31/01/13 -Progress report:
So far i have i have completed my own analysis of the first 15 minutes of the film Scream 4, using screenshots to show the representations, i chose this film as it is similar to the film we will make. Scream 4 is about a masked serial killer, who stalks and also kills teenagers in gory ways, similar to ours as we also have a stalker who wears a mask to hide his identity, and kills one of the girls in our 2 minute film. I have also analysed a title sequence and included screenshots, the film i chose was Cabin in the woods, as this is also a horror/thriller film like ours will be.
I have also researched into the genre of horror and sub-genre's, and linked this back to the movie Scream, aswell as where the idea for the Scream movie came from and i have also done the iconography of horror films. I have researched into similar films (Scream) and have gotten the official poster for the film, a link to a clip from the start of the film and also a review from 'Rotten Tomatoes', which i have also took a screenshot of. Finally, so far i have researched into the certificates of films using the BBFC website, completed the treatments for our film and researched into the type of audience our film is aimed at.
What i need to do next is research into a possible distributor and i need to research a mainstream distributor of films such as Warner Bro's. I also need to get people to complete our questionnaire and finish off researching the certificates of films that relates to our chosen genre- horror.
Thursday, 31 January 2013
Our Questionnaire Results
Here you can see the results of our questionnaire which we are going to analyse once we have collected enough.
Questionnaire Results
Questionnaire Results
Our Questionnaire
We have decided to do a questionnaire to see what our potential audience think of our film idea. We have decided to ask them about such things as whether they like the storyline, whether it makes sense, what we could change about our storyline etc.
Questionnaire Form
Questionnaire Form
Temporary Post - Questionnaire Link
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1aSsI6SFl71aqnp2REZGd0VPIwfjWFS6K6nqmlA8w7_0/viewform
Research into certificates of films with examples
Using the genre of horror with examples I will relate different films to the BBFC website.
PG- PG is a mild threat comedy of the horror genre.
Can horror be passed at 12 or 12A?
Yes, some horror films are passed at this category. Moderate physical and psychological threat is permitted at 12 or 12A as long as disturbing sequences are not too frequent or sustained.
The Woman In Black (2012)- Summary- Working alone in an old mansion, Kipps (Radcliffe) begins to uncover the town's tragic and tortured secrets and his fears escalate when he discovers that local children have been dying under mysterious circumstances. When those closest to him become threatened by the vengeful woman in black, Kipps must find a way to break the cycle of terror.
The film stars the likes of Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) and Ciaran Hinds (TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY) and Janet McTeer (TUMBLEWEEDS), was adapted from Susan Hill's novel for the screen by Jane Goldman (KICK ASS).
The woman in Black may have been a 12A for many reasons, such as the fact it stars Harry Potter main man, Radcliffe, therefore many Harry Potter and Radcliffe fans would want to see the film. It also may have been a 12A as it starred young children and the film was created by Jane Goldman's Kick Ass, which is one again a film for children.
But this film is no doubt a frightful horror to watch, people who are easily scared should be wary of the film and many would say the frequent frightful scenes should have been given at least a 15.
U- U is seen as fun films of the horror genre.
Is horror permitted in a U film?
There may be brief scary scenes and moments where the characters are placed in danger. ‘Baddie’ characters may carry or use weapons, but there will be no emphasis on these. Child or ‘hero’ characters are unlikely to use any kind of weapon outside, for example, historical settings. Potentially dangerous or imitable behaviour, particularly those which come across as safe or fun, will not be present.
Examples of U horror films-
- Hotel Transylvania (2012)- Summary-The last thing Simon Van Helsing, the youngest in a long line of monster hunters, wants to do is fall in love with Dracula's daughter, Mavis. Upon discovering that they are natural enemies, the doomed couple attempt to bring peace between the warring monsters and humans.
PG- PG is a mild threat comedy of the horror genre.
What about horror at PG?
Allow some 'Jump' moments and scary scenes.
Examples of PG horror films-
- Scooby -Doo (2002)- Summary- After an acrimonious break up, the Mystery Inc. gang are individually brought to an island resort to investigate strange goings on.
I think that Scooby Doo is a PG as it is aimed at children and has been for many generations.
- Paranorman
- Frankenweenie
- Corpse Bride
- Frankensteine
- Hocus Pocus (1993)- Summary- After 300 years, three sister witches are resurrected on Halloween night, and it us up to two teenagers, a young girl, and an immortal cat to put an end to the witches reign of terror once and for all.
- The Witches (1990)- Summary-A young boy stumbles onto a witch convention and must stop them, even after he has been turned into a mouse.
- Nightmare before christmas (1994)- Summary- When Halloween Town's Pumpkin King, Jack Skellington, gets bored, he attempts to take over the festive Christmas season for a change of pace. Against the advice of Sally, the lonely rag doll who has secret feelings for him, Jack enlists three trick-or-treaters Lock, Shock, and Barrel to help him kidnap Santa Claus. But even when Jack realizes his mistake, he'll have to contend with the evil Oogie Boogie before he can turn things around and restore the holiday's cheer.
Can horror be passed at 12 or 12A?
Yes, some horror films are passed at this category. Moderate physical and psychological threat is permitted at 12 or 12A as long as disturbing sequences are not too frequent or sustained.
Examples of 12 horror films-
- Gremlins(1984)- Summary- A boy inadvertantly breaks 3 important rules concerning his new pet and unleashes a horde of malevolently mischievous monsters on a small town.
- Ghostbusters (1984)- Summary- 28th Fans will be able to see their favorite paranormal psychologists back on the big screen as they save the world from ghosts, ghouls, and Mr. Stay Puft.
The film stars the likes of Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) and Ciaran Hinds (TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY) and Janet McTeer (TUMBLEWEEDS), was adapted from Susan Hill's novel for the screen by Jane Goldman (KICK ASS).
The woman in Black may have been a 12A for many reasons, such as the fact it stars Harry Potter main man, Radcliffe, therefore many Harry Potter and Radcliffe fans would want to see the film. It also may have been a 12A as it starred young children and the film was created by Jane Goldman's Kick Ass, which is one again a film for children.
But this film is no doubt a frightful horror to watch, people who are easily scared should be wary of the film and many would say the frequent frightful scenes should have been given at least a 15.
- The Others (2001)
- Van Helsing(2004)
- Dark Shadows(2012)- Tim Burton film-Starring- Johnny Depp, Eva Green, Michelle Pfeiffer, Jonny Lee Miller, Chloe Grace Moretz, Helena Bonham Carter, Christopher Lee, Alice Cooper-Summary- An imprisoned vampire, Barnabas Collins, is set free and returns to his ancestral home, where his dysfunctional descendants are in need of his protection.
- Dark Shadows is a 12 which means it is aimed at children 12 and over and also younger ones under parental guidance. The film stars Johnny Depp who stars in such films as Sweeney Todd, Edward Scissor Hands and Edward Scissorhands. It also stars Helena Bonham Carter who stars in many of Tim Burtons films, Tim Burton films include, Edward Scissorhands, Sweeney Todd, Frankenweenie, The nightmare before christmas and Frankenweenie.
- The film is a 12 as it includes mild horror, little explicit language, and no violence. Fans of Johnny Depp and other Tim Burton films would probably be the ones to go to see Dark Shadows, as it is much like his other horror films and is aimed sat the same audiences.
- http://darkshadowsmovie.warnerbros.com/index.html
15 is more the paranormal and psychological side of the horror.
What about horror works?
Examples of 15 horror films-
What about horror works?
Many horror films are rated 15. At 15 there can be strong threat and menace (as long as it is not sadistic or sexualised), although the strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable.
Examples of 15 horror films-
- Let me in (2010)- Summary- A bullied young boy befriends a young female vampire who lives in secrecy with her guardian.
- Sinister (2012)- Summary- A true-crime writer finds a cache of 8mm "snuff" films that suggest the murder he is currently researching is the work of a serial killer whose career dates back to the 1960s.
- Cabin in the woods (2011)- Summary- Five friends go for a break at a remote cabin in the woods, where they get more than they bargained for. Together, they must discover the truth behind the cabin in the woods. The cabin in the woods is a 15 as it includes gore and mild nudity.
- Insidious (2010)- Summary- A family looks to prevent evil spirits from trapping their comatose child in a realm called The Further. Insidious is a 15 as it is brought by the same producers of the SAW franchise and other horror films of the age range of 15 to 18. The film is more psychological and only frightening in that sense.
- Paranormal activity 1 (2007)- Summary- After moving into a suburban home, a couple becomes increasingly disturbed by a nightly demonic presence. Paranormal activity doesn't star major actors and is filmed on hand held cameras to give it a realistic effect, the film includes paranormal activities and demons. There are many jump scenes that scare the audience, no matter what age. This film is a 15 as it may not include violence or sexual scenes but it psychologically effects the audience.
- Orphan (2009)- Summary- A husband and wife who recently lost their baby adopt a 9-year-old girl who is not nearly as innocent as she claims to be.
18 is the gore side of the horror.
What about horror works?
What about horror works?
The strongest horror works are passed at 18, they may contain strong horror, gore or sustained threat and menace which exceeds the boundaries of 15.
Examples of 18 horror films-
- Last house on the left (2009)- There was a 70's version that was banned due to the scenes being unsuitable to audiences at the time- After kidnapping and brutally assaulting two young women, a gang led by a prison escapee unknowingly finds refuge at a vacation home belonging the parents of one of the victims - a mother and father who devise an increasingly gruesome series of revenge tactics.
- Nightmare on Elm.St (2010)- A re-imagining of the horror icon Freddy Krueger, a serial-killer who wields a glove with four blades embedded in the fingers and kills people in their dreams, resulting in their real death in reality. This fi0lm is an 18 as it includes a lot of blood and violence, for example the cutting and fires and burning.
- The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)- Summary- A group of friends passing through are stalked and hunted down by a deformed killer with a chainsaw in order to sustain his poor family who can only afford to eat what they kill.
- The Human Centipede (2009)- Summary- A mad scientist kidnaps and mutilates a trio of tourists in order to reassemble them into a new "pet"-a human centipede, created by stitching their mouths to each others' rectums.This film is an 18 as it is very explicit and the ideas for the film and what is based upon is very strange and abnormal. There is nudity and sickening scenes.
- Audition- Japanese film (2001)- A widower takes an offer to screen girls at a special audition, arranged for him by a friend to find him a new wife. The one he fancies is not who she appears to be after all.
BBFC- Age certificates:
The BBFC-
In order to protect children from unsuitable and even harmful content in films and videos, and to give consumers information they might need about a particular film or video before deciding whether or not to view it, the BBFC examines and age rates films and videos before they are released. This independent scrutiny prior to release ensures the highest possible level of protection and empowerment.
The BBFC look at issues such as: discrimination, drugs, horror, dangerous and easily imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, and violence when making decisions. The theme of the work is also an important consideration. They also consider context, the tone and likely impact of work on the potential audience.
The release format of work has an impact on classification. Their decisions on the age rating of DVDs and Blu-rays can occasionally be stricter than at the cinema because there is a higher risk of underage viewing in the home and a greater potential for watching scenes that are not suitable.
U= The U symbol stands for Universal. A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. However, it is impossible to predict what might upset a particular child, especially at this lower end of the category range. U films are only allowed very mild bad language (eg ‘damn’ and ‘hell’). Occasionally, bad language such as ‘bloody’ or ‘bugger’ may be included, where justified by the context. Characters may be seen kissing or cuddling and there may be references to sexual behaviour.
PG= PG stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for younger children. A PG film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. Parents should consider whether the content might upset younger or more sensitive children.There may be mild bad language (such as ‘shit’ or ‘son of a bitch’) in a PG film, but the context and delivery are always important. References to sex are acceptable if the activity talked about or shown is implied and lacking in detail.
12A= 12A means that anyone aged 12 or over can go and see the film unaccompanied. The A stands for 'accompanied' and 'advisory'. Children younger than 12 may see the film if they are accompanied by an adult (eg someone over the age of 18), who must watch the film with them. The 12 certificate is just for videos, DVDs and Blu-rays. 12A is for films at the cinema only. The BBFC's Guidelines state that there may be strong language (eg 'f***') at 12 or 12A, but it must be infrequent. The context of the strong language is important. Aggressive uses of strong language may result in a film or DVD being placed at the 15 category.
In order to protect children from unsuitable and even harmful content in films and videos, and to give consumers information they might need about a particular film or video before deciding whether or not to view it, the BBFC examines and age rates films and videos before they are released. This independent scrutiny prior to release ensures the highest possible level of protection and empowerment.
The BBFC look at issues such as: discrimination, drugs, horror, dangerous and easily imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, and violence when making decisions. The theme of the work is also an important consideration. They also consider context, the tone and likely impact of work on the potential audience.
The release format of work has an impact on classification. Their decisions on the age rating of DVDs and Blu-rays can occasionally be stricter than at the cinema because there is a higher risk of underage viewing in the home and a greater potential for watching scenes that are not suitable.
U= The U symbol stands for Universal. A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. However, it is impossible to predict what might upset a particular child, especially at this lower end of the category range. U films are only allowed very mild bad language (eg ‘damn’ and ‘hell’). Occasionally, bad language such as ‘bloody’ or ‘bugger’ may be included, where justified by the context. Characters may be seen kissing or cuddling and there may be references to sexual behaviour.PG= PG stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for younger children. A PG film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. Parents should consider whether the content might upset younger or more sensitive children.There may be mild bad language (such as ‘shit’ or ‘son of a bitch’) in a PG film, but the context and delivery are always important. References to sex are acceptable if the activity talked about or shown is implied and lacking in detail.
12A= 12A means that anyone aged 12 or over can go and see the film unaccompanied. The A stands for 'accompanied' and 'advisory'. Children younger than 12 may see the film if they are accompanied by an adult (eg someone over the age of 18), who must watch the film with them. The 12 certificate is just for videos, DVDs and Blu-rays. 12A is for films at the cinema only. The BBFC's Guidelines state that there may be strong language (eg 'f***') at 12 or 12A, but it must be infrequent. The context of the strong language is important. Aggressive uses of strong language may result in a film or DVD being placed at the 15 category.
Sex may be briefly and discreetly portrayed at 12 or 12A. Verbal sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers.
Some horror films are passed in this category. Moderate physical and psychological threat is permitted at 12 or 12A as long as disturbing sequences are not too frequent or sustained.
15= No-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the cinema or buy/rent a ‘15’ rated DVD. 15 rated works are not suitable for children under 15 years of age. 15 films allow: strong violence, frequent strong language (f**k), portrayals of sexual activity, strong verbal references to sex, sexual nudity, brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references, discriminatory language or behaviour, or drug taking. Many horror films are rated 15. At 15 there can be strong threat and menace (as long as it is not sadistic or sexualised), although the strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable.
18= Films rated 18 are for adults. No-one under 18 is allowed to see an 18 film at the cinema or buy/rent an 18 rated DVD. No 18 rated works are suitable for children. 18 films are for adults, and contain issues such as: very strong violence, frequent strong language (f**k or/and c**t), strong portrayals of sexual activity, scenes of sexual violence, strong horror, strong blood and gore, real sex, discriminatory language and behaviour.
The strongest horror works are passed at 18, they may contain strong horror, gore or sustained threat and menace which exceeds the boundaries of 15. On 18 films, drug taking may be shown but the work as a whole but must not promote or encourage drug misuse.
15= No-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the cinema or buy/rent a ‘15’ rated DVD. 15 rated works are not suitable for children under 15 years of age. 15 films allow: strong violence, frequent strong language (f**k), portrayals of sexual activity, strong verbal references to sex, sexual nudity, brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references, discriminatory language or behaviour, or drug taking. Many horror films are rated 15. At 15 there can be strong threat and menace (as long as it is not sadistic or sexualised), although the strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable.
18= Films rated 18 are for adults. No-one under 18 is allowed to see an 18 film at the cinema or buy/rent an 18 rated DVD. No 18 rated works are suitable for children. 18 films are for adults, and contain issues such as: very strong violence, frequent strong language (f**k or/and c**t), strong portrayals of sexual activity, scenes of sexual violence, strong horror, strong blood and gore, real sex, discriminatory language and behaviour.
The strongest horror works are passed at 18, they may contain strong horror, gore or sustained threat and menace which exceeds the boundaries of 15. On 18 films, drug taking may be shown but the work as a whole but must not promote or encourage drug misuse.
Time Managment- progress report
What I have done so far-
So far I have individually analysed the first fifteen minutes of a similar film to ours with screen shots, the film I chose was Madison County. It is a horror film based on teenagers who are being followed by a man, just like ours as it is based on three teenage girls being stalked by a man.
Secondly I have done two pieces of work on the genre as a prezi presentation which includes details of different genre's, what is included in the horror genre, and the differences between horror and thriller. I also talked about conventions, paradigms. The second thing for genres I did was the history of genres, and sub genres.
I have also done research into audience of films and the similar films they like and view.
What I am doing next-
I am doing more information on the certificate of horror films and a questionaire.
So far I have individually analysed the first fifteen minutes of a similar film to ours with screen shots, the film I chose was Madison County. It is a horror film based on teenagers who are being followed by a man, just like ours as it is based on three teenage girls being stalked by a man.
Secondly I have done two pieces of work on the genre as a prezi presentation which includes details of different genre's, what is included in the horror genre, and the differences between horror and thriller. I also talked about conventions, paradigms. The second thing for genres I did was the history of genres, and sub genres.
I have also done research into audience of films and the similar films they like and view.
What I am doing next-
I am doing more information on the certificate of horror films and a questionaire.
Sunday, 27 January 2013
Research into title sequence- Cabin in the Woods:
(Link to the title sequence)- http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/the-cabin-in-the-woods/
A title sequence is what films/tv shows use to present their title, productions, and cast members, using visuals and sound. They are usually only a few minutes long and give the audience a clue about what the film will involve and will be like, such as the 'Cabin In The Woods' title sequence, as this is for a horror film, the sequence is dark, eerie and includes red to represent blood. The title sequence also has to set the right mood for the audience, so they will know how to feel when watching the film, so most horror films use scary, tense music for their title sequence and visuals which make the audience get chills and also creates suspense. See my analysis of the 'Cabin In The Woods' title sequence below.
Our own film is a psychological thriller/horror so our group needs to research into other similar title sequences, therefore i have looked at Cabin in the Woods:
Cabin in the Woods is a horror/thriller and a mystery made in 2011 and rated 15, made by Drew Goddard. The title sequence is a kind of parody of horror films and is the spirit of the film too.
The title sequence lasts just under 6 minutes and uses sound effects, tense music, ancient pictures to give the audience an idea of what is going to happen in the film and also uses the characters screen time to show the titles and main names whilst also getting into the start of the film and introduction of the characters.
The first shot is of gears turning and moving as it develops and doors open to reveal the name of the production company 'LIONSGATE', and you can also hear the sound effects of the gears turning as it then changes to slow and quiet ominous music to emphasise what the movie will entail as it gets louder. The colours red, black and a rusty colour represent danger and fits in with the theme of what the film will be like, as normally the colours aren't like that.
The next following images are in a red liquid which is meant to represent blood and pictures of old historical drawings which gives the audience a clue on what the film's general theme will be and what it is based around, as they show sacrificial images. Juxtaposed onto the top of these images it also says in red text information about who produced it and the director's name.
It then quickly cuts straight to action to show a coffee machine and sound effects of the money going into the machine it then shows two men talking about everyday things at work and then a long shot is used to show them moving and the building they are in, as it becomes clear that it isn't a normal office but a facility of some kind, and then a woman joins them and has a conversation with them it then uses sound effects as they travel on a kart.
Then the title 'CABIN IN THE WOODS' suddenly pops onto the screen with the sound of screams, making the audience jump as it interrupts the conversation and is juxtaposed with the two men behind it. Reminding the audience of what they have come to see and also that this is no ordinary workplace for these two men as they somehow link to what is going to happen later on in the film, as it sets a tone for the movie.
Finally, it cuts straight to a different setting and time as the real action takes place and the audience are introduced to the main characters, and the actors names and important people who helped create it are shown in a red font with splatters of blood on the text to set the tone for the film as it will contain blood.
Therefore, it is important that the title sequence gives the audience an idea about what the film will contain as it sets the tone and red is the key colour as it represents the theme of the film and what it entails, suggesting it will be a gory film involving lots of blood and death, so our film would need to also use some of these techniques to represent our own film as our's will also involve blood and death. However, this title sequence is a parody of title sequences and is also the spirit of the actual film as it mocks other horror films.
A title sequence is what films/tv shows use to present their title, productions, and cast members, using visuals and sound. They are usually only a few minutes long and give the audience a clue about what the film will involve and will be like, such as the 'Cabin In The Woods' title sequence, as this is for a horror film, the sequence is dark, eerie and includes red to represent blood. The title sequence also has to set the right mood for the audience, so they will know how to feel when watching the film, so most horror films use scary, tense music for their title sequence and visuals which make the audience get chills and also creates suspense. See my analysis of the 'Cabin In The Woods' title sequence below.
Our own film is a psychological thriller/horror so our group needs to research into other similar title sequences, therefore i have looked at Cabin in the Woods:
Cabin in the Woods is a horror/thriller and a mystery made in 2011 and rated 15, made by Drew Goddard. The title sequence is a kind of parody of horror films and is the spirit of the film too.
The title sequence lasts just under 6 minutes and uses sound effects, tense music, ancient pictures to give the audience an idea of what is going to happen in the film and also uses the characters screen time to show the titles and main names whilst also getting into the start of the film and introduction of the characters.
The first shot is of gears turning and moving as it develops and doors open to reveal the name of the production company 'LIONSGATE', and you can also hear the sound effects of the gears turning as it then changes to slow and quiet ominous music to emphasise what the movie will entail as it gets louder. The colours red, black and a rusty colour represent danger and fits in with the theme of what the film will be like, as normally the colours aren't like that.
The next following images are in a red liquid which is meant to represent blood and pictures of old historical drawings which gives the audience a clue on what the film's general theme will be and what it is based around, as they show sacrificial images. Juxtaposed onto the top of these images it also says in red text information about who produced it and the director's name. It then quickly cuts straight to action to show a coffee machine and sound effects of the money going into the machine it then shows two men talking about everyday things at work and then a long shot is used to show them moving and the building they are in, as it becomes clear that it isn't a normal office but a facility of some kind, and then a woman joins them and has a conversation with them it then uses sound effects as they travel on a kart.
Then the title 'CABIN IN THE WOODS' suddenly pops onto the screen with the sound of screams, making the audience jump as it interrupts the conversation and is juxtaposed with the two men behind it. Reminding the audience of what they have come to see and also that this is no ordinary workplace for these two men as they somehow link to what is going to happen later on in the film, as it sets a tone for the movie. 
Finally, it cuts straight to a different setting and time as the real action takes place and the audience are introduced to the main characters, and the actors names and important people who helped create it are shown in a red font with splatters of blood on the text to set the tone for the film as it will contain blood.
Therefore, it is important that the title sequence gives the audience an idea about what the film will contain as it sets the tone and red is the key colour as it represents the theme of the film and what it entails, suggesting it will be a gory film involving lots of blood and death, so our film would need to also use some of these techniques to represent our own film as our's will also involve blood and death. However, this title sequence is a parody of title sequences and is also the spirit of the actual film as it mocks other horror films.
Friday, 18 January 2013
Research into genre-horror
Definition
History
1890s-1920s- The first depictions of supernatural events appear in several of the silent shorts created by the film pioneer Georges Méliès in the late 1890s, the best known being Le Manoir du diable, which is sometimes credited as being the first horror film. Another of his horror projects was 1898's La Caverne maudite (aka, The Cave of the Unholy One, literally "the accursed cave").
In 1910, Edison Studiosproduced the first film version of Frankenstein, which was thought lost for many years.
An example of a film including a serial killer is Scream, the man in the mask named 'Scream' is a stalker and serial killer, whose aim is to kill mostly teenage girls and boys after spying on them and stalking them beforehand.
Characters
Characters in serial killer films usually include a victim or victims and one serial killer or a group, ours includes three victims and one serial killer.
Victims: Victims are usually young and vulnerable with one person who sees them self as a hero and stronger that the rest. There is also usually a victim who is much weaker and helpless, and you often find a relationship going on between two characters, that is unfortunately ruined as the plot goes on. Our victims are less conventional as there will be three vulnerable girls and no boys or love interests, just one weaker girl who is attacked at the beginning.
Serial Killer: The serial killers usually lack any compassion or care, they are tough and fierce and are created to frighten the audience when they least expect it. They cause the horror and ruin the victims lives, they also usually wear a disguise, as in a costume or mask and are usually male. Ours will be male which is conventional and will wear some sort of disguise on his face.
Music
Horror music is made to build up tension and cause a build up and make the audience expect something is coming.
Horror music can be screeching, pianos and music that is quiet to begin but builds up.
Sound effects also
Horror is a film genre seeking to pick out a negative emotional reaction from viewers by playing on the audience's primal fears. Horror films often feature scenes that startle the viewer; the supernatural are frequent themes. Thus they may overlap with the fantasy, supernatural and thriller genres.
Horror films often deal with the viewer's nightmares, hidden fears and terror of the unknown. Plots within the horror genre often involve the intrusion of an evil force or an event into the everyday world. Prevalent elements include ghosts, aliens, vampires, werewolves, curses, satanism, demons, gore, torture, vicious animals, monsters, zombies, cannibals, and serial killers.
History
1890s-1920s- The first depictions of supernatural events appear in several of the silent shorts created by the film pioneer Georges Méliès in the late 1890s, the best known being Le Manoir du diable, which is sometimes credited as being the first horror film. Another of his horror projects was 1898's La Caverne maudite (aka, The Cave of the Unholy One, literally "the accursed cave").
In 1910, Edison Studiosproduced the first film version of Frankenstein, which was thought lost for many years.
Sub-genre
The sub-genre of our horror film is stalker/serial killer as the lead male character will be stalking the three girls on a hunt to kill them. He is a serial killer with an aim to just kill the girls
An example of a film including a serial killer is Scream, the man in the mask named 'Scream' is a stalker and serial killer, whose aim is to kill mostly teenage girls and boys after spying on them and stalking them beforehand. Characters in serial killer films usually include a victim or victims and one serial killer or a group, ours includes three victims and one serial killer.
Victims: Victims are usually young and vulnerable with one person who sees them self as a hero and stronger that the rest. There is also usually a victim who is much weaker and helpless, and you often find a relationship going on between two characters, that is unfortunately ruined as the plot goes on. Our victims are less conventional as there will be three vulnerable girls and no boys or love interests, just one weaker girl who is attacked at the beginning.Serial Killer: The serial killers usually lack any compassion or care, they are tough and fierce and are created to frighten the audience when they least expect it. They cause the horror and ruin the victims lives, they also usually wear a disguise, as in a costume or mask and are usually male. Ours will be male which is conventional and will wear some sort of disguise on his face.
Music
Horror music is made to build up tension and cause a build up and make the audience expect something is coming.
Horror music can be screeching, pianos and music that is quiet to begin but builds up.
Sound effects also
Research Into Title Sequences
As our film needs a title sequence, we need to research into title sequences.
Title sequences are at the start of the film and informs the audience about who was involved in the production/distribution/exhibition of the film. They usually last around two minutes and give the audience a first impression of what the actual film is going to be like (which is why it is so important that they are good). A title sequence can look however producers want to it to, however it usually reflects the film in some way. For example the title sequence for a horror film is likely to have little colour and show scary images, where as the title sequence for a romantic film would be more likely to be red, pink and show a lot of heart symbols. Due to the title sequence reflecting the film it should put the audience into the right mood to watch the film. For example if you were watching the title sequence for a horror film there could be tense music in the background which would make you feel tense (which is how you are supposed to feel when watching a horror film). Therefore if a title sequence was not very good, the audience might not enjoy the flim as much as they should have due to them being in the wrong mood.
From this research we realise that it is important that our title sequence is good and that it also reflects our film. As our film is a psychological thriller which involves a kidnapping, our title sequence could show; the kidnapper's van, blood, the kidnappers mask etc. It could also have a heartbeat non-diegetic sound effect playing so that it makes the audience feel tense.
Title sequences are at the start of the film and informs the audience about who was involved in the production/distribution/exhibition of the film. They usually last around two minutes and give the audience a first impression of what the actual film is going to be like (which is why it is so important that they are good). A title sequence can look however producers want to it to, however it usually reflects the film in some way. For example the title sequence for a horror film is likely to have little colour and show scary images, where as the title sequence for a romantic film would be more likely to be red, pink and show a lot of heart symbols. Due to the title sequence reflecting the film it should put the audience into the right mood to watch the film. For example if you were watching the title sequence for a horror film there could be tense music in the background which would make you feel tense (which is how you are supposed to feel when watching a horror film). Therefore if a title sequence was not very good, the audience might not enjoy the flim as much as they should have due to them being in the wrong mood.
From this research we realise that it is important that our title sequence is good and that it also reflects our film. As our film is a psychological thriller which involves a kidnapping, our title sequence could show; the kidnapper's van, blood, the kidnappers mask etc. It could also have a heartbeat non-diegetic sound effect playing so that it makes the audience feel tense.
Research into certificate of film
The British Board of Classification (BBFC) is an independent body which has classified cinema films since it was set up in 1912.
All classification decisions are based on the BBFC’s published and regularly updated Guidelines. They reflect current views on film, DVD and video game regulation.
The U symbol stands for Universal. A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. Only such words as 'Damn' and 'hell' are allowed, and characters may only be shown kissing and cuddling.
PG stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for younger children. There may be mild language (such as 'shit' or 'son of a bitch') in a PG film. References to sex are allowed if lacking in detail.
12A means that anyone aged 12 or over can go and see the film unaccompanied. The A stands for 'accompanied' and 'advisory'.
The 12 certificate is just for videos, DVDs and Blu-rays. Sex may be briefly and discreetly portrayed at 12 or 12A, verbal sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. The BBFC's Guidelines state that there may be strong language (eg 'f***') at 12 or 12A, but it must be infrequent.
At 12A, moderate violence is allowed but shouldn't dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted. Action sequences and weapons may be present, and there may be long fight scenes pr similar. Weapons which might be easily accessible to 12 year olds should not be glamorised in 12A or 12 works. Sexual violence, such as scenes of rape or assault. should be limited.
No-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the cinema or buy/rent a ‘15’ rated DVD. 15 rated works are not suitable for children under 15 years of age.15 works are stronger than 12 or 12A rated works and could include any of the following; strong violence, frequent strong language, portrayals of sexual activity, strong verbal references to sex, sexual nudity, brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence and drug taking.
Films rated 18 are for adults. No-one under 18 is allowed to see an 18 film at the cinema or buy/rent an 18 rated DVD. No 18 rated works are suitable for children.18 works are for adults and can contain strong issues such as; very strong violence, frequent strong languageand/or very strong language, strong portrayals of sexual activity and strong horror.
The British Board of Classification (BBFC) is an independent body which has classified cinema films since it was set up in 1912.
All classification decisions are based on the BBFC’s published and regularly updated Guidelines. They reflect current views on film, DVD and video game regulation.
The U symbol stands for Universal. A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. Only such words as 'Damn' and 'hell' are allowed, and characters may only be shown kissing and cuddling.
PG stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for younger children. There may be mild language (such as 'shit' or 'son of a bitch') in a PG film. References to sex are allowed if lacking in detail.
12A means that anyone aged 12 or over can go and see the film unaccompanied. The A stands for 'accompanied' and 'advisory'.
The 12 certificate is just for videos, DVDs and Blu-rays. Sex may be briefly and discreetly portrayed at 12 or 12A, verbal sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. The BBFC's Guidelines state that there may be strong language (eg 'f***') at 12 or 12A, but it must be infrequent.
At 12A, moderate violence is allowed but shouldn't dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted. Action sequences and weapons may be present, and there may be long fight scenes pr similar. Weapons which might be easily accessible to 12 year olds should not be glamorised in 12A or 12 works. Sexual violence, such as scenes of rape or assault. should be limited.
No-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the cinema or buy/rent a ‘15’ rated DVD. 15 rated works are not suitable for children under 15 years of age.15 works are stronger than 12 or 12A rated works and could include any of the following; strong violence, frequent strong language, portrayals of sexual activity, strong verbal references to sex, sexual nudity, brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence and drug taking.
Films rated 18 are for adults. No-one under 18 is allowed to see an 18 film at the cinema or buy/rent an 18 rated DVD. No 18 rated works are suitable for children.18 works are for adults and can contain strong issues such as; very strong violence, frequent strong languageand/or very strong language, strong portrayals of sexual activity and strong horror.
Thursday, 17 January 2013
Crave (2012) Title Sequence
Our film will need a title sequence at the beginning and so we need to research into these. As our film is a psychological thriller we will look at the title sequences of other films from this genre.
The film Crave (2012) is described as a drama/thriller and it's title sequence lasts just over 2 minutes. The first shot is a plain black background with white writing stating the director of the film. The black background already suggests to the audience that the film is dark. It also clearly shows the director meaning that the audience should read it because of this. There is also a heart beat sound effect played as the writing appears which creates a sense of tension.
As the music starts, an animation starts which consists of different shots which reveal the producers, screenplay writers etc. Also on screen are animations of humans being killed/tortured in different ways. This hints the storyline to the audience as they are able to guess what happens in the film. The tempo of the music is the same as the tempo of the different shots which makes the sequence smoother for the audience to watch.
There is also a big heart shown being torn into two by two people. This is different to the other shots as no one is shown being killed. As this is different to all of the other shots, it suggests that it is more significant. The heart being torn could also suggest that the film involves a character being heartbroken.
The last shot of the title sequence reveals the title of the film and then the shot pans down into blackness until the whole screen is black. This tells the audience that the title sequence has finished. This is also good transition because now the film can start from any shot and would still run smoothly.
Overall there is a lack of colour in this title sequence which, again, suggests that the film is very dark. The only bright colour within the shots is red which suggests to the audience that there is also a lot of blood within the film. Therefore the title sequence gives the audience an idea of what will happen in the film. This has shown us that we could reveal a lot of the story line in our film, in the first two minutes of it. Also from this title sequence we have realised that by ending it with a black screen we would be able to start our actual film from any shot and it would still run smoothly.
(Link to the video - http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/crave/ )
Overall there is a lack of colour in this title sequence which, again, suggests that the film is very dark. The only bright colour within the shots is red which suggests to the audience that there is also a lot of blood within the film. Therefore the title sequence gives the audience an idea of what will happen in the film. This has shown us that we could reveal a lot of the story line in our film, in the first two minutes of it. Also from this title sequence we have realised that by ending it with a black screen we would be able to start our actual film from any shot and it would still run smoothly.
(Link to the video - http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/crave/ )
Treatments
1. Full film:
Title- Pick Me Up
Duration- 90 minutes
Audience- Our chosen film storyline is aimed at the age range of 15-35 year olds, this would mean that the certificate of our film would be a 15 because of the violence, gore and the mask that the killer wears, as it may be too frightening for anyone younger than this as it is a psychological thriller/horror, however, it doesn't involve any swearing so this is why it is rated a 15. Because the storyline is based around three teenage girls, it may be mainly aimed at females, however some males may want to also watch it. The target audience should be interested in horror films, thrillers, and action movies as it involves someone being stabbed as well as girls being chased. The audience should be interested in films such as the Scream franchise, The Blair Witch Project, Madison County, The Lovely Bones and The Friday the 13th franchise, as they all involve people being killed and in most of these horrors/thrillers they feature a masked killer, who's identity is unknown. As the film's location is in a empty area with little around and it will appeal to anyone as it won't feature anything that only people from South Yorkshire will be able to understand. Therefore, our film will be an independent film for small audiences, as it isn't being produced by big hollywood producers or distributors. So, our movie, is more likely to be played in cinemas such as; Parkway, Odeons and other local cinemas in small towns.
Synopsis Summary- Start: The girls are shown on the phone to one another planning a sleepover, whilst there is a scene of another man who is looking on Facebook at the girls profile's.
Middle: The next day the girls go to one of their houses and decide to go out at night to play hide and seek, they are then shown playing there game of hide and seek, where Amy is taken away and stabbed in the back of a van by a masked man.
The two friends realise she is gone and are shown running and trying to ring her, afterwards the audience is shown the girls bloody hand and mobile next to her limp and lifeless body. The girls go back to her house to see if she has gone home but no one answers the door, as they begin to become frantic with worry and start to walk back to the field.
End: A van slowly pulls up and follows the girls down the hill, they start to walk faster, realising that the van is following them. The van then comes to a standstill and the masked man gets out of the van, the girls slowly turn around as the man withdraws a knife and begins to chase them, they scream but no one acknowledges them, and are left running for their lives down the steep hill to one of the girls houses, however she has no key and no one is in. As they are chased they split up and hide and as one of them is killed, the other girl hears her piercing screams and quietly runs away as fast as she can, but to no avail as she is heard and is hunted down like a deer she is stabbed and is left lying in the dark alley alone with her insides on the outside. The man stalks away and blends with the shadows, happy with his work.
Suggested Elements- In our film, we are making it different by including a van as the murderer's get away vehicle and also using a mask to disguise the man's identity, to make him more sinister and scary. This could be seen as similar to films such as the Scream franchise with the Ghostface mask, Leatherface, and the Halloween franchise. Our film could also be seen as different by not having any teenage males as, horror films normally have at least one main male character to conform to the stereotypical couples whereas ours doesn't as we only have a male as the killer.
2. First 2 minutes:
Title- Pick Me Up
Duration- 2 minutes
Audience- Our chosen film storyline is aimed at the age range of 15-35 year olds, this would mean that the certificate of our film would be a 15 because of the violence, gore and the mask that the killer wears, as it may be too frightening for anyone younger than this as it is a psychological thriller/horror, however, it doesn't involve any swearing so this is why it is rated a 15. Because the storyline is based around three teenage girls, it may be mainly aimed at females, however some males may want to also watch it. The target audience should be interested in horror films, thrillers, and action movies as it involves someone being stabbed as well as girls being chased. The audience should be interested in films such as the Scream franchise, The Blair Witch Project, Madison County, The Lovely Bones and The Friday the 13th franchise, as they all involve people being killed and in most of these horrors/thrillers they feature a masked killer, who's identity is unknown. As the film's location is in a empty area with little around and it will appeal to anyone as it won't feature anything that only people from South Yorkshire will be able to understand. Therefore, our film will be an independent film for small audiences, as it isn't being produced by big hollywood producers or distributors. So, our movie, is more likely to be played in cinemas such as; Parkway's, Odeon's and other local cinemas in small towns.
Synopsis Summary-
Title- Pick Me Up
Duration- 90 minutes
Audience- Our chosen film storyline is aimed at the age range of 15-35 year olds, this would mean that the certificate of our film would be a 15 because of the violence, gore and the mask that the killer wears, as it may be too frightening for anyone younger than this as it is a psychological thriller/horror, however, it doesn't involve any swearing so this is why it is rated a 15. Because the storyline is based around three teenage girls, it may be mainly aimed at females, however some males may want to also watch it. The target audience should be interested in horror films, thrillers, and action movies as it involves someone being stabbed as well as girls being chased. The audience should be interested in films such as the Scream franchise, The Blair Witch Project, Madison County, The Lovely Bones and The Friday the 13th franchise, as they all involve people being killed and in most of these horrors/thrillers they feature a masked killer, who's identity is unknown. As the film's location is in a empty area with little around and it will appeal to anyone as it won't feature anything that only people from South Yorkshire will be able to understand. Therefore, our film will be an independent film for small audiences, as it isn't being produced by big hollywood producers or distributors. So, our movie, is more likely to be played in cinemas such as; Parkway, Odeons and other local cinemas in small towns.
Synopsis Summary- Start: The girls are shown on the phone to one another planning a sleepover, whilst there is a scene of another man who is looking on Facebook at the girls profile's.
Middle: The next day the girls go to one of their houses and decide to go out at night to play hide and seek, they are then shown playing there game of hide and seek, where Amy is taken away and stabbed in the back of a van by a masked man.
The two friends realise she is gone and are shown running and trying to ring her, afterwards the audience is shown the girls bloody hand and mobile next to her limp and lifeless body. The girls go back to her house to see if she has gone home but no one answers the door, as they begin to become frantic with worry and start to walk back to the field.
End: A van slowly pulls up and follows the girls down the hill, they start to walk faster, realising that the van is following them. The van then comes to a standstill and the masked man gets out of the van, the girls slowly turn around as the man withdraws a knife and begins to chase them, they scream but no one acknowledges them, and are left running for their lives down the steep hill to one of the girls houses, however she has no key and no one is in. As they are chased they split up and hide and as one of them is killed, the other girl hears her piercing screams and quietly runs away as fast as she can, but to no avail as she is heard and is hunted down like a deer she is stabbed and is left lying in the dark alley alone with her insides on the outside. The man stalks away and blends with the shadows, happy with his work.
Suggested Elements- In our film, we are making it different by including a van as the murderer's get away vehicle and also using a mask to disguise the man's identity, to make him more sinister and scary. This could be seen as similar to films such as the Scream franchise with the Ghostface mask, Leatherface, and the Halloween franchise. Our film could also be seen as different by not having any teenage males as, horror films normally have at least one main male character to conform to the stereotypical couples whereas ours doesn't as we only have a male as the killer.
2. First 2 minutes:
Title- Pick Me Up
Duration- 2 minutes
Audience- Our chosen film storyline is aimed at the age range of 15-35 year olds, this would mean that the certificate of our film would be a 15 because of the violence, gore and the mask that the killer wears, as it may be too frightening for anyone younger than this as it is a psychological thriller/horror, however, it doesn't involve any swearing so this is why it is rated a 15. Because the storyline is based around three teenage girls, it may be mainly aimed at females, however some males may want to also watch it. The target audience should be interested in horror films, thrillers, and action movies as it involves someone being stabbed as well as girls being chased. The audience should be interested in films such as the Scream franchise, The Blair Witch Project, Madison County, The Lovely Bones and The Friday the 13th franchise, as they all involve people being killed and in most of these horrors/thrillers they feature a masked killer, who's identity is unknown. As the film's location is in a empty area with little around and it will appeal to anyone as it won't feature anything that only people from South Yorkshire will be able to understand. Therefore, our film will be an independent film for small audiences, as it isn't being produced by big hollywood producers or distributors. So, our movie, is more likely to be played in cinemas such as; Parkway's, Odeon's and other local cinemas in small towns.
Synopsis Summary-
At the beginning three girls will be shown walking through a derelict field. Girl A suggests that they should play a game of hide and seek and Girl Ais "on". Girls B and C wander towards the trees, to hide, whilst girl A counts. Unbeknown to the girls they are being watched by a man in a mask. As Girls B and C are walking away (to hide), Girl A screams and cries. This is because the masked man is grasping Girl and throwing her into a van. After a few seconds the man in the mask climbs out of the van holding a bloody knife.
The other girl's heard her calling/screaming but ignored her just believing the screams were a way of cheating, and therefore carry on with their game.
The van is seen driving away. The two girls realise and start to find each other in panic (screaming and starting to cry).
Suggested Elements- In our film, we are making it different by including a van as the murderer's get away vehicle and also using a mask to disguise the man's identity, to make him more sinister and scary. This could be seen as similar to films such as the Scream franchise with the Ghostface mask, Leatherface, and the Halloween franchise. Our film could also be seen as different by not having any teenage males as, horror films normally have at least one male character to conform to the stereotypical couples whereas ours doesn't as we only have a male as the killer.
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