PROBLEM!

Unfortunately, when I begun to edit my I realised that half of it was missing and half of it wasn't very good. This means that I need to start re-filming!

As you can see, the sound is extremely quiet and  isn't salvageable.

Blood and Gore

In today's lesson we created fake blood out of ingredients found in the average kitchen cupboard, these include;
(please click on the images to enlarge)

This method created “blood” with one of the best consistencies (it was fairly runny and lacked thickness, but was not watery. This could be fixed with the addition of more maple syrup). The colour was a dark shade of red and when dropped onto the table the splatter was a dark shade of red with light red around the outside, this gave the “blood a realistic look. It mostly tasted of chocolate and syrup and smelt sweet; this would be useful if used on the face or in an actor’s mouth.

The second method was very watery; however surprisingly resembled blood. It looked too runny to use in large amounts or on actors; however, would look excellent if thrown on a wall or floor to create the idea that somebody is hurt.  The substance tasted of water with a slight twinge of sugar (from the food colouring).

The third method was a bit of a runny consistency and obviously tasted of chocolate. It created a good appearance of blood on a surface; however did not look realistic on skin. It would however, be an excellent method of blood for throwing up. 

The fourth method of blood was not realistic and looked too dark and thick. It was gloupy and had lumps in that were difficult to mix out. The final creation looked unrealistic and almost like a sauce.

The fifth method was of a disappointing consistency, it simple looked fake, watery ketchup. The colour was far too bright a red and although it had a nice taste, would be unsuitable for use as realistic blood in a film. I think that combined with the sixth method this was the worst fake blood that I have practiced with.

The sixth blood was basically a thick version of ketchup. It was a bright red colour (from the ketchup) and a sticky consistency (from the corn syrup). The red and blue food colouring was supposed to even out the colour of the blood; however, did not achieve the desired effect. On the skin it looked extremely fake and so, there was no way in which I could use this type of fake blood.

 My favourite fake blood type was either method 1 or 2, this is because the consistency was right (just thick enough) and was of the correct dark red colour, resulting in a realistic blood

Horror Opening - Photographs that the mother takes

 For the first photograph I have a choice of 4:

I think that although Ben looks creepy and like the character should he looks a bit to exaggerated and unrealistic. This photo is a bit fake and not very realistic. Also, Charlie looks fairly scared, completely contradicting the idea that Teddy is his friend, not an enemy.

Therefore I will not be using this picture.








In this picture charlie is looking away from the camera, although he is hugging the Teddy and is smiling sweetly it is not perfect. Bens face however is how I imagined it, terrifyingly delirious.

I will not be using this picture.

In this picture Charlies smile is a little bit too exaggerated and fake, making him look a little bit scared. Bens fac however, once again is correct. His left hand is also bent backwards, giving the appearance that he may have a weapon.

I will not be using this image.

 

 

I like this image because it is a close up, highlighting the surroundings, the wire to Ben's left gives the idea of inclose and no escape, the vibrant green leaves suggest balance and harmony betwen the head and the heart, linking with the piece. The film embodies the idea that sometimes what you believe in your head is not necessarily the truth, somethings cannot be explained; in the opening we find out that the child has a real imaginary friend, the mother refuses to believe that the character is real, until charlie disappears, this is when she has to use her heart and ignore her head.

I will be using this picture

  

 

The second shot: 

I have chosen to use this picture because it clearly shows Ben; you can see his suit and his face. I think that the alteration that I would make to this would be to create more of a shadow on his face to make him more mysterious.

I WILL NO LONGER BE USING THIS PICTURE

Horror opening - weather

Weather wise on Saturday 23rd November it will be chilly and will have short drizzles of rain. Also, seen as it is winter it will be getting dark at around 4pm, meaning that I will need start filming around midday and finish before dark. The table below shows the hours that the sun sets

Although horror films are usually set at night time/ in the dark, I would like my horror to take place in the daytime, this will create the idea that darkness is all around, even if you can't see it. It will also enable filming to be easier and the characters and mise en scene will be easily visible.



THIS IS NO LONGER USEFUL INFORMATION

Horror Opening - Talent Release Form

TALENT RELEASE FORM

 

 

I authorize the undersigned Producer to make use of my appearance on:

FILM TITLE:  Where’s Teddy?

PRODUCER’S NAME:  Rachel Bethell

DATES OF FILMING:  Saturday 23^rd November and Sunday 1^st December

 

I understand that I am to receive no compensation for this appearance. The Producer shall have complete ownership of the film opening.

 

The Producer may:

1. Photograph me and record my voice for the purpose of the

Film opening mentioned above.

2. Make copies of the photographs and recordings so made;

3. Use my name and photographs on the producer’s media blog: http://rachelbethell.blogspot.co.uk/

 

I further understand the master tape remains the property of the Producer; however, copies for the talent will be available on request.

 

 

Name (please print):_____________________________________

 

Date: _____________

Address:

______________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________

 

 

 

 

Talent Signature (Parent or Guardian if under 18 years of age)

_________________________________________

Date: ______________________

Horror Opening - Title font

The font above looks as though it has been written by a child and so, is perfect for my film, this is because the main character is a child. This creates the idea of innocence, jarring with                                                                             the horror genre of the film.

The font above looks childlike; however, has a more chilling effect. The sketched nature of the font makes it appear more sinister and gives the audience the idea that there is more to the film than meets the eye, there is an underlying tone of darkness.

I will be using the font above in my film, because it is sketched making it sinister. The lines are not straight and the shading is unequal giving a slight childlike idea to the title. Finally, where the letters fade out, give the illusion that something is not complete and gives the impression that something is missing, this ties in with my film, as the villain is an 'imaginary friend'.





I have found it extremely difficult to use these titles on my film as I am unsure as to how to edit the image in, instead I have used the chalk font with a typewriter effect.

Horror Opening - Shooting Schedule

Seen above is the shooting schedule that I have sent to all actors/actresses and the owner of the house that I am using. Please click on the image above to enlarge it.

* Due to the actor's being unavailable some of the dates listed above, the new dates will be:

Thursday 21st November
Saturday 23rd November

Horror Opening - Music

For my music I have asked Jessica O'Shea and Alice Turner to help me to create a piece, this is because I am not especially good at creating my own compositions.

I have taken inspiration from tip toe through tulips from 'Insidious', because it is a piece that is on the border of being a perfectly jolly song. It is innocent with an underlying tone of horror and suspicion.


Different sounds I will use:

Ticking idea:

Whilst listening to stay alive by Jose Gonzalez I realised that a ticking noise would work well in my opening. I have decided that At various hit points in the opening I will use the faint sound of a clock ticking, this is to emphasise the idea that time is running out and keep the tempo of the peace going. I think that the clock will especially emphasise Sams line "Teddy says it's time for me to go"


Wind chimes

Wind chimes can be heard in the background, these create an eerie feel and the idea that something bad will happen.

Lullaby

I would like to create something along the lines of...

Horror Opening - inspiration

Horror Opening - animatic storyboard

Here is my up-to-date storyboard..

Here is my animatic storyboard..

Presentation to class on ideas so far

Today I presented my initial ideas to the class, seen above is the prezi that I used.

Horror Opening - Audience

 To understand which audience to target I researched how films are rated and from there I was able to decide the age rating of my film.

Here is the Film Rating system:

From the table above I have decided to target an audience of people aged 15 and older. This is due to the genre of the film; horror and the psychological and supernatural nature of the film. 

I have found during my research that nearly all horror films are aimed at people aged 15+ and 18+. 

Here are some examples of famous horror films with the age rating 15:

Horror Opening - locations

/iframe> In order to find the perfect location for my horror opening I first thought about what type of house I would need:

Typical horror locations: 

  Here is location I will be using:

Horror Opening - Finding the Actors/ Actresses

After I had finalised my ideas my next task was to find Actors and Actresses that are suitable to play the roles of; Sam, the woman/ mother and Teddy. I decided to choose:

Charlie for the role of Sam, because he is a young boy that fits the role perfectly, he looks small, adorable and innocent, this means that the audience will form a bond with the child and hope that he will not come to any harm. Charlie is one of my mothers friends grandchild, and so I needed to write a permission letter to his mother to ask whether she would allow him to play the role. I also needed to ask this woman about using her house as a location for my opening.

Here is a screenshot of the letter that I sent Josie:

I then set about finding a mother for Sam, I wanted a young woman who looked motherly and who would fit with Phillip. I chose my sister, Michelle Bethell because she fits the type of character that I have in my mind, she is also an english teacher and so, has to some extent some acting skills.

Here is a screenshot of the email that I sent Michelle to ask her whether she would be will to play the role of the Mother:

Finally, I looked for somebody who could play the role of Teddy, this man would have to be mid 30's and have an element of madness about him. He must be able to act and be reliable, I chose Ben Raza, as he fits all of this criteria. 

Alongside the emails and letters that I have sent I attached a copy of the script and a shooting schedule to inform them of exactly what they are required to do.

I WILL NO LONGER BE USING THESE ACTORS/ACTRESSES

Horror Opening - Characters, actors and costumes

Sam -
(Played by Charlie)

Sam is a regular five year old boy, he will be wearing a shirt and jeans and some smart shoes to show that he is from an upper class, rich family. He will be happy throughout and is sweet and innocent, this boy has no idea that he is not supposed to see Teddy or be afraid by him.

Charlie will be wearing his own clothes and have his on teddy, this teddy will have a white bow tie.

 woman/mother -
(played by Michelle Bethell)

The woman is a rich house wife that is dressed in a smart casual outfit. The house will be spotless, giving the idea that the woman has an element of OCD about her. She is friendly and smily throughout, until she realises that Teddy is real. She must appear vulnerable, her husband is out of town and she is alone in a big house with her son.

Michelle will be wearing my dress and cardigan, with her own scarf, tights and shoes.

 Teddy (played by Ben Raza):

A intelligent looking middle to old aged man, he will embody the 1920's with his costume and manners. He will have a moustache to show his age and will have a slight glint in his eyes and consistent smile that shows he is not completely sane and is fairly evil.
             

Ideas of outfits:

      The orange shirt              The white shirt                 The Red shirt             The black shirt                                                   

We chose the first option; brown striped suit, orange shirt, black tie and brown cowboy boots.

Ben had the suit and shirt; however, I had to buy the bow tie and hat from Harlequins costume shop in Baldock. 

THESE CHARACTERS WILL NOT BE IN MY FINAL OPENING

Horror Opening - Script

Please click on the script to enlarge it

I WILL NO LONGER USE THIS SCRIPT DUE TO TECHNICAL ISSUES

Horror Opening - First Ideas

Preliminary task - Evaluation

    Overall, I think that my preliminary task went fairly well, in terms of fulfilling the requirements. The exercise was primarily to practice a variety of camera angles, and I believe that my angles flowed properly together and worked well.

*insert talking*

Preliminary task - final video

First attempt:

Second attempt:

Preliminary task - Storyboard

 

Preliminary task - final idea

Shot types:

Notes on the shots:

Birds eye view -  This shot will be above he actresses and will look down at them.

Match on action shot - where a shot can be taken and stopped. The next sequence of events continues the events continues the film without the viewer being aware that the shots were taken at separate times. where a shot can be taken and stopped. The next sequence of events continues the film without the viewer being aware that the shots were taken at separate times.

Wide shot - This will mean that the audience can see the situation, the surroundings and the mise en scene.

Medium close up - This is halfway between a mid shot and a close up.

Close up -  Emphasizes the facial expression of the character. 

Zoom - The camera moves quickly towards the character or point that needs a close

Over the shoulder shot - This is where the camera has he perspective of somebody and looks over their shoulder, you and see their shoulder in the shot.

Shots I will use: 

Shot 1   - Lauren walks down the corridor towards the camera
Shot 2   - Lauren pushes the door open and walks through, this shot is a birds eye view and match                 on action shot with shot 3.
Shot 3   - Match on action shot, Lauren walks through the door towards the camera.
Shot 4   - Extreme wide shot of Lauren walking to K block from the Sixth form block.
Shot 5   - Medium close up of Lauren walking through the door and towards the camera.
Shot 6   - Close up of Lauren opening the door, goes to match on action shot.
Shot 7   - Lauren walks through the door and past the camera to a chair. Georgia says "you're late",                Lauren replies with "why not?"
Shot 8   - zoom in on both characters.
Shot 9   - Over the shoulder shot of Georgia, who says "well maybe you shouldn't be in my class                   then"
Shot 10 - Over the shoulder shot of Lauren, who says "well maybe I don't even care", gets up and                  walks out.


Script

Georgia (angry)             - You're late!
Lauren  (impertinently)  - Why not?
Georgia (Frustrated)      - Well maybe you shouldn't be in my class then
Lauren  (Disobediently) - Well maybe I don't care


Characters and roles: 

The troublesome school girl - Lauren Rule

I have chosen Lauren as the troublesome school girl because she is an excellent actress and is available at the time of filming, she has the right facial expressions for this character and will already be dressed in school attire, so will fit the role.


The teacher - Georgia Adcock

I have chosen Georgia as the teacher as she has a commanding voice and is able to exude authority. As this task will be filmed during school hours, Georgia will be in smart attire and will look suitable for the role of a teacher.


Camera person - Rachel Bethell

I have filmed and edited this task by myself. My main job was to direct the characters to inform them as to what to do, I also had to get the right camera angles.


Locations:

School - The sixth form block
               K block


Shooting Schedule:

Tuesday 26th November

I will film this in my media lesson period 5, so, at 2:30 - 2:45

Preliminary task - first ideas

(Please click on image to enlarge)

Institution Research

An institution is the entertainment industries involved in producing and distributing movies.

Seen above is a Institutions Compilation, this includes:

20th Century fox

C2 PICTURES

Castle Rock Entertainment

Columbia 

DC COMICS

Dreamworks

Hollywood Pictures

InterMedia

Jerry Buckheimer Productions

Kinowelt

Lionsgaye

Metro Goldwyn Mayer

Miramax films

New Line Cinema 

Paramount

Paramount Vantage

Pixar Animation Studio

REGENCY

Studio Canal

Summit Entertainment

TriStar

Universal 

Walt Disney Pictures

Warner Bros. Pictures

HAMMER PRODUCTIONS

An institution well known for being Gothic, Hammer film productions produce Thriller, Sci-Fi, film noir and comedies, later on producing television series. Hammer productions has become a successful and worldwide distribution by dominating the Horror film, this success was partly created through the partnership Hammer held with Warner Bros.

Hammer produced films such as: The Curse of 'Frankenstein', 'Dracula', and 'The Mummy' which were all major hits.

Hammer began with horror in 1955 by experimenting with Nigel Kneale’s BBC Television series 'The Quatermass Experiment', directed by Val Guest. The title of the film was changed to ‘The Quatermass Xperiment’, from where the X certificate for horror was introduced.

 

Lionsgate

Dreamworks

Audience Research - why do people watch horror films

In order to find out why people watch horror films I created a questionnaire and asked a range of 30 people to fill it in, this meant that I was able to collect a fair set of results. By doing Audience research I will be able to determine what style of horror film could appeal to a wide audience and possibly formulate ideas for characters in the answers.


Please click on the image below to see the questionnaire more clearly:

Results:

Secondary research

How has my research helped me?

With this research I have been able to determine what style and genre of film I should try to make. I now understand that blood and gore will not look effective or realistic, that children effect people the most and that it tends to be young people (teenagers) who watch the most horror films.

From this I have decided to base my film around a child and a realistic scenario, ie. something that could happen.