Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Evaluation
Hello, my name is Charlie Sharp, and together with Tom Hughes, created a film noir two minute film opening, called Murder Case.
I helped out Tom in pre-production, shared the production roles, and did a lot of the post production. I was dominantly the lighting technician and the editor. Tom was dominantly the writer and the director. We shared all of the other roles equally among both us.
Murder Case follows a lot of Film Noir conventions. The characters follow the conventions very well. We have a cocky Chicago detective who wears the conventional outfit, light blazer and trilby hat. One of the other characters is a very dark, mysterious thug, in a dark blazer and trilby, who uses a gun, which is also conventional. The third character also wears a conventional outfit, trilby and blazer.
The setting also follows conventions very well. Dim and gloomy lighting is used conventionally, and the lighting is done well to show more about the characters than the outfits suggest.
Our film however does challenge some conventions, for example, our Film Noir focuses on the mystery aspect in the film, and revolves around the main characters journey as he delves into the mystery of the Case. Most Film Noirs feature the mystery aspect in the movie, but have other predominant themes, romance and crime. Our Film Noir is slightly leaning into the psychological thriller mystery genre more than other Film Noirs.
Also femme fatales are usually very outstanding in Film Noirs, but in Murder Case, there is none. However there is a ‘dame’ mentioned, so if the film was full feature, it is possible the audience get to meet her later on, not completely eliminating the femme fatale from the film.
Ideally, paramount pictures would distribute our film, as they have distributed several similar film noirs, for example, The Killers, and Double Indemnity, which are both similar, classic film noirs. It would be shown in cinema screens around the world. Due to Murder Case being a no budget student film, realistically it will only be distributed on YouTube and other blogging websites.
The original target audience were both genders, aged 18+, however this has changed slightly over the course of the overall production. As it will be mostly watched and judged by our peers, we have changed the target audience to males aged 16 – 45. The research really backed this up, as that certain age group was shown to like the outline of the characters and themes involved. We took a lot of information down from the audience feedback after the 1st edit was show, and used that very well into creating the 2nd and final draft of the film.
Attracting the audience came about naturally during the production of the film. The opening credits to the film have a clip of the main character looking through a brief case in the background, studying different documents then getting up and leaving, which instantly opens up several questions to the audience and makes them want to watch on. This enigma code is a big hook to the audience.
The locations are easy to understand and look nice, appealing to movie fans. The music also drives the emotion to the film and is very clear and enjoyable. The soft jazz in the bar is very conventional also. A quiet, mysterious piece of music plays when the characters are outside.
During the entire production of Murder Case I have learnt a lot. I have learnt how to use the lighting kit, and got a certificate to be able to use it for up to year. There was a lot of editing so that is a lot more experience and knowledge regarding Adobe Premiere Pro. Also I have been updating my blog using different pieces of software, such as sribd, Celtx and other programs which are very useful when uploading scripts and other information onto the internet. This will be very useful in future productions.
Overall the film went a lot better than I had predicted, and I feel me and Tom worked very well as a team. I have learnt a lot and gained a lot of helpful experience when making the film.
I know a lot more about shooting on location than beforehand. For example, I have learnt random things can occur which can hinder your shoot. When shooting on the empty roads, it turned out there was a meeting in the local town hall, which is very rare, so the usually empty roads had cars on, trying to find the town hall.
I have improved on my editing skills and know a lot more about the intricacies of Adobe Premier Pro settings, and file types of clips, and know a lot more about all that than beforehand.
General actor and casting experience has been very helpful, as dealing with actors and their limitations to time and such was a bit of a hassle, but we worked the production around when they were available, which proved extremely helpful on keeping them happy and keeping the production smooth and productive.
My time management skills have increased. This was the biggest film I have been involved in so far, and I knew this beforehand when my organisation was fairly poor. Keeping my organisation and time management was key in keeping the production productive and smooth, and together with Tom, this was not a problem.
The main thing I have learnt is not to underestimate the editing, do a lot more research on the target audience, and most of all, use the audience feedback effectively as that vastly improved our film when we did our 2nd and final drafts.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Murder Case - 1st Draft
This is the first draft of Murder Case. The audience feedback we got from this was that the voiceover was too poor quality and the story wasn't clear to follow.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Post Production - Murder Case - 1st Edit
This is our first edit. I think it went well.
The main problems I have worries about is the lack of clarity in the second part of the voiceover which could lead to audience confusion and perhaps the music at the end of the clip is not neccesary. I will get some audience feedback in the viewing later today.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Post Production - Credit Research
I had a look at various film noir credit sequences to see what is conventional and how I can use some of these conventions in my opening credit sequence.
The main title's seem to be conventionally big and bold so I will try and implement that.
I will use conventions out of credits like these and implement htem into Murder Case.
I will also use the 'handwriting font/role...........formal font/actor'
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
Production - 1st Day of Shooting
We shot scene 2 of Murder Case. Went much better than expected, we put in some new shots and actors did very well. Some shots were a bit blurry, so we redid them.
Pre Production - The Shoot
I am hoping the shoot goes well and we have planned everything efficiently. We begin filming tonight and I think it should all go smoothly. Me and Tom have talked to the actors about them bringing some clothes, but we will be providing the bulk of the costumes and also the props. We have got a few friends helping out as extras and one as a cameraman.
Our main actor is Ryan Smith, a good friend of me and Tom's. He has acted in small performances before and he is a confident actor.
The other two actors are Danny Duckworth, a good friend of me and Tom's, and Danny's dad, Vaughn. They are both eager to give it their best so all should go smoothly.
My only worry is how the lighting will come out in the first outside street location.
Our main actor is Ryan Smith, a good friend of me and Tom's. He has acted in small performances before and he is a confident actor.
The other two actors are Danny Duckworth, a good friend of me and Tom's, and Danny's dad, Vaughn. They are both eager to give it their best so all should go smoothly.
My only worry is how the lighting will come out in the first outside street location.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Pre Production Costumes and Props
Costumes
Me and Tom both looked at what costumes Film Noir character's similar to our character's typically wear.
We took inspiration from a variety of character's and looked at how certain colours/types of clothing symbolise character's personas. Also we had constraints on the costumes, as we could only use what was available to us.
Together me and tom aqquired trilby hats, and are using blazers, shirts, ties in the shoot.
Me and Tom both have a variety of outfits we can have our characters wear
This is a very dark, predominant pin striped suit which our villain could wear.
Along with a black, white collared shirt with white tie.
The combo of mainly black and white suggests a very dark, evil character but with maybe not wholly evil motives.
Here we have a grey blazer, quite casual
Along with a white shirt and black tie
And a nice grey Trilby hat, very conventional.
Our detective may wear this outfit in one of the scenes.
Props
Tom has a small replica gun our villain will be using, very conventional.
Lighting
Part of the lighting workshop was Mr. Shepard showing us how to use key lights, back lights and fill lights to light up the shot perfectly.
Key Light
Fill light
Using a gel to change the colour of the back light, leaving a nice pink light on the side of his face. Used to set the mood, in this case, romance
Back light
Lighting different characters, shot here is the 'baddie'
And the 'goodie'
Lighting the femme fatale (using a soft light)
Adjusting the barn doors to show a small ray of light across her face, to signify she has a secret
Lighting the henchmen, low lights and big, strong shadows
Pre Production - Certificate, Shot List, Storyboard
My Lighting Certificate - I will be lighting our film
Shot List
Storyboard
Pre Production - Screenplay
80234427 Behind the DoorThe original script. This was too mainly reliant on the voice over so we basically completely scrapped this plot line on the next script, keeping only the elements we really liked and other people really liked.
80234706-Murder-CaseThis is the revised script, Murder Case. It is a much more dramatic plot and will surely grab people's attention. We are working throughout making small changes, making the speech more in the 40's style etc.
The Murder Case screenplay involves many conventions of Film Noir. It has a very moody, dark theme throughout with a shocking murder, shrouded in mystery. One of our characters is smoking, and all the characters will be dressed appropriately to the setting and time period. It has a much more dark, mysterious theme throughout the film than usual film noirs. In this script, there is no femme fatale involved whatsoever, however one is mentioned by Frank. This will challenge the genre as this film is much more of a mystery thriller than a romantic film noir.
80234706-Murder-CaseThis is the revised script, Murder Case. It is a much more dramatic plot and will surely grab people's attention. We are working throughout making small changes, making the speech more in the 40's style etc.
The Murder Case screenplay involves many conventions of Film Noir. It has a very moody, dark theme throughout with a shocking murder, shrouded in mystery. One of our characters is smoking, and all the characters will be dressed appropriately to the setting and time period. It has a much more dark, mysterious theme throughout the film than usual film noirs. In this script, there is no femme fatale involved whatsoever, however one is mentioned by Frank. This will challenge the genre as this film is much more of a mystery thriller than a romantic film noir.
Location
Tom has secured a pub in Alconbury with a nice old look to it, just what we need. He has organised a time slot for us to shoot there. Also another location we are using to shoot is a street in Great Stukley which also looks quite old and also has one of the cast's houses nearby.
Main Task - Production
Kit booked out
Actors Confirmed
All costumes organised, except maybe one hat
Props organised
Location organised
Tom went to a Bar in Alconbury and we have permission to film there Saturday Morning
Bring on production!
Main Task - Production
Script - Done (2 Drafts)
Shot List - Done
Storyboard - Done
Production Schedule - In progress
Risk Assessment - In progress
Shot List - Done
Storyboard - Done
Production Schedule - In progress
Risk Assessment - In progress
Target Audience Research
Film Noir Questionnaire
I predicted the majority of people would not be avid fans of film noir, so I worked my questionaire around that, and made it more broader so I could obtain more solid data. The majority of film noir fans were male, above 25.
I predicted the majority of people would not be avid fans of film noir, so I worked my questionaire around that, and made it more broader so I could obtain more solid data. The majority of film noir fans were male, above 25.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Similar Products - Openings and Posters
Openings
The Killers
This film starts off with the universal pictures logo for a few seconds before cutting to a behind shot of two silhouetted characters in a car. It is very dark and the next shot is a sign illuminated by the light indicating where the film is set, 'Brentwood, New Jersey.' It then cuts to a long shot of a quiet town and the credits appear fading into each set of people and roles. Frightening music, violins and drums play over this. Two silhouetted characters walk slowly across the road quietly behind the credits and as the credits stop, the music fades and the attention is drawn to the men as the camera pans to follow them. These men have been silhouetted since the start and this a hook as they are very mysterious characters, could these two men be 'the killers' ?
Moonrise
The film starts with a shot of shadows on a wall as a credit appears crediting the director only. It then pans to a tracking close up of three mens legs as they walk towards the camera in perfect unison, this shot takes about 25 seconds. The three men join up with more peoples legs and the camera pans up to show a group of people looking slightly off camera all fixated on something, a lot of them with umbrellas indicating it is a dreary day. The camera continues panning above their heads to a white wall behind them, where shadows play out the events people are watching, someone being hanged. Slow epic music has been building up and stops abruptly when a man pulls a lever to hang the criminal. This is an instant hook as the audience want to know what is going on, who the criminal was and why he was convicted. There is only one credit that appears at the very start, the director's credit.
Kiss Me Deadly
This film starts with a shot of a distressed woman running along a dark long road towards the camera, the stops a car by standing int he middle of the road. There is a charming man in the car, she gets in and then the credits roll along a shot of the back of their heads.
Analysis
These films all start with a very sudden, very gripping scene shrouded in mystery. This is big hook for the audience and I think I will definetely try and use something like this in my film. The silhouetted characters are very mysterious and will try and use this. Having the characters do something mundane as the credits roll is very interesting and seems conventional so I will also try and use that.
Posters
The Killers
This film starts off with the universal pictures logo for a few seconds before cutting to a behind shot of two silhouetted characters in a car. It is very dark and the next shot is a sign illuminated by the light indicating where the film is set, 'Brentwood, New Jersey.' It then cuts to a long shot of a quiet town and the credits appear fading into each set of people and roles. Frightening music, violins and drums play over this. Two silhouetted characters walk slowly across the road quietly behind the credits and as the credits stop, the music fades and the attention is drawn to the men as the camera pans to follow them. These men have been silhouetted since the start and this a hook as they are very mysterious characters, could these two men be 'the killers' ?
Moonrise
The film starts with a shot of shadows on a wall as a credit appears crediting the director only. It then pans to a tracking close up of three mens legs as they walk towards the camera in perfect unison, this shot takes about 25 seconds. The three men join up with more peoples legs and the camera pans up to show a group of people looking slightly off camera all fixated on something, a lot of them with umbrellas indicating it is a dreary day. The camera continues panning above their heads to a white wall behind them, where shadows play out the events people are watching, someone being hanged. Slow epic music has been building up and stops abruptly when a man pulls a lever to hang the criminal. This is an instant hook as the audience want to know what is going on, who the criminal was and why he was convicted. There is only one credit that appears at the very start, the director's credit.
Kiss Me Deadly
This film starts with a shot of a distressed woman running along a dark long road towards the camera, the stops a car by standing int he middle of the road. There is a charming man in the car, she gets in and then the credits roll along a shot of the back of their heads.
Analysis
These films all start with a very sudden, very gripping scene shrouded in mystery. This is big hook for the audience and I think I will definetely try and use something like this in my film. The silhouetted characters are very mysterious and will try and use this. Having the characters do something mundane as the credits roll is very interesting and seems conventional so I will also try and use that.
Posters
This poster displays two of the assumed main characters, the femme fatale and the macho male lead. The woman looks very beautiful and loving whereas the man seems to be giving her a cold store, this could represent their relationship. This show the film will msot likely revolve around those two characters and be very romance based. This will appeal to people who like romance.
This is a very interesting poster and the colours and images used instantly give you a feel of the mystery and drama going on. The face in the top right has very bland expression on his face, so seems calm and collected and the light shinging on the dark suited man represents his search for thie evil character. The laughing character is the evil enemy in the film, probably a crimelord or murderer and hsi dark clothes and stance (his maniacal laugh) represents his character immediately. He seems like some sort of psycho. There is framed faces throughout the poster which shows there is alot of characters woven into the mystery, most with distressed facial expressions. The colours used in the poster is effective, the brash red title and the mysterious green background give the poster a very mysterious feel. The text 'Secrets bared in search of killer!' is a hook and is very interesting, leaving lots of questions in the audiences mind. Overall the poster leaves the audience knowing there is a mission to find a killer which involves a large mystery full of characters, so they know it will be a good film to watch.
This poster is fairly simple and outstanding. The title 'Inside Job' indicated there is some kind of deceit and treachery. The image of the gun indicates some sort of crime. The femme fatale on the poster is inbetween two nasty looking characters, she is in pink surrounding by black. This shows this character is in the middle of some sort of bad business, which is interesting and a hook. The three names on the top of the poster and predominant and must be big names, drawing in the audience.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Similar Products - Film Noir Conventions
Definition of Film Noir
'A type of crime film featuring cynical malevolant characters in a sleazy setting and ominous atmoshpere that is conveyed by shadowy photography and foreboding background music.'
Film Noir Conventions
Black and white
Flawed heroes
Glamourous female
Detective
Gangsters
Crooks
Crime based
American setting
Urban city setting
Smoking
Odd, striking shots (e.g. very low angle, very high angle, dutch tilts)
Flashbacks
World of corruption
Use of shadows and silhouettes
Rain
Moody setting
Jazz music
Film Noirs
The Maltese Falcon
Moontide
Rage in Heaven
The Shanghai Gesture
Street of Chance
This Gun for Hire
A Woman's Face
Experiment Perilous
Guest in the House
Laura
The Lodger
The House on 92nd Street
Jealousy
Johnny Angel
Mildred Pierce
My Name is Julia Ross
Scarlet Street
The Spider
The Strange Affair of Uncle Harry
The Maltese Falcon is about a private detective who takes on a case that involves him with three criminals, a gorgeous liar, and a quest for a priceless statuette.
Guest in The House is about a gorgeous young woman who disrupts a partnership.
The House on 92nd Street is about a man who becomes a double agent for the FBI in a Nazi spy ring
My Name is Julia Ross is about a young woman who is tricked and by an evil family. She wakes up in a house in Cornwall where everyone tries to convince her she is not who she actually is. However she has a male friend who comes looking for her.
The Strange Affair of Uncle Harry is about bachelor Harry Quincey's developing relationship with one of his new colleagues, which is thwwarted by one of his selfish sisters.
All of these films revolve around trickery, deceipt and evil plans. The usually male main character is usually on some task for good, but is not wholly good himself, the undercover detective, the friend who goes looking for the woman. The plots place these characters in hopeless situations so they strive to restore balance. All of these films star glamourous women and most of them star twisted crooks. 'My name is Julia Ross' is very psychological and these types of film noirs are not uncommon.
'A type of crime film featuring cynical malevolant characters in a sleazy setting and ominous atmoshpere that is conveyed by shadowy photography and foreboding background music.'
Film Noir Conventions
Black and white
Flawed heroes
Glamourous female
Detective
Gangsters
Crooks
Crime based
American setting
Urban city setting
Smoking
Odd, striking shots (e.g. very low angle, very high angle, dutch tilts)
Flashbacks
World of corruption
Use of shadows and silhouettes
Rain
Moody setting
Jazz music
Film Noirs
The Maltese Falcon
Moontide
Rage in Heaven
The Shanghai Gesture
Street of Chance
This Gun for Hire
A Woman's Face
Experiment Perilous
Guest in the House
Laura
The Lodger
The House on 92nd Street
Jealousy
Johnny Angel
Mildred Pierce
My Name is Julia Ross
Scarlet Street
The Spider
The Strange Affair of Uncle Harry
The Maltese Falcon is about a private detective who takes on a case that involves him with three criminals, a gorgeous liar, and a quest for a priceless statuette.
Guest in The House is about a gorgeous young woman who disrupts a partnership.
The House on 92nd Street is about a man who becomes a double agent for the FBI in a Nazi spy ring
My Name is Julia Ross is about a young woman who is tricked and by an evil family. She wakes up in a house in Cornwall where everyone tries to convince her she is not who she actually is. However she has a male friend who comes looking for her.
The Strange Affair of Uncle Harry is about bachelor Harry Quincey's developing relationship with one of his new colleagues, which is thwwarted by one of his selfish sisters.
All of these films revolve around trickery, deceipt and evil plans. The usually male main character is usually on some task for good, but is not wholly good himself, the undercover detective, the friend who goes looking for the woman. The plots place these characters in hopeless situations so they strive to restore balance. All of these films star glamourous women and most of them star twisted crooks. 'My name is Julia Ross' is very psychological and these types of film noirs are not uncommon.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
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