Film Pitch Presentation (Video)

This is the complete presentation for my film, When In Darkness. In this video I also answer any questions that the audience may have had.

 

In the video I briefly explain several aspects to my film, for instance who my target audience are, who my characters are, locations and the finalised plot. I explain all of this to members of my target audience, so those who are aged 16-25 and was given feedback, answered questions and made me consider ways in which I can improve my ideas.

What the audience seemed to like about my film was the inclusion of a bisexual character, which as I explained to my target audience was an aspect that I was passionate in including as there is a definite lack in representation in the film industry. My audience made me think about exactly how I'll be presenting my character Billie White as I'll have to think thoroughly about how I'll show a positive representation of bisexual characters in my trailer.

The film pitch also made me think about aspects of my film that I haven't yet considered, such as what camera equipment I will use and the camera angels that I will include. Altogether my pitch was successful because it gave me the opportunity to talk directly to my audience, get feedback and think about my film in much more detail.

Film Pitch

In preparation for my film pitch, I produced a presentation to go along with my pitch itself. The presentation includes my target audience, ideas for the font, synopsis of the plot, characters and even ideas for the locations. My pitch itself I will also explain exactly why I picked these certain aspects to my film and will be answering any questions.

I will be adding the video of my film pitch within the next few days. In video I will also be answering questions and will be explaining the reasoning behind certain decisions in depth. The pitch will be a chance for me to receive feedback about my ideas and maybe even develop or change them.

Animatics

Created with Padlet

The padlet above was created in my Media Studies class, in which we discussed and answered several questions in regards to animatics, from how to make them creative to why they are used in film making. An animatic is a preliminary version of a media product (for instance film, music video, TV show) which is produced by filming successive sections of storyboard occupied by music. I created my animatic for When In Darkness on Windows Movie Maker as it was the only video making software that I could obtain freely for the planning section for my main media product.

My animatic has allowed for me to showcase my ideas a lot more creatively than the story and also has given me an idea of exactly how my trailer will flow together. It is noted however that my trailer will certainly not be of this length as many of the shots included will be much quicker and fast pace. Also I will not be using the same music for my main media product, though the lyrics to True Friends by Bring Me The Horizon (the first song used in my animatic) does fit with my plot line very well ("true friends stab you in the front" and "you can run but you can't hide") and the alternative rock genre appeals to both my target audience and will make my trailer stand out by using a popular band within rock culture.

Shooting Schedule

Monday 7th December- Shooting begins. I will be filming the opening scenes to the trailer, which includes Coren Vincent giving the characters detentions and them either defending their case or accepting their detention. If I complete this quickly I will also be filming the five characters in their detention and arguing before the power cuts out.

Wednesday 9th December - Here I will be filming several of the quick cut shots. Mainly the scenes involving inside of the school. For instance Finn running down the corridor and filming Percy's scenes, including him calling for Finn and perhaps his murder.

Thrusday 10th December - Scenes including Billie and Jessica running from the villain over the fields.

Friday 11th December - This will primarily be filming the fight in the viral video. I have most of the day to film this as it is a weekend day though may arise issues such as weekend jobs my actors may have.

Monday 14th December - Here I will be filming the final scenes of the trailer, where Finn and Billie are seen together and also library scenes will be filmed here.

Wednesday 16th December - I am planning to film or record the characters voice overs for my trailer this will mainly include Veronica.

Friday 18th December - Here I will film the office scenes with Veronica and Finn.

This shooting schedule is a draft, chances are I will not be completely sticking to this filming schedule as aspects such as the weather and prior engagements with my actors for part-time jobs. But this will give me an outline of my filming and will additionally give me an advantage in the planning.

Shot List

A shot list is list of the different shots that I will be using for my trailer. A shot list helps in terms of the planning for my trailer and also the filming itself. It lists the types of shots, the description, angels of each of these shot, the location and finally the characters used within the shot.

Below is the shot list for my trailer.

Creating this shot list has enabled me a very clear idea of the trailer so far, it also will help me in terms of thinking about the different camera shots and angles. It's purpose is so I can make sure that every part of my script, screenplay is assigned with a certain shot.

Storyboarding

Storyboards are used in order to depict events within a moving image through the use of pictures. The storyboard allows for me to clearly picture my trailer through these various images and how they will appear in the shot types chosen.

My completed storyboard will be an outline for my trailer. This has given me a much more clear and visual look upon my trailer and has made me think about the camera angles I will use, the movements and the overall theme of the trailer. This includes the fonts I will use and the non-diegetic sounds (background music) that I will include. Overall, my storyboard has allowed for me to advance in my trailer production and planning.

Script

This is the script I created for my film, When In Darkness. Scripts are very important in the process of film making as they give clear instructions for the dialogue, actions and order of scenes within a media text. 

When In Darkness Script from alltimejas

Creating a script has enabled me to process in creating a solid outline and order for my trailer. From this, I will be able to have a clear idea of what I will be needing to film and additionally what dialogue I will be including. I will be printing out this script and adding notes to it over the coming weeks and posting this to my blog, to highlight any changes or additional scenes added from either careful planning or those I thought of spontaneously.

When in Darkness

My script contains many quick shots, which will be very fast pace, two to three seconds shots of various scenes in order to make the trailer have a fast pace, in order to get my audiences' hearts racing along with the trailer and adds to the aspects of thriller within my trailer.

Screenplay

A screenplay is a film script, complete with stage directions and acting instructions.

This is the screenplay for my trailer, When In Darkness. I will be partly sticking to this screenplay as it is noted that I may produce more ideas during filming but this screenplay enables me to give a brief overview of the dialogue I wish to include in the trailer.

When In Darkness Screenplay

This screenplay helped me greatly in thinking about the type of content and plot details that I wish to include in my trailer. I want to show as little of the plot as possible in order to avoid spoilers but yet enough to let audiences know the film's synopsis and begin to introduce them to characters. The screenplay is also open to further annotation and ideas, so I will be able to communicate my characters more strongly through the trailer. Secondly, it will create a much more tense experience for my audience through aspects such as camera angles, movements and lighting. Overall however, creating this screenplay has given me a much firmer idea of what I will ultimately include in my trailer.

Recce

Embed above is the recce for my film. Recce refers to visiting (and taking pictures) of where I plan to shoot and also where I will consider the issues that may arise when filming, including lighting and access to these locations.

Possible Issues

• Getting permission to film in the library after dark will prove to be difficult as there are certain health and safety risks for those who own the library must consider.
• Filming will only take place during the night for all outside locations and some inside ones also. This will mean that filming will be limited and start from around 4:30 to 7:00 (when the school closes).
• Filming at night will also mean that it will be in the pitch black and may mean that some scenes will be difficult to make out and therefore will be need to be further edited.
• Other students or members of staff may infer with filming which is something that I hope to avoid.
• Inferring noises from birds, cars, people etc.
• Weather may affect filming, for instance if it rains and I am filming the running scene it will arise safety hazards.

Location Research

Location Research

In order to build my plot my location ideas are mainly centred around school, these locations include hallways, bathrooms, classrooms, canteen, fields, teachers offices, library and a house party setting. Throughout my trailer my characters will be exploring these parts of the school in almost complete darkness (some even in complete darkness) which creates a much sinister and terrifying feel when combined with the abandoned feel to these school locations.

Mind map and brief explanation of locations

These locations connote the overall setting of a secondary school and additionally their lifestyle (house parties for instance). Together these locations will communicate and appeal to my ideal target audience of 16-25 year olds.

The mise-en-scene of these locations will also introduce conventional features of thrillers, mirrors for example will be present in the schools bathrooms.

In order to be able to film in my desired locations I will need permission to do so. I will of course be able to use my own school for several of these locations but I may have issues with getting permission to film in the library, may even have to consider choosing an alternative locations for the library.

Auidence Research Questionnaire Results and Analysis

A few weeks ago I released a questionnaire via Google Forms which I sent out over social media and to friends and members of staff and received 50 responses. The results for this questionnaire are crucial to my product's micro and macro decisions and other aspects such as the title, what to include and what not to include, the characters and even what weapons will audiences be most affected by. Below is the results that I received from my questionnaire.

The results collected tell me that my target audience are both males and females, aged 16-25 and therefore mean that my characters (who are within this age bracket) are able to appeal to my audience and allows for my audience to empathise with the characters. These results also helps me greatly in what I will include within the trailer itself, for instance, the use of the needle as a weapon which is unconventional and many people do in fact fear needles. It also helped me in picking the title for my film 'When In Darkness' which I feel fits with firstly the genre and also provokes aspects of fear.

Overall, this analysis of my audience questionnaire will help me to shape and create a successful trailer in which my intended target audience will enjoy. I can refer back to my questionnaire results when justifying certain reasons for mise-en-scene and finally these results will be what ultimately what will make my trailer successful with my audience.

Characters In My Thriller

 In thriller films there are not many conventional characters, as there is such a range of genres that no two characters from separate films can be compared. However through analysis, I found that there a few links. These include the main protagonist being a brave and confident male, the females within thrillers also tend to be fearful, innocent and often being protected by the male. Finally the villain within thrillers tend to have a dark past that provokes them to their evil wrongdoings. Below is a more in depth analysis of conventional characters in thriller.

 

 My film contains six character in total: Veronica Calder, Finn Lester, Jessica Brookes, Billie White, Percy Swanfield and Coren Vincent. Since my plot centres around unlikely characters working together in order to survive I created characters who are from a range of different social groups and backgrounds, and assigned their roles within the plot in order to fit their clashing personalities together.

 Based on this analysis, I will use mise-en-scene in order to communicate and represent my characters roles and personalities through costume, lighting and make-up etc. For instance, using expensive looking outfits to showcase her hierarchy on the social ladder. 

Micro and Macro Decisions

 Below this prezi explains the difference between mirco and marco decisions and what is include within both of those decisions. It also includes an example of micro and marco within an existing film, The Lovely Bones, and how the micro decisions act as jigsaw pieces to join together to create the much larger picture of the marco decision.

 Micro and Marco decisions together are what shapes the narrative and plot of films. The marco decisions are the 'big ideas' of a media text and relate to a film's unique selling point. It also communicates the morals and messages that the product is supposed to communicate to audiences. On the other hand mirco decisions are all of the minor decisions that form together to make the much larger marco decision.

 Based on this analysis, I will be carefully constructing my minor decisions first and foremost in order to fabricate my marco decision in my final media product. My marco decision will address a moral message to audiences in the end through my mirco choices.

Development of My Film Title

For the title of my main media product I firstly thought about my film's genre and the conventions within that, then finally the actual plot of my film. I then created a small mindmap to brainstorm different ideas I had for my title. A few of them I felt did not fit with my film's plot nor the conventions of my genre.

Mindmap for my title

When I made a final decision surrounding my plot, alongside that I came up with a mindmap of ideas for a potential titles. Several of them I wasn't too fond of and I felt that they didn't fit the plot nor the genre and scraped them aside. The ones mentioned in the animoto below are the titles that I feel are the most effective in communicating the genre and plot's theme.

TITLES

• D3AD FIV3 - This title informs audiences of the amount of characters within the plot. Secondly it showcases the theme of both murder and mystery - Who is dead? Are they all destined to die? What I liked about this title particularly was the use of the number '3' as opposed to the letter 'E'. I choose tactically as this swapping of words with letters is something that many teenagers and young adults (those who have a social networking website) do when creating a usernames and therefore communicates firstly the use of teenagers within the film and also refers to the audience (whom will primarily be older teenagers/young adults).
• Detention - This second title is straight to the point with communicating the main plot idea with the detention almost acting as a catalyst for all the unfortunate events that unfold throughout the film. This title may however be considered to be generic and cliché however but will ultimately inform audiences of parts of the plot. 
• In The Dark: They Left Us Alone - I liked this title because it communicated the theme of thriller with the word 'dark'. Darkness (which has connotations for the unknown) helps to provoke fear and unease upon my audience and is also a lighting effect that I will use within my media product. The slogan 'they left us alone' actually came from a song called 'Kids In The Dark', the idea of being left alone promotes ideas of isolation and loneliness, themes that are associated with thriller and part of what provokes fear.
• The Shadow Room - Shadow is yet another word that harbours connotations of darkness.I chose this specific word as shadow has particularly dark connotations and associations. These include a representation of something dark, foreboding or even evil. Additionally, they can showcase an inner conflict of character which I discovered when reading Frankenstein. These particular connotations make the word shadow appear sinister.
• When In Darkness - The word 'darkness' again showcases the theme of darkness, the unknown, not being able to know what may be in front of you. All of these things provoke fear, people can be scared of the dark and instantly creates suspense as consumers put themselves in the characters shoes - what would they do when in absolute darkness?

 Based on my analysis of my film titles, I will be allowing for my audience to be selecting the title through my research in which I will conduct either a questionnaire, interview or a focus group and allow for the participants to give their opinions on my titles and ask for them to pick their favourite.

Representation Theories

Lacan – Psychoanalysis and ‘The Mirror’

Lacan's theory of 'identity' revolves around the idea of identity. Lacan considered the point in which a person develops a sense conscious and self-identity. He said that a child recognises their own reflection and think about how other perceive them, changing their own appearance to satisfy their perceptions of how others will perceive them. 

Mulvey extended this theory, she writes about 'the sliver screen' which she says is used almost like a metaphorical mirror that reflects back to the female consumer representations of the female identity, however these representations are not complete true reflections of the viewer but rather male idealised femininity ideologies.

Queer Theory – Judith Butler

This particular theory came from the field of Gender studies. The Queer theory suggests that male and/or female gender roles do not control our entire identity or even how we as society perceive others identities. Gender in particular, represented in broadcast Medias is fluid and flexible, depending on the context of said broadcast media. This theory was a way to combat and challenge negative representations of gay sexuality within the media and the idea that these people should be divided and categories due to their sexuality and in addition a person’s identity should not dwell upon their sexual preference. It allows for us to question just how the media represents homosexuals.

Subculture – Representation of Groups – Dick Hebdidge

 Dick Hebdidge stated that a subculture is a group of similar minded individuals who feel neglected by society's standards and whom develop a sense of identity which is different from the dominant ideologies and culture which they belong to.

Ken Gelder: 6 ways in which subculture can be recognised.

1. More than often have a negative relationship to work
2. Ambivalent relationship to class
3. Through their associations with territory
4. Their stylistic ties to excess
5. Through their movement out of domestic setting into non-domestic forms of belonging
6. Through their refusal to engage with what they might see as the 'banalities' of life.

Other ways of identifying a subculture may be through symbolism that is attached to clothes, music or visual aspects. Subcultural values often associated with being mainstream and 'trendy'.

Anthony Giddens – Traditionalist vs Post Traditionalist views of society

The media's representations of society can be viewed as either traditional or what is called post traditionalist. Traditional societies are ones where an individual choice is limited by its dominant traditions. Giddens states that we are living in a post traditional society where we are less concerned with patterns set by previous generations that our choices are only limited by what the public opinion allows.

Bell Hooks - Interconnectivity of race, class and gender

Bell (pen name Gloria Jean Watkins) focused upon the perpetuation of the system in terms of domination and oppression within the media and how it influences attention to the devaluation of black women. There is an apparent lack or otherness and how women and ethnic minorities tend to be represented as the 'other'. Their 'primary purpose' is simply to be outside of the norm (a CIS white male hero). Therefore, they are known more by the context of lack than by a complicated identity. This particular theory can in term be linked and associated to ideas of monstrous feminine (femme fatal) found within feminist analysis of literature and art.

Feminist Theory

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Feminism is the belief that all women should have equal rights to males. The feminist movement therefore fights for equal opportunities and rights for women.

Notes on radical, Marxist, post-modernist feminism and the dual system theory

The Male Gaze Theory by Laura Mulvey

The theory of the Male Gaze was developed by the feminist, Laura Mulvey. She describes how the consumer of media products, is placed into a perspective of heterosexual males. Mulvey believes that women should be able enjoy the attracting of the gaze, and place themselves in positions to be looked at. She states that in film women are generally viewed as objects, rather than indiviuals, because of the camera work is created from assumptions that the majority of viewers are heterosexual males and therefore is the default target audience for most film genres seen in Hollywood.

John Berger

"Men look, women appear."

John Berger suggested that women are solely used for objectification within all platforms of media.

The Female Gaze?

In contrast to Mulvey's theory, Kaplan and Sliverman (1980) argued that the gaze could also be adopted by both male and female subjects: the male is not always the one in control nor is the female always the passive object. Teresa de Lauretis (1984) stated that the female consumer does not simply adopt a male position but is typically involved in a double-identification' with both the passive and active subject positions.

Narrative Theory of Equilibrium: Theory by Todorov

Narrative Theory of Equilibrium from alltimejas

Todorov's narrative theory simply states that most narratives will follow the same or a similar pattern through these five stages.

1. Equilibrium - This is the first part of the story will showcase a normal start, where characters are content with their lives and everything is as it should be.

2. A Disruption - This is where the problem occurs, something that disrupts the happiness.

3. Realisation - The part of the plot where characters realises that there is a problem and chaos ensues.

4. Restored Order - Characters (mainly the protagonist) attempts to fix and repair the damage that has occurred.

5. Equilibrium Once Again - This is the end of the plot where the problem is resolved and a similar but not at all identical equilibrium is restored.

The Simpsons Movie is an example that follows this narrative structure beginning to end. From the beginning where Homer and his family and shown going through their day-to-day life, to when Homer saves Springfield from devastating destruction, restoring equilibrium.

Stereotype Theory

Richard Dyer (1979) believed that stereotypes are always about power - that those with the most power choose to stereotype those with less power. Hence why he argued that there were more stand out stereotypes for gay men, non-white racial groups, working classes and women in society.

Medurst (1995) did suggest that stereotypes are seen as a type of 'media short-hand' which produces an easy point of contact when the product needs to communicate easily to their audience. Certain genres and mediums are more prone to the use of stereotypes, for instance, 'dumb blondes' are more likely to be shown in horror films (and then later killed off).

'Dumb blonde' Karen Smith from Mean Girls

These theories relate to my media product because of the large amount of stereotypes that appear in existing films. For instance the character Karen Smith from the 2004 teen comedy film Mean Girls. She is portrayed as extremely stupid and easily influenced by other members of the group the 'Plastics' and additionally her reputation is mainly promiscuous. Examples of her rather air-headed behaviour includes that she believes she is psychic as her breasts can tell when its raining and that she thought it was okay to kiss her cousin as she believed that a first-cousin was more distant than a cousin. In order to avoid using these stereotypes I will reversing these roles in order to make a more memorable film.

Encoding and Decoding: Theory by Stuart Hall

Stuart Hall researched into the role of audience positioning within media texts and products from the different social groups. Hall produced a theory that suggest three ways that consumers read and receive a media text.

Hall was interested in how much power that the media has, which included how the media will propagate certain social values in order to create dominant ideologies. He believes that the mass media creates and defines issues the public should concern with and also what they should be interested in through audience positioning.

Film Iconography Board

This is the iconography for my film, this gives a visual idea of the symbols and conventions which I have considered including within my main media product. I presented this in a mood board in order to make it look aesthetically pleasing and is a clear way of presenting these symbols and conventions. I have included the ideas of the characters which all have very different perspectives from one another. Also included are several objects that are often associated with school and others that are linked with both murder (a key theme within my thriller) and the gun and needle are weapons which I have also considered using.