FINAL COURSEWORK

Here is our final opening sequence in a lower quality so that it can be hosted by the blog. However, we believe you should view this on DVD.

Evaluation of How We Have Appealed to Our Audience

This evaluation is another DVD extra task that can also be viewed here on the blog in a format with less resolution:

Evaluation of What Learned about Technology

Link to our PowerPoint:

What we learned about technologies

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.

Evaluate how you product used, developed or challenged the forms and convention of real media products

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.

Evaluation: Target audience of the Film

Evaluation of Distribution Institution

From left to right: Jordan, Shehan, Kennedy

 

This DVD extra feature can be seen on the blog in a reduced quality format. 

Evaluation of Representations

Issues Around Representation

In our heist film, we have an all male cast. This is very typical in heist movies. Our cast are also young, therefore this is a good opportunity to look at the representation of young males.

In Britain. There is a very stereotypical view on young men in particular is that they are prone to violence. Pretty much most people who wear a hoody are stereotypically seen as a threat by the public.

Press photo of male gangs released by London Met

If our film was to focus on this kind of representation, it would create a negative representation of teenagers and male teenagers in particular. However I feel we have offered a much wider range of representations and a much softer and more comedic overall representation.

For example our teenagers are wearing suits and looking professional to commit a white collar crime which is more of a scam than a crime. This is also a negative representation, but due to the almost Bugsy Malone style appearance and youth of our cast, the audience will not find it very serious. This is one of the main factors in our representation. We are not expecting people to take it seriously.

Our more light-hearted representation

 

Ros Coward argues that 'Masculinity' is a concept which comes in for a quite rigid stereotyping in the media. Representation of men all across media tends to follow a list of things which includes:

 

• Strength (Physical/Intellectual)
• Power
• Sexual attractiveness
• Physique
• Independence

She also argues that men are often limited to very basic limited roles in film including:

• the rookie who learns a lot gains the leadership
• the victor – who can defeat the competitor physically, intellectually emotionally.
• the bonder – male friendships and liked by everyone
• overcoming fear of 'castration', not really physical but a symbolic stealing of their masculinity, often created by a romantic relationship.

'Boss' walking toward the meeting area

Everybody leaves, but he remains

Jordan cocking the gun

Hero shot

This shot compares with our hero shot. This film is also an all male cast.

In our film we have a leader who gets jobs for the team, a silent but intellectual geek who gets angry really easily, a ladies man, a guy who is strong enough to fight. We also have a traitor in the film to show that in most trusted places there are lies/untrust. The family like feeling is created in the group in various ways, such as handshakes and listening to each other. From our extract the audience get a hint that the trust in group membersis not very strong despite appearances. So although we seem to have the limited roles Coward suggests, the plot line means these change around a lot in the film and are not fixed.

We have given most screen time to 'Boss' to show he is the most important and the main character in the film. He talks smart and dresses smart. His attitude towards the subject shows his experience in such matters. Jordan's dialogue shows that his interest is for the money. At the end of the two minutes, he cocks a gun which shows that he is bit of a show off and he is the one with power. Ken gets the shortest screen time as he is not as important as other characters. But his dialogue with Tony shows he has built up trust between the group. Tony is represented as the guy who suspects and think more, talk less.

A critic called Adorno said that “stereotypes act as a short hand” this means that they help us to predict whats going to happen and who is going to play which role. In our film we put this into practice by choosing specific characters to specific roles. In most cases it helps the audience predict. For example, Jordan has a weapon, this could predict that he could shoot someone important and will therefore act as a catalyst for further action. Ken is quiet and aloner but will inevitably be needed at some point to save the group.

Representation and character roles are totally linked, and character roles ar edriven by narrative and genre. So I would argue that overall our male representations have all come about because of the genre we chose . Yes they are stereotypical but ours is a light-hearted heist film and they will not be taken too seriously.

Another film critic called Pickering said that “stereotyping can be damaging to a social group, creating limited rolls”. This could be problem in our film as we are reinforcing common stereotypes. However this is as a narrative technique and not intended to be taken seriously.

A critic called Barker said “In heist films, gender roles are shared between and often men carrying out both masculine and feminine roles”. He also quoted “when there are women in the cast, they usually fulfil the role of love interest”. In most films this seems to be a fact. For example films like 'Fast and Furious' follow this argument, but in the same film the argument is contradicted by female casts doing dangerous things, which is very stereotypical. A film that fully follows this argument is 'Takers'. The team is a all male cast, one of the casts has a girl friend, which seems like she fulfil the role of love interest.

Next Version of Coursework

Cut for Audience Feedback

Progress With Editing

Screenshots show what we are trying to do - basically order the right parts of each filmed clip on the timeline to see what works, and then we can go for a finer edit.

Here are different initial rough cuts showing us trying to put the material together:

Photos from Filming

Script

Actors

Jordan – Jordan C-W

Ken – Kennedy N

Sean- Shehan W

Toni – Antonio D

Boss – Caleb J

Script

Boss: it’s been a long time boys

All:(acknowledgement)

Boss: I’ve got a job for us

Jordan: How much we talking?

Boss: Enough for an early retirement!

Ken: That’s what I’m talking about

*Jordan and Ken handshake in delight *

Boss: Where’s Sean he’s always late

*Sean running looking at his watch*

Boss: As I mentioned before, we are getting a lot from this job, and you all know what your jobs are. Let’s make it smooth

*Sean knocks down the chairs*

*Everyone stares*

Sean: Sorry I am late boss

Toni: pffff, we are leaving anyway! (Laughing to himself)

Boss:  Sean stay behind, I need to brief you on your job.

(Outside)

Toni: I don’t trust Sean lads.

*All laugh in a mockery way*

Ken: ahahah why not?

Toni: He just seems like…..

*Sean and The Boss come out*

Boss: Let’s go boys.

How We Made Our Logo / Ident

We created our logo in After Effects. We chose this software because it is widely used in film industry to create graphic effects and visual effects. It also allows you to manipulatematerial effectively and opens a whole new world of camera effects and animations.
 

Step 1

We first created our text and gave it colour and some effects such as 'glow'. We created four layers of texts to give it the correct visual effect.

The background image created in photoshop

Step 2

We combined few effects together to make the 'flames' effect. We managed to get the dark areas by using few smart tools in the software.

Firelight Memorable Logo

We added the firelight still image at the end. We also added a camera effect which zooms into the image and then stop to make it still.

We also managed to add music to our logo, which made it even more interesting.

Link to our designs and ideas post.

Character Profiles

Name:Caleb AKA 'Sean'
Age: 23
Bio: Hard working individual with good leadership. He always gets what he wants and he is very determined. He will always try until he succeed. He is the group leader.
Personality: Smart, lazy person. Always late on meetings. 
Appearance: Black male, dress smart but messy.

Name: Antonio AKA 'Boss"
Age: 22
Bio: A well organised person with a specific set of skills. His roll in the group is to crack any kind of a safe and disable security alarms. He is a very successful hacker who can hack almost anything and get away from it.
Personality: Very quiet individual, a mysterious character. No one really knows what he is capable of and who he really is except the team members
Appearance: White male, always dress smart and always wear a hat.

Name: Shehan AKA 'Toni'
Age:24
Bio: He is the oldest in the group and the most experienced person in robbery games. He is always very smart and always think of the possible consequences when he does something. Very hard to get in touch. 
Personality: A very calm person. Acts very smart most of the time.
Appearance: Brown male, dress smart. Serious looking.



Name: Jordan AKA 'Jo'
Age:19
Bio:Youngest and the latest recruit in the team. He is very good with guns and weapons. Almost know every weapon. He will disarm a weapon from someones hand in three seconds. He always carry a weapon around.
Personality: Very talkative person. Always active and always on the run.
Appearance: Mixed race male, friendly looking



Name: Kennedy AKA 'Ken'
Age:20
Bio: He is good with almost anything and can do any job. He is the all rounder in the team. He could get aggressive some moments.
Personality: Usually a funny character, ladies man and he is very friendly.
Appearance: Black male, dress smart always walk with style.