2. My main media product was an opening sequence to a Slasher film which is a sub-genre
of horror/thriller. The general plot was that a dangerous psychopathic murderer had
escaped a local asylum and was on the loose. A girl returns to her school in the evening
to collect her bag and receives a phone call from her mum alerting her of the news. The
mental patient is then seen in the same building and abducts her. The girl then wakes
up beaten and tied in a derelict building in woodland. The psychopath is then seen
padlocking the door and walking off into the distance which brings the opening
sequence to an end. The initial artefact was a brief sequence of a teacher finding a
student in a classroom without permission, but when he hears the music his mood
suddenly changes and sits down with the student to join in. The reason for this artefact
was to show someone walking through a door from different angles and to get a feel for
the camera and editing software. From filming these two artefacts my skills have
improved majorly as it was the first time I had used such professional equipment. I
quickly picked up on how to adjust the lighting settings on the camera so that it didn‟t
come out too bright or too dim on screen. I also learnt how the boom microphone can
majorly improve sound quality when recording someone speaking. Obviously at some
stage I had to use a tripod which I quickly adapted to and it enabled me to get certain
steady shots without any unwanted movement as I didn‟t have to hold it. I also had
access to adobe premiere which is professional editing software which I thoroughly
enjoyed using and experimenting with. It enabled me to build on my editing skills which
could be very useful to me in the future as it could potentially be a platform to build a
career on as I now know the basics and have reassured myself that it is something I
enjoy doing.
3. Once I had decided that I was going to make
a Slasher movie I watched four films from the
thriller/horror genre and analysed the forms
and conventions to give myself an insight of
what and what not to include in my Slasher
movie. The four films I analysed were;
„Straightheads‟, „Gone‟, „Babysitter Wanted‟,
and „Psycho‟ (Hitchcock 1960).
4. „STRAIGHTHEADS‟
Conventions:
Props
Many props are used throughout including weapons such as guns, crow bars, and batons. The
crow bars and batons emphasise the pain felt by the victim as the process is drawn out unlike a
gun, which can kill someone in one shot. The sound of the baton hitting Adam repeatedly is a
lot harsher on the ears than a single gun shot. The use of sniper rifles indicates the planning
gone into the revenge, and indicate that they want to keep there distance. Torches are also
used to emphasis the darkness and also create a sharp contrast in colours on screen. The man
in the bottom right picture Is shown with one crutch, which could be used as a weapon, which
creates anxiety and/or also show that this is not the first time they‟ve attacked as he could be
injured from a previous attack. Adam is regularly seen holding a bottle of alcohol after the
attack, showing how he is suffering mentally.
Costumes
Typically, white is seen as a colour of purity and black of evil. This is represented through
Adam, who has done nothing wrong, is wearing a white shirt and the four men who exit the
vehicle are all wearing dark colours, resembling evil. However the bottom right picture may
contradict the theory, but It could also indicate that because she has been raped and abused
Alice is no longer pure. Also the white shirt clearly shows the blood on Adam and likewise the
contrast of the dark clothing and the pale face of Alice show her shock and coldness.
5. Setting
The opening scenes of the film are filmed in modern buildings in urban areas, and the shots
include a variety of bright natural colours. These factors give of a feeling of security, reality
and warmth. However as the film progresses, the majority of scenes are set in a wooded area
or the derelict farm house, where when in the dark create a feeling of loneliness and anxiety
and when shot in the daytime, the setting appears cold and unwelcoming due to the lack of
colours and overcast sky. Also in the bottom right picture the bright headlights of the vehicle
hide the identity of the people inside therefore creating suspense.
Stock characters
In thrillers/horrors, there is almost always a villain and a victim. In this case the woman is the
victim and the 4 men who get out the jeep and beat/rape Alice are the villains. Typically the
victim is usually a young woman like Alice- blonde, attractive. The villains are usually the
opposite- old un attractive men. These stock characters fit into Vladimir Propp‟s narrative
theory.
Stock events
Likewise there are always stock events, such as brutal violence, or someone driving through
dark woods and then something happening, for example the car breaking down, obstruction or
in this case hitting an animal which make the drivers stop and get out their car, which leaves
them vulnerable and exposed. Another stock event is that the story is based around revenge,
which is apparent in „Straightheads‟. Stock events in this fit in with Todorov‟s narrative theory
that everything starts in equilibrium, and then an outside force causes disequilibrium.
6. Codes:
Titles
The titles are written in a blue font, which can represent the depressing and cold feeling throughout the movie.
The font is pixelated and the effects make it very jumpy and suddenly zoom in on the letters, like the bottom
right picture. The black background means there is no distraction, therefore the audience concentrate on the
writing which then has effect when it suddenly zooms in. It is very dramatic and prepares the audience for the
movie by putting them at unease. It is the opposite of relaxing. The use of a sans serif font represents the
modern feel of this film.
Camera angles
A range of camera angles are used to add effect to a situation. The bottom left picture is from the POV of the
woman, looking at her husband who is about to be attacked by four men. It gives the viewer her perspective of
the situation. In the picture through the sniper aim, it makes the man targeted look vulnerable, and creates
suspense whether Alice will shoot or not. The picture in the bottom right is from a low camera angle, making the
villain look powerful and even more evil, looking down on his vulnerable victim.
Camera range
There are a different range of camera shots in the film. The majority of close ups occur when something
dramatic is happening, and can show the reaction of someone's feelings. For example the picture below shows
the helplessness and shock that the woman feels as she watches her boyfriend being brutally beaten up. The
establishing shots usually start a new scene, and show the setting. For example the picture below shows a long
shot of the woman driving through woodland, indicating she is far from any help if needed, and is isolated.
7. Composition
The shot below has both partners in frame showing the harm that
has been done to both of them and the pain they are feeling, unable
to look at each other. This is in contrast to the other picture where
they are both smiling.
Lighting
When the villains attacked it took place at night therefore the
lighting was dark which emphasised the eeriness. The morning after
the attack involved a bright daylight scene which is a harsh contrast
to the scene before, and can represent the sudden change that has
taken place in Alice and Adams life because of the attack.
Narrative theories
Todorov‟s narrative theory can be seen in Straightheads as the film
begins in equilibrium as life is normal with husband and wife going
to a party. Normality is then disrupted by an outside force (the
rapists) which causes disequilibrium.
8. „GONE‟
Conventions:
Props
Various props are used in the film Gone, however the only weapon used as a prop is a gun.
This can symbolise the fact that it is an abduction, as pain and torture isn‟t intended. It can be
used to keep the victim under control by scaring them, and likewise can provide a sudden
death unlike a drawn out painful one. The gaffer tape also acts as a hint that someone has
been abducted as it can be placed over their mouth to stop them making noise. The torch is
used in the dark woods to emphasise the lack of light, and the creates a sense of erriness that
can be felt in the woods. A mobile phone is used at the end when Jill is on the phone to the
kidnapper, which can create suspense as they cannot be seen but their voice can be heard,
therefore the audience assume what he will look like.
Costumes
All of the costumes worn throughout the movie are mainly either black and white, which
portrays the contrast between good an evil that is present in the storyline. There is no
colourful clothing which would lighten the mood. It is all very serious. Also Jill is shown
wearing white showing her innocence and representing that she was a victim, however she is
also shown wearing black when in pursuit of the kidnapper, showing he desire to get revenge
with a sense of evil. The kidnapper is also shot briefly from behind and he is wearing a black
hood. This represents his sinister approach and how he is hiding his identity.
9. Setting
Different settings are used throughout the film to enhance the reality of
the story. For example the bottom right picture is a shot of a city
building in the day time that will be similar to what viewers would see in
everyday life. There is a constant change between urban and remote
areas which emphasises the isolation of these places to the viewers.
Stock characters and events
In Gone the Villian is the kidnapper who through the phone sounds
middle aged, and the victims are Jill and her sister who are innocent
attractive young adults. Stock events include the actual kidnapping, the
mobile phone call at the end, the violence and the scenes in the woods.
10. Codes:
Titles
The background of the titles can be seen as representing the
mud/ dirt found on the bottom of the hole In the woods where
the kidnapped girls are supposedly kept. It is merged with black
which represents the darkness felt throughout the film. The font
is big and bold, highlighting the fact the girl is “Gone” . The font
could represent the girl as it looks clean and pure compared to
the dark dirty background.
Camera angles
Different camera angles are used to enhance the suspense and
action throughout the film. In the 2 left hand pictures below the
camera angle is from above, making Jill look vulnerable and
weak. The far right picture below shows a POV of what Jill can
see from within the hole, looking upwards. The other 2 pictures
of Jill and her sister on the phone are shot from an angle that
could be the POV of the kidnapper spying on them, therefore
have the eyes of the kidnapper.
11. Camera range
A variety of camera ranges are used throughout the film for different reasons that
all contribute to the horror feeling. The Extreme long shots set the scene, for
example the picture of the city shows the vast area, densely populated, which is in
contrast to the large area of woodland that neighbours the city. A long shot is
used to show the specific location of the house, indicating it is in quite a secluded
rural area, which creates the sense of loneliness and fear. Extreme close ups are
used on Jill to emphasise her pain and suffering. A close up is also used to show
how she is walking bare footed at night in a wet woodland. This creates suspicion
and curiosity as to why this is so.
Lighting
It consistently skips from the comforting urban areas, which are predominantly
filmed in daylight to the remote location of the house which is situated in and
around woodland. These scenes are predominantly filmed at night time, which
enhances the eeriness of the secluded location. There is also a scene in an
abandoned house which creates curiosity and anxiety, because of the large empty
spaces and unfamiliarity. Also the lighting is very dim, as only a little amount of
daylight shines through the window, creating shadows and glare. Also when Jill is
taking a shower, there is very little lighting which creates a contrast of the
darkness with the white shower curtain, which reveals the spooky silhouette. A lot
of the film is shot in woodland which again enhances the isolation and
helplessness of the character.
12. „BABYSITTER WANTED‟
Conventions:
Props
Various props are used throughout the film for effect. At the start of the film a
notice is shown indicating a girl is missing. This builds tension and hints the
storyline of the film. Later on in the more dramatic scenes weapons are used to
give the actor power and creates suspense for the audience, Eg. Whether she will
shoot the gun. Also dangerous utilities such as Saws are used which make the
scenario more gruesome as they provide more of a torture. The phone is also used
as it creates anxiety because you can hear the voice of the villain, but cannot see
him.
Costumes
As seen in the picture below, Angie is wearing a bright jumper, representing her
innocence, but also indicating that she is likely to be the victim. The murderer is
dressed in a contrasting black, once again showing his evil, dark and sinister
personality. At the start of the film people are wearing casual everyday clothing.
This allows the audience to relate to everyday life, making the story more realistic.
13. Setting
The first half of the film is mainly set in daylight, in a town with
lots of people around, creating security and comfort, however as
the film progresses, Angie drives to the remote isolated house
which is far from any other humans which creates isolation and
makes the audience anxious. Also once at the isolated house, it
is filmed at night time which creates eeriness and uncertainty.
Stock characters and events
Stock characters in this film include Angie who is an innocent
woman who turns out to be the victim. There is also the villain
who is the murderer on the loose. Stock events include Angie
driving away from safety, to the remote eerie house in the
countryside. Also the phone ringing and the villain speaking on
the other end is a stock event.
14. Codes:
Titles
The titles are written in a red font, which represents blood and stands out against the dark
black background. The writing is enclosed in a box, which could represent how Angie was
trapped by the villain. Also usually that font and the word “Wanted” are used to try finding a
killer/criminal. However it is the Babysitter that is wanted, who turns out to be the victim of a
killer.
Camera angles:
The bottom left picture shows someone looking down on the tools from their POV, making it
seem as though the audience is choosing, and therefore the villain. The middle picture is also
from POV from a distance as if they are spying on Angie on the phone. The bottom right
picture is from a low camera angle, looking up at Angie with the gun showing that she now has
power because of the gun.
Camera range:
The picture of the car is from a Extreme long shot as it shows the setting, and that it is in the
middle of nowhere, with no humans near. The picture of Angie is a close up as it focuses on
her look of concern as to who is following her.
15. „PSYCHO‟
Conventions:
Props
The prop used in the famous shower scene of Phsyco is a knife.
Emphasis is on the knife as the woman repeatedly gets stabbed
by it. The knife makes Marion extremely vulnerable and
helpless, therefore resulting in her death. Other props used in
Phsyco include Stuffed birds of prey that are purposely placed in
the same shot as Norman which represents that he is a killer.
Costumes
As seen in the picture below, Norman is predominantly seen
wearing a heavy trench coat, despite being inside which
represents his cold and sinister personality. In contrast to this
Marion is wearing a summer dress, which shows her femininity
and warmth.
16. Setting
The film is set in “A quiet little motel, tucked away”
from anything else which adds to the suspense and
isolation.
Stock characters and events
Stock characters in Phsyco include Norman, who is a
lonely psychopath who murders innocent women.
Also Marion is the innocent woman who gets brutally
murdered. Stock events include Marion driving alone
at night, arriving at a run down, isolated motel. The
murders are also stock events.
17. Codes:
Titles
The font used in the titles is spilt. This can represent Norman‟s split personality, one
being his normal side, and the other being his psychopathic mental side. The white
writing on a black background emphasises the good v evil in the film. The animations
are also very jolty which is similar to the murder in the shower where there a lots of
quick short shots that make the scene more dramatic.
Camera angles
A POV camera angle is used to give the first impressions Marion gets as she arrives at
the motel. It is dark, raining and doesn‟t look very welcoming, therefore the audience
sympathises for her. The shot of the house is taken from a low camera angle, making it
look even more bigger and sinister than it already is. Various points in the shower scene
are taking from a high camera angle, making Marion look small and vulnerable.
Camera range
In the dramatic shower scene, the use of camera range is used excellently for effect.
Within a few seconds the shot goes from a medium close up, to a close up, and then to
an extreme close up that focuses on the mouth which indicates the fear and panic of the
scene.
18. Composition
Throughout the parlour scene, Hitchcock is clearly using visual composition to tell
the audience about the characters. Norman – surrounded by sinister birds – is
clearly characterised as a murderer. Marion – generously lit and framed with small,
stuffed finches – is clearly going to become his victim. Although many people
don‟t recognise this on first viewing the film, when you watch the movie again, it
is clear what Hitchcock was conveying through his use of visual composition.
Editing
For most of the film simple continuity editing is used so that it goes unnoticed to
the audience. However in the scene where Marion gets stabbed there is fast paced
editing that is done on purpose to enhance the drama and effect on the audience
and keeps up with the tempo of the music.
Narrative theories
Todorov‟s narrative theory can be seen in Psycho. The state of equilibrium is
Marion stealing money from her job. The disruption to the equilibrium is her
being murder by an unknown character. There is then recognition when her sister
and police find out she is missing. There is than an attempt to repair damage as
they search for evidence at hotel owners‟ house. They then return to a new
equilibrium when Norman is arrested.
Lighting
Lighting is used in the shower scene that make the killer appear as a silhouette, making
them look dark and sinister, where as in contrast Marion is clearly lit up, making her
look pure and innocent.
19. How used (my media product)
There are particular codes and conventions from the existing Horror/thriller films that I
used, developed and challenged in my artefact.
Conventions:
Props
In my film I used certain props that relate to the torture of the girl. The masking tape as a prop shows
that the psychopathic murderer has planned to torture the girl. This indicates to the audience the
danger and insanity of the villain, and makes them anxious of what he will do to her, creating thoughts
running round their heads. I also used a mobile phone as a prop as it creates tension and panic when
the girl loses signal to her mother in the circumstance she is in. This is because it cuts her off from
reality and safety. Like in the real media products I analysed, the use of the weapon (mallet) implies the
psychopath intends to torture the girl rather than kill her quickly which prepares the audience for
graphic scenes later on in the film.
Setting
In my film there were two settings that emphasised Todorov‟s theory as it starts in equilibrium in a
familiar, safe setting of a school and then after the outside force (psychopath) had attacked,
disequilibrium took place which is shown by the setting of an isolated derelict building in woodland,
once this had happened. The school setting would have been familiar with the target audience and
therefore they could relate to it and put themselves in the girls‟ position, increasing the effect. The
setting in the woodland would have made the audience realise that the girl was in danger as she was
isolated from any other human contact or help.
20. Codes:
Titles
I used a simple bold burgundy font which represented the blood of the
girl, against a black background so it stood out and created eeriness. The
blood represents the girls‟ torture and the black background represents the
darkness of the psychopath. The bold font connotes the psychopath‟s
ruthless personality, and it flashes on screen suddenly to prepare the
audience for what is to follow in the film by getting them on edge.
Camera angles
In the four existing films different camera angles are used to
enhance the suspense and action throughout the film. There are
many shots from a high camera angle looking down on the victim as
it makes them look vulnerable. There are also shots from a low
camera angle to make the villain look threatening. Because of this I
made sure that when the psychopath approaches the girl the camera
angle was high and also used a POV of the girl looking up at the
villain from a low camera angle.
21. Camera range
The camera ranges used for most effect in the four existing
films were close ups that would clearly show facial
expressions and extreme long shots that would show the
setting. In my film I used close ups to show the girls reaction
to being told that a psychopath is on the loose. I used an
extreme long shot to show the isolation of the derelict
building in the woodland where the psychopath had taken
and locked the girl.
Lighting
In all four existing films there is a large amount of scenes
shot at night time in the dark. This creates eeriness and also
shadows are formed which can create tension. My film begins
in the darkness of night and the lights go out when the girl is
attacked. The following scene is shot in very bright daylight
which acts as a harsh contrast and binary opposite for the
audience and represents the dazed feeling the girl gets when
she wakes up.
22. Film Stock
The ending of my opening sequence is in black and
white. I did this to symbolise how the girl was now
lifeless and would soon die. It also emphasised a
cold feeling for the audience. It has the same effect
as the film Psycho which is shot in black and white.
23. What I developed from real media products:
In Psycho the villain is anonymous however the villain in my film
is not so that later on in the film the victim can have flash backs
of his face which add to effect and the audience can get a feel of
the trauma the girl is going through.
Lighting
I also developed the use of a torch which is used as a prop in
„Straightheads‟. This would have been chosen as a prop as it
creates a contrast between the darkness and brightness and
therefore makes the screen appear black and white which creates
a feeling of coldness and unfamiliarity. I used a torch light in my
artefact for this reason but developed it by having it flicker on
and off which briefly exposed the villain approaching the girl
from her POV which gave it an eerie effect.
Stock characters
Another convention I developed was that in the four films that I
analysed the victim was a girl in her twenties, however in my film
the victim was slightly younger (a teenager) therefore the target
audience of teenagers would feel more involved and able to
relate to it, therefore enhancing their experience.
24. What I challenged from real media products:
Costumes
A convention I challenged was the costumes used. In
most horror/thrillers it is conventional for the victim
to be wearing white as it represents purity and the
villain to be wearing dark clothing to represent their
sinister personality. However in my film the villain is
wearing a white uniform from the mental asylum.
However this creates abnormality as the costume is
an unusual item for a man to be wearing in that
location therefore creates a sense of fear as the
audience know he should not be there.
25. How does your media product represent particular social groups?
In my opening sequence there are just three characters. The
teenage girl is represented as being a typical forgetful teen
who has forgotten her bag. Also she is seen walking into the
building already on her phone before it rings which
represents how teens of today can‟t live for a second without
their phone. The girl also represents the vulnerability of teen
girls and how they are helpless when put into the situation
she was put in. After the news that her mum gives her there
is a clear change in her attitude, as she goes from being lively
and relaxed to very panicked and anxious. The girls mum
represents how most mums are protective over their offspring
and that they get worried easily. Also, she is shot in a kitchen
watching the news which is a typical thing a mother would do
in the evening whilst cooking. The psychopath is a middle
aged man which creates the ideology that psychopaths are
usually this age. Their size and age makes them even scarier
from the victims POV.
26. What kind of media institution might distribute your product and why?
On a large box office scale, I would look to use a company such as
Momentum pictures to compete amongst the very best films for
viewings and awards. However if I wanted to start small and build my
way up I would look to use the company „Film Four‟. My target audience
is teenagers and „Film Four‟ are known for creating films for cultural and
ethnic minorities. For example they have produced „This is England‟,
„The Inbetweeners Movie‟ and the TV series „Skins‟. This shows their
experience in this area of target audience. My film however does not
have cultural or ethnic messages and because of this my film won‟t be
reaching the right audience. Globally, I would try to gain help from an
institution such as „Warner Bros‟ or 'Universal Pictures'. They are well-
established and extremely successful companies with one of the longest
running motion picture studios under their belt. Franchises such as
'Jaws' and 'The Bourne Identity' make Universal pictures one of the most
dominant companies in movie production. They distribute films across
the globe and if I wanted to achieve worldwide recognition for my film, I
would need to approach 'Universal Pictures' for their assistance. Another
way of distributing my product could be on a website such as Youtube
as the film could then be accessed worldwide. The ease of access
enables views to rise rapidly over a very short period of the time and due
to social networking site it can be shared by the click of the button.
27. Who would be the audience for your media product?
The film would be rated a 15 due to the graphic
scenes therefore the primary target audience would
be 15-24 year olds who seek watching films in the
horror/thriller genre such as „Straightheads‟, „Gone‟,
„Psycho‟ and „Babysitter Wanted‟. This genre of film
seems to appeal to this age group as it is exciting,
and the type of film you would see with friends as it
wouldn‟t appeal to many couples, families or the
older generation. People in my target audience are
also able to relate best to what is happening in the
film and therefore is more interesting for them to
watch as they can put themselves in the onscreen
situation.
28. How did you attract/address your audience?
It is vital to attract an audience in order for a film to succeed. For
my film I carried out a questionnaire on my target audience
including questions about codes and conventions which provided
useful information on what they would/wouldn‟t like to see in a
film of the Slasher genre. From this I was able to choose what to
include in my film and left out the codes and conventions that
were not valued highly. I found that they expected at some stage
in the film for someone to be in an isolated place away from
safety. I also discovered the types of camera angles and ranges
that has most effect on them and therefore used these to attract
them. I also attracted my target audience by using a familiar
setting to them of a school as they would either still attend one
or have recently left. This enables them to relate to it and feel
more involved. Also by making the victim an age that fits into the
target audience it enables them to associate the victim with
themselves and therefore they will be more scared as it could be
them. The target audience is also one that gets bored easily
therefore I had to ensure the film maintained build-up of
suspense followed by action. The slow paced music helped build
up this suspense while the variety of editing speeds contributed
well to the action on screen making it more effective.
29. What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing
this product?
From the process of constructing my media product I have been
introduced to various new technologies and learnt valuable skills from
them. I have learnt how to edit to a high standard using Adobe Premiere
Pro CS5 which is used by professionals. The complexity of the software
allows for very technical and advanced methods of editing. The more
time I spent editing the more familiar I became with the software and I
would discover new features every time that helped enhance my media
product. Editing my initial product enabled me to become experienced
enough to edit my main product to a high standard. For my filming I
used the professional, industry standard „Panasonic AVCCAM‟. Being
able to use such quality cameras for the first time was very daunting as
there were so many settings and buttons to choose from. However I
quickly got to grips with the camera and enjoyed being able to adjust
the camera focus and alter lighting settings effectively. I have uploaded
my evaluation documents onto Google‟s „Blogger‟ website. This was the
first time I had created a blog and was an experience I enjoyed. It is an
interactive way to post any writing onto the internet that can be
accessed via a simple web address by anyone in the world. I also created
a Youtube account whereby I can publish my products for anyone in the
world to watch free of charge.
30. Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the
progression from it to the full product?
The initial product was a vital learning experience for me as it was my first time
using such professional software and equipment. Obviously I made mistakes
which I was able to identify and make sure I avoided doing the same in my main
product. For example when I went to edit my initial product some of the videos
were without sound. This was because I had not adjusted the sound input to the
right setting on the camera when trying to use the boom microphone. Because of
this I then had to re film that shot which wasted time. Another mistake I made in
my initial product was that I had music playing out loud that was being recorded
by the camera when filming. This meant that when it came to editing, the song
didn‟t flow continuously throughout as it had bits missing from where I had edited
out a particular clip. From this I learnt it was better to apply music separately
when editing as you can match it up with footage where you like without losing
bits of the song. This helped for when it came to editing my main product. In my
initial product there are some shots next to each other where the brightness of
lighting stands out against other shots even though it‟s shot at the same time of
day. Because of this I made sure that when I filmed my main product I adjusted the
lighting settings on the camera to match the lighting in the shot at that time. As
well as these technical aspects I was also able to learn directing skills, such as
telling my actors not to look into the camera when acting as it takes away the
reality. Due to me learning from my mistakes between the initial and main product
there is a clear difference in quality between the two products. The main product
appears much more professional.