LB: Technical Analysis

Zombieland (Fleishcer, 2009):

The opening sequence of Zombieland uses a few techniques which I found where very relevant towards or intended genre. These included the uses of non-verbal language to benefit the audiences' idea generation. Along with this the sound track which it was coupled with allowed the clip to seem very immediate.

Kill Bill (Tarantino, 2003)

Kill Bill has a very simplistic opening in that is used very few camera techniques, but in the areas it kept shallow, it increased in the depth of editing, sound and most visibly mise-en-scene. To begin with Kill Bill only used to forms for camera shots, these where a birds eye and CU. But what was key to creating enigma was the use of a black and white colour wash which was very common in the film-noir period. And lastly I found that mise-en-scene played a key part in the enigma for instance as you only see the boots of 'Bill' his identity remains hidden but this connotes that he is a cowboy like figure. Whereas the main character known as 'Black Mamba' is costumed in a bridal gown. Finally, what made this sequence intriguing was non-verbal language which allows the audince to see the distressful nature of the situation.

Memento (Nolan, 2000):


Memento was another opening sequence that used very few camera shots to develop enigma. However focus remained on the photo for the majority of the clip. Memento also used high angle and low angle shots to connote the distribution of power as well as non-verbal language in order to create a connection for the audience emotionally where they are shown our main character has been crying. However what I found useful was the set design. The use of low key lighting where all light is coming from the thin window on the right hand side is the only light and the character blocking further reinforces who this story will follow as it shines onto him.

Techniques that I would like to include in our opening:

• Black and White Colour wash to help representation.
• Non-verbal language is essential.
• Diagetic sound to create verisimilitude.
• ECUs/CUs to create emotion.

Shot by Shot Technical Analysis of Kill Bill:

Shot	Time Elapsed	Mise-en-scene	Additional information
CU - Static	0:15	B/W	Heavy breathing
CU - Tracking	0:19	B/W, ‘Cowboy Boots’	Footsteps
CU - Static	1:26	B/W, napkin with Bill on it, Bill wiping ‘Black Mamba’s face with napkin.	Dialogue from ‘Bill’ but know face. Gun shot.
Opening credits	1:28

Group: Lesson Evaluation and Sound

Lesson Evaluation

In today's lesson our group mainly focussed upon storyboarding and making sure that the blog is up to date. The main highlights of the lesson included LB completing the story board and EW and YH to work on the blog posts. During the lesson we also made a list of all the props that we will need for shooting the opening. We also discussed the availability of every group and cast member for the shooting. These were the main proceedings of today's lesson.

We are not having any dialogue in our clip as to create enigma. In our opening we will have music to create tension in the clip this may be placed over the clip or through headphones. Most of the sound within the clip will be live from the filming.

Sound

Group: St John's Park Reccie

We chose St John's Park as it has some secluded fields where we can film the antagonist going to sleep. This location is very close to school so is a suitable location for filming our opening.

LB: Third Film Opening Analysis: Memento (Nolan,2000)

Narrative:

Memento is an unusual film in that it a lot is shot in reverse. It portrays the story of a man suffering from short-term memory loss, and follows hints and clues in order to find and kill the person he believes to be his wives murderer. In the opening sequence, the audience is automatically positioned with the main character that we see is staring at a photo, from which frequently we see it being shaken. However what may, go unnoticed, is that every time it has been shaken, more of the image fades which begins to create enigma within the story. In this sequence, because their is very little detail of the main story so far, a lot of the development of this enigma relies of the use of non-verbal language as well as the soundtrack, costume and make-up design. For instance, we see our main character has been crying; this could be as a result of the situation, or due to another factor, which later turns out to be the death of his wife. As well as this, because the sequence is shot in reverse, the audience generate an idea of what is about to happen within the film thus tension is further created and maintained throughout. Finally, another factor is the use of low key lighting allowing the scene to become more emotional.

Representation and Ideology:

In Mementos’ opening, it features just the two characters, both of which are male. Through the use of camera techniques such as a low angle shot on the main character to show he is in power and control in the situation. And a high angle on the secondary character to show weakness of the alleged killer. The main ideology that is challenged in the opening sequence is that men don’t cry or show an emotional side. However in this sequence it is clearly evident that our main character has been affect by the situation. Some factors such as the use of a gun connote pain and misery, as well as power and danger; thus the audience is beginning to build upon ideas based around the enigma of the film.

Group: Wilderness Woods Trial Shoot



1. What skills did you use to produce the clip?

We used multiple skills such as a pan up at the beggining of the clip as an establishing shot, next we used a running handycam shot with heavy breathing to create enigma which creates a second line of action in our clip. Next we have a static shot of a character with a camera and it keep cutting back to the running handycam shot showing that character is unaware of the approaching danger.

2. What obstacles or problems do you incur?

Because of the snow we had to be extra careful when shooting and ensuring that we did not damage the equipment. Another obstacle that we faced was again the weather as the snow made it difficult for us to do some shots such as a tracking shot. The snow also caused an interference with the quality of sound because of which we added a sound effect to the final peice when editing it.

3. How could you improve your performance next time?

We aim to do this by keeping in mind the continuity of the line of action as in some sequences the character is shown with a bag and in some shots he is without a bag. Another way we can improve on our performance is by shooting in a suitable, controlled and more safe environment with the correct conditions to avoid any incidents such as an injury to an individual or the damage to the equipment that could have been caused by the snow.

4. Evaluate the outcome of the clip

Overall the wilderness woods reccie gave us an important idea of locations that could be used for the final peice. Secondly, the wilderness woods reccie helped us set a bar for our final peice as it allowed us to practice some of the shots that we intend on using in the opening. The clip has also helped us in making our editing techniques further better than before. The reccie overall has given our group enough practice to make sure that our opening acheives top marks.

Group: Prezi Concept Development and feedback

concept development on Prezi

1. What skills did you use to produce the pitch?


In order to make the presentation the group made use of the prezi software. We collaborated together over the weekend to make a start at the presentation and as the deadline came closer increased our individual input for making the pitch.


2. What obstacles or problems do you incur?


The main obstacle that we faced was the timing of us finishing our presentation which became a bit problematic at first however we were able to overcome this problem once we sychronised our efforts toward completing the whole project.


3. How could you improve your performance next time?


We intend on improving our performance by rehearsing our presentation further. Trying to keep the film idea simplistic and by adding more data in the presentation to clarify the whole concept and make sure that the idea is properly conveyed. 


4. Evaluate the outcome of the pitch?


The pitch mostly received a positive criticism by audiences. The idea was thought to be complicated yet interesting at the same time. However, we were told that fitting the idea in 2 minutes would be difficult and that there would also be a key contribution of visual effects to create an understanding of the idea.

POSITIVES:

The pitch was mostly positively precieved by audiences our group was commended on the idea of dreams that take effect in reality. The audience also appreciated the fact that the pitch was putting a female in the role of a protagonist which would be useful in challenging ideologies against female protagonists. The audience also appreciated that there were only 2 main characters an antagonist and protagonist which helps keeps things simplistic. The audiences pointed out that it was a unique idea.

NEGATIVES:


The main negatives pointed out in the pitch were that the pitch was unable to properly convey the opening. The other criticism the pitch received that the idea was very complicated and that it would be difficult to convey it visually. Another criticism given to the pitch was that it would be time consuming to fit the opening idea in the 2 minutes given for the opening.

EW: Outside Pictures

EW: Shooting Location, The Stairs

In our opening sequence we want to use a set of stairs and luckily my room is at the top making it easier to keep continuity. 

The two pictures on the right show the stairs but the one on the left I put a lamp in the entrance, to my room, and turned off all of the lights to make it seem more sinister.

EW: Shooting Location, My Room

 As we needed a bedroom to film in I volunteered, so I took some pictures of my room to show its layout.

LB: Initial Idea

My initial idea for our course begins with the idea of having a character going into a dream, but something they do in that dream has an affect on the real world, however the character doesn't realise that what they do in the dream causes a dramatic result identical to their dream. And following on from this, it leads to another character to investigate as to why strange events keep occurring.