Risk assessment



My Version of our Title Sequence

Here is the storyboard for my version of our title sequence. I have decided to reveal a seperate piece of information (such as the cast or director) on each shot and also give different hints to the story line on each. For example on the second shot i have pictures of the three teenage girls which will be shown at low saturation (not much colour). This will suggest to the audience that something dark will happen to them. Also on this shot i have revealed who has directed the film. The background of each shot will be black and also tense music will be playing in order to give the sequence an eerie feel.
I decided to finish my title sequence with a clear shot of our title which will then fade out to black. This will then leave us with a plain shot to start our film with. This will make it easier for us as we won't have to find a graphic match.

Character Profile: Kelsey

Name: Kelsey

Age: 16. (Hopefully our target audience will be able to relate to this character due to her age.)

Gender: Female

Region: Yorkshire, England. (We hope that having this region will help our local audience to relate to the characters.)

Personality: Kelsey can be childish at times and is quite daring. She also worries easily.

Appearance: She has long brown hair and wears glasses. She also wears comfortable clothes such as jeans, t-shirts and trainers.

Kelsey would be seen as quite a normal person by her peers. Though she is sometimes daring, she usually avoids trouble. We think that she would be easy for our target audience to relate to for these reasons.

My Version of DAKs Logo

This is my version of our logo. I went for a very simple looking logo without a slogan. I designed this hoping that it would look good on plain backgrounds and so i stuck to only the colours black and white. I also put a white boarder around my logo for that same reason. My logo shows our group name and also that we are producers which is what our logo would need to show.

Final Distributor

We have chosen Entertainment Film as our chosen Distributor. This is because it is an independent company, making it more appropriate and suitable for our target audience as it isn't a mainstream film that everyone will enjoy but is a film that only certain ages will understand and like. As our film is aimed at 15 and over and people who enjoy thrillers and horrors, and Entertainment is familiar with distributing Horror's such as the Saw series.

My Storyboard:

I have created these storyboards for the last two scenes of our final script, as we split the script up and decided that we would each storyboard our own versions of two scenes. As my two scenes were the last two, i have storyboarded the action scenes where, Darcey and Kelsey go looking for Amy, and Amy has been kidnapped and stabbed in the back of a van, as the masked man drives away, it is suggested that Darcey is 'next' as her Facebook page is shown on a screen.

My title sequence:

Final Script storyboard

We have split our script into three parts which we have shared between us so that we can storyboard them separately.

I have story boarded the first part of the girls going on to the field and playing hide and seek and I have also story boarded the man looking at Amy's Facebook profile.

My version of our title sequence

My version of our Production Logo

This is my version of our productions logo, DAK, is the name of it, and I have also put added a slogan to make it look more professional and to attract others.
Our production company is called 'DAK' as it uses our group's initials, Darcey, Amy and Kelsey, so we are all involved.

Research into the title sequence of Zombieland using artofthetitle

Zombieland (2009)

Featuring classic metallica the title sequence to Zombieland features flashes of jarring death with slow speed splatter. Plenty of blood, death and a landscape of a damaged Earth. 

What were the various stages that went into producing those shots?

The interactive animation of the type first started with the rules and eventually made their way into the main title sequence. We wanted to seamlessly integrate the type into the scene, making the type become another character. We were inspired by the tension between beauty and horror that the slow motion footage created. The goal for the type was to respond to that horrific grace, to react to the movement.

Title Designer: Ben Conrad
Production Studio (titles and graphics): Logan







The title sequence used at the beginning of Zombieland is used to introduce the audience to the genre and cast of the film, and shows us what we should be expecting throughout. 
The first scene in the title sequence shows a policeman being thrown off of the top of a tower by a zombie prisoner, this is used to show the dark comical nature of the film, and straight away shows us that this film will consist of a lot of blood, gore and comedy. It is also in slow motion, this adds to the dramatic nature of the title sequence. Whilst falling, the ‘Colombia Pictures Presents’ sign is destroyed by the falling man, this can symbolise the destruction and chaos that we will see throughout the film, this is shown alot throughout the title sequence as all of the signs seen throughout the sequence are destroyed.

The next part of the sequence shows a zombie throwing up blood from his mouth in slow motion, it’s very dramatic and can make the audience feel uneasy, it also connotes that the film will contain lots of blood, symbolising with the horror genre.

After this, we see a woman attempting to evade the zombies, during this scene, the woman is holding a milkshake, the pink liquid is sent flying through the air, this could be representative of females being weaker than men as pink connotes femininity.
The next scene further indicates the comical side of this film, you see a man holding a sign which reads ‘THE END IS NEAR’, whilst being attacked by a group of zombies. This is ironic, and also shows us there could be a theme of betrayal throughout the film, as in the background we see a couple fleeing whilst leaving the man to die.
A few more scenes continue to portray the comedy horror genre of this film, with the themes of betrayal and loneliness showing again. But towards the end of the title sequence, we see two firemen, one being chased by a burning zombie whilst the other puts out the flames on the building. This again creates an enigma amongst the audience as they begin to wonder if these creatures are destructible or whether they are invincible, but once again the theme of betrayal returns as one fireman leaves the other for dead.
And finally, the last clip shows a zombie flying towards a window; this could portray the end of the zombies.

Overall the title sequence could be an indication of how the whole film pans out, from the zombie’s overtaking, to them being eventually wiped out.

Production Logo and Slogan for group

Our Production Company- DAK Productions
We named it this as it stands DAK stands for the first letter of our names, Darcey, Amy and Kelsey.
I decided to add a slogan as I believe that, that represents the production team and it gives a first impression.

Character profile of Mystery Stalker

Name-This character will remain unnamed. We want to create the effect that he is mysterious and unknown.
Age- Aged between 45-50, he is old enough to seem like he is tough and has been stalking people for a long time, the older age will also make him seem tougher and scary.
Appearance- He wears dark clothing, and workman's trousers to show that apart from this dangerous side he also is a normal human being that goes unnoticed as a murderer. His dull, dark appearance symbolises his fierce personality. He also wears a cloth mask to keep his face a secret and keep his identity unknown.
Personality- He has a dark personality, wanting to kill but the audience do not get to know him enough to find out how he really acts.
Background- He works as a plumber but at night behind the normal lifestyle he kills innocent young victims, who are always female teenagers.

Character Profile Of Amy

Name- Amy- We are keeping our own names in the film as we found that easier and we were not influenced by any certain characters from any books or films etc.
Age- Amy is aged 16-17. As the film is about teenage girls and is aimed at a younger audience. It is important that they have a character they can relate to and this age portrays her as a young vulnerable girl that can be seen as strong for her age but weak against the older man.
Appearance- Amy has brown long hair and is of medium height. She will wear a plain T- Shirt and skinny jeans with converse.
Personality- She worries alot and likes to talk about herself and can be quite annoying to her friends and seen as a 'attention seeker'. She is vulnerable and week however she doesn't like to show it and when faced with danger can be seen as defenseless.
Background (context)- She lives at home with her parents. She is receiving many texts from an unknown number.

One possible independent distributors for our film

Lionsgate Films
Lionsgate Films is a North American film production-distribution company, founded in 1998. It is a subsidary of Lions Gate Entertainment. It is currently the largest and most successful independent film distributor- studio in North America. It focuses mainly of foreign and independent films.
In 2000 Frank Giustra left the firm and it was taken over by Jon Feltheimer and Tom Ortenberg. They decided to focus on the profits of videos and DVDs and began buying struggling firms that cotrolled large libraries. These gave Lionsgate the second largest DVD library of any company which includes, Reservoir Dogs, Dirty Dancing and It's A wonderful life.
It's continued success is demonstrated by celebrity support such as with its all star cast and well recognized film, Crash and with SAW, which won its opening weekend at the box office.
In 2006 it became Lionsgate UK.
Distributing SAW could suggest they would be interested in our Horror/ Thriller.
If we were to have this company distribute our film it would mean they would be able to distribute it in theatrical, DVD and other retail fields. They can also sell their films to be played on TV which would make our film more available to people who have LoveFilm etc.
Lionsgate YouTube page

Research into similar films

Research into similar films with reviews, links to youtube and other websites

Films I have chosen:

• Panic Room
• Se7en
• The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

I have chosen these three films as they all relate in several different ways, Panic Room, Se7en and The Girl With The dragon Tattoo are directed by David Fincher. They all include similar storylines and are all of the genre of horror.

In this piece of work I will write about the four films and how they link.

Thriller Genre-

Thriller Film is a genre that revolves around anticipation and suspense. The aim for Thrillers is to keep the audience alert and on the edge of their seats. The protagonist in these films is set against a problem – an escape, a mission, or a mystery. No matter what sub-genre a Thriller film falls into, it will emphasize the danger that the protagonist faces. The tension with the main problem is built on throughout the film and leads to a highly stressful climax.

Panic Room

• Storyline: A woman and her daughter become imprisoned in the panic room of their own house.
• Genre: Crime/ Thriller
• Age Rating:15
• Actors/ Actresses: Jodie Foster, Kristen Stewart, Forest Whitaker.

Jodie Foster as- Meg Altman (mother)

She has been in other films such as:

• The Silence of the lambs- crime/ thriller
• Inside Man- Crime/ Thriller

Krsten Stewart as- Sarah Altman (daughter)

She has been in other films such as:

•  The Twilight Saga- Kristen is best known for the Twilight films, which helps Panic Room build up a fan base, more people will watch it if they enjoy watching Kristen Stewart on screen.- Drama/Fantasy/Romance.
• Cold Creek Manor- Thriller
• Fierce People- Drama/ Thriller

Forest Whitaker as- Burnham (Villain)

He has been in other films such as:

• The Last Stand- Action/ Crime/ Thriller
• A Dark Truth- Action/ Thriller
• Catch. 44- Action/ Drama/ Thriller


• Writer: David Koepp- He is the writer of films including- Stir Of Echoes which is a thriller/ horror and the film Snake Eyes which is also a thriller.
• Director: David Fincher directs similar films including- Se7en, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and The Game.
• Year:2002

Se7en

• Storyline:Two detectives, a rookie and a veteran, hunt a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his modus operandi.
• Genre:Crime/ Mystery/ Thriller
• Age Rating:18
• Actors/ Actresses:Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow.

Brad Pitt as- Detective David Mills

Brad Pitt is a famous Hollywood actor and is known worldwide. Fans of his are both women and men, he is known for his great parts in films and good looks. He would make the film popular with his large fan base and is often seen in action films. Films of his include:

• Oceans 11, 12 and 13- Crime/ Thriller
• True Romance- Crime/ Thriller
• Kalifornia- Crime/ Thriller

Morgan Freeman as- Detective Lt. William Somerset

Morgan Freeman is also a highly popular, greatly respected American actor. He has been in other films such as:

• The Dark Knight Rises- Action/ Crime/ Thriller
• Wanted- Action/ Crime/ Thriller
• The Contract- Drama/ Crime/ Thriller

Gwyneth Paltrow as- Tracy Mills

The daughter of noted producer Bruce Paltrow and award-winning actress Blythe Danner. She has been in other films such as:

• The Talented Mr. Ripley- Crime/ Drama/ Thriller
• A Perfect Murder- Crime/ Drama/ Thriller

• Writer:Andrew Kevin Walker- He is the writer of films including- 8MM which is a crime, mystery and thriller, and he is the writer of The Wolfman, which is a drama, horror and thriller.
• Director:David Fincher
• Year:1995

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

• Storyline:Journalist Mikael Blomkvist is aided in his search for a woman who has been missing for forty years by Lisbeth Salander, a young computer hacker.
• Genre:Crime/ Drama/ Mystery/ Thriller
• Age Rating:18
• Actors/ Actresses:Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Christopher Plummer.

Daniel Craig as- Mikael Blomkvist.

Daniel Craig is one of British theatre's most famous faces and is known for playing the role of 'James Bond'. He has been in other films such as:

• Skyfall (James Bond)- Action/ Adventure/ Crime
• Dream House- Drama/ Mystery/ Thriller
• The Invasion- Sci-Fi/ Thriller

Rooney Mara as- Lisbeth Salander

Rooney Mara has been in other films including:

• The Social Network- Also directed by David Fincher- Drama
• Side Effects- Crime/ Drama/ Thriller
• A Nightmare On Elm Street- Horro/ Mystery/ Thriller

Christopher Plummer as- Henrik Vanger

Plummer remains one of the most respected and honored actors performing in the English language. He has been in such films that include:

• Already Dead- Action/ Crime/ Thriller
• Inside Man- Crime/ Drama/ Thriller
• Syriana- Drama/ Thriller

• Writer;Steven Zaillian
• Director:David Fincher
• Year:2011

All three films are directed by David Fincher, who directs many films of the genre thriller, his films also include many of the same actors too. All three films are thrillers too just like our film as it will be a horror/ thriller.



progress report 16/2/13

We have now finished our own and our final script. We have also researched into our props, locations and costumes and with that we have taken photos of them and videos.
Next we need to complete our storyboards for the script and also create character profiles for each of the characters. We also need to storyboard our title sequences and create a logo for production team (us).

Progress Report 15/2/13

Since the last progress report we have finished our practice and real scripts. We have also looked into our location and costume/props.
However, we need to complete the storyboard for our final script and also create character profiles for each of our 4 characters. We also need to storyboard our title sequence and create a logo for DAK. We could also continue researching into similar films as this could help us improve our film as we continue to produce it.

Script Idea Research

In our script Amy will need to be dragged into the van. We thought that in order to do this the murderer could use a cloth (which the audience would believe would have chloroform on it) to make Amy pass out in his arms and then he could drag her to the van to then stab her.

House At The End Of The Street (2012)

I first found this technique on the horror film House At The End Of The Street. The murderer comes from the side (the victim does not see him) and in this screenshot you can see that the murderer has the girl in a headlock and so it would make sense if our murderer did the same. This is because the murderer in our film comes from behind and Amy does not see him. This film is also a 15 certificate which suggests that this content is appropriate for our film.

You can see the official trailer for this film here:

Silent Night (Short - 2012)

Another time i have seen this technique used was in a short film named Silent Night (which is on YouTube). The man has one hand on the cloth and uses the other to force the victims face into it. However he gets his victim from the front whereas the murderer in our film will be coming from behind and so we should stick to the headlock idea.

You can see the full short film below:

I have also noticed that the murderer jumps into the shot when doing this to their victim. This in effect makes the audience jump and so should be a good way of scaring our audience (as our film is a horror). Therefore we should definitely use this within our script.

Practice Script/Storyboard

Before we start writing a script for or story boarding our film i wanted to practice by looking at an old script and making a storyboard for it. I have looked at the script for the short film 'Knitting a Love Song'. Though this is not from the genre of horror it is still storyboard practice.

Even though i've planned out how i would shoot the whole (above) script, i have just done the first 6 storyboards (below).

Below you can see the actual short film.

My Version Of The Script

INt. Evening, study base.

Three girls Amy, Darcey and Kelsey are doing college work whilst chatting. It is almost time for them to leave. Amy receives a text message.

AMY

Oh my god, Barry just text me!

KELSEY

What did he say?

AMY

He's asked me if i'm coming out later.

Kelsey and Darcey look at each other shocked.

DARCEY

As if! We need to go by the way, it's 5 o'clock.

They get up to leave and put on their coats and bags.

AMY

Ok. What am i supposed to do about Barry though?

KELSEY

We'll think of something, don't worry about it, come on.

As they leave college they are unaware of a strange man watching them from far away. The girls are still talking, but are barely heard, as they walk out of the shot.

DARCEY

What you doing tonight then?

AMY

Not sure any more to be honest.

KELSEY

I might be going to cinema if you want to come?

Darcey

Yeah, i'll text you later.

EXT. Field

The girls are on their way home still, walking through the field.

AMY

Honestly though, after all we've been through...

KELSEY

You seriously need to stop thinking about him for a while.

DARCEY

I agree, to be honest Amy it's getting a bit annoying.

AMY

i know. I just... (pause) Why don't we play hide and seek?

Darcey and Kelsey share a confused look and both say "What?".

AMY

We used to play it all the time!

Kelsey

Yeah, when we were seven...

Darcey

Let's just do it if it'll make her happy.

Amy

I'm on!

Darcey and Kelsey roll their eyes and run into the woods. As Amy counts down from 20 with her eyes covered the shots cut back and forth from her to Darcey and Kelsey. Darcey and Kelsey are shown laughing and being daft whereas Amy is shown to be alone and surrounded by silence. As Amy gets to two she is grabbed by the same man from earlier. He puts a cloth under her nose and has her in a headlock. At first Amy screams but then she passes out. He drags her to his van, throws her in, climbs in himself and then comes out with a bloody knife. Kelsey and Darcey suddenly realize what has happened, panic and then Amy is shown bleeding and unconscious in the van.

Clothing

 The three girls will be in denim jeans- they will wear denim jeans to show that they are fashionable and skinny jeans represent a younger age group. Denim jeans allow the audience to relate to the characters easily.














 Amy's shoes

 Darcey's shoes



All three girls will wear converse as they represent a young age group teenagers and young adults are often seen in converse and they can therefore relate to the characters.







Kelsey's shoes

 The murderers trousers- they will be normal workmans trousers as that will then indicate that not only is he a murderer but outside of that he leads a normal lifestyle.

 The murderers mask- this will be used to cover his face and disguise so then he can remain unknown to the audience.

Props photos

 The Knife- will be used by the murderer to stab Amy.

The Buff will be used as a mask to cover the mans identity.

 The laptop will be used to show the girls facebooks.

 Amy's phone for the phonecall.

 Darcey's phone for the phonecall

Kelsey's phone for the phonecall.

Final Script

This is our final version of the script.

Location photos and descriptions

Location 1 - Field 

In this location the three girls will be shown walking across the field to play hide and seek. This also the setting for where Amy will be dragged away.

 The opening to the field will be the setting for where Amy is dragged into the van by the man.

 Location 2- Amy's bedroom

 This will be the location for when Amy is on the phone to the two girls.

 Location 3- Kelsey's bedroom
Kelsey will be shown in her bedroom on the phone to her two friends.

 Location 4-  Darcey in the living room
Darcey will be shown in the living room on the phone to her two friends.