FINAL OPENING SEQUENCE

What do you think you have learnt in the progression from your preliminary task to the final opening sequence?

When I first started the preliminary task I did not possess much knowledge relating to filming techniques and aspects such as positioning the camera to create effect.

I have improved a lot in terms of editing, as you can see from my preliminary task to my final sequence the cuts are a lot more smooth and realistic and each shot flows into eachother seemlessly. In the preliminary task there were some incorrect cuts such as when my character was walking towards and opening the door to walk through. However in my final piece the cuts were very seemless as I wanted to work on this specifically.

I have also improve my mise-en-scene style as in the preliminary task my choice of mise-en-scene was really unrelated to the theme of the sequence and was not chosen for effect. However now as you can see in my final sequence I focused on the mise-en-scene and as the theme was technology and we were looking to portray a typical teenage 'hacker' we made sure the bedroom was messy and had things that a hacker would have lying around. An example of this would be the Guy Fawkes mask on the desk, which has connotations of hacking as it is highly connected to 'Anonymous' a worldwide hacktivist group.

I have also improved in my framing and positioning of the camera. In the preliminary task I used an over the shoulder shot in the shot shown below. We thought that this was the appropriate shot type as it seemed effective at the time however there is a lot of empty space on the left hand side of the characters, however in our final sequence we made sure the framing was effective. For example in this shot of the character at the computer we had him on the left hand side with space on the right to reinforce some of the mise-en-scene we had purposely put in, such as the posters.

 

 

 

Questionnaire Results

Vox Pops

We carried out vox pops in order to gather research and gain feedback from our audience regarding how our title sequence relates to our target audience through the aspects of mise-en-scene, setteing, music/sound and the overall theme of technology.

Directors Commentary

Question 5

Question 6

What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

Through our project we have learned and developed numerous new and existing skills in relation to filming and editing, as well as the production of our film gained us an insight into how to adequately research what we needed.

I used various programs and applications throughout this project, including web applications such as Sliderocket and Prezi; these helped me display my findings on the conventions and general research in a visual way and not just through text. I also used programs on the Mac such as LiveType for adding the titles onto our work, and iMovie to actually construct the movie and edit our recorded shots.

When filming I used a camera with a tripod at all times, which allowed me to develop my knowledge on getting shots framed well and creatively due to the ability to customize the height and angle. We also used the HD camera which allowed us to get more high quality shots and learned how to use it.

When constructing our film we used iMovie to edit our footage. We uploaded our shots from the camera onto the computer using the memory card reader, and then proceeded to put them in order in a new iMovie project and then cut them down and rearrange them to our liking. After that we learned how to use LiveType in order to create and implement our titles, this was new software like many of the other applications so it was interesting to learn how to import and implement features created in one program into another.

Using Photoshop I learned many new effects and skills when creating the film logo and production logo, such as how to make a starry type background from scratch by purely using brushes and filters from the application.

I used my pre-existing skills in web development (namely HTML, CSS and JavaScript) to create a script which allowed us to type out sentences in a matrix-style terminal application window to look like the computer was speaking to the character in our film.

Finally I used web applications such as Prezi and SlideRocket to display my findings and productions creatively online rather than just explaining it through text posts. It enabled me to attach images and videos alongside the text which made it much clearly and helped me to get my point across as images explain the point better than words.

Question 4

Question 3

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

Our title sequence makes use of the 'sci-fi thriller' genre. Within this genre, typically you will see that there are a group of individuals that are part of a rebellious movement and therefore will be an uprising of some sort. Our film aims to target teenagers from the ages of 13-20 from any background. However we try to cater towards computer enthusiasts as younger individuals are often interested in computer hacking and other related activities.

 We gained inspiration and ideas from various films that we researched, especially involving hacking and propaganda within governments. For example, the film 'Matrix' we took various aspects from that such as the hacking, and we were also inspired from 'V For Vendetta' in terms of the corruption and immoral control of the country in the film, and how the protagonists revolts against it. We also decided to name our film 'L337' as it is a common gaming term for 'elite' and therefore will spark interest from the 'nerdy' audience that we are appealing to.

We chose MGM as the distributor of our film as we believe it relates the most to the genre of our film, and would be the most appropriate choice. This is because MGM distribute many sci-fi/action films, such as James Bond, which are similar to ours. They also target a similar audience to what we're trying to achieve as films like James Bond tend to attract a younger audience because of all the interesting technology and gadgets which are created for the purpose of the film. We have created the production company 'Python Productions' as it is very appropriate to the theme of the film and relates to hacking, as Python is a programming language on the computer and have connotations of hacking and computer science.

Evaluation Draft

In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

For our coursework we were tasked with creating an opening sequence to a new film lasting approximately two minutes. Before we even considered filming or planning the film, we needed to research opening sequences in order to identify the typical conventions within them. In almost every opening sequence there is a visual reference made to the production and distribution company, so they can gain publicity from the film that they have obviously produced/distributed. Additionally, there is also often an establishing shot which gives the audience a clear view of the location that the film takes place in so they can build up a picture of what will occur throughout the film. As well as this, we also see the use of titles very frequently, which are used so as the crew and cast members can have their contribution to the film shown so they can gain some recognition for their part in the production. Titles generally start with the stars, and then the less known actors, and then once it shows the crew members, it starts with the less important contributors and ends with the important ones like the director. Furthermore there are also many shot types, but in particular close ups are used to provoke the audience into asking questions about specific objects. We used this in our opening sequence by having close ups of various objects such as a Doctor Who 'Dalek' figure, which connotes a geeky theme which relates tot he character.

After carrying out this research into opening sequences, we decided to go with the genre of sci-fi thriller focusing around computers, technology and more specifically 'hacking'. We called our film 'L337', as it is a gaming term and appeals to technology savvy audiences who are our target audience. 

In terms of shot types, as aforementioned close ups are used to provoke a response from the audience and get them asking questions as to what relevance specific objects have to the story line as a whole, and what they could indicate is going to happen. In the film 'The Matrix' they use various close ups of computer equipment which helps the audience to identify the genre of the film and what they should expect later in the film, such as close ups of the computer mouse/keyboard which indicates that technology plays a strong part in the film. Additionally, low-key lighting is also used a lot to keep the dark, mysterious/anonymous feel to it. We used this in our film in order to promote the anonymity of the characters, and keep an eerie feel to it as the entire film is based around tense criminal activity (hacking).

How does your media product represent particular social groups? 

In our opening sequence we chose to go with just one character, who is a male and in terms of the 'geeky' theme, the character doesn't exactly fill the typical criteria. We did this personally to create a contrast within the genre, and make a point of anonymity, that anybody can be a hacker or commit a crime when they're hidden/anonymous. The character is also wearing dark clothes to stick to the thriller convention, and to highlight the fact that he is a criminal and a shady character. However in the opening sequence the character is originally shown to be innocent, and we later find out he is forced to commit the hacking crime. With this, we chose to show only his face and his hands (typing) in order to let the audience build up a picture of the character, and to be able to relate to what is happening to him, as it could happen to anybody. This is typical of a film like this, as the main character who is in a dilemma is often developed in order to get the audience behind him and supporting him on his journey.

When we framed our shots we made sure that we never uncovered more than one part of the characters features so that we could keep some anonymity about him, we also used lots of close ups so that we see specific features which need to be shown. For example, we have close ups of the character typing very fast, and lots of lines of code appearing on the screen which shows he is computer savvy. Conversely, we also used low angle shots in order to show his vulnerability once he falls into a dilemma which contrasts with the initial shots.

Animatic

Casting

 

Oliver tribe has been chosen to star as the main role of the title sequence as he has the right look for the role, this suspicious but innocent look and wears the right type of clothes which suit his look for the role. He is 17 the same age as the character and also has a background of HTML Coding so he will fit the role very well as a computer hacker.

Titles

The fonts shown above are examples of what font our titles will use. They are quite technology based fonts as well as sci fi looking fonts. It will be green like the Matrix text below and show in a similar style.

The Matrix is a sci-fi thriller which is why we have chosen to do our titles in a similar style.

Plot Synopsis

Plot Synopsis

A boy obsessed with technology purchases a brand new computer, but it isn't just a computer. One night he is awoken by a bizarre noise, and is greeted with a message on the monitor of the computer. Soon after, he discovers that his prized possession actually has a mind of its own, and is forced to carry out some unlawful tasks. After completing what was asked of him, he joins forces with a small team of elite hackers known as 'L337', and proceeds to commit a series of unethical hacks in order to rid the world of a corrupt government propaganda and introduce around a new world order!

Animatic

Shooting Schedule

Storyboards

Costumes

The general moods, themes and feelings of our costumes include:

•  Dark
• Scruffy
• Anonymous
• Hidden
• Nerd/geek
• Hacker
• Teenager
• Simplistic
• Plain

This image of one of the characters shows a brief example of what kind of characters are involved in the film. The character wears dark clothing, illustrated by the black hoodie he is wearing. This connotes anonymity, which suggests he is hiding something. We chose dark, unrevealing clothes as it keeps the characters identity hidden which is the main aim of the sequence.

Conventions of a Sci-Fi Thriller

Conventions of a Sci-fi Thriller by ollie2k12 on GoAnimate

Animation Software - Powered by GoAnimate.

(Redone the animation and embedded it, if it still doesn't work then I'll write it up in a different way)

Character Profiles

17

Male

Personality: Intelligent

Looks: Dark, brown straight hair  

Occupation: Unemployed/at College

This character is quite secretive and keeps to himself, But he looks somewhat innocent and suspicious sometimes when he keeps himself hidden away. He is intelligent especially with computers but keeps that hidden away around his friends.

Music & Sound

We have decided to use this as our opening soundtrack for the title sequence of our film. This soundtrack is royalty-free dubstep/drum and bass track, with a slight trance-feel to it. Technology is generally quite a 'dark' concept so we decided to go with a fast tempo and low pitched soundtrack. There are various 'drops' which can be synced with our shots to create a realistic effect, and keep the tempo rising.

This sound effect is the sound of typing on a keyboard. It allows the creation of an eerie atmosphere due to the echoing and isolation of the typing. This helps to show the anonymity of the character.

Storyboards

Costume Ideas

Costume

This costume is a simple combination of a dark coloured hoodie and dark jeans, this is mainly to conceal their identity, however it also indirectly emphasises their importance in society, as the dull colours and simplicity of their clothes indicate they may be reasonably insignificant.