02.03.10

In yesterday's lesson we began using Final Cut Express to edit our footage, we arranged it all into clips and into the right order. In today's lesson we went back on this and began to cut our clips into how we want them. On thursday we have a day off timetable to finish our editing, and we are confident we will get it all done.

Unedited Filming

This is our footage, straight from the camera, unedited. We filmed last night, and although it was absolutely freezing outside we are happy with the footage we shot, and think once edited, it will be as good as we could've hoped.

Lesson 09/02/2010

In this lesson we began to walk through and 'mark out' our piece (we did not do any filiming). We went over with each other our costumes and props etc. Our location pictures have been taken and will be uploaded onto the blog tonight!

New Storyboarding (8th Feb '10)

Today we completed our storyboard and filmed it (with shot by shot commentary) unfortunately we are having problems uploading it to blogger, so will find a solution to this when our teacher returns lesson.

New Storyline and Plot lines

Following the recent letter we have received about the use of filming at the station, we have decided to change our story-line slightly in order for us to include more thriller conventions and we would film at school so that all of our group would be able to get there easily. We have come up with a new story-line.

Potential Script

This is the script we might be using for the thriller because it could make a better effect and the audience will understand what is going on in the thriller.

Hannah drops her books.

Jack: Can I help you with those books.

Hannah: Yes thank you very much.

Jack: So where are you traveling to today.

Hannah: I am going to Stansted.

Jack: Thats good have fun I have herd its nice there.

Hannah: Ok there is my train thanks for your help with my books bye bye.

This is not a big script because it will only take a short amount of time.

Credits Planning.

We have been looking into the types of credits we would like our Thriller opening to include, below is the opening titles sequence from "Se7en" and "To kill a mockingbird". We like the idea of not using black screens with text on between shots, but using some form of superimposing to add text on top of our shots.

"Se7en" Opening Credits.

Link to "To kill a Mockingbird" Opening Credits.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP5MutuPVxk&feature=PlayList&p=BEBF23BFCC13FAF4&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=31

Storyboarding Filming

Soundtrack Choice

We have decided on our final choices for the music to use within or thriller opening. We have decided to use a piece called "Dark Walk" for the beginning as it is quite suspenseful and creates tension it contrasts the the second piece we have chosen as it is quite slow. The second piece we have chosen is called "ghostpocalyspe" which is a more upbeat and faster piece resembling the chase and action on screen.

Equipment

This is the equipment list of the things we are going to use whilst filming, these will enable us to improve steadiness, lighting and the continuity of our shots.

• Video Camera- to film to footage. Need to make sure it is fully charged, and the tape works properly.
• Tripod- to place the camera on for a selection of shots to improve steadiness.
• Artificial Lighting - selection of torches & portable lights, we are unable to use mains electricity due to the locations at which we are filming.
• Reflector boards- Karis already has these, and we may make some more to improve the amount of light that the camera picks up on.
• White umbrellas & stands- Karis already has these also, they will be placed around the camera and over lights on location to diffuse the light and improve brightness in each shot.

Location

These are the locations we are use the create a tense atmosphere.

• Newport Train Station
• Stansted - Main road out the back of station
• Stansted- Woods off of the main road, leading away.

Karis has also taken pictures of all of these locations, which helped us to choose where the best places to film would be. (seen in Location Scouting post)

Costume List

These our the costumes that will be used.

Villains ( Jack and Nick)

• Shirt (White)
• Tie (Black)
• Suit (Black)
• White mine mask

Victim ( Hannah )

• Smart black trousers
• Work smart dress
• Heels

Prop List

Theses are the props we need for our media project

• Mobile Phones - So Jack can ring Nick to let him now about Hannah.
• Handbag - So Hannah can drop them to alert Jacks attention.
• Books - For Hannah to drop.

Costumes- Masks

After having looked at other Thriller Films, we are considering using masks to disguise the faces of the villains as the scene turns more sinister towards the end.

After watching the film "the Strangers" we think that by covering the faces of the villainous characters, for example by using

masks, an additional sense of thrill and mystery is added to the scene. As Hannah has a fear of masks, the type we are going to use are the plain white mime masks. (seen here > ). We will also have to take this into account when we decide on costumes for Jack & Nick as we want to create a sense of mystery and contrast.

Artificial Lighting

In order for our camera work to be shown the correct light has to be used in order to see the locationa and character. To create the maximum amount of light we will use reflector boards covered in tin foil to reflect the light that is already produced. Along with white sheets to also reflect. We will use high power torches and attach them to tripods or makshift stands to keep them still and we could always detach them if we needed to move them for more light in certain areas. We have also got reflectors to reflect or absorb the light. We got some white umbrellas which can also be used to get light in the shot. These will help us to create contrast within the shots, which can add to a tension filled, or moody atmosphere.

Dialogue

We have discussed the use of dialogue and the effect. We did originally create a script although we decided to cut this to create more tension and suspense. As Hannah walks around the corner of the station she drops her books

Jack: Here let me help you with that

Hannah: Thank you.

We would then use dialogue such as screams to add to the tension.

Certification.

We have discussed the themes and plot of our Thriller Opening and with looking at the Certification research we did previously, have decided that it should be a 15 Certification. The Certification Guidelines state that no theme is prohibited, as long as it is suitable for a 15 year old viewer. This means that the kidnapping theme of our opening is acceptable for a 15 Certification, as long as we don't make it too graphic, or too scary. The Violence aspect of the Certification guidelines states that strong violence should not contain dwelling of infliction of pain, we were not considering using strong violence, so this should not be a problem, but we do need to remember that the content should be appropriate for a 15 year old.

Station Manager Letter

Dear Sir/Madam,

We are a group of year 12 media students hoping to complete our coursework within the next few weeks. For our coursework we are hoping to film a short sequence at Newport Train Station. We are aware that there may be certain rules and regulations regarding this so we decided to get in touch about this matter. In previous years, past students have been able to use the train station as a suitable location under the condition that permission is granted from the station manager. We would not be filming at peak times of travel or at busy times. We would be very grateful if you would consider this and get in touch with us as soon as possible, Please reply to either nfgs.mercury@googlemail.com or mz@nfsg.essex.sch.uk

Thank you.

Cast and Crew

Characters:

Jack: Main Villain

Preferred character to play because of acting experience and confidence

Nick:Co Villain

Preferred character and confidence

Karis:Camera and Extra

Is good with technical side of the filming and knows how to use the camera with confidence.

Hannah: The Girl

Experience and confidence

Final Plot

The sequence starts off on the image of a guy sitting on a train bench. A girl walks around the corner carrying a load of books and then drops them unintentionally. The guy then gets up and helps the girl and starts to chat about the train. He gets information out of her about what she is doing and where she is going. From this he realizes she is a perfect candidate to kidnap.
The camera then switches to another train station and films her walking out of the station. The camera then switches to a point of view shot from the guy watching the girl as she walks away. The camera then switches to the girl to show the girls expression. She realizes that he is following her and she starts to walk faster. She gets towards the woody area and the girl trips over and stays on the floor. The guy then stands over her and the camera gains focus.