Planning- Draft Work

Psychological Thriller Plot:

The beginning of our Thriller begins in a bedroom, with a girl sitting on her bed looking at a photo of her and her friends. There is a flashback of the girl arguing with her ex best friends. They are fighting about Danika being a back stabber and she is left standing alone and angry. This is shown through the clip being black and white to show the past. After this event, the camera goes back to the present, in colour, and the girl is now standing in front of the picture circling, with a red pen, the three girls heads.  The photo of Jane turns into a present event where she is walking in the park with her dog. The dog ends up escaping from it's lead and the girl is left in the park alone. The antagonist takes this opportunity to jump out on the girl and pull her into the bush. There is a cut away looking up at the sky, whilst you can hear the girl screaming as she is being brutally murdered. There is another fade away at this point leading to the antagonist's bedroom, where she crosses out the face of the first victim, Jane. There is a non diagetic sound of Jane screaming in Danika's head. The shot goes back to the present moment where we see the first girl hanging out of the bush, dead, with her phone close by her side, ringing. There is then another shot of the other two girls ringing the dead girl from their house. Jane does not pick up the phone, Mia and Lily are very worried. It ends with the antagonist outside the window, looking in on the two girls. The remaining of the film is left to the audiences imagination of the other two girls being killed, as the two minute introduction ends here.  

Planning- Initial Ideas

Planning- Mind Mapping

Here are our three mind maps that we created in advance of our two minute thriller introduction. By creating these mind maps we were able to brainstorm the many different ideas that we came up with as a group, which overly helped us to think more about what our thriller was going to achieve. Whilst planning for our filming process, these spider diagrams really helped as we were able to look back on them as an excellent check list. This made sure that we included all of our initial ideas to making the filming process as effective as it could be. We are very happy with the outcome of these spider diagrams.

Planning- Target Audience Research

A target audience is who you are trying to sell your product to, this helps the media industry to expand and make profit from knowing the type of people that are interested in their products. In addition, demographics are a specific group of people that the product is aimed at. Media companies attract their audiences through marketing, which is how they inform the target audience of their product. This can be done through the media, for example the internet, billboards and TV adverts. In media we have been looking into different types of thrillers. Thrillers receive different audience and we are now going to explain what types of audiences they attract.

 This pie chart shows the percentage(%) of the general public who view horror films. As shown, more women prefer to watch horror films over men. The reasons for this is that women tend to go in large groups of women because they feel more safe in a group environment. Men go less than women because they do not tend to go in large groups, they only go when a woman is going with them.





Furthermore, this is a different type of graph showing the age range of people who view horrors. From the graph we can see that people between the age of 18-24 are the majority who watch horrors. This is because they have just turned the legal age that they can view horrors. The general populations who watch movies in general are people who are 50+. The reason for this is because these people have more times on their hand because they are no longer all working.

On the other hand, action films are viewed mainly by men compared to women. The reason for this is because men enjoy comparing themselves to the antagonist, which relates to the ideal I. Men also enjoy the thrill of violence which is used in action films. Women do not watch action movies as much because they do not go out of their way to see it because it is views as less interesting.

Finally, this graph again is showing the different age ranges that went to view action adventure movies. The main percentage of people who view action adventure films are between the age of 18-24. The reason for this is because people of this age have spare time because they are mainly university students. The general population who watch films are people who are again 50+. This relates to the previous comments on the horror genre.


Overall, this helps media productions to see who they need to advertise their film to. From these graphs the majority of people who watch horrors and action adventure movies are aged between 18-24. The overall population who view movies in general are people age 50+.

Planning- Techno Thriller

Techno Thriller
Techno thrillers are a hybrid genre. They can use aspects of sci-fi, thrillers and action to tell the story. The film can have aliens, robots and advanced weapons in it, they usually contain technology that isn't currently available in modern day society, but in this genre of films it is usually this technology that dominates the film and fights back to try and beat the protagonist/s. Examples of techno thrillers are: I, robot , The terminator and  Aliens.

The image on the left is another example of a techno thriller: Blade runner. The image clearly shows that it is set in the future as the futuristic buildings take up half of the poster and the lights are low key and create to a dark atmosphere. The male in the poster is holding a gun looking away as if to say that he is ready to fight whatever technology has to offer him and it is up to him to save the human race.

Planning- Crime Thriller

Crime Thrillers:
Crime thrillers offers a suspenseful account of a successful or failed crime. The main character is usually bad but we look at him as a good guy. He's usually bigger than real life and very violent. The films usually feature guns and an exotic location. Examples of these sort of films are Scarface, Reservoir Dogs, GoodFellas.

The poster is dark and shows the main characters in smart suits. They are at the top of the poster, looking down slightly so they look powerful. At the bottom of the poster there is a deceased body. The body being lower than the main characters portrays him as being less powerful. The street looks like downtown America. This gives it a gangster and mysterious feel to the film. The cars in the poster also look old so it looks like it is set in the 1940's.

Planning- Action Thriller

Action Thriller:

An action thriller is another sub-genre of thrillers, in which the work often features a verse against the clock, contains lots of violence and on obvious antagonist. These usually contain large amounts of guns, explosions and large elaborate set pieces for the action to take place. These films often have elements of mystery films and crime films but these elements take a backseat to action. Examples of action thrillers are: James Bond, Transporter etc.

The image on the left is showing a poster of an action thriller film; Transporter 3. The background of the poster is white to make it bright, like explosives; therefore it will make it more eye catching to the audience. The image is showing the main character of the film in a middle of a fight scene holding two guns, this is emphasising the use of guns and violence that action films portray. Moreover there is a lot of shadow across the characters face, giving a sense of mystery to the film. The title of the poster is in bold white font with a black background, making it clear to the audience.  Also there are only three main colours that are used in the poster; black, white and blue this used make it look more classic and simple, like most action films. 

Planning- Erotic Thriller

Erotic Thriller:
An erotic thriller plays against all the thriller rules. The female will always be in control and plays the antagonist. Even though it seems she is in control, the way she gains that control is through sex. The woman will always be a crazy sociopath and will remove anyone that gets in her way. Examples of these films are Basic Instinct, Play Misty for Me and Wild Things.

The poster displays two possible main characters being sexually objectified. They are being photographed in bikini's to appeal to the male audience. You can see that the women are powerful as they are looking down at the camera showing authority. However the woman in the background is looking away from the camera which makes her look like she lacks in power and is vulnerable. The setting is an exotic island but the grey sky foreshadows that something bad is going to happen. 

Planning- Torture Porn Thriller

Torture Porn Thriller:

A torture porn thriller is associated to a movie that has no real plot. The intention of a torture porn thriller is to watch with the ambition and pleasure of watching others being slowly murdered. Within this type of thriller the antagonist gets sexual pleasure through torturing the victim. Examples of torture porn are Hostel, Hostel2, Turistas and The Devil’s Rejections.

The image on the left shows another example of a Torture porno named Saw. The photo shows elements that contribute to the genre such as discoloured hand features, blood, chains and engravings. These factors contribute because they are all elements that add to the torturing of the victim. Torture porn consists of gore, sharp tools; extreme close ups and chains/ ropes. Gore adds to torture porn because people watch to see the characters brutally and slowly murdered. Without gore it would not look like the characters were really being tortured; in our opinion this is the most important element because without it people would be less interested in the genre. Furthermore, sharp tools add to torture thrillers because they allow the audience to see that the victim is experiencing pain. Sharp objects can easily cut and pierce the skin, and this is what the audience is interested in. Moreover, extreme close ups help to set the scene because the audience are more exposed to human emotion. Extreme close ups capture what the eye cannot view and therefore the audience is getting a greater insight into the pain and torture the victim is experiencing. It also allows them to view the feelings and emotions of the antagonist. Finally, chains/ropes contribute to a torture porn thriller because they help to show the victim as being helpless. The victim cannot fight back, even if they wanted to because their movement is very restricted and limited. This helps add to the scenery of torture and abuse. 

Planning- Psychological Thriller

Psychological Thriller:
A psychological thriller is another sub-genre of thriller. It is when the conflict between the main characters is emotionally based, and in order to defeat your enemies you have to overpower them mentally rather than physically. As it is a mentally based genre, it incorporates elements from the mystery genre and through the film they are exposed to danger on a mental level. Examples of psychological thrillers are: The Silence of the Lambs, Seven, Fight club etc.

The image on the left is showing a poster for another psychological film; The Sixth Sense. The background of the poster is black to add to the sense of mystery and contributes to the idea that it is a thriller as most movie poster a dark and eery yet simply. The image is showing the five senses with a sixth one being added  ( hence the name)which informs the audience that something is going to happen within the characters mind that is out of the ordinary( which is common in psychological thrillers) and this will be the main plot. The tag line "not every gift is a blessing" connotes that is something that not everyone would wish to have as it is frightening so it shows something within the movie will happen to give someone 'the sixth sense'.

Planning- Horror Thriller

Horror Thriller: 
A horror thriller is when you have conflict between the main characters and monsters. The abuse the main character receives is emotional, physical and mental. The main character is up against a superior force and they become the victims of themselves. Examples of these films are Silence of The Lambs and 28 Days Later.
The image on the left shows the poster of another horror thriller called A Nightmare on Elm Street. The poster displays factors that contribute to the genre such as the blade foreshadowing the characters head, the sexual objectification showing vulnerability and the eyes being wide spread. This helps to allow the audience to know that this is a horror thriller because these factors make the audience weary of the films content. Horrors consist of masks, low key lighting, venerability of the main character and extreme close ups, which add to the genre.  Masks add a sense of mystery to the horror because the audience and the main character are not aware of who the antagonist is. This makes the audience weary of every character in the film because there could be a possibility that they are the antagonist in disguise. In addition, low key lighting adds to the hour genre because darkness creates a sense of being alone and unaware of the surroundings. This makes the main character more vulnerable to the antagonist and adds tense situations. Furthermore, vulnerability of the main character is used in horrors because it makes the audience see that the monster has power and control over them and they are potentially hopeless. Finally, extreme close ups are a main contribution to horrors because they allow the audience to see the true emotion of the main characters and see how they are feeling.

Planning- Case Study into Opening Scene

Sinister presentation from blueskyproduction

This is our sinister presentation. Throughout this presentation we have written about four different aspects that build suspense within horrors. We have written about supernatural aspects, point of view shots, filters/burred images/low key lighting and special effects. 

Planning- Lighting

High Key Lighting: When it comes to lighting there are three key positions of lighting around the subject. One is behind the subject to the side the other two are in front of the subject on either side. This makes sure there are no shadows on the subject. This is called high key lighting, it is used to represent happy, comedy, calm and dialogue scenes. This relates to the picture on the left because it shows two girls, looking at the camera without any shadows presented on their faces.

 

Low key lighting: These are two examples of low key lighting. Low key lighting is when only certain parts of the face are lit. This creates shadows depending on where the light is positioned. In these two examples the light is placed below the chin which has an effect on where the shadows appear.  In the first picture, the background is virtually black which creates a greater effect. In the second picture, the background is more lit, which makes the shadows less prominent.This is used in horror, suspense and mystery scenes. 


Inappropriate Lighting: A light source behind the subjects, creates less prominent details on the individuals. This means facial expressions/features cannot be viewed as clearly as they should be. The picture on the left is an example of this negative effect.

Planning - Binary Structures

Planning - Binary Structure: Binary structure is a representation which is broken down into two parts one being the correct for ideal the other being incorrect. Below are a set of images I have selected from a secondary source online. Each photo is an example of how media institutions use binary structures to represent characters through the use of stereotypes using examples such as age, race, class, gender, sexuality and region.

AGE:

As you can see below are a set of two images that represent two different age groups. The one on the left is an example of a young/middle aged male and the photo on the right is an example of an old male. In media age is used to represent ability and power over the other characters. For example in media youths are seen as trouble makers, violent  inexperienced and powerless. Professional middle class men are presented as the ones that hold all the power, they are clever and wealthy. Whereas old aged individuals are seen as ultra-conservative, old fashioned and out of touch with reality. Therefore you can see from all three different age groups middle aged men are presented as the more powerful and successful over the other two age groups. 

RACE:

This is the second example of binary structure, race. Below are two examples of race, on the right hand side showing a white race man and on the left is an example of a black race man. In media EMG's are portrayed negatively as being involved in drugs, violence and anti-social behavior  They are often unaware of self aware of the inability to climb the social ladder. White raced people are seen to hold the power over black raced people as they shown as more able to complete and do what they wish and usual have the better job out of the two. 

CLASS:

Class is another example of binary structure, as you can see below are two examples of different classes in society. On the left hand side is an example of lower class people and on the right hand side is an example of middle/upper class people. In media upper class association stick to their own society. Any interaction with lower classes are involved in employer/employee relationships. They are seen as highly educated/albeit ignorant to the plights of the lower class. Whereas the lower class population are seen to work for the upper class population and tend to have a big family, and a number of children, they tend to work all their life to just get by in life, they aren't respected and looked down upon the upper class. Moreover the middle class population is portrayed as the even class out of the two, they have enough money to and a good up bring to enjoy life but not to become to snobby about it.

GENDER:

The fourth example of binary structure is gender. Below i have chosen to photos that i think represent gender in the way the media present it. On the left is an example of a female looking away and vulnerable  which is one way that the media shows the difference between the two genders. On the right there is an example of a photo of a male looking directly into the camera showing his authority. Females are usual objectified to be sexual objects for men. Women often subservient to men, in both professional and personal relationships. 

Sexuality:

This is the another example of binary structure. Below are two photos that are examples of different sexuality. As you can see on the left is an example of a straight couple and on the right is an example of two homosexuals. In media homosexuals are often portrayed as ultra-feminine or ultra masculine depending on the gender. Their work roles usually are hospitality or industry based, e.g. designer, bar or club. They are shown as outcasts and everyone makes fun of them. Straight individuals are shown as more powerful and having the better lifestyle.

REGION:

Finally region, below are two examples of two pictures showing different regions in the UK. On the left is an example of a upper class region whereas on the right is an example of a not so rich or powerful region. Depending on the region your from in the way people will look and judge you upon. In media regional representation are often ignored to the ideals of mainstream culture  Regional representation is often very heavily stereotyped.

Planning- Camera Shots and Angles

This is an example of an EXTREME CLOSE UP. It shows beyond what the human eye can see on it's own. An extreme close up shows different types of emotion or details that the viewer would not be able to see without it. An example of this would be an eye, mouth etc.






This is an example of a HIGH ANGLE SHOT. The camera is placed above eye level and looks down at the action. The effect of this is to make the subject appear smaller and less powerful, venerable and insignificant. This angle is also used to make the subject look and seem more childlike.

This is an example of a LONG SHOT. Images are seen as life size. people fill approximately 3/4 of the entire scene. There are reference surrounding them, which aid in sizing them.

This is an example of a MEDIUM SHOT. The shot shows the person from the waist up. This is also known as the Hollywood shot because it is one of the most popular shots used in the film industry today.

This is an example of a LOW ANGLE SHOT. The camera is placed below eye level and looks up at the action/subject. It makes the subject appear larger, more imposing and powerful. This shot is used in The Godfather to show that the main character has control over the other characters.

Planning- Mise en scene

Space: Space is associated with the distance from the camera and the position of the actors. In this picture all the people are set close together. This shows that there is a close relationship between the subjects. However, the person on the far left is set a little away from the rest of the group. This could represent she is less accepted in the group and feels uncomfortable with the other subjects.

Costume: Costume consists of what the subject is wearing and how the make up has been done. In media costume can be used to show what class, race, religion or character a person is. The picture on the left shows the person as a fictional Disney character. The costume is a representation of Minnie Mouse's dress. The make up that is used adds to the character by giving her the characters nose. On the right the character is dressed in a full body costume, including a mask. Having a mask adds to the illusion of the character, giving it more detail. The mask also covers the identity of the person. In media this would be used mostly in horrors or thrillers to add to the suspense.

Scenery and Props: Scenery is used to set the atmosphere in regards to the genre of the film. The setting can leave the viewer feeling safe and warm, like the picture on the left, or uneasy and nervous like a dark, silent forrest. Props are any objects used in a film. They are there to help create a scene by adding details to film. In the picture on the left the props are used to show that the room is a living room. Without the props it would just look like an empty room with no purpose.

Acting: This is the facial expressions and hand gestures used by the subject. On the left we can see a picture of a person expressing shock or surprise. We can tell that the subject is showing these emotions by the eyes being wide, the mouth being open, the hands being up and fingers splade.

Planning- Media Psychology

Freud: His theory is that the human brain can be split into three parts; Id, Ego and Superego. Each part has its own mind. The Id is only concerned about having pleasure and not worrying about the consequences. It works on impulses and instinct. The Ego is concerned with the reality and what consequences it may face. It wants approval from everyone and is highly aware of it's actions. The Superego is the negotiator of the two extreme sides of the brain. In a simpler way its like having a devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other and them both telling you to do the extreme but then you come to a suitable decision between the two, like the Superego. In films this is used to the extreme as they have the protagonist, the hero, and the antagonist, the villain. This appeases the two sides of the brain.

Lacan: Lacan’s theory is the “Ideal I”. He thought that we are unable to think of ourselves negatively and this leads us to thinking that we are always correct. We like to think we are perfect. The main reason we watch media is because through the characters on the screen we see ourselves and we come to like a certain character because they remind us of ourselves. However we don’t associate the bad aspects of the character to ourselves, only the aspects that suite us.

Voyeurism                                                       Scopophilia

Mulvey: Mulvey believes that the media is used for the sexual objectification of women. In Mulvey’s writings she talks about “The gaze”. “The gaze” fulfils our sexual desires and it creates the binary structure that the media runs off. “The gaze” creates sexual objectification and this portrays woman as being weak and easy to control. Her theory is that media uses scopophilia, pleasure through looking and listening into other peoples lives, and voyeurism, the sexual pleasure gained through spying on the human form.

Planning- Intro to Group

This is our first blog introducing Blue Sky Productions and what our project is.

Planning- Description of the Brief

For our AS Media Studies we have to create a two minute opening scene to a horror film. Throughout this process we need to track our stages through using Blogger, YouTube and social networking, for example Facebook.