Saturday, 30 January 2016
Filming #1
Had a bit of a disastrous day with filming today. Me and 3 of my friends got the bus into Durham City Center; we found that the place I wanted to film, the abandoned palladium, had been boarded up. Luckily I had a second location in mind to film. When we arrived at the location, a car park, it began to snow during filming. The frequent stopping and starting of the snow caused odd continuity in shots. To top it all off, half way through filming the camera I was using ran out of battery and required charge. I then had to improvise and use my phone camera. I plan to go to the same location and film again next week, hopefully without any irritating obstacles.
Wednesday, 20 January 2016
Wednesday, 13 January 2016
Research - Script 'Free'
Free
[Shot opens with tracking of main protagonist, Liam, from his foot to head in bed. Liam wakes up and reads a text off Malki, his drug dealer, asking him where he's at as they were supposed to meet for an exchange. Liam then puts The Stone Roses, Made of Stone on his record player whilst he quickly gets ready]
[Action Match of Liam placing the needle on the vinyl]
Liam: Ah, shit I'm late!
[Camera quickly follows Liam downstairs and then into the kitchen where the opening credits are seen. Similar to Napoleon Dynamite, various objects such as phones, flour (cocaine) will spell out the names of crew. Cut to over-the-shoulder high angle shot looking down onto Liam's phone as he scrolls through his texts revealing more names of crew. Liam then exits the house, action match on the door handle and other side of the door]
[Still shots of various alleys/scenery of Durham City, one showing Liam approaching the meet-up location]
[Over-the-shoulder shot behind Malki and Boost as Liam approaches]
[Made of Stone remains in the background, now non-diegetic]
Malki: Where've you been, dick'ead?
Boost: We've been here ages, it's freezing man.
Liam: Alright, alright, I were in bed. Have you got the stuff then?
Malki: 'Course I do. You got the money?
Liam: Wey, whaddya take is for?
Boost: Just give us the money we 'ant got time for this man.
[Made of Stone continues, accompanied by non-diegetic narration]
[Various shots capturing the rest of the drug deal. Action match on the drugs. Long Shot used around a nearby corner]
Liam: I never used to live this sort'uv life. Y'know drugs 'nd that. I used to stick in at school like me mam told 'es to. I were good in every class, even German, and we know how shit that is. But then I got the taste for it. All me mates did it I thought there were no harm in me doing it 'anarl. But then a got addicted. No money left. No education. I were lost. But I found peace in me gear. Just to sit at home and stick some tunes on, y'know. But me addiction... I know it's getting out 'uv hand. But. I. Feel. So. Free.
[Non-diegetic music fades]
[Shot fades to black]
Malki: He's give us fake fuckin' notes! Get 'im Boost.]
[Non-Diegetic gunshot]
[Shot opens with tracking of main protagonist, Liam, from his foot to head in bed. Liam wakes up and reads a text off Malki, his drug dealer, asking him where he's at as they were supposed to meet for an exchange. Liam then puts The Stone Roses, Made of Stone on his record player whilst he quickly gets ready]
[Action Match of Liam placing the needle on the vinyl]
Liam: Ah, shit I'm late!
[Camera quickly follows Liam downstairs and then into the kitchen where the opening credits are seen. Similar to Napoleon Dynamite, various objects such as phones, flour (cocaine) will spell out the names of crew. Cut to over-the-shoulder high angle shot looking down onto Liam's phone as he scrolls through his texts revealing more names of crew. Liam then exits the house, action match on the door handle and other side of the door]
[Still shots of various alleys/scenery of Durham City, one showing Liam approaching the meet-up location]
[Over-the-shoulder shot behind Malki and Boost as Liam approaches]
[Made of Stone remains in the background, now non-diegetic]
Malki: Where've you been, dick'ead?
Boost: We've been here ages, it's freezing man.
Liam: Alright, alright, I were in bed. Have you got the stuff then?
Malki: 'Course I do. You got the money?
Liam: Wey, whaddya take is for?
Boost: Just give us the money we 'ant got time for this man.
[Made of Stone continues, accompanied by non-diegetic narration]
[Various shots capturing the rest of the drug deal. Action match on the drugs. Long Shot used around a nearby corner]
Liam: I never used to live this sort'uv life. Y'know drugs 'nd that. I used to stick in at school like me mam told 'es to. I were good in every class, even German, and we know how shit that is. But then I got the taste for it. All me mates did it I thought there were no harm in me doing it 'anarl. But then a got addicted. No money left. No education. I were lost. But I found peace in me gear. Just to sit at home and stick some tunes on, y'know. But me addiction... I know it's getting out 'uv hand. But. I. Feel. So. Free.
[Non-diegetic music fades]
[Shot fades to black]
Malki: He's give us fake fuckin' notes! Get 'im Boost.]
[Non-Diegetic gunshot]
Friday, 8 January 2016
Research - Prop List
Props
- Liam's Costume
Harrington Jacket
White T-Shirt
Jeans
- Fraser's Costume
Smart Shirt
Jeans
Trainers
- Luke's Costume
Zipped Up Coat
Tracksuit Bottoms
Trainers
- Record Player & Vinyl
- Small Bag Containing Oregano (to mimic appearance of marijuana)
- Small Bag Containing Flour (to mimic appearance of Cocaine)
- 2 iPhones
- House Keys
- £20 Note
- Liam's Costume
Harrington Jacket
White T-Shirt
Jeans
- Fraser's Costume
Smart Shirt
Jeans
Trainers
- Luke's Costume
Zipped Up Coat
Tracksuit Bottoms
Trainers
- Record Player & Vinyl
- Small Bag Containing Oregano (to mimic appearance of marijuana)
- Small Bag Containing Flour (to mimic appearance of Cocaine)
- 2 iPhones
- House Keys
- £20 Note
Wednesday, 6 January 2016
Research - Representation, Audience and Institution
Audience
My title sequence has one main protagonist: a 17 year old male. His role will be teen leading a life of crime and drug abuse. My key demographic will be males in the age range of 15-25. I have chosen this becuase I believe the age of the protagonist, and the entirity of the cast, will mostly appeal to this demographic. I feel as if this audience will be able to sympathize with the protagonist and relate to him. Through my research I have discovered that this is generally the audience age range in 'Coming-of-age British crime flicks'. My protagonist will be represented as a rebellious youth going down a path of crime, as this is seen often in british crime films such as, 'This is England'.
I believe my film would primarily appeal to a British audience as they would be most able to relate to the story/setting. In addittion to this, the terminology/dialect used would appeal mostly to a niche audience because of their understanding of the dialogue, I think this would create a sense of social solidarity with the audience. I feel as if my opening sequence would be accessible to all ethnicities, but primarily White caucasian.
Institution
After doing research on websites such as IMDB and Wikipedia, I have decided my film will be produced by Film4 Productions, who have produced many youth-oriented films such as 'Trainspotting', 'Attack on the Block', 'The Inbetweeners Movie' and 'Gangstar No.1' and are well-known for producing UK-based films. I would like my film to be distributed by Miramax as they are closely linked to many crime films such as, 'Pulp Fiction', 'Reservoir Dogs', 'Gangstars of New York' and 'Trainspotting'. I feel as if these film institutions fit well with the opening sequence I want to create.
Age Certificate
My film would have a 15 certificate as this fits the demographic I'd be aiming for. It would contain drugs and strong language, not suitable for anybody younger.
My title sequence has one main protagonist: a 17 year old male. His role will be teen leading a life of crime and drug abuse. My key demographic will be males in the age range of 15-25. I have chosen this becuase I believe the age of the protagonist, and the entirity of the cast, will mostly appeal to this demographic. I feel as if this audience will be able to sympathize with the protagonist and relate to him. Through my research I have discovered that this is generally the audience age range in 'Coming-of-age British crime flicks'. My protagonist will be represented as a rebellious youth going down a path of crime, as this is seen often in british crime films such as, 'This is England'.
I believe my film would primarily appeal to a British audience as they would be most able to relate to the story/setting. In addittion to this, the terminology/dialect used would appeal mostly to a niche audience because of their understanding of the dialogue, I think this would create a sense of social solidarity with the audience. I feel as if my opening sequence would be accessible to all ethnicities, but primarily White caucasian.
Institution
After doing research on websites such as IMDB and Wikipedia, I have decided my film will be produced by Film4 Productions, who have produced many youth-oriented films such as 'Trainspotting', 'Attack on the Block', 'The Inbetweeners Movie' and 'Gangstar No.1' and are well-known for producing UK-based films. I would like my film to be distributed by Miramax as they are closely linked to many crime films such as, 'Pulp Fiction', 'Reservoir Dogs', 'Gangstars of New York' and 'Trainspotting'. I feel as if these film institutions fit well with the opening sequence I want to create.
Age Certificate
My film would have a 15 certificate as this fits the demographic I'd be aiming for. It would contain drugs and strong language, not suitable for anybody younger.
Wednesday, 16 December 2015
Research - Snatch Opening Sequence
Snatch
Snatch is a 2000 British crime comdey film written and directed by Guy Ritchie. Set in the London criminal underworld, the film contains two intertwined plots: one dealing with the search for a stolen diamond, the other with a small-time boxing promoter who finds himself under the thumb of a ruthless gangster who is ready and willing to have his subordinates carry out severe and sadistic acts of violence.
In the first frame we see the production company, Colombia Pictures.
We then see that the film is produced by an individual, Matthew Vaughn. A British producer known for similar films such as Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Layer Cake and Kingsman: The Secret Service. The camera slowly pans upwards on a silhouette of a man's, instantly connoting mystery and power over the two men sat across from himwho are currently out of focus.
From this mid-shot we are introduced to two of the main characters. Both are dressed very smart, suggesting wealth yet are sat in very disinterested manner. Both look like they are bored or impatient. The character on the left, Turkish, narrates over the scene telling the story of how he got his name. This dialogue has comedic elements invloved, suggestin to the audience that it has satrical comedy amongst the crime. The camera then focuses on turkish with close-up, suggesting his primary role in the fim.
The camera then fades to black, suggesting passage of time, to a shot of a security camera. The use of the security feed suggests to the audience that the characters may be doing a criminal job of some description. The characters are dressed in a disguise of a jewish man, whilst we hear diegetic dialogue. This dialogue is accompanied by non-diegetic music, it sounds very comical mischevious, linking to the current scene. We also see the actor's name, Benicio Del Toro in white text with a burgundy highlight.
The camera then pans to the left whilst tracking the character's movements on an additional security monitor. Suggesting to the audience, that the building they are in is clearly large and is under heavy security.
The four characters then enter a tightly-packed elevator, signifying their tight relationship and ability to work in a team. When they exit, the camera pans upwards to yet another security monitor, however this camera work is effective because it is as if the audience are ascending up the building with the characters.
The camera continues to track the characters' movements through the use of multiple secuirty monitors. We then see them stop at a door, following this the camera pans away from the screen and onto the door the men enter the room in. This suggests to the audience how far deep the men have got into this building. It also now suggests that they may now have power and control, contrasting with the opening in which it seemed the silhouette had a degree of authority over the two other protagonists.
The character in the centre of the mid shot tears off his coat to reveal four guns, each memeber of the team take one of the firearms. At the point when the jacket is torn away, the music changes to high tempo, adrenaline pumping non-diegetic music to match the speed of the action. The camera quickly zooms into the main character to enforce the high-octane action.
We then see a high speed sequence of shots with massive amounts of jump cuts to enhance the speed of the action and to immerse the audience. When the camera zooms into each character, the camera rotates quickly to possibly connote the psychotic nature of the crime. The costumes of the victims suggest that this is some sort of office building; following this, one of the protagonists opens a vault which reveals a number of diamonds. An action match is used on the diamonds to suggest their importance. We then see a still shot of the protagonists hand wielding a gun, with the director's name underneath. Giving the implication that not only is this a crime film, but also a genre trademark of the director. The music then stops and the protagonist begins to question the the man in chrage of the office.
The camera then focuses on a large diamond, suggesting its significance to the plot. This shot is accompanied by non-diegetic sleek music. Further implying the team's success and effience.
The camera once again focuses on the diamond, reiterating its importance, revealing the title of the film 'Snatch'. A clear reference to the theft of the precious gem; also 'Snatch' is that of cockney dialect, relating to the film's setting. The shot then shifts to letterbox format and rotates around the diamond to reveal a clever transition to a different man. Suggesting the criminal aspect of the film and the important trade of diamonds. His suit suggests he is a wealthy business man who may play a major role in the diamond trade industry.
Snatch is a 2000 British crime comdey film written and directed by Guy Ritchie. Set in the London criminal underworld, the film contains two intertwined plots: one dealing with the search for a stolen diamond, the other with a small-time boxing promoter who finds himself under the thumb of a ruthless gangster who is ready and willing to have his subordinates carry out severe and sadistic acts of violence.
In the first frame we see the production company, Colombia Pictures.
We then see that the film is produced by an individual, Matthew Vaughn. A British producer known for similar films such as Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Layer Cake and Kingsman: The Secret Service. The camera slowly pans upwards on a silhouette of a man's, instantly connoting mystery and power over the two men sat across from himwho are currently out of focus.
From this mid-shot we are introduced to two of the main characters. Both are dressed very smart, suggesting wealth yet are sat in very disinterested manner. Both look like they are bored or impatient. The character on the left, Turkish, narrates over the scene telling the story of how he got his name. This dialogue has comedic elements invloved, suggestin to the audience that it has satrical comedy amongst the crime. The camera then focuses on turkish with close-up, suggesting his primary role in the fim.
The camera then fades to black, suggesting passage of time, to a shot of a security camera. The use of the security feed suggests to the audience that the characters may be doing a criminal job of some description. The characters are dressed in a disguise of a jewish man, whilst we hear diegetic dialogue. This dialogue is accompanied by non-diegetic music, it sounds very comical mischevious, linking to the current scene. We also see the actor's name, Benicio Del Toro in white text with a burgundy highlight.
The camera then pans to the left whilst tracking the character's movements on an additional security monitor. Suggesting to the audience, that the building they are in is clearly large and is under heavy security.
The four characters then enter a tightly-packed elevator, signifying their tight relationship and ability to work in a team. When they exit, the camera pans upwards to yet another security monitor, however this camera work is effective because it is as if the audience are ascending up the building with the characters.
The camera continues to track the characters' movements through the use of multiple secuirty monitors. We then see them stop at a door, following this the camera pans away from the screen and onto the door the men enter the room in. This suggests to the audience how far deep the men have got into this building. It also now suggests that they may now have power and control, contrasting with the opening in which it seemed the silhouette had a degree of authority over the two other protagonists.
The character in the centre of the mid shot tears off his coat to reveal four guns, each memeber of the team take one of the firearms. At the point when the jacket is torn away, the music changes to high tempo, adrenaline pumping non-diegetic music to match the speed of the action. The camera quickly zooms into the main character to enforce the high-octane action.
We then see a high speed sequence of shots with massive amounts of jump cuts to enhance the speed of the action and to immerse the audience. When the camera zooms into each character, the camera rotates quickly to possibly connote the psychotic nature of the crime. The costumes of the victims suggest that this is some sort of office building; following this, one of the protagonists opens a vault which reveals a number of diamonds. An action match is used on the diamonds to suggest their importance. We then see a still shot of the protagonists hand wielding a gun, with the director's name underneath. Giving the implication that not only is this a crime film, but also a genre trademark of the director. The music then stops and the protagonist begins to question the the man in chrage of the office.
The camera then focuses on a large diamond, suggesting its significance to the plot. This shot is accompanied by non-diegetic sleek music. Further implying the team's success and effience.
The camera once again focuses on the diamond, reiterating its importance, revealing the title of the film 'Snatch'. A clear reference to the theft of the precious gem; also 'Snatch' is that of cockney dialect, relating to the film's setting. The shot then shifts to letterbox format and rotates around the diamond to reveal a clever transition to a different man. Suggesting the criminal aspect of the film and the important trade of diamonds. His suit suggests he is a wealthy business man who may play a major role in the diamond trade industry.
Monday, 14 December 2015
Research - Trainspotting Opening Sequence
Trainspotting
Trainspotting is a 1996 British black comedy crime drama film directed by Danny Boyle. Based on the novel of the same name by Irvine Welsh, the film was released in the United Kingdom on 23 February 1996. The film follows a group of heroin addicts in a late 1980s economically depressed area of Edinburgh and their passage through life. Beyond drug addiction, other themes in the film are exploration of the urban poverty and squalor in "culturally rich" Edinburgh.
In the first frame we see the production company, Channel Four Films.
The opening to this film is extremely fast paced, we are immediately introduced to a chase scene. Connoting panic and trouble. Suggesting that, linking to the film's genre, they may have committed a crime and are avoiding capture. The camera focuses on the character's feet in the foreground, and the police in the background suggesting that they are successfully getting away.
The camera then cuts to a mid low angle shot of the protagonist, allowing the audience to see his scruffy costume, giving us an idea of his social class. The low angle may be used to suggest that he has the upper-hand in this police chase. We also see the setting in the foreground, a busy street with much litter on the pavement; hinting at the social status of the area the film takes place in,
During this opening sequence, a very fast-paced song plays (non-diegetic), making the chase high speed and adrenaline pumping. During the opening sequence, there are very little points in which the pace comes to halt. The protagonist continues to narrate over this sequence, suggesting his primary role in the film. This is also enforced by the fact that a majority of the shots are focused on him.
Medium shot of Renton smoking a joint tells the audience that he is a drug user and may be hint as to why he was being chased; also suggesting trouble may be come often to him. His clothes look old and dirty, giving us an idea of his social class, Also the room he is in looks dirty and ruined, hinting at a poor, poverty-stricken lifestyle. His facial expression show the effects of the drug he is taking.
We then see a wide shot of the group playing football, however the way they are dressed suggests they may not have enough money to afford the proper outfit. The way they stand suggests they are not taking this sport very seriously. Renton is even smoking a joint whilst on the pitch, representing him as a drug abuser.
The other team, however, are dressed in full football kits and stand as if they are proper football team. Highlighting the social barrier between the two teams.
We then see multiple freeze frames of the rest of the group. 'Sick-Boy' is seen showing anger and frustration, representing his character in a similar way.Also, his unpleasant name may be a hint at his character. After this, a freeze frame of 'Begbie' appears after he aggressively tackles an opponent. He laughs afterwards, suggesting that he is not taking this serious and perhaps enjoys the pain of others.
Finally, we see 'Spud'. The name connotes stupidity, suggesting his character isnt very smart and is clumsy. He fails to save the shot, causing the group to go mad. Also, his is wearing a Superman t-shirt which pokes humor at his character because he is far from Superman.
Then we see a mid-shot of three women and a baby. Suggesting they are the (girl)friends of the group. One woman is smoking in the company of a baby, this is often frowned upon and suggests a careless attitude.
Renton is hit in the face by the ball, then the camera jump cuts to him taking a frag from the joint. Suggesting the sensation is similar and can take you off your feet. As he falls on the pitch, the camera tracks him falling in the room due to the effect of the drug. These cuts are effective in telling the audience the falling is similar in both instances. He hits the floor simultaneously in both shots, suggesting he has hit rock-bottom with his drug-abusing lifestyle.
I have used Trainspotting as one of my primary inspirations for my opening sequence; the significance of drugs and the specific time period were linked to this film. The main character's reliance on such drugs played a large influence on my character's story.
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