Sunday, 31 January 2010
Inspirational Sub-Genres
After completing my Events Diary Blog I've found that the most suspenseful sub-genres are Conspiracy, Political, Relion and Crime. I find these sub gemnres the most inspiring as they appear to be the most controversial and are on the whole gripping, suspenseful and enticing.
Saturday, 30 January 2010
Final Cut Pro: Technical Audit of Bait Tutorial
I underwent a tutorial in Final Cut Pro to acquire basic skills in editing. During the tutorial I learnt how to mark rushes to obtain relative footage; the importance of the two screens; how to overwrite, insert and replace; how to add effects and music; add transitions; how to split footage and how to create different editing techniques such as a match cut.
There are several key features infinal cut. Such as: the canvas which is the first screen on the left of the programm that contains the original unedited footage; the viewer,which is the remaining screen and shows you the sequence you have created thus far. the time line is at the bottom of the screen is where footage can be rearranged and seen precisely at different intervals; the tool bar at the right side enables the users to switch between different tools such as the cursor or razor blade tool music can also be chosen on that side of the screen; the panel it the top left show the user a list of all the footage (which can be renamed to give a more descriptive definition); additioanlly the tool bar at the top enable the user to vary they're settings and that of the time line.
To obtain relative footage you would have to mark in and out points on the rush, to show the program exactly which pice of material needs to be extracted. This can be done by pressing 'I' for 'in' and 'O' for 'out' on the keyboard. Then dragging the footage from the canvas screen onto the time-line. You can then press 'play' on the viewer to see your extracted material.
Data can also be split using the razor blade tool, this can also you to implement transition rearrange data or delete unwanted material.
Three buttons which appear on the viewer: yellow, red and blue stand for 'inset', 'overwrite' and 'replace' respectively. This too helps when editing footage.
Transitions should be added before effects and music and a popular choice is 'Dissolve' which can show a change in time. Effects can also be used by selecting 'Command T' where an array of special effects can be used to highen the intensity of our thriller film.
Editing techniques, such as, a match cut can be created with meticulous editing and careful mark points.
Its important to make sure editing runs smoothly and that a match cut correctly shows the action; no prop or character must disappear when the action is completed.
There are several key features infinal cut. Such as: the canvas which is the first screen on the left of the programm that contains the original unedited footage; the viewer,which is the remaining screen and shows you the sequence you have created thus far. the time line is at the bottom of the screen is where footage can be rearranged and seen precisely at different intervals; the tool bar at the right side enables the users to switch between different tools such as the cursor or razor blade tool music can also be chosen on that side of the screen; the panel it the top left show the user a list of all the footage (which can be renamed to give a more descriptive definition); additioanlly the tool bar at the top enable the user to vary they're settings and that of the time line.
To obtain relative footage you would have to mark in and out points on the rush, to show the program exactly which pice of material needs to be extracted. This can be done by pressing 'I' for 'in' and 'O' for 'out' on the keyboard. Then dragging the footage from the canvas screen onto the time-line. You can then press 'play' on the viewer to see your extracted material.
Data can also be split using the razor blade tool, this can also you to implement transition rearrange data or delete unwanted material.
Three buttons which appear on the viewer: yellow, red and blue stand for 'inset', 'overwrite' and 'replace' respectively. This too helps when editing footage.
Transitions should be added before effects and music and a popular choice is 'Dissolve' which can show a change in time. Effects can also be used by selecting 'Command T' where an array of special effects can be used to highen the intensity of our thriller film.
Editing techniques, such as, a match cut can be created with meticulous editing and careful mark points.
Its important to make sure editing runs smoothly and that a match cut correctly shows the action; no prop or character must disappear when the action is completed.
Collateral Opening Sequence
Collateral (2004) is a crime drama thriller making it a hybrid genre. The Michael Mann directed film stars Tom Cruise, as wells as, Jason Statham, who are both present in the opening sequence of the film. Unlike conventional Hollywood films there are no titles and the film begins instantly; suggesting that it's a modern take on the thriller drama.
The film begins instantly and we see a medium shot of Tom Cruise walking amongst civilians in a crowded terminal (we are aware of the setting because Cruise walks past a flight board); a tracking shot follows the character and is focused only on him, whilst the slow motion special effect slightly slows the character down. The scene cuts to blurred figures and actor Jason Statham emerges from the crowd (with a newspaper), the camera is too focused on him as he appears to be walking in the opposite direction to Cruise. Subsequently, a close up shot cuts back to Cruise as slow motion decreases the frames speed. Suddenly a two shot depicts the pair colliding whilst the tilit down to close up illustrates two identical briefcases falling to the ground; diegetic sound emphasises the 'thud' as the brief case hits the floor. This scene specifically creates suspense as the audience anticipate what will occur (a briefcase switch). Dialogue is used as the pair regard each other and an over the sholder shot depicts Cruise retreating with the wrong briefcase. A non-diegetic musical score interrupts which consists of high tempo beats, which further mounts the tension.
Both actors are given a formal costume which suggests they're involved in business. However Tom Cruise is shot wearing sunglasses, his anonymity also buildds suspense as the audience aren't able to gauge his expressions and hence can't empathise with him.
On the whole the thriller film doesn't use titles but has a fast paced suspenseful opening which is a key convention in thriller films; it builds anticipation amongst its audience.
Suspense Defined
There are numerous definitions of suspense but the most common is a feeling of unease, anxity and tension; suspense is a key convention in the thriller film genre which aims to create and mount anticipation amongst its audience.
Blade ll Opening Title Sequence
Here's the Blade ll opening titles sequence which was analysed by my group:
Friday, 29 January 2010
Blade II is a 2002 'sci-fi action thriller' directed
by Guillermo Del Toro and starring Wesley Snipes. This is an immediately recognisable film by Del Toro due to the addition of darkness and monsters and evil which are reaccuring conventions we see in a lot of his movies.The film title's name 'Blade II' is thrown into the 'frame' like daggers and is written in a metallic silver shade to connote the blades in a sharp knife form which leads to the text also looking like a blade. The title The first thing we see is blood red text in a back background which is 'New line cinema' the 'distributor' of the movie. As this is the first thing we can see, i can 'suspect' it is due to their pivitol role in the 'production' of the movie. It is placed on the left hand side of the frame, to differentiate with from the other companies. Therefore the 'Amen Ra Films production' following it was placed at the centre of the frame with 'Imaginary Forces' following in the centre shortly. This vampire 'horror/action thriller' uses great 'elements' in creating an effective 'title sequence'.
The first element we recognise over the 'New Line cinema' title is the straight 'non-diegetic sound' of base and treble is the conventional superhero tone.
This sound builds a sense of 'suspense' in the thriller and gives the reader a strong feel of anticipation.
Then during the introduction of 'Amen Ra Films productions' opening clip there is a low 'crab shot' setting the 'scene' of the setting which is already introducing the audience to our 'character', his domain and already an insight into the films 'plot'. 'Imaginary Forces' are also credited in the clip.
They have used a negative camera effect in 'editing' the memory of his childhood. This effect shows an obvious change in the time frame of the story in the sequence. Other elements of shooting in a darker setting connotes that this is an 'action thriller' which is back up by the equipment that he has.
However this is slightly different to other thrillers in which they tend to hold back information about the films plot to keep the suspense and the viewer guessing, but in the title sequence of the film we have our main 'protagonist' telling us about the brief goings-on in the movie; his birth, his training and his 'motive'. Very action thriller like. This might be useful if we are trying to get out point across to our audience.
However back to the usual 'conventions of a thriller' we do not see the character face at all in the title sequence, only parts of his body and the weapons he has at his disposal, and the 'connotations' of this may be as when we do not see the full body of a character, it could imply that the character is somewhat incomplete, which would be fully plausible in a thriller and would be very much an aspect we would like to give our main 'antagonist'.
by Guillermo Del Toro and starring Wesley Snipes. This is an immediately recognisable film by Del Toro due to the addition of darkness and monsters and evil which are reaccuring conventions we see in a lot of his movies.The film title's name 'Blade II' is thrown into the 'frame' like daggers and is written in a metallic silver shade to connote the blades in a sharp knife form which leads to the text also looking like a blade. The title The first thing we see is blood red text in a back background which is 'New line cinema' the 'distributor' of the movie. As this is the first thing we can see, i can 'suspect' it is due to their pivitol role in the 'production' of the movie. It is placed on the left hand side of the frame, to differentiate with from the other companies. Therefore the 'Amen Ra Films production' following it was placed at the centre of the frame with 'Imaginary Forces' following in the centre shortly. This vampire 'horror/action thriller' uses great 'elements' in creating an effective 'title sequence'.
The first element we recognise over the 'New Line cinema' title is the straight 'non-diegetic sound' of base and treble is the conventional superhero tone.
This sound builds a sense of 'suspense' in the thriller and gives the reader a strong feel of anticipation.
Then during the introduction of 'Amen Ra Films productions' opening clip there is a low 'crab shot' setting the 'scene' of the setting which is already introducing the audience to our 'character', his domain and already an insight into the films 'plot'. 'Imaginary Forces' are also credited in the clip.
They have used a negative camera effect in 'editing' the memory of his childhood. This effect shows an obvious change in the time frame of the story in the sequence. Other elements of shooting in a darker setting connotes that this is an 'action thriller' which is back up by the equipment that he has.
However this is slightly different to other thrillers in which they tend to hold back information about the films plot to keep the suspense and the viewer guessing, but in the title sequence of the film we have our main 'protagonist' telling us about the brief goings-on in the movie; his birth, his training and his 'motive'. Very action thriller like. This might be useful if we are trying to get out point across to our audience.
However back to the usual 'conventions of a thriller' we do not see the character face at all in the title sequence, only parts of his body and the weapons he has at his disposal, and the 'connotations' of this may be as when we do not see the full body of a character, it could imply that the character is somewhat incomplete, which would be fully plausible in a thriller and would be very much an aspect we would like to give our main 'antagonist'.
Opening Title Sequence: Blade II
Blade II (2002) is an exemplar action horror thriller produced by Amen Ra Films and Directed by Guillermo Del Toro. The film's titles blend in the other features of the opening sequence, like the camera shots and voice over, and are framed in such a way that they don't distract from the overall narrative style opening of the film (it's a sequel).
The titles depicted in the opening sequence are minimal and only convey the key production companies (Amen Ra Films and Imaginary Forces) and main distributor (New Line Cinema). This is done for numerous reasons. Such as: to make the film appear innovative; so the audience remained focused on the key character Blade (played by Wesley Snipes); to create an over all artistic and fast paced title sequence.
The titles depicted in the opening sequence are minimal and only convey the key production companies (Amen Ra Films and Imaginary Forces) and main distributor (New Line Cinema). This is done for numerous reasons. Such as: to make the film appear innovative; so the audience remained focused on the key character Blade (played by Wesley Snipes); to create an over all artistic and fast paced title sequence.
The colour and font of the tiles are semantic to the images they're placed over. Throughout the opening sequence the lighting remains dim which contrast with the red titles. Red connotes danger, bloodshed and love, blades, blood and darkness as well as a blood covered newborn being taken from a mother emphasises these meanings. The end title conveys blade ll written in a silver sharp-edged font, similar to daggers, the diegetic sound of a sword slicing through the air reinforces it's appearance. The font of the titles are similar to that of a comic book font, relates to the film's identity as it was based on a series of popular comics; Marvel Enterprises were also involved in the film's production, although they aren't mention in the films opening credits.
Overall the titles reinforce the films genre which is an action horror thriller.
The main shot used throughout is panning at eye-level it gives the impression that we are spying and are given an exclusive insight to his ominous life. A majority of the shots are close ups on key props which key are conventions of vampire films, such as, silver bullets, swords, guns and the black leather costume and shades presents Blade as a reluctant hero. Over the shoulder shots of Blade are also used which build curiosity and suspense amongst the audience. Special effects, like a blur into the main distributor at the beginning of the sequence and the use of negative to present key characters which have formed Blade's persona (mother and Whistler his mentor) are also present in the opening this implies that the film may have a surreal element, whilst the negative shows it's the character's flashback. Non-diegetic medium tempo music is also used to create a seedy atmosphere and mount tension and suspense amongst the audience.
The Blade ll opening title sequence is particularly effective because although it appears minimal it conveys a lot about the films genre through the use of colour and font
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