide’ to make sure we have remembered to include all of the basics within our own production to make sure we achieve the best grade possible.

8. Short Film Analysis:Film 2 • Film Title: ‘Love Hurts’ • Director company: Shariff Nasr • Film Length: 6 Minutes

9. What is the film about? • This short film is a horror about a break up, or falling out between a young couple. • From the initial falling out, many suspicious and supernatural events occur, such as doors closing by themselves and blood coming out of a phone. • These events create tension and suspense which leads the horrific climax of a dead woman killing the main actress to make it look like a suicide. • The male character then rushes back to the toilets as if to apologise for the break up, only to find the dead body of his lover. • The care taker (who was seen at the start of the film) then reappears and a hellish glow appears in his eyes, hinting that he was part of the evil deed as well.

10. Opening Scene. The film starts with a tracking shot, which reveals the credits for the production. This then allows the audience to recognise the actors used and the director that also helped create it. The tracking shot then reveals a care taker cleaning up the credits from the mirror. This immediately sets the location and time of the film; In toilets and at night. Two other characters (One is the main character) are introduced through the use of a pan shot. It is also a mid shot to reinforce the location as being in the toilets . Furthermore, it also allows the audience to see the facial expressions of the actors, thus

11. Editing/Camera Shots Close up of the wrist: This is used to draw in the audience’s attention on the cut wrist. The shot is also low down and close to the ground to reinforce the idea that the character is dead and lifeless. Low angle shot: This is used to suggest to the audience that something is ‘Lurking’ and hiding from the main actress. This adds to the suspense and tension which therefore amplifies the theme of horror. There are many close ups throughout the film. In this case, the woman’s arm is the centre of attention. This emphasises the tension of the film as it is combined with diegetic ‘crying’ which is very chilling to hear. (See ‘Sound’ for more details) Editing: ‘Straight’ editing is used for the majority of the film to keep the flow of film constant and the scene changes unnoticeable to the audience’s eye. The editing also speeds up at times to create a rhythmic flow to add to the tension and action that is happening on screen.

12. Sound • Within the film, there is a lot of non diegetic sound used to create suspense and tension within the horror genre. An example of this is the chilling music that is played while the main actress is investigating the toilet cubicles. • The slow Non-Diegetic music also creates a depressing atmosphere which meets the tragic themes within the film (The lovers having a fight, the death of the woman etc) • A Piano is also used throughout the film to create a slow daunting feeling for the audience. • Diegetic sound is used to emphasise the actions of the actors within the film. An example of this is the ‘slicing’ sound for when the main actress’s wrists and cut. This adds to the horror atmosphere and multiplies the horrific nature and violence. It also makes the film seem more realistic. • These sounds are also amplified to imply other meanings. For example, the woman’s footsteps are amplified to suggest her being the only character being in in the scene, therefore lulling the audience into a false sense of security. It could also portray her vulnerability. EXAMPLE: The diegetic sound of the woman hitting her head off the wall is amplified to make the action of the fall even more powerful and seem more fatal/painful to the audience. Therefore, the nature of the action amplifies the horror elements of the short film.

13. How this affects our film: • From looking at the short film ‘Love hurts’ we have discovered that to create suspense and tension within our horror film we need to use various camera shots, such as close ups to allow the audience to pick up a lot of detail about the characters, but to also slow the film down. However, we will also need to edit the film together by using various editing speeds to create different tempo’s for the film. For example, when there is more action, the film’s editing will be faster. Therefore, creating a sense of urgency and danger. • We will also use Diegetic sound to emphasise certain actions that the actors carry out. Such as the dropping of keys and the shutting of doors. These sounds will be used to make the film feel more realistic. These sounds will also be amplified to make them more effective when the audience hears them. Furthermore, if sound such as footsteps are amplified then other meanings could be implied, such as the feeling of the main actress being abandoned or her being vulnerable. • All of the above techniques will be used to reinforce our film’s genre; Psychological thriller/horror ( As mentioned earlier). They will also be used to lull the audience into a false sense of security, which will then be countered by amplified sounds and non diegetic sounds (Music) to create shocks and to emphasise fear. Click to go back to the ‘What Inspired us’ Page.

14. Film Review Research

15. The film magazine that I chose… Publisher: Future Publishing Features: Formed in 1997 One of the biggest English Speaking film magazines in circulation. Film’s in the cinema, DVD’s, Blu-Rays, games, CD’s and movie related books. Quizes, Competitions, Letters, etc. Target Audience: Young adults+ The invention of lying Guest Editors have included: Kevin Smith Peter Jackson Ricky Gervais Avatar Clerks

16. The film review includes information that the reader will be able to associate with, such as other TV shows or films. This is used to capture the reader’s focus and to influence them to carry on reading. Total Film Layout (Website) The logo for the magazine film is used to constantly shadow the review to enforce that the review is by people of Total Film Added detail: Extra detail is added to basically sums up the main features of the film, such as the names of actors, the director, the genre and the studio that produced it. Title The font is larger to easily allow the audience to read what film the review is about. It is written in black to stand out and to also match with the other colour schemes of the page layout: White, red and black. The ‘related’ section allows the audience To view other reviews of films and news that is similar to the ‘Scream’ review. Therefore, reaching out to the magazines target audience even further and taking advantage of the website format. This obviously because you can not have hyperlinks in Rhetorical questions: These are used to get the reader involved with review. The main actors whom are involved with the film are all mentioned within the review to inform the reader.

17. Conventions of a Film Review: • Titles • Headers • Introduction about the film • Colour schemes which easily integrate with the images. • Information about the film: Names of the directors, Writers and actors. The film’s length, the film’s genre, release date, the film’s age rating. • Good points and bad points about the film. • Personal views that the writer might have about the film. • The reviewer might compare the film to another, or several other films. • Images of the film. • An overall verdict. (Ie, a ‘Good point, bad point’ section.) • A rating system (stars, percentage) • From my research, I found that some magazines add ‘Reader comments’ about the film’s that they review, allowing a wider bank of information about the film. • Other topics or films that the reader will be able to associate with, therefore meeting it’s target audience.

18. Click to go back to reasons for review design Total Film Layout (Magazine) The title of the film is positioned here to allow the reader to see what film review they are reading. It is placed in BOLD text to make it stand out from the other typography on the page. Furthermore, the text is larger to also allow the review’s title to be easily viewed and identified. Title of the Review section. This gives the audience more information on what part of the magazine they are currently looking at. Therefore making it easier to read. The added detail of the film rating allows the audience to discover what age the film is intended for. Therefore, allowing them to quickly distinguish if the film is aimed towards them or not. The quote is placed here in larger typography to break up the main block text which is the review. Sometimes, it can also be used to hint at what the main review might contain, therefore urging the reader to read the rest of the review. The colour scheme of red, black and blue is used to correspond with the picture to the right. This allows all of the images and text to blend in with each. It also allows certain titles to stand out even more. The picture is positioned here to attract the audience’s attention and to also fill dead space. The picture is also used to entice the reader to watch the film. It could also be used to express the films verdict on the film, For example: if they said it was exciting, then to use an exciting picture. Much like the ‘Verdict’, this table is used to allow the reader to quickly view the films performance throughout it’s different parts. This also acts as a summary of the whole review as well. Each review has a mini ‘Verdict’ which gives the overall rating of the film and then a very brief summary of the reviewers comments. This is placed at the end of the review to easily sum up the film’s performance for the reader’s own interest. It also lets the reader just view the ‘Verdict’ box, if they are in a rush or do not want to read the full review.

19. Poster Research

20. The weapon here is concealed, however the audience can see it. Therefore, this adds the element of mystery and secrets. The blood on the weapon also hints at the danger and death which will be seen through out the film, therefore alerting the audience to it’s horror element. The act of symmetry draws the attention of the audience to the house, therefore hinting at the danger within the film. Furthermore the film’s genre is also shown through this as it draws on the theme of abandonment and the constant idea of you being watched. The added opinion of critics will influence the target audience into seeing the film. This is why the text is bigger than the other text on the poster. This idea can be used for our production through as we have the same theme of ‘Being watched’ therefore we may consider using symmetry to portray this. The use of ‘Fog’ or mist reinforces the effect of hidden messages and the ‘Unknown’. The aspect of the ‘other’ or ‘unknown’ is also backed up through the added image of the words. This also suggests restriction and isolation. Our group will be using the same concept by using darkness to create mystery. The white of the typography also contrasts with the red ‘Funny games’. It also matches with the ‘white’ of the background and the t-shirt’s of the actors. This is informing the audience of the release date. The white once again matches the other use of white within the poster. The actors name’s are shown in the centre of the poster as it helps ‘lead’ the audience’s eyes to the middle of the page. The names also inform the audience of who will be in the film. Thus hitting the targeted audience. The film information is centred in the middle of the poster and also the writing slowly becomes smaller. This is to almost lead the audiences eyes to the house which is the main focal point of the poster.

21. The typography used is much like the font found on a digital camera. This matches the general theme of the film. Our group will use similar font to this because of the similar themes between both productions. Furthermore the ‘white’ contrasts with the black background. Therefore making it stand out more. It also matches the main actress’s clothing, therefore showing that they are linked. Carrying on, the text is separated from the picture, therefore emphasising the theme of abandonment. The facial expression of the actress is the main focal point of the picture. The woman’s face is also at the most lit point of the poster. This allows the audience to see the ‘terror’ and ‘panic’. The light is also projected onto the woman’s face to also show the sweat and dirt which is on her, therefore hinting at the danger which is within the film. The blood contrasts with the white clothing. This suggests the danger and horror themes which flow through the movie. The blood is also partly hidden by the darkness. This suggests the theme of the unknown. It also suggests the theme of death. The subtitle for the film is located just above the main title. The typography matches the rest of the poster, therefore linking them together. Furthermore, the white once again stands out against the black background once again. The faded ‘Rec’ effect suggests a hint of uncertainty Like the last poster, the dates have been added to the poster inform the target audience of the release dates. Therefore informing the audience of all the information that they need to know. The ‘red circle’ which resembles a film recorder is used. This is done to portray the way the film is filmed but to also suggest various genres which it features. Our group will use a similar effect when making our poster. However, we will edit and change it to make the red light look more piercing and intrusive upon the man actress which will feature in our poster.

22. The hair of the character is messy and un kept. This suggests that the film contains terror and horror as the main suggests the problems that she has encountered which has lead her to look like this. The logo of the production company can be seen here. This allows the audience to associate the production team with other films that they might of done. Therefore, this could persuade the audience to view the film ( Or n some cases avoid it) ‘Rec’: English Poster The image is at the audiences eye level. This technique is used to appear more frightening and invading to the audience. In addition the eyes of the actor are also hidden, therefore suggesting mystery and hints of evil. The tagline used is ‘Experience fear’. This is used to draw the audience into watching the film by emphasising the horror theme. The tagline also suggests that the film is not just a film, but it something that will change you from the ‘experience’ that you will encounter. It also suggests that the film is not just a visual experience. The black used for the background also contrasts with the white and red used. Therefore making them stand out even more as it makes the title look more sharp to the audiences’ eye. Like the foreign version of the poster, the darkness conveys the hellish theme which runs through the film. The title typography and style is the same as the foreign version. Therefore, for the effects and the suggestions made by the title, please look at the previous slide. The rest of the cast are listed here. This is here to obviously credit them for there work, but also it could allow the audience to recognise them from other productions. Therefore, like the production logo, it may persuade the audience to see the film.

23. This is positioned in the centre of the poster as it is the main focal point of it. This is because of the perception which the buildings create when looking at them. Furthermore, the use of ‘Your’ and ‘crime’ suggests the theme of personal invasion and terror. Also the personal pronoun talks to the audience directly which makes them involved with the poster. This is placed here to interest the audience into seeing the film even more because of the famous actor being emphasised. Furthermore, the white typography suggests innocence, therefore hinting that he is the main hero within the film. The font is also bold, therefore expressing the actors importance. The films location can be easily justified as being in the City. From this, our group will use a similar shot like this to establish that our location is in the town as well. Furthermore, the main actor is shown as being alone to maybe emphasise the danger and isolation that he may be have to face during the film. Therefore, this hints at certain themes and problems which may be featured within the film which will lure the viewer into watching the film. The weather can bee seen in this poster. This ‘Pathetic Fallacy’ is used to hint at the hidden themes that are showing within the film. The stormalso hints at the dangers that the characters will face. It could also help to set the scene or location of the film. From this, our group will be emphasising darkness and the night time that the film will be set. This will be to suggest the horror and thriller themes that flow through our short film. The red text is used to stand out against the rest of the poster. This is because the style of font and colour is not used against any other part of the poster. This information informs the audience about the director. Therefore, this attracts the audience into watching the film as the director has previously directed other high rated and blockbuster movies. Back to Poster Slide

24. Our media task • Our media A2 task was to create a film of our choice, and to also do two of the following options: A radio trailer for the film, A magazine review page featuring the film or a poster for the film. Our group chose the latter of the two: A magazine review and a poster. This being it would be more beneficial for our work and none of us believed we would enjoy doing the radio trailer compared to the other tasks. • The next step to designing our five minute (Approximately) film was to pin point our target audience . We did this through discussing the themes of our film and what it might entail. We also discussed multiple film ideas and what type of genre the film might revolve around. After a long time deciding and debating about the film’s path that it might follow we decided to have the target audience as being young adults (18-24). However, we gave the age rating a 12 certificate as we found that the content of the film included no swearing, though it included mild peril and the act of kidnapping. • Furthermore, we researched into our target audience by looking at various stats and surveys to find the average cinema goers and the different types of people whom go to watch horrors. • The intentions of our project was to create a film that reaches the correct target audience. Furthermore, we wanted the film to also scare the audience through it being a psychological horror. We also designed the film to portray the social group of young adults as well. We did this to create a higher sense of terror for the audience. Our group managed portray one type of social group through using young adults as the main characters and by also including tasks which adults would also do, such as going out at night for a drink.

25. Carrying on with how we targeted the audience, we chose the location’s for the film to represent a place that our target audience could associate with. Therefore we filmed our production in an ordinary town while the characters wore clothes that young adults would also wear and recognise as being fashionable. • Furthermore, to attract an audience whom like horror films we used certain camera shots, such as the tracking shot which shows the film through the stalker’s and victim’s point of view. This would create suspense for the audience and would hopefully draw the audience in to watch the rest of the of the film. • Further more we used over the shoulder shots to emphasise the fluent nature of conversations and other actions. This also emphasised the horror theme the ‘Over the shoulder shot’ allowed the audience to see a character sneak up behind Chloe Cotton without her knowing. Therefore this gives the audience the power and knowledge that other characters do not harness. Thus, suggesting that the main character is helpless and vulnerable as the audience knows something bad will happen, but they cannot help. An example of an over the shoulder camera shot Suggests terror and suspense through not being able to see the male’s face.

26. What inspired you? • There were a few short films on the internet that inspired our production, one of these was the short film called Career Suicide. This inspired us through it’s use of camera work and it’s horror elements. It also inspired us through the plot and how we had to think about it. However, what we were not inspired by the films humour qualities as we believed that if we used humour in our film then we would not reach our target audience. In addition, another short film that inspired us was the short film called Love hurts which is a psychological horror that follows a female actress having an argument with her boyfriend. Crying is then heard, and the actress finds a dead woman whom comes alive and kills the main actress and presents her death as a suicide from the argument. This film inspired us through the non diegetic sounds/music that reinforced the film’s horror elements. From this, we used non diegetic music to slow down our film and to also reinforce the tension within the film. Carrying out, we used amplified sounds like in Love hurts to emphasise the abandonment and vulnerability of the main character. Furthermore, the amplified sound dramatically increases the effectiveness of the violence shown. This can be heard when the woman’s wrist is slashed and also when the woman bangs her head on the wall. • In addition to this, we looked at major films for influence such as the film franchise Scream. We did this to help us develop our films plot and storyline. It also allowed us to analyse the film’s story and the main conventions of psychological horror films. For example, there would have to be a main character who is female and she would have to be in distress or vulnerable from a male attacker. From looking at Scream we also used the idea of not knowing who the assailant is. This was done to emphasise the horror and to also keep the audience in suspense throughout the whole of the short movie. Furthermore, linking back Scream we emphasised the feeling of abandonment and vulnerability by portraying the main actress as being alone throughout most of the film. This was also achieved by using extreme wide shots to show that no one else was accompanying her on her walk home. Click here to see my film research and to also see how they inspired us.

27. When looking at short films… • When looking at short films, we found that most of the short films had a twist at the end of them. For example, In Love Hurts the twist was that the ghost made out her death was a suicide to fill the girl’s boyfriend with guilt for arguing with her. The twist in Career Suicide was that hell is seen as just being stuck in work, much like Life. From this, our group believed that to keep up with popular short films, we must create an affective twist that would both meet our genre and engage the audience. Our group went through possible ideas for the twist and asked other people for their own views on the matter. After gathering this research, we decided to design the twist as the person who initially helps the main actress, as being the unknown bad guy. • In addition to this, we took note that another convention that our group noticed was that Short films are normally quick and too the point and that the characters are usually quickly introduced for the audience to see and to help develop the plot with a certain amount of speed. From this, we introduced the main actress quickly and allowed the audience to establish that she has an extreme case of paranoia and because of a past event, she has a fear of going outside. However, we went against this convention by building up the suspense and fully introducing the stalker later on and by only hinting at his presence throughout the rest of the film. We did this to support the Horror genre and to allow the audience to be constantly thinking about what they are seeing. Therefore, adding the ‘Psychological’ element to our short film.

28. Looking at the genre of horror: • From looking at the genre of horror, we discovered various conventions that we would either need to use or challenge in order to create a successful film. For example, we discovered that most successful horror films dwelled and emphasized on the idea of abandonment. This was normally done through amplified sounds such as the characters footsteps hitting the ground and sounds of passing cars etc. Furthermore, our group found that various camera shots were used to create the horror effect. Such as tracking shots and wide angle shots. The tracking shots were used to create the feeling of the main character being followed by some unknown person or thing and the wide angle shots were used to emphasize the character being alone. • Another convention of horror films that we discovered was that the bad guy always dies or he loses power and control. Therefore, to challenge this convention me made sure that the bad would dominate the good. However, to hint that good will triumph over the bad. We did this to give the audience hope and to therefore keep them on the edge of their seat throughout the whole six minutes. • Another convention that researched into was the locations. For example, in most horror films the locations and settings are of dark, seedy places where danger might occur. From this, we took the idea of the time period as being night time. However, we challenged the convention of this by the film being shot in a place that the target audience could easily associate with, an ordinary town. This is effective as the acts of violence and implied rape that are seen within the film are then viewed as more shocking as violence of this degree is not normally seen in small towns.

29. Our Short film • After much discussion we came up with the name of our short film as being called ‘Paranoia’. We chose this name to hint at possible twists and themes that would be running through the film. Such as the main actress whom suffers from paranoia and the possibility that there might be a stalker following her. Furthermore, we believed that the the name ‘Paranoia’ would attract the correct target audience immediately because of the connotations of ‘Paranoia’ which can be also paired to the Horror Genre. • For our production, we chose not to use the name of the main actress (Apart from the start credits) until the very end of the film. This is because we believed that it would create more suspense and to also play with the idea that the woman being stalked is just an ordinary girl much like certain members of the target audience might be. However, if I was to do something differently, I would try to get the rest of the group to not put the main actresses name at start of the film. Therefore, the audience would be held in suspense and the tension would be far greater through the whole of the film. Much like this, we did not name the Stalker to create mystery and to also support the genre of horror. Once again, the other female in the film was unnamed. However, we did this so that the audience would not become too attached to her, because she was only a minor character.

30. Sound in our short film • In our short film we used both diegetic and non diegetic sound to emphasize certain points and themes within the movie. For example, we used amplified diegetic sound such as footsteps to emphasize the main actress as being alone and vulnerable, this also reinforced the Horror genre. Carrying on with Diegetic sound, we also reduced certain sounds such as car engines to allow the audience to hear the main actress walking and talking. Other amplified sounds included doors being shut (Including creaking sounds of the doors) and the main actress dropping her keys. All of these sounds were amplified to heighten the vulnerability of the actress and to also make the audience focus on the action that is happening. • In addition to our diegetic sounds, we took previous unused or old footage of doors being closed and opened and layered the sound of the door opening over one of the final scenes of the film. This was done to amplify the door being opened and to also heighten the film’s overall tension as it was combined with the unveiling of the stalker. • We also used non diegetic sounds, such as the music of the film to add suspense and tension to the film. Furthermore, the music reinforces the film’s tempo, therefore slowing down the whole movie and speeding it up again at key parts to help establish character and create a more effective scene. • The non diegetic music was also used to link scenes together and to create the feeling of the scene being an important part in the movie, such as the kidnapping scene. This music was slow at the start and had some higher notes to create the sense of shock or surprise. • To create our non diegetic sound we used the software called ‘Garage band’. Here, we linked different pre made tracks together and edited their speeds and sound to create the perfect music for our film.

31. Writing the script • When writing the initial script for the film, we wrote it based on what might be said while using the camera shot plans as a source of information to allow us to craft the script even more. We also followed horror genre conventions by keeping in mind that the stalker should not talk much to create a sense of mystery and to have the main actress to talk far more to allow the audience to recognise that she is the key character. Furthermore, our group remembered to create the dialogue at the start of the film to reveal to the audience the fears that the main character has. • After the initial script, we filmed our short film and then realised that had not stuck to the main at all, and had only used it as a very rough guideline to what should be included within the script. Therefore, from this, we improved the script and added in all of the missed detail. Furthermore, when we improved the script it allowed us to plan for anymore film improvements that needed to be done. • The script also allowed us to plan when the non diegetic music would be included, and crafted around the character’s actions and dialogue. This allowed us to get through the production of the film within a much quicker time frame. • However, if we were to make the film again, our group would definitely write the initial script in much more detail and then stick to the script throughout the whole of the filming. This would be to save a lot of time when filming as the actors would know exactly what to say, and when. It would also give the director a far better indication on what shots he needs or should be shooting.

32. Media technologies that we used: • The media technologies that we used to film our production included the digital video camera’s to film our production. Along with the video camera, we used tripods to help us get the correct camera shots. Also, we used our own Guerilla pod to get hold of more technical shots and to allow more of a ‘stalker feel’ throughout parts of the film. • We had few problems with the cameras when filming. However, when we put the film files onto the Apple Mac computers, they all needed to be converted so that they could be used in Final CutExpress. This took up a lot of our editing time. To overcome this problem we would use a camera that used a suitable video format for the iMacs. • When filming, a problem that occurred as the quality of filming in night time as the quality went slightly blurry and it looked less professional. However, to get around this we made the film poster to look grainy to match the film. Though, if we had to do the project again we would definitely find higher quality cameras that were able to film at night. • When editing the film, we used the software called Final Cut Express. This caused a few problems as none of our group had used this editing software before. Therefore, it took a while for us to get used to it. However, it was the best editing software to use as it made our film look far more professional. • Linking to editing software, we each used Photoshop CX5 to manipulate and create our posters. We used this software instead of Macromedia Fireworks because it was far better and much more professional. However, much like Final CutExpressit was the first I had used Photoshop properly, as in my AS project I had chosen to use Macromedia Fireworks due to it’s simplicity and the time frame that we had to edit the magazine. I chose to move from macromedia fireworks to Photoshop as I believed that I would need to make that jump from software to make it look much more professional.

33. Following on, we used Apple Mac computers for all of our work. This caused many advantages as the school Mac’s had all of the software that we needed on them. Furthermore, the Mac’s were fast and allowed editing to be far easier than the normal PC’s as they did not have enough RAM to easily edit films. However, because I had not used a Mac before, it took a while for me to get use to it. This included many new keyboard shortcuts and the Mac’s lay out. • Another problem was the compatibility issue, through not having certain software such as Final Cut and Photoshop at home. Therefore, I could only advance with my work while in class. However, this acted as motivation as I used up all of my class time appropriately as I knew I couldn’t carry on with it at home. • Though, once I got use to the Mac, like I previously said, I found them faster and more beneficial for my project and I would definitely use the Mac’s if I had to do the project again. • We used the digital video camera’s to also take our photo’s for the film poster’s as well. However, to improve this we should of used a proper digital camera as this would allow us to gain much more detail which would ultimately improve the quality of the picture. It would also create a more professional feel for the poster.

34. The three products • The three products that we had to create was the Film Poster, a film review and the actual film. All of these when combined promote the film. • We looked at conventions for each product. For example, for the film poster I researched posters and their conventions for which I decided to either follow or challenge. • For the film poster, I also looked at their conventions to once again follow or challenge. • However, for all three products we created everything to match our target audience which was 18-24 year olds. Click the images to take you to the appropriate page, or click the arrows at the bottom.

35. Reasons for the film review design • I made most of my choices on how to design my film review through looking at and researching into ‘Total films’. From this, I looked at the conventions that are used when professionally reviewing a film, and what needed to be taken into account when preparing to create a film review. • For example, an example of this was what information needed to be included within the actual text. This included actors that were in the film, good points of the film, bad points and own personal opinions on the film. Furthermore, other conventions included ‘verdicts’ and a rating system. • Also, when looking at the film magazines I found that there had to be a set layout. Therefore, I included a set layout that was easy to follow and also a colour scheme that worked with the pictures. • The research into my film review can be found in the link below. It also explains the reasons to the conventions used. Click to go back to the ‘products’ page Click to see the Magazine. Film Magazine Research

36. Go straight to poster design Film Review: I added overall details, including the length of the film, the actors names, rating and release date to allow people to quickly find out key information about the film quickly. Thus, it is saving them from reading the whole poster if they do not want to read the main text. The title is here to obviously inform the reader of the name of the magazine. I used white ‘Type writer’ font to make the typography stand out against the black background. This also makes it very clear to read. I also created a ‘Review’ title to also inform the audience what section of the magazine they are currently in. Here I have put a still of the film to allow the audience to see a glimpse of the film. I have placed it here the ‘Paranoia’ Front can be clearly linked to the film. Furthermore, the typography is red to go with the rest of the pages colour scheme and to also contrast with the red. The red also links with the still through the the clothing as also being red. I placed a quote from the main text here to break up the text. Furthermore, It gives the readers a hint at what is to come in the rest of the review. I used red to once again follow the rest of the colour scheme. After research, I discovered that most reviews had the name of the reviewer placed somewhere on the review page, and it was normally separated from the rest of the text. To emphasise that it wasn’t part of the main text, I chose red as the font’s colour. This also goes along with the colour scheme. I made a ‘Good points’ and ‘Bad points’ verdict area so that people quickly glancing over the magazine or just not wanting to fully read it, could quickly discover the reviewers verdict. In the main body of the text, I included information such as:The director, the actors names, information about the script, the good points, bad points and own person views on the film. I got what information I should include through research. Also, I used black font so that it is easy to read against the white background and it also goes with the rest of the colour scheme. After research, I discovered that most magazines have an overall scoring for the film, whether it be out of five stars, or a 100% or just general points. Therefore, to meet general conventions I used basic shapes to make a table and then add a star scoring system. Once again, I used black and red to match the overall colour scheme.

37. Reasons for my Poster Design • To make sure that I designed my poster correctly, I researched four posters to discover the what conventions I should either use or challenge for my product • These conventions included taglines, titles, dates, images, colour schemes and production studio logos. For each convention I fully explained why it was used and what effect it had. • Furthermore, I made some of the choices for my poster by looking at other posters by my group members. This is because I needed to match the other designs to make an overall ‘House design. I did this by using the same style of typography and a similar image. In addition I used the same tag line ‘Are you ever alone?’ • However, the poster that the other group members created was a poster for when the film was about to released. Therefore it contained much more information and review scores, where as my poster was a teaser poster meaning little information was revealed. Click to go back to the ‘products’ page Click to see poster Click for Poster Research

38. Back to ‘Products’ page Film ‘Teaser’ Poster I got this typography off of the website ‘Dafont.com’, therefore it is not a primary source. However, I chose the font as it gave an almost CCTV look, therefore this reinforces the horror genre and the stalker theme. I used red as it links to the picture, therefore showing that the woman in the picture is an important character. This is informing the audience on who is the main actress of the upcoming film. I used this font as it represents a type writer, therefore linking with the horror genre. I used white as it contrasts with the black background, but also goes with the other font further on down the page. After research, I found most posters had tag lines. Therefore I incorporated this tagline. I used a question mark to involve the reader and to make them think. Therefore, supporting the genre of psychological horror. The picture of the woman was initially placed in the centre of the page. However, after moving the picture around a lot, we found that the best place for the picture was slightly to the right. This is because it gives a lot of open black space to the left, therefore hinting at the unknown and suggesting that something is out there watching her. It also emphasises the woman’s abandonment and vulnerability. No effects were used to enhance the poster. This is because in the big final poster that was made by another member of the group, lots of effects were used. Therefore, to be different I used no effects. Also, because it is only a teaser trailer, not many effects were needed as there is a lot of blank space. Here is the date that the film will be released. We chose Halloween to attract the target audience and to also support the horror genre because Halloween is well known for monsters and horror stories. I used the ‘New line cinema’ logo to show that it is being published by them. This also makes it look more professional. I chose the black version of the logo to stand out against the light background. Because it is only a teaser trailer, I didn’t include much information. Therefore, I left a website for the target audience to visit for more information.

39. Meeting our target audience: • Our target audience was horror fans aged 18-24. To meet our audience we made sure that we used colours associated with the horror genre. These included black, red and white. For example, the main character wore red and black, while the poster title was also red. We did this for the obvious connotations of blood, lust, gore and death that can be implied from the colour red. • Furthermore, to make sure we met the target audience we each created a questionnaire for the poster, film review and the film that we gave out to the target audience. We then gathered in the answers and made changes to meet our new demands. • An example of this, was changing the information included within the film review to attract the correct audience. Another example was moving the poster picture to the right to enhance the horror nature of the poster. All of the changes made were to attract the correct audience and to make it look professional. • In addition, the main film was created with the target audience in mind. Therefore, we created a psychological horror, not just a normal horror. This is because we believed that 18-24 year olds were more likely to have a story which they needed to think about rather than an obvious ‘in your face’ gory film. • The target audience was tried to be maintained through the language that was used within the our film. However, even though our film was meant for 18-24 year olds, we used no swearing and only implied violence. Therefore, this could be something to look at and improve if we tried to make this film again.

40. Representations • Our film represents the female gender and stereotypically being vulnerable. We did this through the actress (Chloe Cotton) as being scared of going outside to the pub. Furthermore, through long shots and wide shots the feeling of vulnerability and complete abandonment. Close up shots were also used to show the female character as being helpless, this was when the ‘bad guy’ had captured her. The female gender could also be represented as being clumsy under pressure through the close up of the main actress dropping her bag and then forgetting to pick up her keys. • However, the female gender is also represented as being supported. This is shown through Chloe’s friend who supports Chloe and comforts enough for her to come out. However, I believe that our groups intentions for this were not fully fulfilled through weak acting which would need to be definitely improved if we did this project again. • Age is also represented through Chloe as she visits the pub and goes out for the night. This would allow the audience to associate with the character and overall film more seeing as the character is the same age as the starting age of the target audience.

41. What might be offensive/and seen as rebellious acts. • The only thing that could be seen as offensive in our film is the implied rape and violent acts. However, no violence is seen. Only the struggle of the victim is shown, thus this adds to the psychological element as the victim’s fate isn’t shown to the audience, therefore they are left wondering what had happened to her. However, some people may see this as being too offensive, though, our target audience is 18-24, therefore there should be no problems with our film’s content. • Linking to this, the rebellious acts could be seen as the stalker and the kidnapper. This could be seen as breaking the social norms and rules of life as we know it, or going against what we deem as being good and honest. • However, we tried to show this as obviously being wrong, therefore others will be put off copying what they see during the film. This is still from the unknown kidnapper coming to abduct Chloe. This is a scene the scene that the target audience might find offensive. However, we did not want to make it too offensive else we would miss the target audience.

42. Focus group • After finishing our film, we showed it to a small sample of our target audience to gain feedback in hope of improving our film. We got suggestions which including add end credits to allow them to know who was in the film and who helped write the script ect. Therefore, we listened to them and added credits to the end of the film. • Another change was to change certain actors as they believed they were ‘Terrible’ however, it was too late to reshoot almost all of the film for new actors, therefore we have had to make do with the actors that we had. • Carrying on, another suggestion was to change the ‘Time transition’ effect that we had half way through the movie to show the actors entering and then leaving the pub a few hours later. This is because people believed that the cameraman has basically just ‘dropped’ the camera. Therefore, we removed the transition to meet the target audience’s demands. • People also said that they enjoyed the film, as they believed it was a strong story which they had to think about and it was not considered boring at all. However,some of the actors let reduce the tension and suspense due to their acting skills. However, like I said earlier, it was too late in the project to re shoot the majority of the film with new actors. • From the audience theory I have learnt that our film is not perfect. However, we meet the conventions and themes of the psychological horror genre and with a few tweaks and improvements, ranging from the editing to the acting, the filming can be made to be a lot better.

43. Camera shots/Angles In this camera shot, the camera angle is low, therefore showing Jess as being taller that Chloe. Therefore, this suggests that Chloe more vulnerable than Jess. Thus, hinting at future events in the film. In this extreme wide shot, Chloe is show has being on her own with open space either side. This emphasises her abandonment and vulnerability. It also suggests that someone is in the dark watching her. By doing this it is supporting the horror genre and it also plays on the audience’s mind. The location of this shot is also the same as the poster, meaning the audience can make the connection between both products. This close up shows the dropping of Chloe’s bag. This allows the audience to see what she then picks back up, and what she then leaves. Therefore, as she leaves the keys behind, it suggests bad events later on in the film. Also, the loss of keys represents the loss of privacy and security of the home.

44. This shot is a body shot of the unknown stalker, however, in the background you can see Chloe. Therefore, this emphisises the feeling of her being watched and followed. It also portrays the unknown man as being predatory. It also shows that Chloe is unknown to her being followed. This over the shoulder close up shows the stalker crossing off his victims. This was done with a close up shot to allow the audience to read the name of the actress and to see her picture. Therefore, concluding the whole film. This body show is similar to the above camera shot. However it is used to show the surrounding area the Chloe is part of. This is used to also show how far she has got to walk while alone and all in the dark. Thus, reinforcing the horror genre and horror conventions. This close up shows the facial expressions of Chloe while she is being kidnapped. This is used to show the distress and helplessness that she is in. It is also used so the audience also feel helpless to help her, even though they feel they must. This over the shoulder shot reveals the short stories twist and how that the stalker has got CCTV cameras within Chloe’s house. Therefore, making the link between the poster’s font and effects and the film. It also allows the audience to see two scenes at once.

45. Audience theories and our film • Copy Cat theory: This could cause problems with the audience due to the theory that believes that people who watch films will copy the actions that they witness within the film. However, our group believed that our target audience would be mature and sensible enough to realise not to copy the male stalker within the film. • Desensitisation: This is where the audience see a violent film or something that has explicit content within it so much that real life violence does not effect them as much. However, we got round this by not including any violence within our short film. Therefore, the audience would not become prone to any form of desensitisation. • Cultivation Theory: The Cultivation Theory is when a movie or short film has certain conventions within it that help support the audience’s view on a certain stereotype of culture. This is shown within our film through the use of the stalker wearing a hoodie. This supports the Cultivation theory by suggesting the stereotype that all people who wear hoodies are dangerous. Following on from this, the stereotype that all teenage girls are hopeless and vulnerable to surrounding people. This was done through the main actress’s facial expressions to show her constant distress. To show her expressions, close up shots were also used so the audience could easily tell that she is in shock and also vulnerable.

46. What I would do differently next time • If I could do this project again, I would make sure that I used all of my time appropriately. For example, I created a time table for all of the actors and times we could film. However, it was not stuck to properly, therefore certain things took longer to finish. Furthermore, I believe that to improve my work the script should have been stuck to properly as well. Therefore, the film would have been filmed in a much quicker time frame. • In addition, I believe I would practice getting used to certain software and hardware such as Final Cut express and Photoshop to allow me to be more prepared for my work involving editing and photo manipulating. • I also believe that to improve our overall film we would need to change a few of the actors to make the film seem more suspense filled. This is because some of the actors, when watching the film, could not be taken seriously and would not convince 100% of the target audience that they were in a horror film. • Carrying on, I would look at changing the camera’s used to find a more compatible file type. Also, I would find a camera that had a higher quality. Therefore, it would be able to film better at night. • I would also look at the weather reports in more advance, as we had a lot of snow around the time of our filming. Therefore, we had to keep stopping for large periods of time which slowed down production. • I also believe that I would find a group that could make decisions more easily and could also take constructive criticism more easily. As during the project, some of my group would constantly fall out when each person tried to help the other. This ultimately lead to an unhappy working environment which slowed down production once again. • Finally, I would meet my own personal deadlines on time as I felt I fell behind slightly with certain aspects, this included the evaluation and part of the magazine.