Wednesday, 27 April 2016

Evaluation question 4&5 Interview responses



I conducted a brief interview with 6 young adults between 17-20. 3 girls and 3 boys. I interviewed these people because they fell under the bracket of my intended target audience age range. Of course I feel adults can watch this film and enjoy it also; however, I just feel as if my mass audience will young adults between 17-26.

Based off the interviews, I feel as if the feedback provided information which showed my film to be a general success. I likened my results from my treatment focus group, to that of the groups I just now discussed with.

What I discovered:

- Amongst the young adult groups, they all seemed to be fans of the comedy genre.
- Girls particularly were very fond of criminal dramas (which my film essentially revolves around)
- They generally like trying to figure out what's going on in the minds of characters, and trying to figure out the direction of the script
-  The suspense aspects of the opening seemed to have worked well
-Trowing the audience right into the midst of confrontation between my two key characters did prove a little confusing, but that was only to one person out of the six
- The storyline and genre of the film attracted interest from audience members as well
- The choice of locations and camera work appealed to audience members also
- The choice for a cliff hanger ending also went very well for me in terms of audience responses
- The intensity and music worked hand in hand to appeal to the audiences
- The boys all felt that the cliff hanger ending would be what hooks people into wanting to watch the film even after the intro finishes.























Wednesday, 6 April 2016

Costumes, Props and Equipment

The costumes and Props I've used for my production has been:

A green jumpsuit which was used when Tyson was leaving Tyson was leaving jail.

A black mini cooper which was the car for when Slim and Tyson were leaving jail

A prop gun for Collin

A police hat and baton for the prison guard escorting Tyson out

Equipment I've used for my production has been:

A lighting lamp for the prison scene and chapel shadow scene

A camera

A tripod




Inter-titles planning

My inter titles are used during the opening of my piece, and they are presented as Tyson is walking through the prison hallway and out to freedom. The most significant inter titles- such as the one containing the name of the film- were presented on an empty screen rather that being accompanied by the shots of my characters. I also made up a few of my own studio production and distribution companies rather than using real ones, which my film intro had no association with. Some inter titles lasted longer than others depending on factors such as: their amount of words and their importance. They all used the same font, size and they were all in capital letters.

Editing/ Filming Progress


My progress in the editing of my work is going well. After having directed my actors through the shooting process, I was able to get the intended shots which ended up looking as hoped. The programme I'm using for my editing is adobe premier pro. My opening sequence of Tyson walking through the prison hallway required a lot of editing through shot-to-shot transitions and through the use of inter-titles. This was all accompanied by quite heavy and aggressive music, which I acquired  from premium beats, to round off the intense atmosphere I was trying to create.

The next scene consists of establishing shots of chapel statues and sculptures. I tried to use a range of panning and still shots to give a sense of location; as well as atmospheric intensity, before I even began any character dialogue. This was then intensified by shadow-like silhouette  figures who were having a brief confrontation before one of the shadows shot the other. The gun shot sound was intended to be very sudden and quite startling; which is why I opted to use the gunshot sound moments after the shadows had engaged with each other and on a separate shot.

The dialogue between Fraser and JJ (Slim and Collin) held a good level of fear and intensity. I tried to be creative with my shot choices and emphasise subtle things through my editing and shots. When Collin is walking towards Slim, I used a shot from a higher ground though the ledge banisters which added an interesting and intensified aspect to the piece due to the unusual angle and choice of shot, in having the camera in a position to look as if its spying on Slim and Collin as they confront each other. I also had the shot where Collin puts his gun down at a zoomed into position to emphasise to the audience which character held the power between the two. As well as to add intensity to the fact that violence and death could happen at any moment which adds a dynamic of uncertainty for audience members.













Wednesday, 9 March 2016

Change Of plans

Having began my filming process. I've come to realise that what I had intended for my film introduction wasn't engaging enough to capture on film. And also I was trying to create more than what I needed to do; considering the fact that what needs to be filmed is the first five minutes of my film.

As a result of this I have decided to re-shoot a lot of what I have already done, however I'm going to re-script and change a lot of what I had planned to do; so that it now works a less dialogue oriented introduction and focuses more on shots and transitions.

This is better for me because with this, I intend to cut the shots which take place within the car, and instead create the same atmosphere of betrayal and deceit; but just through shots and a voice over conversation between slim and Collin. The lack of car shots will mean that I will not need to rely on finding a driver; but rather on creating the build up to the events of the car scene. It also means that I can film more indoors rather than out doors which means that I won't have to be reliant on natural lighting.

This won't set me back on time, since all I am doing is adding a few more shots and moments of dialogue to what I already have at the moment. I will then just need to edit in my new material and add new music (potentially) which should result in a more engaging piece.

Monday, 7 March 2016

Current progress


So far on my filming, things are going pretty well. I've successfully filmed and edited the opening inter title sequence. I had also shot most of my chapel scene however, I felt as if the quality of acting wasn't wherein needed to be; to effectively translate the intensity of this scene through to my audience. As a result, I have re-casted the character of Collin/ Trigger from the actor who originally was called Ollie, to an actual actor who is experienced in the craft; has starred in a school production, and wants to take acting on as a course in university. His name is Joseph Junkere and he is very excited for this opportunity and challenge. I have shot the majority of the car scene, so I just need to shoot the rest of it and add it to what's already been done for the piece for it to be complete.

Tuesday, 9 February 2016

First filming session

This is a few pictures of my first filming experience for my movie introduction Visionaries and Mortal Men.

To create the atmosphere that I needed for when Tyson was walking out of jail, I had the windows covered with a black paper material to prevent light entering the hall way and increase the intensity of the start.

The main issues which arose with this first session of filming was the interference from other students, and also how long it took to cover the windows. As a result the filming for this session has been made into a two part procedure rather than a one time thing which would've been more ideal and more time efficient.

The light was also a little too bright so I had to face it
downwards and filter it with a black sheet
of paper which then made it all work out.




Friday, 29 January 2016

Possible soundtrack ideas


Old grass loop 1

http://www.premiumbeat.com/royalty_free_music/songs/old-grass?auto

Swimming pools instrumental with hook

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pi-a5YvdqxI

So sweet loop 1

http://www.premiumbeat.com/royalty_free_music_moods/horror-dark-mystery

The Apocalypse loop 1

http://www.premiumbeat.com/royalty_free_music/trailer


These are the beats that I'm very keen on, because they hold an atmospheric sound which I feel will correctly represent the the type of vengeful plus ruthless mood Tyson is in after getting out of jail. I feel old grass, specifically,  will also give Tyson a very cool/ 'badass' persona, whilst also engaging audience members immediately.

Whereas, although, swimming pools differs greatly to old grass, I feel that it will bring an ominous and far more deeper message in regards to the character of Tyson, and I feel as if it will show him in a completely different light to that of Old grass; but still just as effective and engaging.


Theory to reality
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1udNMLoZgrM

Epic build up music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asV0447SywY

Emptiness
http://www.premiumbeat.com/royalty_free_music_moods/horror-dark-mystery

Meteor
http://www.premiumbeat.com/royalty_free_music_moods/horror-dark-mystery

These are what I have in mind for the scene when Tyson and Slim are in the car. I hoped for the voice of of Collin to synchronise with the building atmospheric music in this piece and culminate into a very intense and epic final moment for my opening.

Monday, 25 January 2016

The actors

Tomisin Fayemi

Character: Tyson Gates

Age: 17

This is who I plan on using to portray the role of Tyson Gates. I've chosen him to play the role because I feel as if he effectively embodies the persona of Tyson, and holds the necessary levels of intimidation, power and attitude when undergoing the role. I asked for him to run a couple of lines and I feel as if he did a great job in grasping the required charisma to bring the character of Tyson to life and I hope the viewers feel the same way. The only issue is that, Tom isn't the intended age of the character, however I still feel as if he adopts the role well, and I wasn't able to find anybody within the age range of 26-30 but that became less of a major issue after seeing how well Tom takes on the role.



Fraser Bolton

Character: Slim

Age: 17

The character of Slim is to be portrayed by Fraser Bolton, I originally chose him to play the character of Colin, however I thought differently after a few read throughs, in realising that his physique and mannerisms are better suited to the role of Slim. His natural cockney dialect, as well as the way he was able to engage with my script made him a clear choice for the role of Slim. The only minor problem is his age however Slim was intended to be younger than Tyson, so Fraser is closer to the age intended for slim which is 18-22.


Harry Callagher

Character: Prison guard

Age: 17

The character of the prison guard, although, not a massive role is still a necessary role for the continuity of the piece.





Joseph Junkere

Character: Collin (Trigger)

Age: 18

The role of Collin is to be portrayed by Joseph (JJ).  He was selected for the role due to the intensity and authenticity he was able to bring to the role of Collin. He was found after a long period of time; well into the shooting of my production. He was able to bring fourth an uneasy yet dangerous and unpredictable essence to the role which is something my original prospect for Collin was unable to do (to the same quality). I should mention that JJ is in fact an aspiring actor who is set to study drama at University- and his contribution to my piece is only a further credit to that fact.

Potential location of First scene

This is my initial idea of a place to shoot the leaving jail opening scene for my production. The narrow hall way and the run down essence of the place gives the further portrayal of a run down jail hall way. When I filter out the light which can get into the room with black paper or cloth going over the windows, I will go about supplying my own light through lighting equipment to add to the tension and authenticity of this opening scene.







Character costume ideas



For my prison officer I will give him a very traditional look, which will basically be the conventional prison guard attire which I found on eBay.











For Tyson, I imagine one of two possible looks for him either a causal type of look with, say, jeans and black shirt, and a coat (and possibly a chain). Or, he will be wearing a suit with an unbuttoned shirt and and no tie.

For Collin I imagine either a suit with an unbuttoned shirt and and no tie. Or a suit with a tie and possible trench coat on top.














For slim I imagine a causal look with jeans and a jumper possibly.








Wednesday, 20 January 2016

Film treatment focus group responses (Boys)




  • The treatment received a very positive review from the male audience and they all seem excited to see where this film can be taken
  • They stated that the casting of actors will play a massive role in this films appeal levels, so I will take that on board
  •  For genre of films they enjoy, they stated that comedy appeals to them most, so I will try to add elements of subtle humour (without taking away the intensity of the film) since this was an apparent request from both males and females
  • The choice in character names also presented an impact since there was a lack of intimidation behind the name colin, however I feel the name Colin is intense while also so everyday and basic it holds an aspect of fear in the sense of hiding in plain sight. That alongside his code name 'Trigger' I feel should add what I am hoping for from this character
  • There was also very useful mentions about the origins of some of my characters, and where it is they are coming from, i.e. gangs or mafia families, which could potentially add a whole new dynamic to my film 
  • The general response was that they would all pay to watch this film in a cinema which means that male viewers will most definitely be the target audience for this genre of film. They also said 3D or iMAX will increase the appeal of the film and make it far more compelling
  • Promotion and media convergence was stated to play a massive part on if the film was to be watched. The use of trailer, reviews and and e-media means of promoting the film will entice the widest range of viewers
  •  They also mentioned that there's a real gap in the market for my choice of drug genre'd film, since the drug world has only captivated the TV series market and is yet to reach film with a real success
  •  Violence was also the biggest necessity for these guys which contrasts greatly to what the girls wanted in emotion and romance
  • Aspects of comedy was requested again, which could mean I could try and find a middle ground of both romance and emotion through the use of comedy and humour whilst the film remains predominantly violent, action packed thriller
  • It was also requested that the film showcases Tyson's skill set, fighting ability and tactical mind just to emphasise how he can compete with colin who clearly beat him last time
  • They also mentioned a need for female characters, for the girls to relate to, and engage the male audience further 

Film treatment focus group responses (Girls)





  • The results from this focus group response show me that this type of film appeals to one in three girls
  • The general response showed that the film was, mainly, too violent and aggressive for two of their general likings
  • I will take on board to emphasise emotion and perhaps give Tyson a love interest to entice more female viewers
  • They stated that this particular genre of film wasn't to their personal liking but they thought the film had potential to be good
  • the girl who was interested said the film seemed "gripping" which is what I was hoping for from a thriller genre'd film
  • One of them stated that the treatment was "confusing" which may be biased to her immediate distaste of the film genre/plot, however the plot twists and turns is what I hope will make the film all the more engaging 
  • Since 2 of the three girls stated they wouldn't pay to watch the film, I will have to make sure I tailer specific moments in the film to their specific requests i.e. romance and humour as well as visual or subtle displays of emotion from characters
  • The concept of revenge seems to have been a hit since they all stated that's what excited them most about the film

Wednesday, 6 January 2016

Kingsman title sequence




As the clip begins, we are shown a spy agency helicopter shooting towards a building which results in the building releasing crumbling debris which plummets to the floor only to then tumble and roll towards the camera which is positioned at a long shot distance.


 As the debris rolls to the camera an inter title is formed which states the production company's of 'Twentieth century fox' and 'Marv'.





 We are then shown a tracking ariel shot as the camera, essentially, glides past the words and moves in conjunction with the continued falling debris to meet in the middle and present a new title which states 'a cloudy production'. A specific window is placed into the central position of the shot as the camera tracks/ glides towards the whole to a new scene where the film begins.





The choice of font is a sans-serif which usually implies feminine connotations, however in this instance, that isn't the case since this is a very masculine movie which involves a lot of action, violence and comedy. The sequence, as a whole, moves at a very quick pace and the use of non-diegetic rock/ upbeat music immediately captivates viewers and sets the tone for this type of film. The diegetic sounds of a helicopter and gunshots enhances the visual and audio experience since it is engaging to watch and listen to. The choice of a bright arabic setting also enhances how the clip looks and makes it appear as both exotic and un-known for viewers. The falling rocks which turn to titles is very effective editing and effective camera work to have to the camera track and move towards and past each title as they come and go.