Evaluation Question four

Who would be the audience for your media product?


I think that the ideal age of my target audience would be ages 15-24, as anyone under the age of fifteen would

Evaluation question three

What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?


I think that Twentieth Fox Film Corporation Company would be interested in distributing my film. I think this because Twentieth Fox Film Corporation Company has made thrillers similar to mine, particularly, the thriller 'Sleeping With The Enemy', I think this thriller is similar because it is suspenseful, and it builds a lot of tension. When Martin Burney Laura's husband finds her, he indirectly gives her the idea that he has found her by changing things in her house, she comes home and can tell that he is there by the house looking different, my thriller is homogeneous to this as when the killer enters the house things begin to change, i.e the candle being blown out, this makes it evident that it is not just me in the house. However my thriller is a lot more modern than 'Sleeping With The Enemy' so this media institution may like to distribute a more modern, yet suspenseful thriller. The unique, but effective sound effects made in my thriller, for example when i am chopping the fruit, or walking to my house on the front drive, are similar to The Twentieth Fox Film Corporation Companies thriller The Omen, in the opening sequence of The Omen when he is in the taxi the sounds of the other cars are made very obvious, this builds tension. However, a company such as Walt Disney Pictures have never done a thriller as most of their movies are 'U' or 'PG' as they do a lot of films targeted at young children under the age of twelve, Walt Disney Pictures would definitely not distribute my thriller.

Evaluation question two

How does your media product represent particular social groups?


I think that my media product represents young adults (ages 18-30) as all the characters in my thriller are roughly in their early twenties, i would give my thriller the certification '18', so i would not recommend children under the age of eighteen to watch my thriller. My media convention has a double view on equality with genders, as all the victims in my thriller are female this can be seen as chauvinism; however, the main characters are mostly female this would be supported from a feminist point of view. Broadly, this thriller is suitable for male and female, nevertheless, it may be more popular amongst women, as the main characters are mostly female. My partner and I did a practice movie before the main one, the murderer in this was black, we did our final thriller film with the killer being white as we did not want to racially discriminate, we also wanted to avoid being stereotypical. I think we have a wider audience with the slaughterer being caucasian, as no races are offended.

Evaluation question one

In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
My thriller film uses the characteristics from the psychological thriller Scream, which was directed by suspense master Wes Craven. This is because in my thriller and Scream both of the targets are female who get terrorized by serial killers, who are doing a joint crime whereby they call their targets and persecute them by enduring in threatening phone calls and use horror movie references.

Shot types

My filming partner and i looked at shot types as a guide to know which shot types we are going to use in our thriller opening sequence, and when we are going to use 'extreme close up' for example, and for what reason are we going to use certain shot types. 

	ECU - Extreme Closeup
	This shot type is used for very small but meaningful details in the scene. For a thriller movie it could be significant to do an extreme close up of a killer's eye if he is peeping through at his victim. The close up just reveals detail, it just gives the audience a good idea of what someone/something looks like. If there is a close up of someone's head and shoulders the viewer of the movie would have a good idea of what they look like.
	CU - Close Up
	The close up just reveals detail, it just gives the audience a good idea of what someone/something looks like. If there is a close up of someone's head and shoulders the viewer of the movie would have a good idea of what they look like.
	Head and Shoulders
	This is used in news broadcasts, the audience can clearly see the characters facial expressions with the 'head and shoulders shot'.
	Bust Shot
	This shot shows your subject from above the knees to above the head. It is often used when the subject of the shot is doing something that requires the audience to see some detail. For example in a thriller movie a bust shot would be suitable if it was of the killer holding the gun.
	MS - Medium Shot
	This shot is just below the waist to above the head. There is more headroom than in the bust shot.
	MLS - Medium Long Shot
	With this shot, you can still see expression on the character's face, and also you can be getting more information from what is going on around the person. This is one of the most common shots used.
	LS - Long Shot
	This shot is useful for someone that is walking or moving. So the audience can clearly see everything that the character is doing.
	ELS - Extra Long Shot
	Also known as the Establish shot, this gives the audience some perspective as to where the subject is. This is very important if the subject is moving to new locations or times. It lets the audience know where the video is taking place.
	2 Shot
	These shots are used when two people are in the scene and their interaction is crucial. A two-shot is a good way to introduce or show a conversation. From the introduction you might cut to an over the shoulder shot of one person talking or a close-up of the other person reacting to what is being said.
	OS - Over Shoulder
	This shot reveals one subject as seen from over the shoulder of another subject. It gives a view of the subject as seen from the second person's eyes. This shot is often used in conversations between two people where the dirtector wants to focus on the person speaking, so it is easier for the audience to follow. Usually these shots are head shots (close ups of the speaker).

Different Types of Thriller Films

1) Action Thriller
- A lot of violence
- Its a race against the clock (fast moving)
- Uses a lot of weapons, i.e guns and explosions




As an example of an opening sequence of an action thriller movie i used the newest James Bond movie 'Casino Royal'. It is very clear that this movie is an action thriller as the first couple of seconds are not at all suspenseful, James Bond is very blunt and to the point when he is talking to the other man in the movie. After that the camera cuts from the other man to James Bond and then cuts straight to a fighting scene without any conversation, this is all in the first 40 seconds of the film, this tells us that action thriller movies are fast moving, and jump straight to violence. After the fighting between the two men, the camera cuts back to James Bond and his rival, his enemy is holding a gun, this is common in action thrillers to open with weapons, without any build up.


2) Crime Thriller
- It is a mix between a crime film and a thriller film
- A crime thriller usually focuses on the criminal not the victim, which is very different to most thriller films
- And of course it focuses more on the action than the psychological aspects of the movie
- Crime Thriller's are more violent than suspenseful

As an example of an opening sequence of a crime thriller, I used The 'Godfather'. Even in the first few seconds of this movie it is evident that it is a crime thriller, as there is a shot of someone who looks like the criminal staring at an 'NYC policeman', this is repeated twice. The use of black and white represents sophistication, the music is very suited to the time period, and it gives evidence of where the film is set, the music also gives the audience the implication that it is clearly not a drama thriller, horror thriller, psychological thriller, supernatural thriller, erotic thriller or a disaster thriller, this narrows it down to being a political thriller, action thriller or of course a crime thriller, and by the shots its quite clearly a crime thriller. Within the first 30 seconds of the opening sequence there is already a shot of a photograph, this shot is of two men in suits, its a close up that focuses on their knees up to their chests, this hints investigational evidence of criminals. The title sequence also shows a lot of photographs which can be associated with crime scene investigation.

3) Disaster Thriller
- This is a thriller that includes natural disasters
- For example tsunamis or volcanoes
- These are not as thrilling as any other thriller because they are not as easy to relate to

4) Drama Thriller
- This is a thriller with drama elements
- This really differs with action thrillers as drama thrillers are very slow pacing
- Drama thrillers include a lot of plot twists this makes them exciting to watch
- They force the audience to keep interested as there is a great deal of character development









5) Erotic Thriller
- Similarly to 'drama thrillers' the erotic thriller is also a combination of two genres
- This is a combination of erotica and thriller






6) Horror Thriller
- These are usually one of the scariest types of thriller films
- The conflict between the main characters is emotional, mental and physical
- These are usually the most realistic types of thrillers








7) Political Thriller










8) Psychological Thriller
- These movies play with your head
- Similarly to 'horror thrillers' they are also one of the scariest types of thrillers as they feel very realistic
- These types of thrillers are suspenseful and slow moving
- There is a build up to the typical violent endings
- In that build up psychological thrillers consist of the characters conflicts being mental and emotional









9) Supernatural Thriller
- These thrillers are not very realistic and therefore not so thrilling
- One of the main characters who is in conflict with another one of the main characters has supernatural powers, i.e
- This thriller combines the typical thriller with the basic horror elements, i.e the use of ghosts

Independent brief notes on the opening sequences of thriller films

All of the following thriller films I chose because I thought that they all had spectacular opening sequences as they build tension:

Dexter 
-Words put together well
-Title out of blood
-Blood drops to cause suspense
-Music- cycrenis sound goes with footage
-Food made into something creepy and disgusting
-Fists scrunch together
-CU of face
-Very sinister out of normal everyday life
-Tieing shoe laces lead to strangling
-Sinister, frightening and thrilling appeal
-Boring everyday life items being made into suspense
-Cliche titles
-Very jolly and light music
-Synchronism music

Cape Fear
-Water
-Scary music, suspenseful, synchronism
-Slanted scary writing
-Dark water
-Reflections on water
-Black shadow
-Blood pool
-ECU of x-ray eyes turning into a girl talking (gradually zooming out)
-Similar to vertigo

Hostage
-Actors names written on buildings
-Music building tension
-Slow violin
-Little bit of voice is used
-Bulbed wire
-Already have the clue that it is set in the city
-House in blood
-Title in blood
-All of font written on town/city objects
-Zoom in on phone
-Jumps into footage

Burn After Reading
-Kind of thriller with comedy
-Blurred circles, orange and blue to open
-Planet earth moving round and zooming into a country
-Jungle music
-Telephone ringing over music
-Low camera angle
-Filming feet
-Someone walking into an office
-Zooming into a building from earth
-In a corridor, could be anywhere (simplistic)
-Music goes off
-Suits/ties/office/strobe lighting/pen/paper, gives an office feel
-dialogue commences

Brief notes on beginnings of thriller films that we did in class

Witness, Harrison Ford, 1985
-Paramount pictures
-Witness (slanted)
-Creepy, slow music
-Opens with a landscape, grass swaying
-Music changes, trumpet (instrument) comes in
-People walking across the field
-Horse and carriage (suited for era)
-People walking up, we gradually see their faces
-Music fades as we hear the sound of horses trotting
-People are crying, looking upset
-Dressed very outmoded
-Enigma, mystery making
-People in black (represents funeral0
-Suspense and mystery
-Electronic music, spacey feel
-Introduce Armesh
-Titles over action
-Trend followed by this
-Not dramatic

Departed, 2006
-Boston (some years ago)
-Fighting
-Deep NYC accent talk over
-Man manipulates kid
-Church
-Western music
-Gunshot (no build up)
-Only 3/4 titles (very quick)
-Low key lighting
-Comical, no ethical dilemma
-Encourage small boy into crime
-Sense of brutally shocking the audience

Children of Men, 2006
-Title
-Voiceover (can't see)
-Picture appears from a television
-Futuristic
-In London
-Bomb (at the beginning to jolt the audience)

Questionaire

Preliminary Task

Examples of The British Board of Film Classifications

 A good example of a 'U' rated movie is Shrek 2, this movie is rated 'U' because it is perfect for children of all ages, it is funny, easy to follow, imaginative, and it is also fun for all the family to watch. Shrek 2 contains very mild language, and mild comic fight scenes, however, as it is animated it is less scary for young children. Here is a movie trailer for Shrek 2:

 A good example for a 'PG' rated movie is School of Rock, this movie is rated 'PG' because it contains mild language and sex references. This movie is okay for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. It is recommended that children under the age of 12 watch this with parental supervision. Here is a movie trailer for The School of Rock:

 A good example of a '12/12A' rated movie is The Titanic, this is a classic movie that is very popular and well known. This movie is suitable for persons 12 years and over because it contains disaster related peril and violence, nudity, sensuality and brief language. Here is a movie trailer of The Titanic:

 A good example of a '15' rated movie is The Girl Next Door, this movie is suitable for only persons 15 years and over because it contains strong language and sex references. Here is a movie trailer for The Girl Next Door:

A good example of a movie that is suitable for persons of 18 years and over is the thriller movie Taken, this is only suitable for adults because it contains strong violence and extended scene of torture. Here is a movie trailer of Taken:

*I got this information from going to blockbusters movie rental, and watching those 5 movies, and then making notes on why they would have this particular rating. I got the movie trailers from youtube.

Beginning of Vertigo- 1958, Alfred Hitchock

Vertigo- 1958This movie is an American psychological thriller, it was directed by Alfred Hitchock, who is known for being the 'master of suspense'. Vertigo stars James Stewart, Kim Novak and Barbara Bel Geddes The film was written by Alec Coppel and Samuel A. Taylor, based on a novel by Boileau-Narcejac. A retired police detective, who has acrophobia, is hired as a private investigator to follow the wife of an acquaintance to uncover the mystery of her peculiar behavior. The film received mixed reviews upon initial release, but has garnered much acclaim since then and is now frequently ranked among the greatest films ever made, and often cited as a classic Hitchcock film and one of the defining works of his career.
The opening sequence begins with an extreme close up of a girl's lips, to make it seem eerie she is wearing very dark lipstick. The camera moves up to show one of her eyes. The music is dramatic and very significant in this particular opening sequence. As the titles come up the music changes, and when the titles disappear the music goes back to how it was, this is to jolt and frighten the audience. When the words 'Alfred Hitchock' appear, her eyes change to red, this signifies malice, anger and blood. The title of the movie 'Vertigo' becomes visible out of her eye. The opening sequence then jumps from a creepy and tensional opening to an action opening where there are men jumping from roofs to roofs at extreme heights at night-time, there is then a thunderous gun-shot noise. The men are risking their lives, jumping from roof to roof at soaring heights. Right at the beginning of the movie, the title is already explained, as the meaning of the word 'Vertigo' is to have a fear of heights. So, Alfred Hitchock has done a fantastic opening sequence, by merging the idea of suspense and action together.

generic conventions of thriller movies

Thriller: Generic conventions

Lighting:

Dark/noir lighting:
• To place the audience in the same position as the characters
• Evil
• Uncertainty and confusion
• Mystery/enigma
• Suspense
• The idea of nightmare

Chiaroscuro lighting:
• Extreme light on dark
• Reinforces sense of nightmare
• Illusion
• Its aesthetically pleasing

Ambient and non-ambient
• Natural and artificial lighting

Sound:

Diegetic sound:
• Sound within the mise-en-scene
• The characters can hear it
• Helps to put the audience in the character’s position

Non-diegetic sound
• Sound added afterwards
• The character can’t hear it
• Can be the added soundtrack

Film Classification Guidelines 
         Universal-suitable for all


It is almost impossible to predict what might distress any particular child, however; a film which is rated 'U' should be suitable for all audiences aged four years and over.
In a 'U' rated movie there no references to illegal drugs, unless they are very infrequent and innocuous. If there is any horror in a 'U' it should be very mild, and unlikely to cause anxiety to young children. There is no imitable behaviour, which young children are likely to copy or get ideas from. There is no use of bad language, and if there is, it is extremely mild and infrequent. A 'U' would only include very occasional natural nudity, with no sexual contact. A universal movie would not include strong 'sex scenes', it would possibly include mild sexual behaviour, i.e kissing. Themes must be sensitive and appropriate for young children to watch. In a 'U' the violence is very mild, there could possibly be a mild threat or something moderate like that.



       PG- Parental guidance 


Parental Guidance is general viewing, nevertheless; some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. Children ages eight or older should not be disturbed by a movie that is rated 'PG', parents or guardians are advised to accompany young children whilst watching a 'PG' rated movie.
Discriminatory language or behaviour is very unlikely to be acceptable in a 'PG' rated movie, unless it is clearly disapproved of, in a, educational or historical context. References to illegal drugs or drug misuse must be harmless or carry a suitable anti-drug message. Alarming or frightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense. A 'PG' does not carry out any detail of potentially dangerous behaviour, which young children are likely to copy. The use of bad language in a 'PG' is extremely mild. The nudity is natural, with absolutely not sexual context. Any sort of sexual activity is discreet and infrequent, a 'PG' only embraces mild sex references. If the 'PG' rated movie includes serious and pressing issues, nothing in their treatment should accept unacceptable behaviour. Very moderate violence, without much detail, may be allowed, if justified by its context.














    
  '12A'/'12'- Suitable For 12 Years and Over


The '12A' category exists for cinema films only, if accompanied by an adult children under the age of 12 can watch a '12A' although it is not recommended. Children below the age of 12 can not watch a '12A' film without an adult.
The '12' category exists only for video works, children under the age of 12 can not buy or rent a '12' rated video or DVD.
Discriminatory behaviour or language must not be supported by the work as a whole. Any kind of misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or encouraged. Moderate or reasonable physical and psychological threat may be permitted, provided that discomforting clips are not regular or continuous. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised, and dangerous behaviour, i.e suicide, should not be preoccupied on detail which could potentially be copied. Very strong language should be very infrequent, however; moderate and light swear words are acceptable. Nudity is allowed, but in sexual context it must be brief and subtle. Sexual references or sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Mature themes are acceptable within reason, as they must be suitable for young teenagers. Very light and moderate violence is allowed, but should not dwell on detail.



'15'- Suitable Only For 15 Years and Over 




No one under the age of 15 can watch a '15' in cinemas, or buy or rent a '15' rated video. A '15' rated film must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour. Drug taking may be displayed, but the film as a whole must not be promote drug misuse. Strong threat or danger may be shown, unless if it is sadistic or sexualised. Easily accessible weapons must not be nurtured, and dangerous behaviour should not dwell on detail which could be copied. Very strong language can be frequent, the strongest terms are acceptable if it is used in context and moderation. Nudity is acceptable in a sexual context but without strong detail, and sexual activity may be shown without strong detail. No theme is unacceptable, provided that the treatment is suitable for 15 year old children. Violence may be strong, but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury, very strong gory images are questionable, and unlikely to be acceptable.




     '18'- Suitable For Adults Only



Children under the age of 18 are not allowed to see an '18' in cinemas, they are also not allowed to rent or buy an '18'. The Human Rights Act 1998, at '18' the BBFC's guideline concerns will not normally override the principle that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment, exceptions are most likely in the following areas: Where material is in breach of the criminal law, or has been created through the commissions of a criminal offence. Where material or treatment appears to the BBFC to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society. Where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context.


*I got this information from using google search engine.