Evaluation

Link to my evaluation website: http://emilyjapps.wix.com/fatalevaluation 

Fatal opening title sequence final cut


Fatal OTS. Final Edit from Emily Apps on Vimeo.

Continuity Task

Final Cut Of Fatal OTS

Fatal OTS. Final Edit from Emily Apps on Vimeo.

First cut feedback

After the first cut of the Fatal OTS we asked our class to watch and comment on it.

This was the cut we asked them to comment on:

Fatal- Unfinished OTS from Emily Apps on Vimeo.


And this is the video of the feedback they gave:


As a group we watched the feedback and started to improve the ots to fit the suggestions we were given.

Ident

street light studios from Emily Apps on Vimeo.

As a group, we decided to change our idents to something related for the noir film industry. We had gatherd feedback and received the comment that our first ident 'Ink inc.' is more suited to a writing or graphic based company and does not represent a noir film company to be associated with our opening title sequence. Instead me and Lily brainstormed some other company names and we came up with street light studios. I started to develop some possible idents. I came up with a few possibilities but i decided upon this (top).

During the reconsideration of the idents we realised that the Red productions ident was low quality and i was not able to animate it in a way that we liked.
I changed the logo from this:

To this:

RED ident from Emily Apps on Vimeo.

Production Process

During the editing process of the Opening Title Sequence i've used new techniques to improve the sequence. One of the techniques i've learnt is isolating a colour and enhancing it like in Sin City.

In this shot the red is isolated and enhanced and the other colours' saturation is lowered.

I did the same as i thought the effect was not over used and would set it apart from other noir OTS'. This is the original and edited version of this particular shot. This particular effect took me a while to figure out how to achieve. First i had to select the colour i wanted to isolate (in this case it was the red lipstick) and and heighten the saturation. I then had to select the other colours in the shot and reduce the saturation of them. This effect takes a while to get right but i think it looks really nice. And although it is not up to the quality of films with high production value i will still keep the effect as the lighting in our original footage is not consistent and this fixes that.

Update

Through the past few weeks I have been editing the footage we shot so far and  adding in the credits. We still have a few things to shoot such as iconography to add to the OTS.

Sound and Foleying- Unfinished

This lesson we looked at sound and how its used in films. We discussed 5 types of sound:

Dialogue- Words/Vocals's

Sound effect/Foleying- is it diegetic and is if added after?

Soundtrack- Score/Music usually added in during editing

Ambiance- Background sound e.g Birds, waves, wind. Sets the mood

Silence- No sound of any kind.

We then watched a small part of the film 'Preist' and tried to identify the sound used and what type of sound it is. This is what i came up with.

OTS- Editing

As my job is editing that includes the credits, titles and logo's in the title sequence.

We thought our ots would look more authentic with a production company so we brainstormed names and we came up with the name 'RED'. I was left to create a logo and this is what i came up with:

I made the logo on photoshop using blood splats and manipulated them to create the letters.

 We also came up with a studio name/company we called it 'inc. incorporated studios'. This is the logo i created for it. My plans for these are to animate them however these logos are not final

Neo Noir

The genre film noir extends to neo noir. This is the definition:

1. Neo-noir is a style often seen in modern motion pictures and other forms that prominently utilise elements of film noir, but with updated themes, content, style, visual elements or media that were absent in films noir of the 1940s and 1950s.

To gather more of the genre in a previous lesson we looked at different clips from Neo Noir films. We looked typical features of the noir genre and spoke we about how the film interpreted it and how it used the untypical that sets it apart from noir

The first Neo Noir extract we watched was from the 1974 film of The Red Riding Trilogy. These are the typical noir features in the extract and the untypical.

We also watched an extract from Blade Runner (set in the future).

The last extract we watched was from the 1996 film Bound

OTS- Experimenting with sound

Lilly, who has taken up the task of sorting out the sound and directing has been experimenting with sound collages that i will be adding during editing for the opening title sequence. She explained this further in a post on her own blog.

http://sandssallowsasmediaproductionschs2015.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/experimenting-with-garage-band.html

Audience Research

I did some research on Pete Buckingham, head of distribution and exhibition for the UK film council to understand more about audiences and audience theory.

Here are some statistics about UK audiences:

Young- 15-24 Year olds represent 32% of the population, but 40% of the cinema audience. By contrast 55+ represent 34% of the population, but only 20% of the cinema audience. 35-44 Year olds who make up 38% of cinema audience represent 35% of the population
Upmarket- ABC1s represent 49% of the population, but 60% of the cinema audience. We can assume the older the audience, the more upmarket.

Frequency- 15-34 Year olds represent 60% of heavy cinema goers and within that 40% are from the 15-24 group. Medium cinema goers are 50% of 25-44 year olds. The 55+ make up 32% of the light cinema goers.

From this information we see there are two main audience types, the young and the upmarket who are older people. The upmarket audience tend to frown upon the younger audience who usually prefer multiplex cinemas because it makes it a more social event. For example the ODEON in Norwich has restaurants and clubs in the vicinity, meaning it is highly likely their main customers are young people. Whereas the upmarket audience are more likely to go to an art house to watch the films, which appeals to them.

Audiences can also be categorised by what are known as clusters. These are groups of people based on averages who follow certain patterns when watching films. They include:

Hero seeker- Don't go out much, place well in advance

Impulsive materialist- Fashion victim, affluent, film-dinner-drinks, word of mouth is key

Film fanatics- Male, pre-plan their trip, 25-44, go in 2s, review-led

Impressionable socialites- Male/Female, under 25, like blockbusters, led by ads

Modern parents- Kids pressuring the parents

Fun lovers- Not film literate, big film and video consumers

Youth of today- See films as soon as they come out



These categories are not entirely accurate as they are based on averages and trends. They don't provide enough information for writers or director to use when deciding on their audience.


Pete asked audiences which activities were more important to them than films, here were the results:

OTS Title and Plot

Our title for the OTS project is 'Fatal' which is a play on words from the 'Femme Fetal' character, we called it this because our story follows our femme fatale instead of the conventional anti-hero. Because she constantly used different alias's she remains unnamed throughout the story. The plot is further explained on Lilly's blog

 http://sandssallowsasmediaproductionschs2015.blogspot.co.uk/

Opening Title Sequence- Location and Mise-en-scene

For our filming location we were planning on using the schools dark room as is it gives us more control over lighting. Which means the way in which we use lighting will be more effective. We are also using the room as it is convenient, low cost and happens to have the equipment we need (e.g lighting). We may use a different location but that has been undecided. But our current plan is to just use the dark room as we do not plan on revealing too much about the story in the opening title sequence.

As for our props we plan on using props that are commonly used in noir such as;

Alcohol
Drugs
Playing cards
Poker chips
Newspapers
Blood
Cigarettes
Smoke

It is explained in more detail on Lili's Blog:

http://lpotterasmediaproductionschs2015.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/ots-mise-en-scene-and-location.html

Key conventions for an OTS

• Title of the film
• Key actors/actresses involved
• Cast and crew members
• Director
• Producers
• The production company
• Distribution company
• Music
• Graphics/live action/both shots
• The films themes
• Presents the genre to the audience
• Pictures/images/clips/introduction of characters
• Colour scheme to match the theme
• Establishing shots that shows location

This is a college of pictures taken from a range of Opening title sequences.

I can see from a first glance how important opening title sequences. Looking at this college I found online, I can recognise some of the opening title sequences already, although two of them already have the names, Taxi Driver and Life Of Brian. In addition, I can recognise; Rocky Horror Show, Seven and James Bond- Goldfinger. So making a very iconic OTS is key as people will be able to see the opening title sequence and link it back to the whole film. From this i can gather that as it is my job is editing i need to make the title sequence as unique and recognisable as possible.

This picture demonstrates the credits you would usually  find in an OTS, unlike  old films that had all of the credits before any action on screen, modern films, but also  film noir films follow the above shown conventions.

Noir Conventions

This is a presentation i found on slide share containing and explaining the conventions of film noir. This will help my group create a more accurate noir ots and will help us how to do so.

Lighting in Film Noir

To help with my understanding of film noir and to help further enhance the OTS. During the analysis of Noir films i found that lighting is a very important part. It is used as a device that helps set the mood and mystery.


High-key Lighting

This type of lighting involves reducing the lighting ratio in the scene. It was originally used to fix technical problems as early film cameras did not deal with high contrast very well. When the amount of light is quite large it makes the subject is very visible. Scenes using this type of light tend to have minimal shadows and darkness. This type of lighting may be useful in our opening title sequence as it could be used to highlight an important prop and will help situate our OTS further in the genre . However we have to be cautious of how much we use it as if it is used too much it could effect the tone of the piece as it could remove enigma.

Low-key Lighting

This type of lighting is more relevant as it is commonly used in noir films. This is mainly due to the fact it helps exaggerate shadows. As you can see in the picture above the subject in low key lighting is a lot more mysterious and so the scene can be taken more seriously. In high-key lighting the subject appears to be a lot more innocent as white has that connotation. Low key lighting generally involves only one light and no others which minimises the contrast between the background and the subject.  This type would be the most suitable for our title sequence as it provides enough light yet it shrouds the subject enough to maintain mystery and is more common in noir films.

Noir- The Genre

During the beginning lessons about noir we worked together as a class to build a picture of what noir is we brainstormed all of the imagery which appears in noir films. These included femme-fatale, gangsters and low lighting. This was the result.

Notes for our OTS

We created a page of brief notes that includes  our characters ideas, narrative, mise-en-scene ect. This can be developed and refereed to when later creating our title sequence. We individually did a presentation explaining our roles and what exactly we are going to do in the OTS. The recording of the presentation will be added to this post and will be expanded later.

Continuity Task

Continuity task from lilypotterxo on Vimeo.

We were set continuity task to record a short clip with the following:

• A person opening a door, turning the handle and walking into a room.
• Action match
• Dialogue
• Shot reverse shot
• Following the 180º rule

We did all of these and also added:

• Credits
• A voice over
• Royalty free background music
• Black and white filter
• Close ups

The British Board of Film Classification

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), also known as the British Board of Film Censorship, is a non-governmental organisation, founded by the film industry in 1912 and responsible for the national classification and censorship of films within the United Kingdom who are funded by fees charged for those who submit films and video works for classification.

They classify films, trailers and advertisements on behalf of local authorities who licence cinemas. Their Classification Guidelines follow extensive public consultation, in order to practice applying and pay attention to changes in public's taste, attitudes, concerns and changes in the law to apply age ratings to the above.

The main roles in which the BBFC aim to achieve are, to protect children and vulnerable adults from potentially harmful or otherwise unsuitable media content and to empower consumers, particularly parents and those with responsibilities for children, to make informed viewing decisions.

When taking films into consideration, there are a number of general factors that the BBFC have to refer to when making a classification decision:

Context - The contexts is central to the question of acceptability of film and video content; taking account of issues such as public expectations of a work's audience in particular. The issue of sex, language or violence is presented within a film or video and depending on how strongly each topic is applied a classification is then applied.

Theme - the theme of a work will also be taken into consideration, but will depend significantly on the treatment of the theme and the sensitivity of its presentation. The most challenging themes such as drug misuse, sexual violence, racial hatred or violence are unlikely to be appropriate at the most junior levels of classification.

Tone and Impact - The overall tone of a work may also affect the classification decision. While the presentation of specific issues such as sex and violence may not be problematic at a particular category, a work with a dark or unsettling tone may receive a higher classification.

Discrimination - Potentially offensive content relation to matters such as race, gender, religion, disability or sexuality may arise in a wide range of works, and the classification decision will take account of the strength or impact of their conclusion of which the context of the content which may appear also to have a bearing.

Drugs - No work taken as a whole may promote the misuse of drugs and any detailed portrayal of drug misuse likely to promote the activity.

Works which normalise or glamorise drug misuse are likely to receive a higher classification than works which show drug misuse while emphasising the dangers.

Imitable Behaviour - Any detailed portrayal or criminal and violent techniques, and glamorise of easily accessible weapons, such as knives. Works which portray anti-social behaviour such as bullying and likely to receive a higher classification.


Sex- The portrayal of sexual activity can range from kissing to detail of unstimulated sex. Sex works will normally only be passes at the adult categories. However those which only contain sex will be passed at 18.

BBFC (British Board of Film Certificate) R18

R18

R18: Restricted 18.To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to adults only.

The following content is not acceptable:

• material which is in breach of the criminal law, including material judged to be obscene under the current interpretation of the Obscene Publications Act 1959 (see Annexe)

• material (including dialogue) likely to encourage an interest in sexually abusive activity which may include adults role-playing as non-adults

• the portrayal of sexual activity which involves real or apparent lack of consent. Any form of physical restraint which prevents participants from indicating a withdrawal of consent

• the infliction of pain or acts which may cause lasting physical harm, whether real or (in a sexual context) simulated. Some allowance may be made for moderate, non-abusive, consensual activity

• penetration by any object associated with violence or likely to cause physical harm

• sexual threats, humiliation or abuse which do not form part of a clearly consenting role-playing game. Strong physical or verbal abuse, even if consensual, is unlikely to be acceptable

These Guidelines will be applied to the same standard regardless of sexual orientation of the activity portrayed.

BBFC (British Board of Film Certificate) 18

18

18: Only suitable for adults

Adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:

• Where the material is in breach of the criminal law, or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence 

• Where material or treatment appears to us to risk harm to individuals or, through their behavior, to
society. For example, the detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which may cause harm to public health or morals. This may include portrayals of sadistic or sexual violence
which make this violence look appealing; reinforce the suggestion that victims enjoy sexual violence; or which invite viewer complicity in sexual violence or other harmful violent activities

• Where there are more explicit images of sexual activity in the context of a sex work (see below) or where the primary purpose of the images in question is sexual arousal In the case of video works, which may be more accessible to younger viewers, intervention may be more frequent than for cinema films. 

Sex education at 18: Where sex material genuinely seeks to inform and educate in matters such as human sexuality or safer sex and health, explicit images of sexual activity may
be permitted.

Sex works at 18: Sex works are works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation. Sex works containing only material which may be simulated are generally passed 18. Sex works containing clear images of real sex, strong fetish material, sexually explicit animated images, or other very strong sexual images will be confined to the R18 category. Material which is unacceptable in a sex work at R18 is also unacceptable in a sex work at 18.

BBFC (British Board of Film Certificate) 15

15

15: Those of 15+

Discrimination: The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour, although
there may be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory themes and language.

Drugs: Drug taking may be shown but the work as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse (for example, through instructional detail). The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances (for example, aerosols or solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable.

Imitable behaviour: Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied. Whether the depiction of easily accessible weapons is acceptable will depend on factors such as realism, context and setting.

Language: There may be strong language. Very strong language may be permitted, depending on the manner in which it is used, who is using the language, its frequency within the work as a whole and any special contextual justification.

Nudity: There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context. There may be nudity in a sexual context but usually without strong detail.

Sex: Sexual activity may be portrayed, but usually without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour, but the strongest references are unlikely to be acceptable unless justified by context. Works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation are unlikely to be acceptable.

Threat: There may be strong threat and horror. A sustained focus on sadistic or sexual threat is unlikely to be acceptable.

Violence: Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. Strong sadistic violence is also unlikely to be acceptable. There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but the depiction of sexual violence must be discreet and justified by context

BBFC (British Board of Film Certificate) 12/12A

 12/12A

12/12A: Suitable for 12+ audiences. May contain material that is not suitable for those under 12 

Discrimination: Discriminatory language or behaviour must not be endorsed by the work as a whole. Aggressive discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly condemned.

Drugs: Misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or give instructional detail. 

Imitable behaviour: No promotion of potentially dangerous behaviour which children are likely to copy. No glamorisation of realistic or easily accessible weapons such as knives. No endorsement of anti-social behaviour.

Language: There may be moderate language. Strong language may be permitted, depending on the manner in which it is used, who is using the language, its frequency within the work as a whole and any special contextual justification.

Nudity: There may be nudity, but in a sexual context it must be brief and discreet.

Sex: Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Moderate sex references are permitted, but frequent crude references are unlikely to be acceptable.

Threat: There may be moderate physical and psychological threat and horror sequences. Although some scenes may be disturbing, the overall tone should not be. Horror sequences should not be frequent or sustained.

Violence:There may be moderate violence but it should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated, and its depiction must be justified by context.

BBFC (British Board of Film Certificate) PG

PG

PG: PG or Parental guidance means that some scenes may be unsuitable for young children.

Discrimination: Discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly disapproved of, or in an educational or historical context, or in a particularly dated work with no likely appeal to children. Discrimination by a character with whom children can readily identify is unlikely to be acceptable.

Drugs: References to illegal drugs or drug misuse must be innocuous or carry a suitable anti-drug message.

Imitable behaviour: No detail of potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy, if that behaviour is presented as safe or fun. No glamorisation of realistic or easily accessible weapons such as knives. No focus on anti-social behaviour which young children are
likely to copy.

Language: Mild bad language only. Aggressive or very frequent use of mild bad language may result in a work being passed at a higher category.

Nudity: There may be nudity with no sexual context.

Sex: Sexual activity may be implied, but should be discreet and infrequent. Mild sex references and innuendo only.

Threat: Frightening sequences or situations where characters are in danger should not be prolonged or intense. Fantasy settings may be a mitigating factor.

Violence: Violence will usually be mild. However there may be moderate violence, without detail, if justified by its context (for example, history, comedy or fantasy).

BBFC (British Board of Film Certificate) U

U

U: The U rating or Universal makes it suitable for all audiences ages 4+. This should be set within a positive framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror Discrimination: discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly disapproved of.

Drugs: References to illegal drugs or drug misuse must be infrequent and innocuous, or have a clear educational purpose or anti-drug message suitable for young children. Potentially dangerous or anti-social behaviour which young children may copy must be clearly
disapproved of. No emphasis on realistic or easily accessible weapons.

Language: Infrequent use only of very mild bad language.

Nudity: Occasional nudity, with no sexual context.

Sex: Only very mild sexual behaviour(for example, kissing) and references to such behaviour
Threat: Scary or potentially unsettling sequences should be mild, brief and unlikely to cause undue anxiety to young children. The outcome should be reassuring.

Violence: Violence will generally be very mild. Mild violence may be acceptable if it is justified by context (for example, comedic, animated, wholly unrealistic).

 

Analysis of Opening Title Sequence

This is the opening title sequence to American Horror Story Asylum the third season in the AHS franchise. This season is based in an insane asylum during the 1960's.

This OTS is 1:14 long and contains dis-jointed images and videos of characters and setting. The titles in this OTS are in the AHS's signature font that features in each season, the titles appear at regular intervals and show the main characters regularly featured in the program. The sequence includes very little about the plot or characters in the show, it also includes  music box like music that does not match the images on screen this creates a creepy atmosphere that comes with the horror genre as well as the dark lighting.

The pace that the shots appear on the screen is synchronised with the changes of tempo in the music this immerses the audience and creates a flow between images that should not flow. The sequence includes very little diegetic sound from the clips and instead the music replaces most sound.

The sequence creates an enigma by only representing the theme and not introducing any of the characters or plot through anything other than fast-paced shots that say little about the characters and story. This draws audience attention as they will want to discover the characters in the show.


American Horror Story Asylum from maria on Vimeo.

What is the 180° Rule?

The 180-degree rule of shooting and editing keeps the camera on one side of the action. As a matter of convention, the camera stays on one side of the axis of action throughout a scene; this keeps characters grounded compositionally on a particular side of the screen or frame, and keeps them looking at one another when only one character is seen onscreen at a time. It is referred to as a rule because the camera, when shooting two actors, must not cross over the axis of action; if it does, it risks giving the impression that the actors' positions in the scene have been reversed.

Aladdin Film Noir Photoshoot

We got into our costumes and we started experimenting with the lighting to make them moody and melodramatic and in Noir style. After we took the pictures we started editing and playing around with the effects on photoshop and on the cameras. These were the results:

Research & Planning. Aladdin Film Noir Style

We were asked to pick a movie and adapt the plot and characters to represent that of a Film Noir. Me and Lilly chose to adapt the Disney animated movie  'Aladdin'. The adapted characters are:

Anti-Hero/Protagonist: Aladdin
Redemptive women: Jasmine
Femme Fatale: Jafar (Female Version)

The basic plot is:

Aladdin has previously been placed in jail for thievery. His sentence is over and he plans to turn over a new leaf and move away from stealing. Unfortunately, he becomes enchanted by the sorceress Jafar who seduces him and convinces him back into a life of crime. The redemptive woman Jasmine attempts and success in saving Aladdin from being arrested and jailed once more and they fall in love and live together happily for ever and ever

I will be playing Jasmine and Lilly will be playing the female Jafar. We made rough sketches of the costumes the characters will be in. 

Hit Noir Films

A short presentation of hit noir films according to IMDb:



Here is a list of Some Film Noir Fansites:

• Film Noir Foundation
• American Film Noir
• Film Noir Studies
• Film Site 
• Noir of The Week

Highlighted Film Noir Essay

What is Film Noir?

Film noir is french for black film. It was named by french critics in th 1930's who noticed the trend of how dark and downbeat the themes were of many American crime and detective films. Nino Frank was first to use the term in 1946 about films the film ‘Double Indemnity".  

Most noir films are/were filmed in black and white to help emphasise the shadows of the movies. It often doesn't show a person directly instead, distorting the person by showing them reflected in a mirror or with the use of unusual special effects. This adds to the dark and gloomy nature of a film’s plot. Film noir will frequently disturb usual narrative sequence by using Flashbacks and flash-forwards to provide background to a scene or setting. Voice over narration is also used and is usually provided by the lead actor or protagonist in the film. 

A quality that separates film noir from other genres of film is the storyline. it almost always has a murder or an  other crime as its main theme. Film noirs almost always take place in an urban setting, usually large cities like New York with the action taking place in bars, nightclubs, dimly-lit alleyways and streets. In film noir the main character is normally a male who has a major character flaw which eventually leads them to ruin. There is also always a femme fetale who will be cruel and dishonest to destroy the main character.  To balance the femme fetale out there is normally a redemptive woman who is pure and virtuous and only wished the best for the main character.

These are some Noir Films provided by google:

The Lion King 'Sweded'

Mine and lilly's sweded version of the lion king.

Favourite Movie- Hercules

Hercules is my favourite movies and yes i know its a kids movie but i don't give a damn.

Some of the reasons i love this movie are:

The Sound track to this movie is just great, the original songs are very catchy and surprisingly good at explaining the story development, the back stories are well explained and are tied together well with the main story.  The script is witty and amusing to both a young and older audience, the animation is amazing. one of my favourite parts of the movie are the muses who are the narrator characters in the movie, i like them because they are sassy, great singers and generally entertaining characters.

One of the other reasons this is my favourite movie is it was constantly being played in my house because it was one of the few VHS tapes i owned for myself when i was younger. It was my favourite when i was a kid and i guess it just stuck with me.

My Top 10 Favourite Movies

1. Hercules
2. Amazing Spiderman
3. Mulan
4. White Chicks
5. 21 Jump Street
6. 10 Things I Hate About You
7. Friends With Benefits
8. X Men Days Of Future Past
9. Back To The Future
10. How To Train Your Dragon 2

What is a Sweded film?

Sweded films are amateur remakes of well known movies using limited resources and technology inspired by the 2008 comedy 'Be Kind Rewind'. The films are normally much shorter than the originals and have either a very small or no budget. They're normally recorded on either a hand held camcorder or a phone's camera. The film normal includes minimal editing and sound and music made by the films cast.

Some of the most popular sweded films can be found at http://swededcinema.com