Questionnaire

We conducted a questionnaire on our class mates about themes and things to do with the film idea.

In our questionnaire we had 9 questions and we asked 14 people.

Question one-

How does a thriller film make you feel?

nervous-2

scared -2

excited-4

anxious-2

scared and anxious-3

nervous and excited-1

Question 2-

Do you watch thriller films often?

yes-4

no-4

sometimes-6

Question 3-

What kinds of places would you expect a thriller film to be set?

city- 2

woods-9

countryside-2

churchyard-5

hospital-0

fields-5

houses-1

Question 4-

Do you think that the opening credits of the film should have speech?

yes-1

no-11

in places-2

Question 5-

Would you say a thriller in black and white is effective?...

yes-7

no-7

Question 6-

Or would you prefer in in a dark, toned down colour?

toned down-6

normal-6

other-2

Question 7-

Do cliff hangers make you want to continue to watch the film?

yes-11

no-3

Question 8-

What characteristics should a thriller film have?

rain-12

night-time-8

morning-12

sunshine-0

cloud-2

snow-0

fields-3

woods-5

houses-2

Question 9-

Do you think the opening music should be instrumental or vocal?

instrumental-9

vocal-5

These results have show us that our audience really know what they like from a thriller fim, however we will not use all of the majority votes for example we have chosen to use the vocal version of our song as it fits really nicely. But we have not dismissed all of their opinions for example we filmed in a deserted place in the dark.

Emma & Harlie

Lighting & Smoke Machine

Firstly we thought we'd used car lights as our lighting but then we thought that might be a bit too direct. So we acquired some flood lights which can be put up high at different angles and we thought we could use those. However when at the time of shooting we might decide to use car lights as well.

It is possible to get a smoke machine for our film, we are not sure where in the film we would use it but it is available if we need it.

Emma & Harlie

Filming Times and Weather

We've settled on a filming day and time. We've decided on Wednesday 29th December. We have gathered our characters together and all three can make that time. We have decided to start shooting at about 5/6 o'clock just when it starts to get dark so we can have the light gradually getting lower. We couldn't exactly get a day to shoot where there was rain and when everyone was available so we'll just have to deal with the weather that occurs on the day. I looked up the weather forecast and tomorrow in the evening is due fog, which will have to do. There will still be snow left on the floor from the previous snow showers which may look quite effective.

Rain would have been a really nice effect, and would have added a more romantic feel to the couple meeting scene. We'll just have to go without the rain for now. Maybe we could some how add rain in or the sound of it when we come to editing.

Emma.

More Song Choices

I came across some more songs that we could use as our backing track to our film.

Creep by Radio Head- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVyw3Uu5MoQ

Spanish Sahara by Foals- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaVE4WVlsDQ

I decided upon the second one, 'Spanish Sahara'. After listening to it in full I could imagine it fitting really well with the happenings which go on in our film. For example at the start it starts slowly and without any words, this would fit with the character walking at the beginning at start. It then gradually gets a bit quicker towards the chorus and this works well for tension building. Finally after about two minutes, which is how long our film will be, there is some beeping which would work really well to end with, as it would be sudden and sharp.

Emma.

15 Rated Film

Our film is going to be a 15 rated film as it does not contain aggressive violence , but does contain mild anger. So we have concluded that it is not violent enough to be an 18, too much for a 12, and just right for a 15.

We concluded this by using these guidelines from the BBFC.

http://www.bbfc.co.uk/classification/guidelines

'U' (Universal)- suitable for all

A ‘U’ film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. ‘U’ films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror.

• No discriminatory language or behaviour unless clearly disapproved of.
• No references to illegal drugs or drug misuse unless they are infrequent and innocuous, or there is a clear educational purpose or anti-drug message suitable for young children.
• Scary sequences should be mild, brief and unlikely to cause undue anxiety to young children. The outcome should be reassuring.
• No potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy. No emphasis on realistic or easily accessible weapons.
• Infrequent use only of very mild bad language.
• Occasional natural nudity, with no sexual context.
• Mild sexual behaviour (for example, kissing) and references only (for example, to ‘making love’).
• While problematic themes may be present, their treatment must be sensitive and appropriate for young children.
• - Mild violence only. Occasional mild threat or menace only.

'PG' (Parental Guidance)- general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children

Unaccompanied children of any age may watch. A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children.

• Discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly disapproved of or in an educational or historical context. Discrimination by a character with which children can readily identify is unlikely to be acceptable.
• References to illegal drugs or drug misuse must be innocuous or carry a suitable anti-drug message.
• Frightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense. Fantasy settings may be a mitigating factor.
• No detail of potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy. No glamorisation of realistic or easily accessible weapons.
• Mild bad language only.
• Natural nudity, with no sexual context.
• Sexual activity may be implied, but should be discreet and infrequent. Mild sex references and innuendo only.
• Where more serious issues are featured (for example, domestic violence) nothing in their treatment should condone unacceptable behaviour.
• Moderate violence, without detail, may be allowed, if justified by its context (for example, history, comedy or fantasy).

'12'/'12A'- Suitable for 12 years and over

Exactly the same criteria are used to classify works at ‘12A’ and ‘12’. These categories are awarded where the material is suitable, in general, only for those aged 12 and over. Works classified at these categories may upset children under 12 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them.

The ‘12A’ category exists only for cinema films. No one younger than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult, and films classified ‘12A’ are not recommended for a child below 12. An adult may take a younger child if, in their judgement, the film is suitable for that particular child. In such circumstances, responsibility for allowing a child under 12 to view lies with the accompanying adult.

The ‘12’ category exists only for video works. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video work.

• 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.
• Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or give instructional detail.
• Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted, provided disturbing sequences are not frequent or sustained.
• Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied, or appear pain or harm free. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.
• Moderate language is allowed. The use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’) must be infrequent.
• Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief and discreet.
• Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. Frequent crude references are unlikely to be acceptable.
• Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers.
• Moderate violence is allowed but 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 must have a strong contextual justification.

'15' (Suitable for 15 years and over)- No one younger than 15 may see a '15' film in a cinema. No one younger than 15 may rent of buy a '15' rated video work.

• The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour.
• Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse. The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances (for example, aerosols or solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable.
• Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised.
• Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.
• There may be frequent use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’). The strongest terms (for example, ‘cunt’) may be acceptable if justified by the context. Aggressive or repeated use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.
• Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.
• Sexual activity may be portrayed 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.
• No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds.
• 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 or sexualised violence is also unlikely to be acceptable. There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification.

'18' (Suitable only for adults)- no one younger than 18 may see an'18' film in a cinema or buy or rent an '18' rated film.

In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC’s public consultations and The Human Rights Act 1998, at ‘18’ the BBFC’s guideline concerns will not normally override the principle that 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 the BBFC to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – for example, any 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 sexual or sexualised violence which might, for example, eroticise or endorse sexual assault
• where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context. Such images may be appropriate in ‘R18’ works, and in ‘sex works’ (see below) would normally be confined to that category.

In the case of video works (including video games), which may be more accessible to younger viewers, intervention may be more frequent than for cinema films.

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

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’.

Emma.

Problems with weather

We really want to be able to film in the rain, but due to the weather forecast we have not been able to film. We have come to the conclusion that we may have to change the filming and film without the rain. Emma and I have thought about this and we think that the filming needs to be done over the christmas holidays if not before.

Emma & Harlie

PERMISSION

We have had permission to use our location!!

Harlie & Emma.

Character Research

Stalker

Recognising someone as a stalker is almost impossible. They look like normal human beings, like you and I. There behaviour is often linked with those who are domestically violent.
Characteristics-

• Jealous
• Narcissistic 
• 'instanlty' in love
• views themselves as a victim
• 'You owe me'
• Mood swings (anger and love)
• Cannot take no as an answer
• They are the victim

I would have thought that the stalker was stereotypical creepy guy. However I think that there are two images that could be used. Firstly someone smart, well dressed and subtle. But secondly a yard worker, someone with stubble dealer boots and combat army trousers.

Sources-
http://www.stalkingbehavior.com/howto.htm
http://xene.wordpress.com/2008/02/01/common-stalker-characteristics/


The young couple-

I do not imagine the young couple to be the average young lovers. I think that they will be nervous and on edge as they are running away together.
Here are the typical characteristics of a young couple-

• They are constantly smiling in each others presence
• They always want to being holding hands, cuddling, or kissing

Body Language-

• They would be facing each other (bodies turned inwardly if walking)
• When holding hands it would be loose to show their comfort and confidence within the couple
• There smiles will be natural and not appear forced. 

Harlie.

Camera shots that we used

Some of the camera shots that we need:

Extreme Close up

Long Shot

Panning Shot

Worms eye shot

Bird eye shot

Harlie & Emma.

Filming Times

Emma and I have talked about filming time and as we want to film in the dark we have to do it after school. We have media last on a Thursday week one so we thought about getting ready during that lesson. But however to suit the other people in our film that we are prepared to do it most evenings. We have to play when we film by ear because we really want it to rain. We are regularly checking the weather forecast but we are yet to get any luck. 

Harlie

Film Title Fonts

I think that the title sequence font should be bold. I think the colour should be white because against the black this would be really effective as it would stand out. Looking through fonts I thought that 'Impact' would work well. I thought that this was effective because of its simplicity. Year 12 AS media studies. I also looked at 'Bradley Hand ITC' I thought that would be good in bold because it could have been the 'Stalkers' handwriting. Year 12 AS media studies.

Another idea that I had was to get somebody to write down the titles and we could scan them in and this would look really effective

Emma and I are yet to make an agreement on the Film Title Font but we will put our ideas together and work out what we want to do.

Harlie.

Thriller Definition

Thriller is a genre of literature, film and television that uses suspense, tension and excitement as the main elements. The primary sub-genres of thrillers are: mystery, crime and psychological thrillers.


Thrillers are mostly characterizes by and atmosphere of menace, violence, crime and murder by showing society as dark, corrupt and dangerous, though they often feature a happy ending in which the villains are killed or arrested. Thrillers heavily promote on literary devices such as plot twists, red herrings and cliffhangers. They also promote on moods, such as a high level of anticipation, adrenaline rush, arousal, ultra-heightened expectation, uncertainty, anxiety and sometimes even terror. The tones in thrillers are usually gritty, slick and lurid.


Wikipedia definition- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thriller_(genre) 




Emma.

Better Music

I am fond of a pianist called Ludovico Einaudi. I love his music and often play many of his songs on the piano and only the other day realised that one of his songs, being classical with no words, would be perfect for our film. I thought a personal favourite of mine, 'Oltremare' would be a good choice to play in our film. It starts slow then gets quicker which would be perfect as our film starts with simple walking and then gradually gets into a more 'interesting' turn of events.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8MzHqkNBwo 

Emma.

Music

Our film starts with a man walking. I discovered after listening to Adele's album that her song 'Hometown Glory' would be a possible good song to go on throughout our film, simply because it starts with the line, 'I've been walking in the same way, as I did...' - that was the only simple reason, plus it's a quiet, slow and possibly sad song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MixzjwDFSvM


Emma.

Other Locations

I recently went to Chelmsford town. It was raining, and dark, and the atmosphere from the street lights was beautiful- the perfect setting for our film. However we had already story boarded our film and after some discussion I decided that it would not be suitable for filming as there would be lots of people around who may not be comfortable being filmed- even if not intentional, plus as the couple have to walk back to the house it would not be as theoretical for them to have a 30 second walk from a town to their house.

Emma.

Good News

We found a couple!

Emma.

Trouble With Couple Finding

Within our film we have a maximum of three characters. A stalker, and a couple. Before we start filming we obviously need to find the three characters. We managed to find a person to play the stalker, however we had great trouble in finding a couple- as most people are embarrassed to act (as they are not professional actors) and also as we have a small kissing scene, it concludes even more 'embarrassing'. We are worried if we'll ever find a couple.

Emma.

Camera Shots

I have recently been watching the latest series of 'One Tree Hill'. Paying particular attention to the camera shots as well as enjoying the program i discovered a really effective shot. This shot and particular scenario had a stalker type person following a couple. In the scene the stalker lady is watching the couple sleep through a big patio door window. You can just see her silhouette which I think is really effective.

The part starts from 2:23 in the clip below for about 3 seconds.

http://www.cucirca.com/2010/05/04/one-tree-hill-season-7-episode-20-learning-to-fall/


Emma.

Costume

For our stalker I think that he should be a bit like a yard worker. I think a green bomber jacket with camoflauge trousers and dealer boots I think this would be appropriate because it is a very stereotypical image of a stalker. I would have him with stubble also so he is percieved as unclean.

 

For the couple I think that they should just be dressed in casual  clothes. jeans and t-shirt and jumper. I think that the man should be wearing shoes that make noise when they work because the noise will be effective. I think that the clothes that the couple wear are not as improtant as what the stalker wear. I think that they should be warm as it is raining and they are runnign away together.










Harlie

Other Ideas

We thought about other possible locations and other shots that we could use but decided not to.
Camera Shots-
In an episode of Hollyoaks there was a long shot through a door, you could not here what they were saying but the camera slowly zoomed in on them. There was also a shot like this through a pair of patio doors on the programme 'The Little House' on ITV, I thought this would have been effective as we could look through the into the bedroom when they run to there.

Harlie

Idea 1

Our idea is to have a couple who are longing to be with each other. The man of the couple lives on his own, in his own house. And the woman lives with her parents in a house about 10 minutes away. The parents do not know about their daughters new love. The daughter goes to meet her man at a run down green house, and then they go back the the mans house to get away and be safe. What they are not aware of is that a mystery stalker is following them, but who knows what he's plotting...


Emma & Harlie.

Location shots

Near my house is a garden centre. It has a few rundown greenhouses down the bottom of their land. As they are my neigbours they are easily accessable. The galss from the windows are smashed and there are weeds growing. We thought we could use this location as a meeting point in our opening scene. It does not have to be used as a green house as it could just be used as a rundown area.


Harlie

Story Board

The images scanned in in the wrong order. So the pages read 2, 1, 4, 3.

This is our story board of how our 2 minute film will run. It consists of _ different camera shots, ranging across the board of a varied amount of shots..? However we may add more shots whilst filming if ideas pop up.




Emma & Harlie.

Ideas

We recently watched a scene from the Blair Witch Project. Not much happened in this particular scene however there was an effective part at the beginning of the scene which gave us inspiration in our film.

At the beginning of our film we plan to have heavy breathing in a blackout, and this is going to be repeated again at the end- again in a blackout. And this came from the beginning of the clip from the Blair Witch Project which has heavy breathing in a slight blackout.


Emma & Harlie.

Inspiration

I recently watched the movie 'Atonement', and paid particular attention to the camera shots used. I found in one scene, there was a zooming close up of a girls face, standing looking out of a window. I thought this would be really effective in our film- in our film once the shot has been held for so long there would then be a blink, leading to a black out, and then the credit showing.

Here is the scene from the movie, with the particular shot starting at 2:02 minutes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbl07IwyJug

Another film which inspired the blackout, rolling into the credits was the opening scene from 'Good Fellas', when the man slams the boot of the car shut, and then the credits appear.

This is at about 1:55 in the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJ2RofOEAEU


Emma.