PLANNING - ACTION SEQUENCE STORYBOARD

ACTION SEQUENCE STORYBOARD

Started: Friday 16th October

Finished: Friday 4th December

We first started our initial planning/ideas on the last day of half term. This session was our first major brainstorm for our film opening: generating ideas, planning characters etc.. 

After Half Term, we developed the main storyline and changed some of our scenes at the end of the film opening, as we faced some challenged in terms of filming due to the pandemic. So, we altered the locations of our film opening so that everyone who was involved (who are filming and directing) would be safe and are taking precautions.

INITIAL STORYBOARD

FINAL STORYBOARD

CHARACTERS, SOCIAL GROUPS & STEREOTYPES

 SOCIAL GROUPS & STEREOTYPES

SOCIAL GROUP STEREOTYPES: 

           1.     SOCIAL GROUP – YOUNG EX-CRIMINALS

The first social group we use in our fictional film opening includes young ex-criminals. They are serving their time by carrying out community service After they Have committed various crime. Thus, making them ex-criminals: although in the film we do not see what every crime each character commits; we see them working hard to Essentially redeem themselves from the criminal acts they committed in the past.

2.      SOCIAL GROUP (aesthetic) – PRISONERS

This social group is the stereotypical criminal in prison. These types of scenes will not be in our final film opening, however we wanted to show the type of criminals in prison and how they act in prison and outside of prison (when they are out). These images reflect the stereotype inside prison and what happens behind locked doors. 

3.      SOCIAL GROUP – COUPLES

This social group is for the end of the film opening where the love interest to Kevin is introduced. She is also a criminal, there is a shed of hope for Kevin to decide what path he wants to go to (his old ways or a better/positive life with his new love interest). This ending will help audiences build character relatability, as for many people there could be one person in their life that would change them to be good and be in a better place. This stereotype builds audience empathy, sympathy of antipathy very quickly, this last scene will end in a cliffhanger.

AUDIENCE THEORY

Audience theory from PreeshaPatel

RESEARCH: AUDIENCE QUESTIONNAIRE

RESEARCH: AUDIENCE QUESTIONNAIRE 

I have used Google Forms to create my audience questionnaire to send out my peers, teachers and family. This platform is easy to use and the layout is easy on the eye. It was not difficult to create. 

The purpose of this questionnaire was to gain a deeper understanding of our audiences’ interests. Therefore, for this questionnaire I asked questions that help to build a general audience profile (this will make it easier for me when writing my audience profile). By dividing up the age groups in this questionnaire, movie interests and more I can then begin to form a higher level/view of our audience. Once Tom and I have all the information from the questionnaire we can then begin to plan and research how we will make our film opening in a way that attracts our specific audience/viewers for the film. 

My questionnaire started with general questions to the audience and then I went in detail to ask more specific questions about the film we are making and the certain aspects we are going to have in our film. By asking these more detailed questions we can gauge whether people/audience are actually interested in these aspects/style of films. 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1DS7HXe26Eo7mI-7gVXqVNtIUssikFXcpMS9ETPmvTec/edit

PLANNING: MY AUDIENCE PROFILE

MY AUDIENCE PROFILE

From carrying out this activity, I understand that all products are targeted to a specific audience. In order to successfully target my own audience, I created an audience profile. To do this, I needed to clarify and understand who they are and consider the following factors: age, gender, social class and background. To engage my specific target audience I would also need to know what media platforms and sites they use, so that I could carry out successful marketing and promoting strategies. As seen below, consist’s my audience profile that considers all these factors I have mentioned. 

 

PLANNING: MY TARGET AUDIENCE

1.     Who is my primary target audience?

Our primary target audience is unisex ages 15+ from Britain.  

2.     What kind of films and television are they likely to prefer?

Films my audience would like are hopefully crime/mystery and possibly horror. This will be for the audience who prefer this type of genre in film. 

3.     What platforms do they choose to watch films and where are they likely to see information about films?

The platforms they would watch this kind of film would be in the cinema or on a streaming channel like Netflix. Frequent cinema visitors, with a passion for crime/mystery film viewing. High quality cinemas/premium cinemas, like the Everyman is one of their favourite was to watch/screen the film. Other streaming channels like Netflix or Amazon Prime are also good alternative options they like to watch the film. This audience is not afraid of what is going to happen next, they like these new plot scenes and challenges – these are they’re favourite films to watch. 

4.     What brands do they prefer?

This type of audience prefers, are more vintage and unique brands. 

5.     What makes my film stand out from the competition?

       This film creates a feeling from the past and the present. The audience gets to encounter the intricate details that leads up to why the main character is in the place that he is in now. The film shows the reality of having a criminal record. 

6.     Why should my audience watch my film? For example:  Total Film / Empire / Cinema Scope / Slant / Sight and Sound says: Most powerful psychological thriller since Don't Look Now!

It’s a different style to the normal crime films that the audience would usually see. It’s not the type prison crime film, it the effects after the criminal has come out of jail/prison, showing the difficulties a criminal goes through after they are out. 

 

PLANNING: TREATMENT

PLANNING: TREATMENT

Friday 13th November - Tuesday 17th November

We had done some research into how to write a treatment, this is what we had found:

• Write a short/brief outline
• Remember what the purpose/meaning is of the treatment
• Don’t include all of the information
• Make the treatment readable and moving
• Show an active protagonist
• Include two or three intriguing, vivid images

As part of our research we took part and watched a FutureLearn video/course, which is presented by Frank Ash. Frank Ash has taught us storytelling and creativity technique to teams across the BBC and worldwide. 

See link below for Frank Ash’s Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0DjaV-Y-90

Four Key Points/Quotations: 

1.     “What is the story?” - What is it all about, what is about, what is the issue about (Top line)

2.     “What is going to happen?” - giving them a questions that gives the audience a sense of anticipation and suspense.

3.     “What big story question” - what is the questions that your going to pose at the beginning of the story, which is gong to give the audience a sense of anticipation and suspense. The end goal.

4.     “How will this story relate and connect to me (personally)” - think about the main theme in this storyline.

Our Treatment

The protagonist (Arrran) has just come out of a 5 year jail sentence and discovers his first taste of freedom agin into the real world, but not everything is is as easy going as he/you may seem. He faces manny problems and dilemmas once out of jail and the audiences sees the hard hitting reality that he faces (in his personal/social life, work life, mental and physical health) once coming out. The audiences sees what happens to the character: what happens when they face the criminal record on their back for the rest of their life. 

Top Line/Title and Big Questions

Top Line: Arrran has done time for stealing from a convenience store and emerges with a new-found determination  to go straight. He does not realise how much prejudice he will face and how many setbacks threaten to sink him. He is haunted by his past mistakes. It comes to a head when he is almost tempted back to his old ways, until a chance encounter offers new hope.

The audience encounters both sides of Arron himself, his past and present thoughts and actions. The audiences sees how Kevin tackles these problems that he faces on a day to day basis, after his traumatic situation. 

Title: “Criminal Faces” 

Big Question: “Will Arran make peace with his past and fin a future?

RESEARCH: DISTRIBUTION COLLEGE

 RESEARCH: DISTRIBUTION COLLEGE 

I watched a presentation on the FDA website by Kezia Williams, head of theatrical distribution at Pathetic. She talked about how distributors work to create a successful new marketing campaign for each film, on the film distributors’ association site. It was also explained by Chris Besseling, director of Marketing at Pathe, that distributors market a films USP (unique selling point) such as its close cast, its provenance, it awards and five star reviews to bring positive attention to the specific film (in the genre).

 

I choose the film To  ‘All the Boys I’ve loved Before’ to research. To All the Boys I’ve Love Before is a 2018 American teen romantic comedy film directed by Susan Johnson and written by Susan Johnson. The film is based on Jenny Han’s 2014 novel of the same name, and was released by Netflix on August 17^th, 2018. This film won awards for: MTV Movie Award for best kiss (Noah Centineo and Lana Condor) and Kids Choice Award for favourite movie actor (Noah Centineo). The film stars/main characters include Lana Condor, Noah Centineo, Janel Parrish, Anna Cathcart, Madeleine Arthur, Emilija Baranac, Israel Broussard and John Corbett.

I investigated the different aspects of To All the Boys I’ve loved Before of a marketing campaign and and film distribution for this film. This consisted of: film posters, teaser trailers, trailers, social media accounts such as; Instagram, Twitter etc.., interviews/press, award ceremonies, premieres and more. 

Film Posters 

The main poster for To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, ahead of its arrival on Netflix in August 2018, the streaming service has released a poster and trailer for the teen romantic dram. To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before. Based on Jenny Han’s New York Times best-selling YA novel, the film is directed by Susan Johnson and features a cast tat includes Lana Condor, Noah Centineo and Janel Parrish; see the main/confirmed poster below (first image). There a few different variations of the poster, however the main on is by Netflix (where is is streamed): some including form the original book, which are also very popular. These posters are greatly effective as they introduce is to the main characters in the movie whilst also using famous movie talent to boost the marketing campaign. To All The Boys also decoded to sign some posters for the fans/fanbase sold on Amazon – the two main actors signed them.

Trailers/Teaser Trailers

See Below Teaser Trailer for To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before

https://youtu.be/mTLc_RzqaJc

 

See Below Trailer for To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before

https://youtu.be/555oiY9RWM4

 

To All the Boys is very well known for its teaser trailers and main trailer. The teaser trailer is used to make the audience be excited as to when the full trailer, then film will be out. The teaser trailer is always an effective marketing strategies to make the fans or the original book (or new fans) excited for the release. The full trailer is also one of the main ways to make the fans know when it is coming out, and who are all of the characters in the film, they also get to see more of the film, and analyse what is going to happen in this film (or how much of the film is related to the original book, in this case). 

 

Social Media Platforms

To All The Boys I’ve Loved before has one main social media platform with the most following on Instagram – with a following of currently 1.9 million. This is very rare to have this large of a following on this platform, this shows that the fanbase is very loyal and enjoy interacting/going back to this specific platform. Twitter is the other popular social media platform, which currently has a following of 32.5k followers. This again, is another popular app to interact with fans and promote the film. 

Press/Interviews 

There are many different interviews with the cast to promote the film. For example: different games to do with the film, interview questions, behind the scenes etc.. 

See below for examples: 

https://youtu.be/cPiwS2Nfz4o - cast plays “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before” Cast Finds Out Which Character They Really Are

 

https://youtu.be/PB1huhiHNPQ - Interview with Lana Condor, Janel Parrish & Noah Centineo

 

https://youtu.be/Qxvue8mvvqM - Two main actors (Lana & Noah) take a lie detector test. 

 

Interviews are always a good way for fans to get to know the actors, as well as promoting the film. These interviews are normally streamed on YouTube, and tend to get millions of views. For example; the interview with Vanity Fair for To Ally the Boys has 5.1 million views. 

 

Overall

The marketing campaign for To All The Boys was very successful, so successful Netflix signed the film to have a sequel (the second movie is out on Netflix and the third is coming in 2021). This popular film has a rating of 4.7 rating out of 5. The overall budget was $18 million. There are no other financial information about the film.

RESEARCH: ART OF THE TITLE - GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2

ART OF THE TITLE

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 (2017)

Guardians of the Galaxy is a 2017 sequel American superhero films base on the Marvel Comics (franchise) produced by Marvel Studios. In this movie, Peter Will and hi fellow Guardians are hired by by a powerful alien to protect their batteries from the invaders. When it is discovered that Rocket has stolen from them, they dispatch their armada to search for vengeance. As the guardians try to escape, the mystery of Peter’s percentage is revealed. 

 

Typography

The custom typography developed by Sarofsky for the first Guardians of the Galaxy film returns here, this time in rusty gold and glowing blue neon, providing familiarity and brand consistency. The title card freeze-frame puts Baby Groot in a Matrix-like pose, impervious to — and ignorant of — the mayhem around him. As the camera buzzes between laser blasts and flailing tentacles the film’s credits appear wherever there’s room. Meanwhile Groot continues his dance, adorable and oblivious to the events around him, losing himself to the music.

 

Music/Soundtrack 

Like Rob Gordon says in 2000’s High Fidelity, “The making of a great compilation tape, like breaking up, is hard to do and takes ages longer than it might seem. You’ve got to kick it off with a killer to grab attention.” The killer song here is Electric Light Orchestra’s infectious “Mr. Blue Sky,” a soaring Beatlesque composition penned by songwriter Jeff Lynne in 1977. It’s been used in a handful of films including Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and The Invention of Lying, but perhaps the most interesting place it’s been played is in space. In 2011, the song was played as a wake-up call for astronauts on the final mission of Space Shuttle Atlantis. The opening of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 recalls that usage, giving the Marvel film a jump-start, juxtaposing the bright and irresistible “Mr. Blue Sky” with something truly out of this world.

Background Information

Baby Groot, mischievous and distracted and utterly in his own world, dances to music from Star-Lord’s second mixtape while the Guardians throw down in the background, out of focus. The focus on Groot instead of the main action is the first comedic thrust of the film, a hilarious stroke of wit that dumps audiences in medias res but with the major action just beyond reach.

Although Baby Groot is voiced by actor Vin Diesel in the film, the tiny tree character’s dancing is actually based on director James Gunn’s own movements. Gunn’s love of music was directly translated to the screen by visual effects company Framestore, who used a video recorded by associate producer Simon Hatt on an iPhone in Gunn’s home office just after he’d written the opening scene. In the video, Gunn dances freeform, with moves “made up on the spot” but clearly in character as Groot. “I’m trying to move my body that [sic] works for a little tree more than what I’d be dancing like in a nightclub in L.A.,” said the director. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVIGrHYjR_n/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

RESEARCH: ART OF THE TITLE - HOME ALONE

RESEARCH ART OF THE TITLE: HOME ALONE

Home Alone Film Opening

TO SUM UP: 

I would say that the opening of Home Alone is to set the scene of the film/movie and to briefly show the personalities of the main character and the main characters who are involved in the film. I would say the the opening engages by the audience feel at home and comforted by the normal, relatable family seen at the beginning of the film. The feel-good, comedic film is meant to make the audience feel nostalgic at this time of the year (as this film is always shown in the festive period). 

Eight-year-old Kevin is accidentally left behind when his family leaves for France. At first, he is happy to be in charge, but when thieves try to break into his home, he tries to put up a fight. 

I choose Home Alone because the movie its left sets the time period very accurately, in terms of what season it is in the year and the year/century it was made. It is also a classic movie, that has gained many award for its outstanding received many awards.

Camerawork

The opening scene sets the story of what is going to happen in the rest of the film. The first scene is set with an establishing shoot of the families home where we imagine the story will be set at. The lights, around the trees/ house and the crisp, white snow on the ground creates a festive atmosphere.

There are a variety of shots used to introduce the character and the overall setting. Some of which include: a tracking shot to show them walking around the rom and in the house, this suggests this house is always busy (shows the hustle and bustle as the camera goes through the scenes). Close up are used to establish the character (particularly the main characters that are shown most in the rest of the film). Mid shots are used while the particular character is talking, so the audience is able to see the full facial expressions of the the character whilst speaking.

Mise en-scène

At the beginning of the film the main location is set in Chicago (America), where the audience see’s the red brick house. The red brick house is located at 671 Lincoln Ave., in Winnetka, Illinois.

In terms of costumes, there is an overall theme of natural clothing to show family and home life. The mother was wearing a long coat which makes her look older and more of a northerly figure/tone.

Finally in terms of lighting in. The opening scene, it is high key lighting and natural to show it as everyday lighting. The natural warm lighting could also suggest that the family is of a high class status and wealthy. However outside is low key (cool toned) as the opening scene is shot at night, with the artificial Christmas lights around the house to show us the season/the time of year.     

In terms of the actors:

·      They   were all well spoken (could suggest their class).

·      The only three actors we know who they are straight away is the mother, the factor and their son who they call Kevin. This straight away makes the audience think that they are the three main character in this film. Kevin also being the only child of many being introduced gives us the impression I that he is the protagonist.

   Make-up:

    The makeup was all natural and not noticeable. Only on the slightly older women in the house had more makeup on.

   Sound

At the very beginning of the film the audience non-diegetic opening music to the film. This is the first song/instrumental to the rest of the beautiful soundtrack that takes place in this film. In his score for Home Alone, John Williams utilises numerous percussion instruments for sounds of happiness and festivities (instruments include: cello, harp, flute, french horn and many more to create the iconic intro and outdo music  piece to Home Alone). Overall the music/soundtrack has a very festive atmosphere/feeling and possibly at slight sense of mystery as well, which suggests that something will go wrong later on in the film. However the music was still lively and set the mood for the film. 

 

The diegetic sound of the main character (Kevin) on the first floor of the house, jumping up and down – the audience can hear the thuds of the house as it echoes when Kevin jumps/stops around in frustration. Other diegetic sound in the opening scene are: doors slamming, shouting/yelling and mumbling and bickering between family members. 

Typography

 

White writing and blue symbol on black background. Contrasting colours which Then changes into white writing on the background of action. The use of the lower case”e” creates an interesting visual when looking at it form first sight.