Movie title research

One film that i found in my genre is inception.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICig7aW9Tmg

The titles at the start of this film include, in this order:

• Directors name
• The names of all the main actors
• And finally the title of the movie itself

I believe the directors name is shown first because, if people enjoy the film and they want to find similar films, the directors name is in their head straight away. The director is also one of the biggest jobs when it comes to making a film so they may put his name first to emphasise this. I will include this as it gives information to the audience that they may want to know.

I will include the actors names because there may be people who become a member of the films audience based solely on the people in the film e.g. friends or family. 

The reason i think they put the films name last is because, although it is one of the most important titles, people most likely know what film they're seeing and so, being reminded isn't essential straight away. The fact that the film name comes last also helps to build up suspense and seeing the film name suggests to the audience that the film is about to begin. I will include this as well as it is one of the most important titles, and unlike inception, my film is very small and so most people probably wont know what it is that they are watching.

Target audience research

In order to improve my film and make a film that people will like, I looked at some data collected by the UK film council on different target audiences and what people in those audiences are like. 

The first image below shows a list of genres and the percentage of the surveyed group that consider that genre their favourite. My genre is quite high being the second most favourably genre with 26%. Of those 26% of people, 33% of them were females over 35, closely followed by 28% who were males over 35. So the typical member of my audience is likely to be over 35 and female. 

The second image shows the percentage of people who typically enjoy watching films of certain genres. My genre came in 4th overall with 53% of the group saying the enjoyed watching films of the thriller/suspense genre and coming right behind drama, adventure and comedy.

The last image contains the same data as the first two columns on the first image but presents it in the same format as the second image. It also shows that thriller/suspense was considered the second most popular film genre being voted for by 26% of the surveyed group

Using this information, I can target my film more towards my target audience (females over 35) and focus my research more on that group.

Script

1                    EXT. MIDDLE OF THE WOODS

Camera shows our first character wandering through the woodland on his own. Hears a sound and starts edging away backwards.

2                    EXT. MIDDLE OF WOODS

We then see the second of our characters who is also wandering alone in the woods. Also hears a sound and heads towards a clearing whilst facing the direction of the sound

3                    EXT .CLEARING IN THE WOODS.

Camera shows both characters as they enter the clearing backwards.

4                    EXT. CLEARING IN WOODS

Both characters edge backwards keeping their eyes on the section of the woods they came from.

5                    EXT. CLEARING IN WOODS

The two characters collide with each other, jump back and spin to face each other, guns raised.

6                    EXT. CLEARING

The two look at each other for a few seconds before lowering their guns. The first character walks forward slowly and extends his hand.

7                    EXT. CLEARING

Second character looks at the outstretched hand before taking it.

8                    EXT. CLEARING

Camera shows a close up of only the characters hands as they shake on their new found partnership.

9                    EXT. OLD WAR WATCH TOWER / MIDDLE OF WOODS.

The exterior of a wooden watch tower in the middle of a wood or forest.  

10                INT. OLD WATCH TOWER / MIDDLE OF WOODS.

1^st main character, leaning against wall of the watch tower. Appears to be shivering.

11                INT. OLD WATCH TOWER / MIDDLE OF WOODS.

2^nd main character leaning against opposite wall also shivering. Has something in is hand that is just off shot.

12                INT. OLD WATCH TOWER / MIDDLE OF WOODS.

Cut to hands revealing item to be a gun. Character loads gun and clicks barrel into place.

13                EXT. SOMEWHERE IN WOODS.

The two characters are walking down a pathway in the woods. One appears cold and is blowing on his hands to warm them up. The other is looking around worriedly.

14                INT. OLD WATCH TOWER / WOODS.

Small amateur fire made of dead leaves. The little flame of a fire just beginning flickers. The characters hands can be seen above the fire as the wind picks up and blows it out.

15                INT. OLD WATCH TOWER / WOODS.

2^nd main character leaning against the wall apparently asleep. Huddled up into foetal position a he is cold and trying to keep warm (represents vulnerable)

16                INT. OLD WATCH TOWER / WOODS

1^st main character stands looking out over landscape, keeping watch (low angle suggests has power)

17                EXT. STONY PATH WITHIN WOODS

Both main characters walk side by side down the path. Walk by another path (camera location) and continue walking.

18                INT. WATCH TOWER

A fire is burning away much better than the previous fire. Both characters hands are just in shot.

19                INT. WATCH TOWER

Camera focuses on the face of one of the main characters. The light from the fire is shining on his face.

20                INT. WATCH TOWER

Camera the focuses on the other characters face. The light from the fire illuminates him and casts a flickering shadow on the wall.

21                EXT. ROAD THROUGH WOODS

Camera focuses on the moon.

22                EXT. IN THE WOODS

One main characters is sat on a log inside a make shift shelter within the woods.

23                EXT. IN THE WOODS

A snapping sound of a twig off screen the characters attention and he quickly turns to face the sound, gun ready.

24                EXT. IN THE WOODS

The other main character appears carrying a load of sticks and small logs. He walks up to the shelter and dumps them on the floor.

25                EXT. IN THE WOODS

The camera goes back to the first main character that lowers the gun. They then strike a match to light the fire.

26                EXT. IN THE WOODS

Camera focuses on the first main characters face as he is walking

27                EXT. SOMEWHERE IN A TOWN

We see a house with a car and a few people walking around on the streets. Everyone seems happy. Shot is very bright (edited to be bright)

28                EXT. IN THE WOODS

Camera goes back to woods and focuses on the second characters face as he is walking.

29                EXT. SOMEWHERE IN TOWN

Camera shows another house with a garden and people in the garden looking happy. Shot is very bright (edited brightness)

30                EXT. EDGE OF WOODS

Camera shows the two characters from behind, looking at the sunset. Both characters are silhouetted by the light of the sunset.

31                EXT. EDGE OF WOODS

Camera jumps to in front of the characters, still looking at the sunset. The light of the sunset illuminating their faces. 

Short movie analysis

Camera - The camera shots in this film have a wide variety, for example, wide shot, close up, shot reverse shot, pan etc and all of these are done to an exceptionally high level. Each shot is set up to make the film seem more realistic. Quite a few of the shots are handheld which makes the audience feel like they are there with the characters.

Lighting - With the setting of the film taking place at night, the lighting was very important. In this film the lighting is always done in a way that makes it seem like it should be there, for example, a lot of the outdoor locations have some form of lighting so any extra that is added looks natural, like it should be there.

Action - the action scenes in this film are well coordinated and planned out. There are a lot of shots from different angles so the audience always feel that they are part of the action and aren’t missing anything.

Editing - the editing in this film is precise and to an extremely high level. The special effects like the laser gunfire and the giant screens at the start are very well done. As well as the special effects, the way the shots are edited is also good. The action scenes are edited with very quick cuts to quicken the pace and make it seem like more is happening at once.

Mise-en-scene - the characters costumes all match the characters that are wearing them. The two main characters are both wearing very street-ish kind if clothes e.g. jeans, t-shirt, hoodie, backpacks, trainers etc. the people at the party are all wearing very smart almost business like clothing. And the people set to retrieve the device are all dressed in combat/army style outfits which are very conventional of the roles they're playing. These all communicate what type of people they are to the audience. The actors all play their roles well, portraying believable and relatable characters. Each of the characters puts a lot of emotion into they're acting making the whole production seem more realistic. The props, mainly the guns all look very realistic which helps maintain the feeling of reality through the film. Even the "made up" devices such as the prism (teleporter) and the laser guns look real enough to convince the audience they could exist in the setting of the film. The setting of the film appears to be about 10 maybe 15 years in the future, mainly suggested by the level of technological advancements. The various elements of the film all make it seem like the film takes place in the future but not so far that the world seems unfamiliar so it is still possible for the audience to relate with it.

Camera - the shots in this film also have quite the variety to them. The shots alternate between handheld and steadied shots allowing the audience to get a sense of involvement but also keep up with what is happening.

Lighting - lighting probably wasn’t as big an issue with this film as with the first as this film was filmed during the day and the building they were in had no roof so the natural light was available inside. The brightness of the film however does emphasise the setting of a desert as it makes it seems like a warmer sunnier place.

Action - the action in this film is very well coordinated and planned. All the actors know when to appear and in what way to attack. The action can sometimes seem a little over the top or fake however in this case I believe this to be, to a certain degree, intentional.

Editing - the editing in this film focuses a lot around special effects like the "holographic display" at the start and the computer generated helicopter towards the end. The gunshot effects (muzzle flash and sound) are edited in very well giving an impression of realism to a point where it’s believable.

Mise-en-scene - the main characters costume is very appropriate and suits the conventions of a "soldier". The lack of symbols or recognisable outfit with the enemies suggests they aren’t meant to be associated with any particular group and are just meant to be seen as terrorists. The actors all do a very good job in portraying the people they are playing. The give across the right emotions and contrary to some short films. Manage some pretty convincing deaths. The props, mainly guns and computer, look very realistic and make it more convincing and believable for the audience.

Camera - the shots in this film are almost all handheld shots which creates a good atmosphere and makes the audience feel involved. The style of the shots and filming technique makes it more real and almost creates a desire within the audience to join in or crave the survival of the two main characters.

Lighting - the lighting in this film is dull but not to the extent where anything becomes hard to see. Everything is visible but the dull lighting makes the setting seem like a very dark and brutal place to be. It creates a deep sense of despair and hopelessness within the audience. One flaw I noticed with the lighting that may normally be overlooked is at 3:18. The shots immediately before and after show both sides of the track are quite dark but the one shot with the people in the masks show a very brightly lit floor.

Action - the action in this film as with the others looks well thought out and coordinated. The gun battles between the two main characters and the combine (people in masks) looks convincing and really makes the audience believe that these two people are fighting for their lives.

Editing - a lot of the editing that went into this film involved the special effects, or the computer generated aspects of the film such as the giant 3 legged creatures or the environments. The actual environments are taken straight from the game the film is based on but the live action filmed shots are taken in a location similar to those environments making the two blends together almost seamlessly together during the editing

Mise-en-scene - the costumes used in this film realistic and look like they would be worn by rebels in a ravaged city. The actors put a lot of emotion and effort into their acting and they really seem like rebels fighting for survival. The props, mainly guns, all look authentic and add to the atmosphere of a dangerous city. The setting of this film is a ruined city under attack and focuses on 2 rebels trying to escape from it.

FINALLY!

I finally got some filming done. So despite problem after problem, i finally had all my actors and good weather. after uploading the footage i have realised that i still need some more footage. but i dont need my actors for it. so i can go out with a camera and film at my leisure. still a lot to do though so lets roll up our sleeves and get to work.

Filming?

Ok I have permission to film at the weekend. However that will be the end of my filming full stop. If something doesn't get filmed over the weekend, it isn't getting filmed at all. However there may be an issue with my actors as I have one on one day and one on the other day. To try and get around this, I am going to film some shots of each of them individually and alter my story to incorporate them in.

problem after problem

This coursework is starting to get harder and I am falling further and further behind. After having repeated problems of various sorts with filming, I completely restarted my zombie film not once but twice.

First film

With the first film, we had issues getting actors at filming dates and actors in general. When we did get actors available, weather often became a problem.

Second film.

With all the problems with the first film and knowing I was getting closer to my deadline, I came up with a new idea, one that only required 2 actors, could be filmed inside and could be done all in one day. However after getting all the filming done, I found the shots were poor and there simply wasn’t enough.

Third film.

As it stands the third film is good. The shots in my own opinion were fantastic. However I found afterwards that there wasn’t enough. I was granted a second day to film to finish getting what I needed. However due to poor communication on both sides and a lack of time once this had been sorted, filming became impossible. If lucky I may still be allowed one final weekend to finish. if not I will have to try ad find a way to take the shots from either of the first 2 films and try to add them into the current film as a parallel story line. This isn’t ideal though and would be difficult. If I do get one final weekend, regardless of circumstances or problems I will have to film regardless and try to mask any continuity errors in the editing process as I will not be allowed any more filming time after this.

BBFC & My Film

Discrimination

During my film there is no content which I find to be discriminatory towards race, gender, religion, sexuality or those with disabilities. Most of this lack of discrimination comes naturally. However, I did put in a certain level of effort to avoid any kind of material that falls into that category.

Drugs

There is no content within my film that links to or references drug or alcohol use. There is an instance within my film however that involves the use of lighter to start a fire to keep warm. This may therefore be considered a reference to smoking.

Horror

There are some elements of horror within my film. However these moments aren't scary on a level that makes them unsuitable to any age range. The horror content within my movie is conveyed more through the emotions of the characters and how they behave rather than have something within the film to generate that fear.

Imitable behaviour

As with discrimination, I tried my best to avoid any kind of imitable behaviour. However some is inevitable. However what is in there is minor and unlikely to be of huge concern. The most dangerous form of imitable behaviour in my film would be starting the fire the characters use to keep warm or the characters walking in the middle of the road.

Language

Within my film's genre bad language of some form is almost guaranteed. I tried to limit this not necessarily in terms of how bad a word used is seen but more how often those words are used. So instead of saying to my actors, don't say anything worse than crap, I said to them, try to limit how much bad language you use. There isn't much swearing in my film but there is some. There is also an instance of language that some Christians may find offensive. This is where one character says "for gods sake" when the fire goes out. However I felt this was appropriate given the context in which it was used.

Nudity

Nudity isn't an issue I feel I have to deal with in relation to my film as there are no instances of nudity within my film. There wasn't any planned and if any was this would have been hard to do safely with the temperature and weather conditions at the time of filming.

Sex

In terms of sex, this is similar to nudity in that there is none in my film and therefore, isn't an issue I have to deal with.

Violence

Violence may be an issue within my film due the genre. Most zombie films have a lot of violent scenes, mainly consisting of humans "killing" zombies. My film is slightly different. My film is unique in the way that it is a zombie film where you never see a zombie. Because of this although there are scenes within my film that involve the use of guns, the effects of their use are never shown. Due to the nature though, it can be presumed that the guns are being used to kill off-screen enemies and are therefore are being used for violent purposes.

After reading through the BBFC guidelines for each category and putting them against the analysis I think my film would be classified as a 12/12A. There is the possibility that it may be classified as a 15 based on the use f certain shots however a 12/12A is more likely

Shooting schedule

Shooting Schedule:                                     Group: Tom Easden                         Film: SURVIVING Day/Date	Scene	Int/Ext Day/Night	Shot Description/Summary	Location	Characters	Props/Equipment
Shoot Day 1
	Opening/establishing shot	EXT Day	Shot looking up at a wooden watch tower in the woods	Willingham woods	No one	None
	Close up	INT Day	Close up of each main character in turn	Willingham woods	Lewis and Pete	None
	Close up	INT Day	Close up on Lewis’ hand to show gun (loading gun)	Willingham woods	Lewis	Gun (fake) for Lewis
	Close up	INT Day	Close up on small fire as wind blows.	Willingham woods	No one	Matches Something to extinguish fire
	Low angle shot	INT Day	Low angle shot looking up at Pete as he keeps a look out	Willingham woods	Pete	Gun (fake)
	High angle shot	INT Day	High angle shot looking down on Lewis as he “sleeps”	Willingham woods	Lewis	None
	Close up	INT Day	Close up on lit fire with main characters’ hands at edge of shot above fire	Willingham woods	Lewis and Petes hand’s	matches something to extinguish fire
	Low angle shot	INT Day	Low angle shot looking up at Lewis as he keeps a look out	Willingham woods	Lewis	Gun (fake)
	High angle shot	INT Day	High angle shot looking down on Pete as he “sleeps”	Willingham woods	Pete	None
Shoot Day 2
	Wide shot	EXT Day	Shot of trees rocking in the wind	Willingham woods	No one	None
	Wide shot/zoom	EXT Day	Wide shot showing both main characters walking side by side down a woodland path	Willingham woods	Lewis and Pete	Gun (fake) (in Lewis’ hand for continuity)
	Hand held	EXT Day	Shot of two main characters walking, shot from behind.	Willingham woods	Lewis and Pete	Gun (fake) (in Lewis’ hand for continuity)
	Wide shot / low angle	EXT Day	Shot of two characters walking, shot from a low angle looking up slightly from down a path as they walk past on a different path	Willingham woods	Lewis and Pete	Gun (fake) (in Lewis’ hand for continuity)
	Wide shot	EXT Evening	Shot of a sunset with a few trees in the foreground but not many.	Edge of Willingham woods	No one	None
	Wide shot	EXT Evening	Shot of two main characters stood side by side looking at the sunset	Edge of Willingham woods	Lewis and Pete	None
	Moving shot	EXT Night	Shot of two main characters walking down a empty road. Camera next to them moving at same speed	Empty road	Lewis and Pete	None