Evaluating Students Work:

Student 1:

Evaluation:
What went well?
- The genre is clearly identified within this title sequence - it is a thriller film.
- It is set in the correct location for a thriller.
- It uses jump cuts but in an effective way which keeps you interested at all times and builds up the mystery and suspense - key parts to a thriller.
- The music was on point.
- There was a correct amount of title slates.
- The titles are well edited into the scenery and blend in well.
- It leaves asking questions.

What could be improved?
- At one point within the chase you can hear the man breathing which has been edited in but doesn't quite fit in as the man isn't shown to be breathing as heavy or at the same pace as the sound itself.
- They could have used match on action to give more of an effect on the man walking through the door to his house.

I would give this a grade: level 4 (GRADE A)

Student 2:

Evaluation:
What went well?
- You could clearly recognize the film's genre which is a teenage based romantic drama.
- It is set within a school and focuses on the girls journey home from school which is a realistic setting for a teenage girl.
- The composition was well and the majority of shots are in focus and uses good depth of field at the beginning showing the girl in the mirror.
- It uses the appropriate camera shots when appropriate and uses a wide variety.

What could be improved?
- The sound quality was poor; due to the voice being edited in when needed you can tell it was not recorded in a silent environment due to the fuzzy sound you can hear at the background allowing you to identify every time a sound has been edited in and out.
- Instead of using jump cuts to speed up the travelling home process they should have used match on action to make it more effective and not 'jump'.
- They didn't include enough title slates.

I would give this a grade: level 3 (GRADE B/C)

Student 3: 

Evaluation:
What went well?
- You could clearly identify the films genre - Murder, mystery.
- The mysterious music at the beginning linked well with the scene and the build up of the scene.

What could be improved?
- The focusing in the camera.
- They broke the 360° rule and jumped from shot to shot.
- When the 2 detectives came in and explained the shot wounds to the chest there was no indication of any shooting that happened within the room.
- There was a delay in sound effects when the woman got 'shot'.
- There was not enough title slates.
- Within the clip there are points that it was silent, no scene is ever silent.

I would give this a grade: High level 2 (GRADE D)

Falling Down Sound Edit:

This edit shows that we understand the use of sound within a video clip. This edit was the first time of experiencing sound files and using Garage Band to link the sounds we felt appropriate to the clip given to us from falling down.

What I learnt?
- I learnt how to use and navigate my way around Garage Band
- I was able to create multiple layers of sound to give different atmospheres 
- I was able to link the correct sound to a specific aspect of the clip
- I learnt why sound is so important within a clip. If you listen to the same clip one with the imagery and one without you get a different vibe and connect more to the different meanings of the clip.

What went well?
- I created multiple layers of sound for example; the sound effects of the bee buzzing alongside the busy road traffic and the talking/laughing of children on the school bus.
- I applied the correct sound to the clip successfully

What could I improve?
- I could possibly add a couple of layers to the sections of the clips where I only have 1-2 layers
- I could also use a wider variety of sounds and be more creative in making some of my own sounds that would link in with the video clip

Overall, this was an effective learning technique on how to use Garage Band and widen our knowledge on sound and the fact that there is never just one sound there are always a layer of different sounds in each little section.

Thriller Collage Showing Iconography:

Paranoia Edit

During the process of making this Paranoia scene and editing it, it was the first time of using the 'big boy' camera's - the large professional cameras; and was our second time of editing using final cut pro.

Why did we make this paranoia scene?

- To learn how to set up and use the large professional camera

- Example of how to correctly insert the battery and tape without damaging the camera

- Expand our knowledge on editing using final cut pro

- Expand our knowledge and skills on camera framing, angles and composition

- Ensuring the camera is level on the tripod at all times

What went well?

- We used camera framing, angles and composition well throughout, this gave the 'paranoid' effect on the main character which intern gave us an effective paranoia scene.

- We followed all the instructions given within the sheet as to what angles, framing, composition, positioning ect that needed to be used.

- We succeeded in creating a scene full of suspense, mystery and paranoia.

What could be improved?

- Improve our technique and skills when using the rule of thirds and depth of field.

- Ensuring the camera is focused at all times

- When filming making sure our character positioning is on key for example not to have people/objects in the background which are not needed.

- Make sure the lighting is on point 

Se7en Edit:

Here is a remake example of Se7en title sequence. The reason behind recreating this ourselves was to learn how to use Final Cut Pro; this is the first time of using Final Cut and I feel as if it went really well. 

I have learnt how to?
- Use Final Cut
- How to use inter-cutting within the sequence
- How to use cutting within the clips
- How to trim clips to the correct size wanted/needed
- How to use filters and effects to give the sequence a different feel more appropriate to the theme
- How to add title slates onto the sequence and how to make them blend and fit in.

Dexter Opening Scene Edit:

Here I have re-created the opening scene from the TV series Dexter. The reason behind re-making this specific opening was to improve our camera shooting skills - composition, framing, camera skills ect. It also shows how far we have come from our very first shoot 'Paranoia' which was shot under sir's supervision whereas this shoot was shot in the comfort of our own homes.

What I would improve:

- I would improve the close up and MACRO camera shots; I would this this because in the original sequence the shots where a lot closer than the shots we took unfortunately.

- I would also improve the timings of where each clip falls due to the ending of the sequence is in silence, however the original sequence was shot before adding the music therefore we was at a disadvantage.

- Finally, I would also improve the steaming saucepan scene as it was very effective.

In conclusion the sequence went really well and improved our knowledge of filming and shooting which will come in handy later on within the course. It was also an improvement from our first shoot and although there are some improvements to be made they are genuine improvements at this stage in the course.

                                                                         

Sound Teminology:

Synchronization: 
The process of associating audio tracks with footage, timed physically on film strip with tick marks.

Diegetic Sound:
Sound source from within the film. (Characters can hear) e.g.
- Voice of characters 
- Sound made by objects within the film
- Music represented by instruments within the film (music source from instruments being played by characters)

Non-Diegetic Sound:
Sound source that's not shown within the film (characters can't hear) e.g.
- Narrators commentary
- Sound Affects
- Music (in background ect) 

Ambience:
- The character and atmosphere of a place.
- The quality or character given to a sound recording by the space in which the sound occurs.

Foley:
The reproduction of everyday sound effects added to a film/video to enhance the audio quality e.g.
- Squeaking doors  
- Breaking glass
- Swishing of clothes
- Footsteps

Dialogue: 
A conversation between 2 or more people shown within a film.

Emotional Realism:
A soundtrack that reflects the mood of the story and the characters feelings and emotions.

Establishing sound:
The sound that establishes from the very beginning of the sound and follows throughout, the general characters of the surroundings.
Establishing sound is usually removed or reduced in volume throughout during dialogue and then return; the sound stays the same throughout.

Sound Motif:
A sound effect or combination of sound effects that are associated with a particular character, setting, situation or idea through the film.

Conventions Of A Thriller: Mind Map

This mind up expresses the different conventions within a thriller film; this allows me to know what is included in a thriller film and will in turn enable me to make my thriller to the best of my ability as I know the different conventions.

The 180° Rule:

What is the 180° rule?
It is a rule stating that a camera should be placed somewhere inside 180° on a particular side of the invisible of a shot containing two people filmed in sequence. If the camera crosses the line, confusion results for the film viewer, because it makes it look like the people are switching places as one watches the film.

- Always keep the camera on one side of the action.

Here is an example of the 360° rule and how it can look when crossing the line.

Notes to make when filming:

White Balance: Blue & Yellow
Exposure: Light & Dark
Focus: Clear & Blurry 

What are the 7 most common mistakes that people make whilst filming?
- Back lighting: either too bright or too dark (not all the time)
- Head hunting: where only the persons head is seen
- Upstanding: extreme high up angles
- Jogging: Shaky camera
- Motor zooming: zooming whilst filming (Do not zoom!)
- Snap shooting
- Fire hosting/jumping the scene: jumpy camera movement 

Match on Action Example

What is match on action?

Match on action is an editing technique which allows the editor to use continuity in which it cuts from one shot to another removing the 'boring' aspects of the clip. Match on action often involves different camera angles, shots and heights to create more of an effect and keep the viewer intrigued the whole way through the shot. Match on action is used to avoid jump cutting from scene to scene; this makes the clip flow smoothly throughout.

Ideal location For A Thriller Film: (Location Recee)

For my thriller film location I have chosen to locate mine in quite a central, main aspect of London: Piccadilly circus. Unfortunately I have not been able to visit the location in person recently but I have various reasons as to why I have chosen this specific place.  

The reasons I feel as if Piccadilly Circus will be a good choice is because I have the idea of a main character running through the streets of London and Piccadilly Circus is a main busy environment plus it mimics New York Time Square. So as the main character is running through the streets he has to juggle the battle of busy London and weaving past everybody around.

The next scene would then cut into the character running into Piccadilly Tube Station, the tube station will be dark and cold and it sets up enigma codes making you think from the start. Why is he at the tube station? Will he get the tube? If so where? It sets the scene and keeps you intrigued throughout.

The Purge: Thriller Spoiler Review

Its 2022. Crime in the USA is at a very minimum amount of 1% thanks to the annual Purge that takes place over 12 hours from 7pm on the 21^st March until 7am the following morning. During the purge, people are allowed to commit any crime they wish without any form of consequence against anyone except Category 10 US government officials. Throughout the annual Purge no emergency services are available, meaning no ambulance, police or fire services are available to help those who are targeted throughout the 12 hours. Critics of the purge say that it is used by the rich to target and punish the poor as they are the only people who are unable to defend themselves.

The Purge is a great example of a thriller. The specific genres of the Purge are actually Thriller, Horror, Si-Fi and Fantasy however Thriller stands out the most. You get a real feel of suspense and mystery as you never know what’s going to happen next.

It starts off with a regular family preparing themselves for tonight’s arrival of the Purge. After lock down had started the family could continue with everyday things within the house however Charlie (the young boy) spots a man screaming for help in the neighbourhood. He looked as if he was in pain and was terrified for his life. When Charlie was alone in the basement you see him tempt forwards to unarm the house. Straight away, your first instinct is to scream at the TV “DON’T DO IT!”, ”DON’T LET THE MAN IN THE HOUSE”.  The story then begins to set up various enigma codes that you are just itching to know the answers too, for example why did Charlie let the stranger into his house?

Soon after the stranger had been let into the house, the gang of people after the ‘homeless’ man appeared at the doorstep of the family. How did they know he was in that specific house? Why was they after that specific man? Many questions begin to make you wonder and want to carry on watching building up suspense as you get further in. Soon before the gang broke into the house threatening to kill not only the ‘homeless’ man but the family themselves there was power cut. This itself increased the intensity of the suspense and mystery. You see the family walking around the house in the dark trying to avoid the gang, as well as the gang trying to harm the family, but because it is dark you never know what is going to pop out. Therefore, your mind is constantly going through what could happen, keeping you intrigued and on edge at all times.

Towards the end you discover a plot twist that you would never had expected. Why did the neighbours (friends of the family) come round to their house within the Purge hours save the family, but then want to kill them themselves?

The film itself is an intense film that will keep you intrigued the whole way through, with suspense, mystery and questions throughout. It is a very successful thriller film and even leaves you at the end with an enigma code that you want to know what happens next but you will never find out.  

   

I rate this film a 4.5/5 for the thriller genre due to the high volume of suspense kept throughout.

The purge film trailer:

Enigma Codes

Enigma codes pose questions to the audience which are then answered shortly after or later on in the film. Enigma codes start off towards the very beginning of the film this is a great technique as it entices the audience and keeps them intrigued throughout the whole film instead of giving it away straight away.

Example: Fight Club

Who is Tyler Durden?

Jack- This is possibly the name of the unnamed protagonist. He was once a slave of capitalism but was aware and suffered from insomnia because of it. Upon realising this, he formed an alternate personality and alter ego called Tyler Durden in order to live a more primitive and unpredictable life. What triggered this was likely his encounter with Marla whose philosophy about life was that she could die any time. “Like so many others I had become a slave,” (referring to slave of capitalism and conforming to pointless consumerist demands.)
Tyler Durden- Our unnamed protagonists alter ego and alternate personality. Tyler Durden represented everything Jack wasn’t, a non conformer to the dominant ideologies of society and primitive in form. He guides the protagonist who imagines his presence on the path to enlightenment or rather to a primitive state of mind and for his ambitions. At the films resolution we partially believe both personalities must have fused together. Tyler is charismatic, physically capable and has no fear which is what was needed for Jack’s hidden agenda to be achieved. “The things you own end up owning you”.

Thrillers

What 2 words define the mood & atmosphere of a thriller?
- Suspense
- Mystery

Why do we have title sequences?
We have title sequences at the beginning of films to introduce the main characters, directors, production companies ect also having big names or well known production companies at the beginning of films allows the film itself as well as the actor to earn and produce more money.

How many title slates should there roughly be in a title sequence?
30

Which name comes first in a title sequence (slate 1)?
The production companies

- Thrillers are most likely to be set in cities e.g. London, New York

Napoleon Dynamite Title Remake:

Napoleon Dynamite Title Remake:

We have been set the challenge of re-making the well known title/opening sequence to Napoleon Dynamite.

The reason behind re-making this sequence is to enable us to gather the correct informations we need about title sequences and in turn how to produce on which will come in handy later on in the course.

Here we learnt how many titles are roughly in one title sequence (20-30), how to edit each clip into the correct places with the correct timings, it tells us that a title sequence must include production companies, cast ect; overall it was put in place for us to create as it helped us learn what makes up a title sequence.

Film Opening Timeline: 500 Days Of Summer

Here I have watched and drawn a timeline of an opening scene title sequence to a film: 500 Days Of Summer. The reason behind watching and recording this information into a timeline is to help us gain knowledge on title sequences for example how many slates to include when it comes to re-creating our thriller film - we need between 20-30 and also what names ect go into the title sequence to ensure that we won't leave anything important out in our own title sequences. 

How the opening sequence to 500 Days Of Summer sets up the genre, the story line and how it creates a meaning for the audience:

The opening sequence allows the audience to get a real feel for what they are watching only seconds-minutes into the film; it also clearly identifies what type of genre you are about to experience. You know straight away that you are going to encounter a sense of comedy throughout the film; we get this idea from having ‘Bitch.’ Displayed on our screens after a statement is made, however from the context it was presented in we know to take this with a pinch of salt. 

Romance: Romance is a huge part to this film. Straight away we know this is the key meaning, and this also starts to build up the story line and creates a meaningful purpose to the film for the audience to enjoy. The creators begin to show this romance in a subtle way, by presenting a man and woman sitting peacefully on a park bench focusing on the spectacular (suspected) engagement ring upon her finger.  As the voice-over begins to say “This is a story of boy meets girl” a variety of story lines, and thoughts run through the viewer’s mind allowing them to build up a meaning to the film they are about to watch. However, although romance is the key to this film, we all know that with romance there comes drama. The drama amongst the film reflects off the comedy within which gives the film a great vibe and enables viewers to relate to the various situations.

The creators of this film have done this in a very clever and special way in which viewers are continuously intrigued and can get a real spark from the film.