In the first group meeting me and my group have decided the genre of our film will be "gothic" and came up with a rough storyline of our film which includes teenage school kids and the issue of bullying.
We've came up with the story of a young teenage girl aged 15-17 witnessing a particular student being bullied. During the course of witnessing bullying in and out of her school she becomes interested in black magic. One day the bullies pushes the limit and the girl (lead character) decides to try black magic to inflict pain on the bullies. It works but the actions she makes reverts back to her.
In order to keep the storyline within the genre we have researched the mise-en-scene to keep the gothic element. For this we looked at costumes and makeup to which we have decided to look for a prosthetic makeup artist to help with the look of certain characters.
Friday, 26 June 2015
P1 - My initial ideas before group discussions
My initial idea of a horror film would have to have the element of fear - relating to psychological horror, combined with elements of the paranormal or supernatural.
Typical gothic horror movie would be set in the time period of the 1920's, 30' and 40's, usually in the countryside. My idea for the plot for my own horror film would include characters that are all female - setting the stereotype that female characters are the victims in horror films. Instead of setting it in the old time period it will be very modern but still adding an old element to it. The main character would be an average looking character that would draw off any suspicions and have a difficult life which reflects off in behaviour and attitude. For example, having beat down parents that are neglectful of their children causing their child/s to be weak and vulnerable.
Thursday, 25 June 2015
R13 - Textual analysis of 'Maengwyn', short horror film: TITLE + CREDIT + SOUNDTRACK
Maengwyn is a short gothic horror film which, "follows the story of two boys as they get caught up in a century old game, run by an unseen evil. The game is ever continuos, and ever spreading, with no end." This film was influenced by 'Night of the Demon.'
TITLES + CREDITS + SOUNDTRACKS
The film starts off with someone using their phone and diegetic music playing. The song that is played is called 'Maengwyn' by 'Lowkey Films'. This is an interesting and unique way of presenting the name of the film and production company. The camera then moves to a wide shot of two people in a car driving whilst the music is playing. At the end of the chorus of the song the film title is shown at 1.30s into the film. When this happens the background changes from green and road scenery to grey static (shown in image above) with 'Maengwyn' in bold, white writing. When the name disappears the music also stops. There is then an extreme wide shot of a cottage and it is completely silent. This is a huge contrast from the beginning of the film as it was upbeat, but now as it is quiet which creates tension.
18.10s into the film the name of the production company is shown on a burnt, ripped piece of paper presented to the character as a scroll. Again, a unique way of introducing the name of the film company. this then follows onto showing the name of the actors. At 18.35s it then starts rolling the credits of additional names. The non-diegetic music starts at 18.10s but this time the the music is downbeat. Even though the film shows that nothing has happened to the last character shown, the music connotes that something would've happened to them.
The director choosing to present the title of the film twice in the beginning and the way the cast was presented is effective in making the viewer remember the name of the film and acknowledging the people that helped create the film. This helps me think of the creative ways i can present the title of my film to set the scenes and captivate my audience so they are drawn into the film.
Wednesday, 24 June 2015
R12 - Analysis of Black Sabbath and Crimson Peak trailers
Black Sabbath
From watching this film trailer I realised how much is differs from modern film trailers today. One thing i picked up on from the trailer was the narrator, differing from modern gothic horror film trailers which doesn't usually have one. Also, instead of showing the horror it is described by the narrator and the name of the film and actors were mentioned more than one. This is effective to make the audience remember the name of the film however, i personally think it is unnecessary as it makes the trailer too long and keeps me unfocused. For a gothic horror film the trailer does include the elements of curiosity and dark aspects of goth.
Crimson Peak
In the beginning of the trailer there is a mansion, street lamps and it is raining. With this as the introduction it connotes that there may be horror elements to it as the setting is dark and looks isolated. The music is dark and sinister in the beginning but then goes on to play just string music. This infers that the film may be set in a different time period, as period dramas use string music. There is no voice over in this trailer, instead the narrative is told by the characters so the clips used would've been chosen carefully to give hints to the audience what the movie is about. The name of the film is mentioned at the end. This is effective as it will be the last thing the audience sees after being drawn in by the trailer. If it were to be mentioned at the beginning it's more likely the viewer would've forgotten the name of the movie.
From analysing the trailers I've thought about what I would want to include in the trailer for my film, such as what shots to use without giving too much away and what scenes would hype the audience and make them want to watch it.
Tuesday, 23 June 2015
R11 - Textual analysis of three short films
From watching the three film I've been able to analyse everything into more depth. For example, how the camera shot and angles are used and hey they create an impact. This is something I will think about when it comes to filming.
Monday, 22 June 2015
R10 - How are films certificated?
"Films for theatrical release are normally classified by at least two Examiners using the published Guidelines. In most cases the decision is ratified by a Senior Examiner, but if the Examiners are in any doubt or fail to agree, or if important policy issues are involved, the work may be seen by other members of the Board up to, and including, the Director and Presidential team. Occasionally it is necessary to take specialist advice about the legal acceptability of film content or its potential for harm. DVDs are normally seen by one Examiner, particularly when they are viewing the DVD version of a cinema film which has already been classified. However, opinions from other Examiners may be required for more difficult works."
The issues of discrimination, drugs, horror, imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, sexual violence, theme and violence are looked at when making decisions, also considering context, tone and impact on the audience. The release format is also considered. For example, a DVD at home could risk in underage viewing.
The BBFC rates theatrically released films, and rates videos and video games that forfeited exemption from the Video Recordings Act 1984, which was discovered in August 2009 to be unenforceable until the act was re-enacted by the Video Recordings Act 2010. Legally, local authorities have the power to decide under what circumstances films are shown in cinemas, but they nearly always choose to follow the advice of the BBFC.
Considering what my film contains this research has helped me decide the certification for my film which is 12A. Also, in general this has helped me get a clear overview of what is and isn't appropriate in each certification.
Sunday, 21 June 2015
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