Prelim Exercise Animatic Storyboard.

I took pictures of our preliminary storyboard and turned it into a quick animatic.

Click here to see how the real preliminary went.

Drawings by: Ca Nhan Hua.

Thriller Sub - Genres.

There are many sub genre's that different thrillers can be categorised in, such as:

1. Action thriller: The work often features a race against the clock, contains lots of violence, and an obvious antagonist. Such as, James Bond or Mission Impossible.
2. Conspiracy thriller: The hero/heroine confronts a large, powerful group of enemies whose true extent only he/she recognizes. Such as, JFK.
3. Horror thriller: The main character is put in danger and their main enemies are unrealistic creatures in which they must destroy to achieve their goal. Such as, The Grudge.
   
4. Political thriller: the hero/heroine must ensure the stability of the government that employs him. Such as, Seven days in May.
5. Psychological thriller: the conflict between the main characters is mental and emotional, rather than physical. Such as, Paranormal Activity.
   
6. Religious thriller: the conflict between the main characters is mental and emotional, rather than physical. Such as, The Da Vinci Code.
7. Disaster thriller: the main conflict is due to some sort of natural or artificial disaster, such as floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanoes, etc. Such as, Day after Tomorrow.
   

After listing down the different types of sub-genre's in a thriller, I think that the one that currently appeals the most to me is, a mix of action, disaster, political thrillers - such as 2012. I like it because I like how a person tries to overcome political/governmental issues aroused by a person of authority. Or when there is an issue that no one can solve, and the only hope is to sacrifice the lives of others to save certain people. The hybrid of genre's really help to create such intriguing story lines that really grabs my attention and makes me want to watch more, to see what happens.

JVC Camera Tutorial.

In lesson, we were given a brief tutorial on how to use the JVC camera properly and were introduced to it's functions.

First of all, we were shown how to insert the battery onto the camera properly. The battery slot is located at the back of the camera where the eye piece is. There should be a hollow space where the battery clips into place. To take it off, you simply press the trigger down, which is located above the battery slot and slide the battery out. To turn on the camera, there is a dial at the side, where you are required to rotate it towards the "on" option.

Currently, there is no media that the recorded files can be saved onto, so there is two SDHC card compartments below the viewing screen, where you can insert your memory cards in to record onto.

Next we were introduced to the different functions of the camera. Before we begin recording, there are necessary (not compulsory) tasks that you would need to undergo to ensure best recording results. This includes checking that the camera's lense is in focus and the zoom is on the right level. To check that the camera is in focus, there is are two buttons on the side of the camera called "User 1" and "User 2". [Remember to change the switch on the side of the camera onto the focus function from zoom.] If you press on "User 1", on the viewing screen, you would see a series of lines appear on objects that are in focus. To bring your designated object into focus, you have to
turn the ring (located just behind the camera lense) until you see that you have lines on the object you want.

To zoom into an object, you simply switch the function back to zoom and you can either use the ring to zoom into an object, or use the buttons on the right hand side of the eyepiece.

To record, you just have to press the red button at the side of the camera and to stop recording you just have to press it again.

To view the media you have recorded, there are a number of buttons towards the right hand side of the viewing screen. Simply press on "Cam/Media" and the screen will take you to a menu with the different thumbnails of your recorded footage. Pressing this button will alternate between the camera and the media.

Skills audit: Livetype & Sound.

Following up the tutorial we had on Final Cut Pro, we were given addition lessons on how to use the other software's in the Final Cut Studio 3 suite - Livetype and Soundtrack Pro.

Livetype is a program used to create and customise different title sequences which can be implemented within your clips on Final Cut Pro. When you first open the program, you are faced with a complicated looking layout with many tabs and buttons involved.

We were first taught how to add text onto the screen; - this was quite simple. You just have to click on the box, on the right hand side (1st panel - A), and begin typing. You should start seeing text appear on the big checkered screen to the right. If not, you can simply press the 'Apply' button on the bottom right corner of the 2nd panel - B, above the timeline. To change the fonts of the chosen text, on panel B, click on the LiveFonts tab and you should see a list of different fonts. There will be a preview of what the text looks like in the box above. Alternatively, if the font you are looking for isn't there, you can choose from categories of text, at the drop down menu. Correspondingly, to add different effects to the text, click the effects tab on panel B, and choose from the different options and categories available. Click on the 'Apply' button when your happy with what you have selected and you should see that there is a purple bar added to your time line. To play the whole sequence together, drag the cursor on the timeline to the front, and press play (or press space bar). At first the playback will be slow because the different effects and text will have to render. After that it should play smoothly.


Soundtrack Pro is another program used in conjunction with Final Cut Pro and Livetype. The combination of the 3 all work together to produce a professionally polished sequence. First time users of Soundtrack Pro will find that this is one of the most complicated layouts out of the 3 different programs. Making a track on Soundtrack Pro consists of you building up a sequence using the different sounds and instrumentals available. The layout of Soundtrack Pro varies from time to time depending on who was on the Mac's beforehand: - may have altered it.

However, to begin, try to locate the 'Search' panel, usually situated at the bottom left of the screen. When found, there will be different categories accessible to you, and within the categories there are different genre's to choose from to narrow down the search results. From the list generated below, click through the different sounds and press play to hear a preview. When you have found one that you like, drag it onto the time line. and it should appear as a bar with the wavelength inside. If you want to add more tracks onto the time line to build up the sequence, you simply, drag other sounds onto the timeline underneath the sound you previously placed earlier.
Unlike LiveType, you can import your sequence made on Final Cut Pro, onto Soundtrack Pro, so that you can alter the different sounds to go with the sequence. When imported, the sequence will be played in the Video panel at the top left hand side of the screen.

Bag Swap Exercise

Bag Swap Exercise

My group and I were challenged to do a piece of work to get used to 'shooting scenes' after our tutorial on the usage of the camera's we were introduced to. Our task was to shoot a 'sequence' that involved a bag swap between at least two people and must include varied shots. These included 'point of view shots', 'over the shoulder shots', as well as a 'shot reverse shot'.

Together we decided to work 'internally' in City and Islington college. We varied our shots with an initial 'low angle' switching it a raising 'panning shot' of one 'subject' to introduce this character. We then had an 'external' shot of the opposite subject from out the building shooting to inside of her walking up the stairs. Our zoom and focus training came in handy as we were able to create a great'long shot' and still keep a good clarity.

We continued to use high and low angle shots as well as another brilliant long shot this time of one character ascending the stairs and another descending which showed a brilliant contrast.

Once we did the climax of the scene which was the actual 'confrontation' and the bag swap, we did a 'scrolling' low angle shot and a high angle over the shoulder shot to show clear levels and the balance of power between our two subjects. Close ups of facial expressions also showed 'emotions' and the relationship between the two characters.

We made both characters appear to collide with one another therefore dropping their bags. With both of them holding the bags on similar hands once they dropped their bags and went back to pick them up we had them pick it up with their opposite hands thus the 'inconspicuous' bag swap.

" I think that it showed that this was our
first try at camera work together by the
quality of our work. Although we were
able to execute the shots required and
the task of the bag swap we lacked the
originality needed, however like i said
it was our first attempt and we will
be looking to progress with our latter
work and i'm sure we will as we keep
on practising."

Camera Tutorial

Camera Tutorial

During my tutorial about using the new camera's, we were thought about keeping the camera in good working order as well as how to get the best out of our shots.

We were shown the basic about sloting in our 'memory cards' in 'slot A' and 'slot B' as well as playing back what we shot by pressing 'cam-media' on the screen's control buttons. We were trained on how to protect the 'lens' by closing it when not in use and not touching it at all to keep 'footage' clean. We also learnt crucially about 'zoom' and 'focus' training.

We were thought how to zoom into objects or people and then to allow us to get a better 'picture quality' by adjusting the focus to the right level of 'clarity'. We were also trained on how to get the best 'lighting' out of our footage by making sure the 'ND filter' is on and not off unless when the lens is exposed to alot of sunlight or else our footage will seem dark.

Thriller Sub-Genres

Thriller Genres

In order for my group an I to make a succesful thriller opening sequence we must be able to choose what type of thriller movie we would like to do, to allow us to put our main focus to that 'genre', instead of trying to mix a various genres together. i have selected a few in which i feel inspires me personally at the moment and which i believe that my group and I could do together;

• Action-Thriller: I've always loved the idea of creating an action thriller with a 'protagonist' and an 'antagonist', with the antagonist having a hold over the protagonist. It has always excited me however u have to realise that to create a good 'action thriller', a good 'budget' is required, whcih we don't have therefore out sequence would be limited in terms of 'action'.

• Psychological-Thriller: A 'psycho-thriller' is often the ideal genre looked on when making a short low to no budget film. The ability to limit 'physical action' but still create and 'intense' plot is the u.s.p. What intrigues me about psycho-thrillers is the balance of power is usually to the antagonist who has a 'mental' hold over the main antagonist and in some cases still wins the mental battle for example in psycho-thrillers like 'Se7en' and 'Inside man'. So the idea that the good guy doesn't always win attracts me to this 'sub-genre'.

• Political/Spy-Thriller: Although these can be seen as seperate sub-genres, i have put them together due to the fact that they both have similar 'conventions'. In 'spy-thrillers' like 'James Bond' and 'The Borne Identity' we see 'spys' who work for the 'security' of a 'goverment' against modern 'terrorism'. Also in 'politcal-thrillers' there is the idea about the 'protection' of a 'government/country' and it's right when it is put under pressure but terrorist. However political-thrillers also come under 'political espionage' which could involve an antagonist having a hold over a key 'political figure' due to 'infidelity' or 'treason' e.t.c.

"Although I have only stated 4 types
of thriller sub-genres i only did so due
to me having to limit options to the ones
i feel that i would enjoy making and
which my group and I could easily make
without the restrictions of budgeting or
a large cast. Especially Pscho-thrillers
and political/spy thrillers i really feel
i can have a lot of fun making them but
when it comes down to it i will have to
make a decision which will be very tough."

Marathon Man

Marathon 'Man' is a 1976 'psychological thriller' written by William Goldman, directed by John Schlesinger and starred Dustin Hoffman in the main protagonist role.
The Movie was distributed by one of hollywoods 'Big Six', 'Paramount Pictures'.
After watching 'Marathon Man', i have been able to think of alot of ideas that i can use in trying to create a 'non-cliche' psychological thriller with a lot of originality, and this was a great film to get inspiration from.

There are alot of 'tense' moments in this original pyscho-thriller picture which made films after it seem almost a copy and not as good. However I am going to specifically focus on one scene in particular which i think has a lot of elements that i can derive from and use for my one thriller.

The scene starts off with darkness but we can catch the character which is Hoffman's charcter (Thomas "Babe" Levy) in some sort of distress, and straight away it grabs the audience's attention. The shot then switches to a 'medium long shot' once the light turns on and the introduction of the main antagonist (Dr Christian Szell) played by Laurence Olivier. This shot now shows us the position Levy is in strapped to a chair in the middle of a 'klaustrophobic' room, he is restrained and we can see it.

We then see two 'low angle shots' of Szell's hench men who along with Szell are wearing expensive suits, looking down at Levy, who is wearing a bath robe after Szell ask's him the question "Is it safe" which the corresponds to a 'high angle shot' of Levy looking up at Szell's henchmen. These shots clearly deferentiate the 'balance of power' making Szell and his men look 'authoritive' and in 'power' whilst Levy is weak and feeble.
We the get an introductory shot of Szell. There is a close up of him washing his hands,, then a 'tilt shot' leading to his face to show his 'facial expressions', which leaves the viewer confused, why is he doing so?. We can only be led to infer than maybe he is going to treat on Levy.

What also is great about this scene is that almost all of it is shot with 'steadi-cam' to add to the 'continuity editing'. Several 'shot reverse shots' in the scene of Szell posing the question "is it safe?" leads both characters into confusion and there is a miunderstanding which is building.

The 'climax' of the scene is when there is a 'close up' of Szell unraveling his dentel apparrel which then adds up the pieces of his title and him washing his hands. He walks over to Levy and uses his apparrel to firts of all examine his teeth then as a source of 'torture'. As soon as the niddle is injected into his teeth we the audience get the climax we have been waiting for and can really 'empathise' almost with Levy, his 'pain' and the torture.
Just again to show the balance of power, Szell uses a liquid pain killer to rub in the inside of Levy's mouth to soothe the pain, just to make sure that Levy acknowledges who is in power and that he can simply inflict pain upon Levy at any given time as well as take it away, almost a god like omnipotent sense.

"For these reason's i have favoured this scene to derive
inspiration and ideas from to add to the psychological
part of my thriller as there are great elements which
include Szell repeatedly asking the question "Is it safe?"
even tho Levy has no idea what is going on. The motion
of continuity by using steadi-cam, as well as shot reverse
shots to show the different expressions of both charcters.
These subtle things could set my thriller apart from
others and i will be looking to add my one personal intake
whilst shooting with our group."

COLLATERAL

In this first couple of minutes in the film suspense was built up in a very short amount of time. for example we get a shot of Tom Cruise walking in slow motion while everyone else in faded out of lense. Then we get a shot of Jason Statham power walking like he means business towards Tom Cruise as Tom everybody around him is also faded out. As Tom and Jason get closer to each other the foot steps of Tom almost get louder. Out of nowhere we see Jason and Tom bump in to eachother which elevates the suspense in this part of the opening scene. as they finish staring eachother down we get a shot of there feet which we see two breifcases being placed on the floor one which was dropped and another which was set there. We then get a close up of both of there faces as Tom asks Jason if hes ok we here that he has got a American accent then as soon as Jason speaks we straight away can tell that these to men have got differnet lifestyles due to Jasons Cockney accent. As the two men walk away from each other the music starts to come in and builds up the tension as Tom walks away.

What is Suspense

What is Suspense

suspense definition

noun

1. the state of being undecided or undetermined
2. a state of usually anxious uncertainty, as in awaiting a decision
3. the growing interest and excitement felt while awaiting a climax or resolution, as of a novel, play, series of events, etc.
4. Rare suspension or interruption, as of a legal right

Blade 2

The style of the titles/credits on the images themselves are standing out in a sharp capital font text which are in a bright red on a black background to start with but then as Blade starts to move the credits blend in with the background that they were on. As Blade is making what seems to be silver bullets another set of credits fade in from the left of the screen which aProxy-Connection: keep-alive
Cache-Control: max-age=0

also a bright red which still stands out on the colors of Blades Jacket and Equipment, as props such as walls and chains pass through the sight of the camera the bright red text fades out to the left as the wall passes through.

As this is the second of the trilogy the images which are presented are of what had happened before in the 1st movie and how he is making his equipment he uses.

The titles say NEW LINE CINEMA PRESENTS, AN AMEN RA FILMS PRODUCTION, IN ASSOCIATION WITH IMAGINARY FORCES and at the end of the title sequence a big icon and big letters saying BLADE II comes from the top of the screens where the knife looking font comes flying in.

What appeals to me about this title sequence is that i have seen the first movie and
know the story so far, so i picked this film because i loved the first film and have watched number 2 and the 3rd movie and the images in this title sequence bring back memories when i watched the first movie.

Live Type Audit

Live Type is software whoch specialises in creating Tuitle crdits, an essential aspect to an openning thriller film. It's similar to Final Cut pro, as they both include a timeline whc helps you position the aspects of the thriller and they too can be used for the purpose of making a short thriller film.
The inclusion of title credits is an imperatve aspect of the thriller film sewunece as your audience need to be informed on at the basic elements on the production and distributiomn elements of the film, biut also the direvtor f thefilm is too indicative of its genre for insyance steven steilberg commonly makes horror films.

There are numerous features in Live Type. For example:

When i had my own experience of live type and practised all of the element to ensure i had at lest a basic greasp f the elements. I created a small title sequence which would appear on a thriller film.

News and Current Affairs.

1. Fan 'hit on head by bin' dies.
"A FOOTBALL fan critically injured at a Premier League match yesterday died in hospital, police said today."
I have chosen this story because the headline of the story seems somewhat comical, to be hit by a bin and died. However, this isn't a laughing matter and it is a real story. I have also chosen this story because it seems like a scene you would find in 'Final Destination', and from this you can create elements of thrilling and suspense attributes.
Source: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/2842971/Fan-hit-on-head-by-bin-dies.html

Date Published: 07-02-10.

2. British UFO files were censored.
"THE Ministry of Defence had to blank out 'uncomplimentary comments' made by officials about members of the public before publishing its UFO files, a newly released documents shows."
I have chosen this article because it would be perfect for a sci-fi/detective type thriller genre. This article provides the idea of having some sort of secret service agency involved such as MI5, with hi - tech devices and gadgets, which are plotting against or trying to prevent the general public from knowing the truth. This would be a good idea for a thrilling opening.
Source: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/2862239/British-UFO-files-were-censored.html

Date Published: 21-02-10.

3. Pope enters airport body scanners row.
"Benedict addresses plans for 'virtually naked' passenger images, telling airport bosses personal integrity must be safeguarded."
I have chosen this article as it gave me the idea of a religious thriller genre. By displaying religous aspects in the thriller, it would give a base for our thriller sequence, such as, conflicts between different minorities/religions in society.
Source:http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/feb/21/pope-benedict-naked-scanners-airports

Date Published: 21-02-10.

Final Cut Pro Tutorial.

Final Cut Pro (FCP) is a special editing software that’s only compatible on Apple Macs. It is used to edit sequences and combine different scenes together through the many different functions and uses of the program, to produce a high quality, cinematic sequence. In the tutorial that we received in class we were taught the basics of the program - how to place clips onto a timeline, how to add transitions, etc.

When you first open Final Cut Pro, you are introduced to a complicated-looking program full of many different buttons and tabs and screens. When the located drive folder has loaded onto one of the boxes, you are ready to start editing. All the clips and unedited footage within the box are called Rushes. To view one of the clips, you simply double click on it and it will play on the second screen box, next to the box with your unedited footage. The third screen to the right plays the footage that you have edited.

To begin editing, you click on the rush you want to begin playing it. To pinpoint where you want to begin the edit, you simply press the letter i on the keyboard, and the letter o to pinpoint where you want the edit to end. You should have 2 arrows on the timeline of the other video player which indicates where you start and stopped your edit. You then hover your mouse over the video player and simply drag clip down below onto the timeline. If you go onto the second viewing screen, to the right you can see your edited clip. There is also an easier way to place clips onto the timeline without having to drag it. On the second viewing screen, underneath the play functions, there is a red and yellow envelope-like icon. The red icon places the edited clip onto your timeline wherever the cursor is regardless if there is a clip there or not - it will overwrite it, and the yellow icon, inserts the rush in between two scenes. It’s handy because you don’t have to manually move scenes up and down to make room for the rush.

To add transitions in such as fade, dissolve etc. you would need to go back to the screen where your footage and rushes are – on the top there is a tab called Effects. From here there will be a selection of transitions you can choose from to add to your sequence to create emphasis at certain areas. Press on the transition and drag it onto your timeline to where you wish to place it and press play on the second viewing screen to see it in action. You can also access the effects tab by pressing a shortcut on your keyboard - Cmd + T (Command and T) and this will take you into the tab where the transitions are.

Events Diary

1.

American Baptists held in Haiti after trying to take children out of country

The guardian on-line today released an article stating that: "a group of 10 American Baptists were being held in the Haitian capital today after trying to take 33 children out of Haiti". I thought this peculiar story would make an interesting religious thriller as it involves a multi-state church; a crime thriller- because those involved in the church have been arrested; a conspiracy thriller because the act of illegitimately smuggling dozens of defenceless children across a border is morally questionable. These features could easily make this news story a religious crime conspiracy thriller hybrid genre, making the basis for a suspenseful and dramatic tension built film.

Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jan/31/american-baptists-arrested-taking-children
Date: 31/1/10

2.

Godfather Colin Gunn used Facebook to run empire from jail

The Times on-line released an article stating that “double-A” category inmate who is serving a 35-year sentence for conspiracy to murder, is said to be still running his drugs and organised crime cartel from jail." This would make a great basis for a crime thriller.

Source: http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/the_web/article7009743.ece
Date: 31/1/10

3.

NASA mission to unravel sun’s threat to Earth

The Times released an article stating that: "the US space agency’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) will spend five years in orbit trying to discover the causes of extreme solar activity, such as sun spots and solar winds and flares." This would make a basis for a good Epic thriller.

Source URL: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/science/space/article7009735.ece
Date: 31/1/10