ON THE SET

Brief account of what I learnt and what equipment we were shown when asked to use the canon cameras and tripods, also what typed of film terminology to use on set and useful editing skills:

Cameras and tripods:
In a group of 4 we passed around the canon camera and practised how to put in and take out the battery and memory card and practiced how to go in and out of focus. When passing around the camera we uses 'yours' or 'mine' to avoid dropping it. We learnt how to 'bubble' the tripod making sure it is balanced and in focus which for many of us was a new skill. We also mastered how to move the camera up and down my moving the dial.

White balance:
This is the process of removing unrealistic colour casts, so that objects appear white as they are in person and we get the right tint for the background. You can apply warm light settings and warmer colour settings or cooler light settings. You can adjust this by pressing the 'WB' button on the camera, which will come up with small pictures representing different colour tones and you can select the most appropriate setting for the film.


180 degree rule:
The 180 degree rule states that two characters in a scene should always have the same left/right relationship to each other. If you don't follow the 180 degree rule, or break it intentionally, it disrupts the scene and disorients the audience.


Good practice in editing:
We used final cut pro or imovie on the Macs in the media studio, by using different fade effects and different position for each credit. Then we created a folder to keep all the clips that we intended to use for the video, We experimented with different fonts and transitions.

PRODUCTION PRACTICE; TITLE SEQUENCE "A WHOLE WORLD IN A TABLE TOP"

• Firstly, we watched the Delicatessen title sequence and studied over it and how it was effective at putting across the story and the different camera shots and angles used
• I also watched To kill a mockingbird 's opening title which has a similar structure to delicatessen. But a different use of misé-en-scene and dramatic music combined with a black and white filter 
• Then In our groups we used this as inspiration for creating our own title sequence, to start with we set up a misè-en-scene set with the props from our prop collection which included mostly old fashioned items to fit the theme such as old photographs of a young couple, pearls, a lace dress and then to portray the characters struggle with addiction we used a bottle of wine and poured this into a glass and some white powder to convey drug addiction also.
  
  
• We recorded our title sequence using the background music; Nostalgia by Emily Barker
• Then we began to film the title sequence using a snaking technique with Canon cameras and trailing with different lighting
• Next, we filmed our live action section by using a door and incorporating some of our theme from our title sequence into this. In our case this was someone struggling with addiction so brought out a wine bottle from our prop collection to film with
• After filming this we edited this all together in iMovie and added the music 
• Then we checked through by watching it once, after this we began adding our names in various places of the title sequence and added a film company called 'moonshine studios' and towards the end we worked together to come up with a good title and then put the title of our film in the middle at the beginning in a bold font. We used an old fashioned cursive font for the credits to carry on the theme of our sequence.
• Overall, the whole process went pretty well, we managed to get a smooth tracking over all the objects. However, we did face some difficulty in making sure the edge of the table was not in the shot and making sure to remember to focus on different parts. The live action went well and we were able to get the perfect film after a few different attempts.

RESEARCH: TITLES

Get Out (Thriller):

• Production Company – Universal pictures, Blumhouse/ QC Entertainment, Monkeypaw productions
• Director - Jordan Peele
• Starring – Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford 
• Title - Get Out
• Starring – Caleb Landry Jones, Stephen Root, Lakeith Stanfield, Catherine Keener
• Casting - Teri Taylor
• Costume designer - Nadine Haders
• Special make up effects supervisor -Marcus Henderson
• Sound designer - Betty Gabriel
• Music - Michael Abbels
• Film editor - Gregory Plotkin
• Production designer - Rusty Smith 
• Director of photography - Toby Oliver 
• Executive producer - Beatriz Sequira, Marcei A. Brown, Gerard Dinari
• Producer - Sean McKittrik, Jason Blum
• Director -  Jordan Peele 

Big little lies (Drama):

• Production Company: FAKE digital entertainment 
• ACTOR 1 - Reese Witherspoon
• ACTOR 2 - Nicole Kidman
• Title - Big little lies 
• ACTOR 3 - Shailene Woodley
• ACTOR 4 - Alexander Skarsgard
• ACTOR 5 - Adam Scott
• ACTOR 5 & 6 - Zoe Kravitz, James Tupper

• ACTOR 7 & 8 - Jeffrey Nordling, Laura Dern
• Casting - David Rubin  
• Music - Susan Jacobs 
• Costume design - Alex Freidburg
• Film Editor - David Berman, Justin Lachance, Maxime Lahaie, Sylvain Lebel and Jim Vega 
• Production Designer - John Paino
• Director of Photography - Yves Bèlanger 
• Executive Producer -  Nathan Ross, Greig Fienburg 
• Producers - Lian Moriarty, Barbara A Hall
• Based on the Novel - Lian Moriarty 
• Director - Jean-marc Valle

ART OF THE TITLE - STRANGER THINGS

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The primary typeface is Benguiat, carefully chosen for its deep associations with early ’80s Stephen King paperbacks, the Choose Your Own Adventure series, and other dusty, musty touchstones.The Stranger Things opening is not only a fitting successor to a revered title design tradition, but a testament to the power of type in motion and the enormous potency of nostalgia. The title sequence of stranger things is very effective at putting across the aura of the series. The link to the art of the title page: https://www.artofthetitle.com/title/stranger-things/

 The dramatic music in the background sets a creepy tone, as if something bad is about to happen and the characters will face an inter dimensional force to tackle. The neon red letters convey the typical neon writing that was used for restaurants etc. in the 90's which suggests that this is a series based in that era. These are shown one by one in a zoom shot and fluently link together to spell out the name of the series.

The different names (credits) put in the middle, with the neon letters in the background have very simple, white writing. Almost to not draw attention away from the neon letters and to emphasise the fact they are to spell out a bigger picture. The plain black background used throughout the title sequence conveys a dark gloomy atmosphere which sets up the scene for a scary series. This makes sense as the genre of 'Stranger things' is classed under science fiction and horror. The black background provokes fear in the audience as red is used to signify blood and black is used to signify darkness and the unknown. Also we don't see any of the characters or any key locations in the title sequence which gives the audience a sense of mystery and draws them in to keep watching to discover the antagonist and the other characters.

The editing of the title sequence is clever as it uses a fade which helps the title look more fluent and as if it is fading into the darkness, when the title finally becomes one it stands out to the audience in a zooming out shot. There is a long period of darkness after the title fades away which causes the audience to anticipate what is going to happen next and helps to reel them in.
Personally, I really like this title sequence and I think it takes a unique approach and turns to simplicity instead of jam-packing it with dramatic shots. This is effective as it conveys a major sense of mystery which increases the chance of the audience watching on as they want to find out what the series is about and what will unfold because it is largely left unclear.

PRELIMINARY EXERCISES

Establishing shot

This sets the scene and the environment and gives the audience an insight into the characters background information and location of the character, This shot helps to develop a bigger picture. In this shot it set the scene for a cloudy, calm day but is juxtaposed with the palm trees which is associated with a hot country.

Mid Shot

Mid shots are mainly used to convey emotion because it is far enough from the subject to capture these emotions aswell as body langauge, In this particular image you can see my dog is happy and can also see if he was to have any particular movements

Close up

This shot allows for finer detail of the subject and emphasises facial expression and eye movement, this is commonly used as a dramatic device and to put focus on the particular subject. 

Two Shot

Used when filming two people, this is more commonly used in interviews portrayed on platforms such as the news. In this type of shot the two people are the main focus and usually have some sort of relation between them.

Three shot

Similar to two shot however taken with three people, used for focusing on a group of people and there relation. In this shot it is filmed to establish the togetherness of the trio and to interest the audience by featuring more than one character.

Over the shoulder shot

This shot is used to give the perspective of another person, the back of the shoulder and head are used as a frame for the image. In this shot it is clearly shown what the subject is looking at and gives a more interesting angle for the audience as it differentiates from a mid shot.

ART OF THE TITLE - GET OUT

The title sequence is simple and begins with a long shot featuring a car on a dark street only lit with a few street lamps. It depicts a man aggressively shoving something into the trunk of a small car, possibly a body. Which strikes questioning from the audience as to who and why that is creating a sinister setting for the film. Then a hard cut leads to the scene of a woods or forest using a tracking shot to convey the idea that they are on a journey. This is intriguing for the audience as they wonder where this journey will lead the mystery characters. The simple blue font used on the title and carried out throughout the credits with the woods as a backdrop is interesting because it raises mystery as to what the film is about. As the genre is mainly under a thriller the audience is eager to find out why the alarming title 'get out' is used and what danger will be present that a character will need to avoid.

After the tracking shot in the woods, there is a hard cut to some still, random pictures, in black and white which supposedly relates to the films plot. This draws in the audience because the meaning of the photos and relation to the film is a mystery that we want to find out. Then the camera jumps to the scene of a modern apartment, possibly the home to the antagonist character. A zoom in and out shot is used to show different angles of the apartment which signifies its importance. The camera then shifts to the right and we see Daniel Kaluuya (the antagonist) wiping the mirror, then shaving possibly after a shower and suggests he is getting ready for the day ahead. Which causes the audience to wonder where he is going. Next, a hard cut is used to show a close up shot of a woman (Alison Williams) who is the girlfriend of Daniel in the film. Futhermore, another tracking shot is used when scanning over some pastries in a bakery, then the camera tilts up to see the smiling Alision. Then the camera uses a transition to cut back to Daniel shaving and jump back and forth between the two scenes.

The two characters who are in different places then meet, when Alison returns to their apartment bearing a coffee and a pastry. As she knocks the door we see both characters before they see each other. Giving the audience and extra insight into each characters life separately. Daniel is looking down at a camera which suggests he takes an interest in photography or filming and as Alison knocks the door with her head as she has her hands full, this suggests she has a more goofy humorous side to her. As the door no longer becomes an object between them they both engage in a romantic kiss to signify their relationship and the door is closed on the camera which signifies to the audience a sense of a secrecy to their relationship and intimacy. The song played in the background 'redbone' by Childish Gambino is upbeat but slow and relaxed which mirrors the connection between the couple. The sound effects of the doorbell etc. are kept in so the scenes seem more realistic.

Overall, I think the film has a very good, simple opening that reels in the audience effectively as there is something individual about the approach. The editing also being simple connotes a more raw connection to the characters and takes away the superficiality of some over-dramatic openings. It sets a mysterious scene for the film as the audience wonders what could possibly go wrong between this 'perfect' seeming couple.

ART OF THE TITLE - THE CONJURING 2

The title sequence has smooth, faded cuts with varied angles and the lighting is mainly black and white with colours being brought in but they are have an old-fashioned tint. The first shot is a pan of a   cassette player which sets out for a film setting of the late 1970's and the characters clothing matched the expectation of that era. The plain black background with simple white text helps to build up tension and gives the audience the feeling that something sinister may be about to happen. There are no vibrant colours, only faded reds and black and white which sets a dark scene.

The next revealing shot we see is of a family named 'The Hodgsons' The audience get a clue that this may be the family which the film is based on. This is shown in a still, each picture has a white background which suggests it could be taken from a polaroid or an old camera. The next family that is shown in a still is 'The Warrens' which again suggests that the actors in the film will also be portraying these characters. This gives context to the film and reels in the audience as they are intrigued as to the meaning behind these people and why they are portrayed In such a sinister manner. 

Next there is a shot taken of a street; it looks abandoned, miserable and a place of poverty which depicts the family that was previously shown as not having much money. This causes the audience to wonder why they deserve such a sinister fate as suggested by the washed out filter and creepy music. Then, we see a close up of the unloved street which is generically named 'green street'.

We see a birds eye view shot of the back garden of a house, it looks cramped and a host to a family struggling to make ends meet. The continuation of the washed out grey colouring continues a melancholy theme which makes the audience feel sympathy for the family. 

The different shots that continue suggest that they will relate to key events in the film later, the transition between each picture becomes more sudden and includes flashing and going in and out of focus (focus pull). As if someone is manually changing the pictures and it is being displayed on a projector screen. 

The religious crosses shown in two of the pictures portrayed in a full shot gives the audience a clue that bad spirits will be present in the film or 'ghosts' who have not passed over and will haunt over the poor, vulnerable family. As the sinister music and audible groans from one of the antagonist characters being possessed, as the music begins to rise we see what resembles a nun in a close up shot which would frighten the audience in the form of a jump scare. The old fashioned late 1970's theme is kept up throughout the opening and is not modernised. Even when the official actors are introduced.

The uncleanliness of the house shown in the photos throughout and the destroyed bed in a wide shot towards the end creates a breeding ground for a house of horror. The gradual rise of each shot getting more and more frightening prepares the audience for the paranormal events to come.

My personal opinion on the opening is that it's very compelling in getting the audience to feel intrigued about the paranormal tragedy that is about to happen as it is not made clear what the pictures relate to until after you have watched the films which makes the audience wish for an answer.

RESEARCH: DISTRUBUTION COLLAGE

Using the film distribution association site, I watched the presentation by Chris Besseling, on how distributors work to create a successful marketing campaign for each film. She explained that, In a congested market place; a distributors aim was to position a film I a way that it stood out for a target audience. The different elements work together to create a synergetic whole. Also Chris Besseling offered me a series of insights Into how distributors market a film's unique selling point such as a star cast.
Paid for marketing is related to division of media to owned, earned and paid media. It includes paid banner ads and sponsorships, as well as banner ads and paid search marketing. The purpose of using paid media is usually the will to create and build brand awareness or acquire new customer.
Free publicity refers to publicity that is gained through promotional efforts rather than paid media advertising, this can be done through owned media, branding, and advertising on free platforms such as Facebook, twitter, youtube.
 I investigated each different aspect of a marketing campaign for a specific recent film such as;

- Film website 
- Film posters 
- Film trailers 
- Facebook
- Instagram
- Twitter

I chose to create a collage on the new film: Joker
- The Joker film can be described under a variety of genres; such as action, drama, thriller, adventure and crime
- Marketing for the film started back in August on twitter which included; short clips and photos this continued up until it was released this month
- The official website had the trailer advertised at the top which will draw the target audiences in to watch it and having multiple social media platforms linked on the website allows easy access for the audience to get to.
- Cohesive Marketing and advertisement has been present on numerous platforms such as; Facebook, Instagram and twitter with Instagram attracting the target audience
- My collage depicts the different social media platforms and various covers for the film. They help to give the audience a insight into what the film will be about 
- The Joker film is set in 1981, Joker follows Arthur Fleck, a failed stand-up comedian who is driven insane and turns to a life of crime and chaos in Gotham City.Joker centers around an origin of the iconic arch nemesis and is an original, standalone story not seen before on the big screen.