Progress from Prelim task to Final task

 1. Progress in research and planning:

Prelim - We didn't do any research and planning in the initial stages leading up to the prelim task, so had no focus on a target audience. Also we didn't really know what genre of film this task would fit into as we had done no research and had no overall context for the task at all.

We didn't relate the techniques used to a specific stereotypical genre, and so we had no focus on any genres common conventions. We also didn't about what music to add and whether it was a good idea or not. Finally no script was made, so we made all dialogue up on the spot. This all meant that our task did not have any focus or real meaning.

Final Task - For the final task we did a lot of research into opening scenes, this helped us to gather the needed knowledge of how they work. It was also important we had a focus on a genre because it meant we knew the common conventions, and could tap into a specific target audience.

 

Examples of our research into heist genre and opening sequences

In the prelim task, we didn't do any research on how much dialogue and camera movement was usually said and done in the first two minutes of an extract, but we did with the final task. We drew up and planned every single camera movement and did more research on how much use of dialogue is usually used in the first two minutes of a heist film. We also researched different types of music that genres like ours use.

Our researched helped us a lot. This is because it helped us focus on specific elements which were important in the final task, such as the music and dialogue. This was incredibly important as it played a role in informing the audience on what type of genre and characters we're trying to portray.

Some examples of our research include:

http://firelightmediablog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/target-audience.html




2. Progress in story boarding and scripting

Prelim

Additionally for our final task we were prepared and had a storyboard of what we were going to film and roughly how long each scene was going to take, and this was drafted several times so that we had thought about every shot and camera position and had also started to think how it would be edited together in terms of transitions, title and credits.

Storyboard annotated with production and post-production ideas

We also created additional scripting before filming so that we were much more prepared.

In one of our prelim tasks we filmed in a room with low lighting. This affected what could be seen. We don't have lighting equipment in our department, so we learned from this and decided to film using natural light as much as possible for our real task.

We also did not write out a full script so actors improvised and we could not get proper continuity when it came to editing.


Screenshot of low key room

Final Task

In our final task, the storyboard was properly planned and well detailed. We planned the camera angles that we would use, possible sounds and dialogue for each character.

Photo of Full Storyboard

Preparing the storyboard helped us realise that some of the camera angles we chose may not be able to be carried out with the resources we had. Therefore we decided to leave them out.

This planning was effective because it meant we knew exactly what shots and camera angles to use as well as the duration of each shot. This made the filming easier and quicker.

Producing an animatic was a way of finding out if we had a good idea of the timing, and also looking at how the story ideas run together.

Photo of animatic

Able to play through and check timing of planned shots

Able to plan exactly what shot for what situation

The 'real' shot as planned in animatic 

Progress

The filming was very controlled and we didn't have a lot of problems with continuity because of our detailed preparation.

Also there was less time spent figuring out what to say, how to shoot etc. We were able to keep to our time limits and work efficiently on the day.

Evidence of better planning:

http://firelightmediablog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/script_10.html
http://firelightmediablog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/animatic.html
http://firelightmediablog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/second-draft-storyboard.html

3. Progress in camera work

Prelim 

In this task we used a minimal range of camera angles, also our shot-reverse- shot was poorly framed and we only used one master shot in the main sequence which was disorientating for the audience. Some of our shots were quite wobbly as we were inexperienced in using and keeping them steady. When we did a panning shot at the start it was quite jumpy, as the tripod was not straightened.

 

Shot shows the blurred camera work

Tripod not balanced correctly

 

 

Framing and composition do not work well

Our establishing shots were hard to complete smoothly when we had to do a panning shot as we had not worked out how to use the tripod handle most effectively. Furthermore the shots with a camera zoom were also jumpy and poorly executed.

Final task 

We were able to complete difficult shots e.g. panning and tracking shots, as we were more confident with the camera. Another progression was we could place the tripod in the right position for each shot resulting in good eye level shots in the conversation scene. We also aimed for more variety with our shots and thought about interesting composition and framing our characters appropriately.

This helped continuity of the stairs scene run more smoothly and was an interesting angle

When storyboarding our camera shots we realised that shots like 360 circling shots couldn’t be carried out to a high enough standard. So we left them out and focussed on what we could do, which we decided was creating interest with some unusual angles, which the heist genre allows you to do as it has an obvious editing style.

More interesting shot choice to show conversation

Generally we were able to use a much wider range of camera angles and shots. 

Prelim

In the preliminary task we were slow at editing as we did not have enough experience in Final Cut Express. We were also not used to using the time line which impacted on time management.

We were also not used to using keys on the keyboard which makes things faster. For example using the cut tool (using B ). We did not realise that you can cut the sound and the video at the same time. We did not think about re-voicing or adding non-diegetic music, credits and visual effects. It was just one video track and a audio track - which resulted in a basic video.

There were some poor matches on action due to less experience. There were also some boring scenes such as two shots of closing doors etc. We found it hard to achieve continuity most of the time.

Final Task

We learned to use Final Cut Express a lot more effectively. We used layering effects to organise our work and get the most out of the software (one video layer and eight audio layers). We also had better knowledge on many tools and also ability to use and explore new tools such as the pen tool to adjust sound levels.

We also managed to get our continuity very smooth and more aesthetically pleasing. We also manage to re-voice and edit it much faster.

We used other software such as After Effects and Live Type to create credits and indents. Specifically the use of After Effects was very helpful. We also used Final Cut Express to add a fade in filter to get a special effects to enhance the visuals of the scene, this is because it is one of the most important scenes (credits).

After Effects for title and credits

Use of graduated filter and credits for end sequence

 

We now understand and know how to combine and create good enough films. We used the editing packages effectively and products were created deliberately, they were also carefully planned.

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Predictions

It is clear to the audience that this is a heist film because of the way we used stereotypical characters and locations.

Not giving too much information out in the first 2 minutes made sure that the audience were more engaged in wanting to know what would happen next.

I think it’s quite easy to make some kind of prediction from our opening because we have followed to some degree the common stereotypes given to the audience, for our genre. And the plot seems a conventional heist one.

Contact sheet

 

1.     Title

The use of red and white as the colour for our film title is a way to try and make the titles to stand out straight away, hopefully grabbing audience attention - shows it will be a stylish film as often happens in genre.

The colour red helps it sticks out more and can be an indication of danger e.g. stop sign. The red in the title symbolises the danger the film will have in it creating a tense start to the piece. White is the opposite.

Also the red shows the bad in what the group do (criminals) whereas the white represents the fact they are good guys and in the movie will be presented as the ‘good guys’, even if they are criminals.

 

Furthermore it suggests the film will include oppositions.

2.     Credits

A fire animation added on ‘After Effects’ placed over the word ‘firelight’ to create the effect of the word burning. The burning sound added to this enhanced the whole ident and brought it together.

This effect also tied in with our genre as it added to the representation that heist films stereotypically have explosions and fire in them. However, production idents are not related to the films that follow as hopefully our company will make many films. They do add institutional credibility.

The next set of credits are in red and yellow as these are eye catching colours to engage the audience and grab their attention.

The credits were made through the use of animations and effects all done on ‘after effects’ software.  They are used to pull in the audience and create a face pace exciting start to the film. This reflects the genre well.

3&4.Characters

Heist films are very different to ‘real life’; they are different because of the characters and the way they are portrayed. In real life if a group of men were to rob a bank or even plan to so, they would not be seen as the ‘good guys’

Each character in a stereotypical heist movie is usually from a different background. This helps bring equality, companionship and individuality with each character. Seen in many heist films - a team of disparate individuals.

They are not always poor wanting to steal, the characters are very often seen as quite well off, but not wanting to draw attention to them at the same time. This is how we tried to portray our characters.

Our main characters are all male and each from a different background, this enhances our above points.

The actors being from different backgroundscan reflect the fact that each character has a certain role in play E.g. Weapon specialist, muscle within the group.

The way the characters are dressed takes away the suspicion, the fact they are going to commit a crime but in suits doesn’t fit the common stereotype of a thief.

The ages of the actors in our film are un-stereotypical as they look young and not credible to be criminals let alone con-artists. So this mixes the heist genre with a teen element that can potentially refresh the genre.

The main character in our piece is clear for the audience, he gets the most screen time and is frequently referred to as ‘Boss’

At points our actors are stereotypical in the way they behave, for example the way they meet up on a roof. This is a common place for criminals to meet because it’s out of the way and discrete.

Within the group there is a division of power, the younger get treated as such whereas the older more experienced characters are portrayed as perfectionists.

Most heist film such as ‘Takers’, have a stereotypical character that is unable to keep up and struggles at times to stay at the fast pace, this means they make mistakesor needs to have help(this is seen as the feminine role).

5&6. Mise-en-scene

Common stereotypes in Heist films are that plans that are created for future jobs are set in either a run-down location that is not much visited e.g. abandoned warehouse, or the opposite in an expensive private place e.g. hotel

The main characters dress to fit in with location they are going to heist. For example casino = suits, and a ‘Drug lords’ or gang = casual clothes as to not look different from surroundings.

In heist movies they often use weapons such as guns and knives - see e.g. "Lock, Stock". This makes it look more threatening and creates a sense of excitement for the audience. We chose to also use a gun but only show the weapons expert loading it. This meant he is distinguished as a character and creates a tenser atmosphere for the audience.

Different locations were used in our piece because it meant we looked more professional as it’s common that in heist films the group move around a lot to avoid detection.

Our first location is used to show how to a certain extent the environment was quiet and out of the way. This was to reflect the fact the group were meeting in secret and wanted to avoid detection.

The next location was a rooftop. We used this because the same as in heist movies it’s important for the group to remain undetected so a roof where no one goes is an almost ideal location.

The last location was at the back of the bank they were going to perform the heist. We see them in this environment as they are scoping out the job they are about to do. As in a heist film stereotypically they do this.

The suits make them seem like no threat, as well as boosting the appearance of power and social status. Financially they do not look like they need to rob a bank.

7, 8& 9 Camera work

The main shots we used were close up, and group shots. We did this a lot because it helped show the relationship between the characters to the audience. This is also a classic shot for a heist genre, as character relationships are key.

This is very typical in heist films because it’s important to create character profiles and see the on screen relationship between the groups, theses shots allow you to do so.

The use of the group shots can create a sense of friendship, but at the same time for others create intimidation. Strength in numbers can on screen be seen through a group shot, for example the ‘hero’ shot at the end of our piece. Classic shot used in many heist and gangster films, slow motio group walk, low angle e.g. "Reservoir Dogs".

The use of close ups were mainly used to show power in conversations, for example when the boss is talking on the roof to the group he gets more screen time. This gives him more authority over the group.

The younger character ‘Sean’ is not given a close at all in this conversation as he is again singled out, but through the use of camera work this time.

We also used the common over the shoulder shot for when the ‘Boss’ is talking to ‘Sean’ on the roof. This shot is always used in all types of films and is just a good way of filming a short conversation.

The shots we used are quite typical of an opening scene, especially the panning shot. This shot is used when the ‘boss’ is walking to the meet point. In films they are used to show the whole distance the character travels, it’s a transparent use of camera work. Therefore you aren’t supposed to really be aware of the transitions between panning shots, and therefore stay drawn to the action.

10. Editing

We used an ellipsis twice to try and give the sense of time passing. This was necessary because in the short time frame we had we could show how the group got from the first meet spot, to the next, and finally the back of the bank scene.

It’s common in heist films to have time changes like this.

We used a cross cutting technique at the start to cut between the panning shots of the boss and the titles. This was because the fast past titles made the otherwise basic and plain walking seem more exciting for the audience.

11 &12. Sound

The main sound element used in our piece was high tempo piece of non-diegetic music. It was played almost throughout the whole opening except from the conversation between ‘Sean’ and the ‘Boss’. It was turned down in post production to balance with the diegetic dialogue.

The background music here adds excitement to the scene, for example the high tempo sound along with the cross cutting between tittles and the scene creates a much more visually appealing scene. The sound complements all of the editing effectively.

The dialogue used is vey important as well, this is because it re-enforces the way the characters are all friends but at the same time individuals. For example when my character says “How much we talking” he is seen as asking more for himself, almost wanting to know how much he will get. Then the boss responds by saying “Enough for an early retirement”, this implies there is enough for everyone to have a lot.

The characters all speak like they have known each other for a while; the use colloquial language shows they are comfortable with one another.

For example when one character says “That’s what I’m talkin bout”.

This kind of dialogue is typical in heist films because it shows the audience the relationship between characters and this is key.

Other uses of dialogue shows how one character doesn’t really trust ‘Sean’, he says it in way that shows he still likes him as a friend but is unsure he can effectively step up and complete the job at hand. “I don’t trust Sean, boys”.

The way the characters all address each other is a clear indicator to the audience that they are not strangers to the ‘heist’ business. “How much we talking” and “Let's make it smooth” are examples. They both show how they have more than likely done this before.

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Title

• White and Red font colours under a black background – title stands out.
• Crisp looking font style and ideal font size.
• The line adds style and establish genre and emphasise the differences.
• It was added just before 'Boss' enters the room – to clearly show that the story begins.

Credits

• Two font styles are used
• Different font colours and sizes to express last names and first names
• Job role description just above the name.
• Animation is used to express and make it look interesting.
• Animation suits genre - 'cool' and stylish feel.
• Music rhythm is matched to the animation.
• Has retro feeling often associate with heist films.
  Characters Credits
  • Freeze frame and the credits appear over the actor.
  • Actors are well positioned on the 'Reservoir Dogs' walk - stylistic device associated with heist / gangster films.

Characters

• Main character, white male – old looking,  experienced.
• Well established team with young looking people.
• All five characters have different and specific roles.
• 'Sean' is a messy person who is not punctual.
• 'Jordan' is the weapon expert.
• 'Toni' a hacker, technologist.
• 'Ken' lady's man.
• 'Boss' well experienced, and a fairly old character who can lead the team.
• These are the typical characters in a heist movie - rely on having diverse group fulfilling different roles e.g. "Ocean's Eleven".

Mise-en-scéne

• Developed environment with buildings.
• Roof top – good place to plan and practice as it is far off from civilians - classic heist setting.
• Props – the gun, watch to create and show that they are organised criminals.
• Team dressed in suits, express professionalism - see Ocean's francise posters.
• 'Boss' dressed rather different as he is meant to stand out as the main/well experienced character.
• Cars in the background when doing the slow motion walk.
• Lighting on the roof helped to establish a cold weather/British feeling - established also in Guy Rictchie films ealy in the narrative.

Camera Work

• We had lots of mid-shots and close-ups, to show emotion and allow audience to identify different characters.
• More camera time on the main character according to importance.
• Long shots to show the whole group together.
• Over the shoulder shots on conversations.
• Panning shots on appropriate moments.
• Shot choices correspond as much with form of opening sequence and the need to establish character, plot and location fast as with heist genre specifically.

 

Editing

• We used two ellipsis' to establish location changes - quick changes of setting is typical in heist e.g. "Hustle"
• Still shots and added slow motion
• The colour filter added from Final Cut Express - again, recreating retro feel of hesit genre
• Production logo in After Effects
• Credits are  made in After Effects - more elaborate than many credits as reflects the high concept style of the genre.
• Recorded sound are used in conversation, as the original had too much background noise.
• Cross cut between the opening credits and opening scene.

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Predictions

• It is clear to the audience that this is a heist film but the audience are left wondering what the team are up to (will they rob a bank? Will they kidnap someone?)
• Not giving too much information out in the first 2 minutes helped us gather the right audience reaction as the audience may be intrigued to finding out what type of heist film this will be.

Contact sheet

1. Title 

 

• The use of red and white could be a way of symbolising our type of heist film.
• The colour red is usually used to make something stand out or look dangerous. For example. Stop signs and blood. The red in the title symbolises the danger the heist team being.
• On the other hand the white is normally used as a symbol of peace for example. a white dove. This is to symbolise that even though the people in this film are dangerous the audience will feel they’re the good guys.

2. Credits

 

• The credits are in red and yellow as these are eye catching colours.
• The credits are made through the use of animations and effects. It is intended to bring more excitement into the film and make it surreal as it aims to make the audience imagine what they would do if they switched places with the actors.
• Typical of heist films as they tend to have a strong stylistic look

3 & 4. Characters

 

• Heist films are almost like an opposite perspective to what we see in real life. And by this I mean in real life if a group of people were to perform a heist, they will be hated and seen as criminals but in film they are seen as good guys no matter the crime they do.
• Characters used in heist film are from different backgrounds or different location so they bring a sense of individuality in to the group.
• They are often middle class people or even working class, this is so they don’t drive attention to themselves.
• Our main character are males and from different backgrounds.
• However they are from a middle class/ slightly higher class group. This is as I said not to draw to much attention at them as you wouldn’t really stereotype people wearing suits as people who will performed a con.
• The age of the actors in our film is a breaking genre convention as they are much younger than you might expect.
• The main actor is made obvious as in our film; he is given the most dialogue and screen time. This is normally the case in other heist films as it is a way used for the audience to bond with the actors.
• The con artists in our piece are stereotypical of what you would expect a real heist group to do which is to meet as one almost in a gang way to plan the heist.
• The actors being from different background show they all have a certain role to play (E.g. Weapon specialist, computer hacker) within the group.  These are conventional characters in a typical heist film, as to accomplish a mission you would need a group of people with different talents to make it work.

5 & 6. Mise-en-scene

 

• Normally, Heist films are set in either a run-down location where no one would go to or a place in the public but private for example, a hotel room.
• The main characters are usually dressed in a sophisticated way, such as a suit.
• In heist films, the use of weapons, like guns or knives makes it look more realistic and believable that this is a real heist group. It also creates a sense of potential danger.
• We used 3 main locations to make our story look fast paced as we kept moving from one to another. This was to make it more realistic as the stereotyping of heist group is that they are known to keep switching locations so they don’t get caught.
• Our first location is used to show how quite the environment was. This was to indicate the group were meeting up in a secretive way.
• The second location was in a rooftop. This is to also show that they are planning something big and they cannot risk anyone finding out. Rooftops are almost like a run-down environment as no one would expect people to meet up on a rooftop.
• The final location is behind the bank. This is almost like an alley way and stereotypical of where you would normally find a gang together.
• The costume of the main actors make them fit in to the public as they are dressed in a distinguished way. It also makes them look more professional in what they are doing. The use of suits helps show their power in a financial perspective.
• The main characters were an all-male cast. This is typical of heist films such as in “Takers” where all the cast are all male as well.
• A gun was part of our props. Apart from the boss, the gun was there to make it obvious to the audience, who the other strength of the team was. It also gives the hint that something dangerous will happen later in the film as it is a guns they will be using.

 

7,8 & 9. Camera work

 

• In the beginning of the film we used a no head shot. This was there to try and engage the audience and make them wonder ‘why is there a man walking?’ Or ‘where is her going?’.
• We mainly used a group shot. This was to show their relationship as being one as a unit.
• This can be typical in heist films as it is important to highlight who the heist team are and how their close/ far their relationship between one another is.
• Group shot is extremely important in heist film because it’s the moment the audience are informed in what actions the characters are planning on undertaking. For example, the rooftop scene, the audience are given an idea that there is a plan as the boss asks the rest of the team if they know what their jobs are.
• We also used shot reverse shot when the boss was talking to Sean. This was to show Sean’s an uneasy between the two characters as the boss was warning Sean not to do what he did again.
• Shot reverse shot is often used in all types of films form all genres. It is mostly used during conversations. When being used there is commonly an equal screen time for each of the characters involved in the conversation. It is also used to show their reactions to the other characters dialogue.
• In the rooftop scene we used a low angle shot for the boss. This is a way to show his position in the group as being the dominant and powerful figure.
• Tilt shot is used at the ending of the two minute. This was to almost make the characters look like heroes as it slowly moves from their leg to showing their who body. This was also used to show their status and power. It also creates the illusion of them being larger and more imposing.
• At the end of the two minutes we used a hero shot which was basically a long shot in slow motion from a low angle - a classic heist / gangster shot which made the cast look heroic. This illustrates that even though what they are doing is wrong, they are still seen as heroes to the audience and if anything happens to anyone of them the audience is likely to sympathise with them

10. Editing 

 

• The most screen time was given to the boss. This was a way to show how important he is as this mission will not go to plan if they didn’t have a leader. It also allows the audience to bond more with him. Common in opening sequences to use this technique whatever the genre.
• We also used slow motion at the ending of the 2 minutes. This was there to make the characters look more heroic. and to signal the end of the sequence and the start of the film proper. Music is often used in this way.
• Colour filter is also used at the end of the two minutes. This is to emphasise the hero shot and also show surreal this film is and indicates to audience that this is not real life.
• Match on dialogue is also used. In the roof scene we see the boss warning Sean and then it cuts to Toni saying “I don’t trust Sean ,boys”. This is a way we used to hint to the audience that Sean is not what he seems. This is usually the case in heist films as most of the time there is a character that is part of the group that will end up betraying them.
• We used still images at the end of the two minutes. This allowed us to give casting information about the characters to the audience. This is a stylistic device often seen in heist films where the freeze frame has become popular.
  

11 & 12. sound

 

• At the start of the two minutes we used non-diegetic sound which was there to create awaiting / anticipating atmosphere. This reflect the heist genre as most heist films are fast paced and creates a ‘What’s going to happen next’ feel.
• I believe it was a Synchronous sound as it matched what the audience could see.
• The back ground music we used was a fast paced. This was because the character was mysterious and was going somewhere mysterious. This helped create a sense of anticipation form the audience. This also indicated to the audience that this was going to be an exciting and jumpy film.
• Additionally, the background music we used at the end was appropriate as it help create the illusion that the heist group were almost like heroes even though what they were doing was wrong.
• The type of dialogue we used is typical of a heist film as other heist films try to engage the audience by letting them figure out what the heist will be like through the dialogue.

Evaluation of target audience

Evaluation: Target audience of the Film

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