1. use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of
real media products.
In
Evaluation
Activity 1,
we were
asked ‘in
what ways
does your
media
product;

2. To begin, I will be discussing the ways in which our opening
sequence conforms to the conventions of a spy and
mystery genre.
Traditionally the spy film genres are recognised for including subgenres such
as thriller and action.
Unfortunately, the opening of our film, ‘Femme Fatale’, does not entail these
sub genres, as we believe they should be introduced later on in the film to
build the suspense and allow the climax to build for viewers.
However the spy genre normally deals
with the subject of fictional espionage,
either in a realistic or with the basis of
fantasy – movies such as James bond .
our opening sequence can 100% link in
with James bond, perhaps not in terms of
fantasy but defiantly because of the
prime location being London and the
subject of a secret mission.

3. Spy films show the espionage activities
of government agents , again scene through
the many fast cuts of the London scenery
including the mi5 building to set the scene
within the first minute of our clip
This building plays a huge part in the more
recent James Bond films, which are and
have been for many years, the most famous
of movie spies.
Many novels in the spy fiction genre have been
adapted as films, including works by John
Buchan, Ian Fleming and Len Dighton.
It is a significant aspect of British cinema, with
leading British directors such as Alfred
Hitchcock and Carol Reed making notable
contributions and many films set in the British
Secret Service.
Bond, in his various incarnations, flippantly beat up on the Russians, which again reflects our clip as we are 3
Russian spies set on a mission in the heart of London, building suspense and curiosity for viewers.

4. This leads me onto the characters… It is not blatantly obvious we are Russian
spies, however we have subtly included hints as to how we are, for example the
Russian man talking in the voice over.. Although, within just the opening, it is hard
to learn much about each of the characters.
However, in the credits our names are obviously foreign, for example ‘Anastasia
Podolski’ and ‘Larisa Natalyia’ from research these are both famous female
Russian names.
Although from the seriousness of body language and facial expression all three
actress’ present, it is easy to recognise the spy genre is conformed as the subject
of’ top secret’ files are indeed a serious secret project.
Even as a child’s TV
programme, the female spies
are none to be serious and
even attractive, wearing tight
all in one outfits.

5. Now I will be discussing how the mise en scene links to the genre.
The props used play a key part in presenting the genre. For example the local newspaper is used
to disguise the ‘top secret’ files, which is as well a key prop as it starts to set the story for the
viewers and also meets the conventions of a spy and mystery genre.
We used an ordinary female bag which the top secret file is kept in. We didn’t want to use
anything too extreme such as a brief case or rucksack as it would make the actress stand out in
the business of London (obviously something spy doesn’t want – to make themselves stand
out).
Without the taxi, it would have been really hard to keep
the same storyline. Therefore even though it isn’t
seemingly obvious to the viewers, we needed it to make
the clip look as realistic as possible and link to the
conventions. By having the taxi we could film as we were
driving, this was extremely beneficial (besides the fact it
was raining the majority of the day!) but to make it look
hand held and like a first hand experience from the
actress’ point of view. Again this conforms to the spy
genre as it leaves the viewers on edge as they have no
clue of what to expect.

6. Us 3 characters as well play a huge role within the sequence. Even
though we aren’t really acknowledged until at least a minute through,
we help to set up the story for the viewers. Even though we don’t say
much it is clear we are calm and sophisticated characters. This can be
compared with the actress’ from the modern Charlie’s angels. Similar to
us, they are attractive and young secret agents which are sophisticated
and under cover in what they do, hence the name of ‘angels’.

7. We also included a close up of the
secret files to make it clear to the
audience it is a ‘top secret’
document. By holding the shot it
added suspense and enabled the
audience, again, to engage in what
is going on. Similar to many spy
films and the conventions of them.
The camera use can also be linked with stereotypical spy
films. They normally begin with an establishing shot, which
ours does. In fact a lot of them, therefore creating
knowledge for the audience that the film is based in London.
We filmed famous recognisable building and even the Mi5
building which is seen a lot in James Bond, Sky fall. We used
a variation of shots but mainly long shots, because we didn’t
want to make things to confusing, therefore long shots
enabled the audience to establish the scene and what was
going on.

8. Now I will be considering the editing in terms of the genre
To begin, we used standard, straight cuts which are quite common
from the conventions of spy genre, as well as fast cuts to represent
action; however ours is not a climax of action, but a climax of
scenery and establishment for the viewers.
We used some zoom shots to change the variation and break up
from the fast cuts and we believe it really adds impact to the
sequence.
Slow Motion

9. Finally I will be explaining the ways in which we believe our opening sequence is non
confirmative to a spy genre.
We have included no violence at all, which is not always necessarily used in the
opening sequence of spy films however normally indicates it. I’m sure if the film was to
be produced, violence would be introduced and seen throughout.
Because our film would be targeted at a 12A/15 certificate audience, there is not much
to pull them in, in terms of action, even though the scenery is set and a brief
introduction of the characters and plot is seen, there is no use of weapons or fighting
and therefore possibly leading to the younger audience not feeling engaged with the
opening of the film.
Also the subgenre of ‘sex appeal’ is not that stereotypical of a spy genre. And the slow
motion cuts where the credits are present. This is unconventional mainly because
typically spy genres tend to try and keep to a real work editing style.

10. Finally I will be explaining the ways in which we believe our opening sequence is non
confirmative to a spy genre.
We have included no violence at all, which is not always necessarily used in the
opening sequence of spy films however normally indicates it. I’m sure if the film was to
be produced, violence would be introduced and seen throughout.
Because our film would be targeted at a 12A/15 certificate audience, there is not much
to pull them in, in terms of action, even though the scenery is set and a brief
introduction of the characters and plot is seen, there is no use of weapons or fighting
and therefore possibly leading to the younger audience not feeling engaged with the
opening of the film.
Also the subgenre of ‘sex appeal’ is not that stereotypical of a spy genre. And the slow
motion cuts where the credits are present. This is unconventional mainly because
typically spy genres tend to try and keep to a real work editing style.