First draft of my trailer- work in progress

Diary update; Filming

I have now finished all of my  research and planning and therefore have put this into practice and started filming. This process has been a lot more difficult as i originally believed, i thought that i would simply go to the location on my shooting rational and follow the steps i had written and then move onto the next location. However it wasn't as easy as this, as some ideas in which i had planned to film, are not actually visually satisfying so therefore i had to make altercations. Another issue in which i faced was the fact that a lot of my filming was based around night time, however as i have not got professional lighting it was hard for me to do so whilst still maintaining the quality of the shots. Therefore i faced this by using a variety of different forms of light, for instance hand torches, lamp posts and car lighting, which actually were very effective.

Despite these obstacles i have faced, i am really happy with my filming so far. i feel as if i have managed to keep on schedule and film exactly when i had planned, this time keeping is really important as it will ensure that i meet all of my deadlines. I feel as if my story line is definitely coming together and the actress i have used is extremely helpful in creating a sense of realism. I have already started writing down editing techniques i wish to use on particular shots, this will become very useful when i get to the editing stage as ill already have an idea. I think the locations i have chosen suit my genre very well, although i have selected some new ones which i hadn't anticipated in order to set the scene. From the filming i have already done i have been able to pin point new ideas which i will film next time, i will keep you updated on my filming log. 

Whilst still using my script i have not entirely stuck to it, this is because everyday i think of new and more innovative ideas in which will be more suitable in my trailer than my original ideas. I have added new locations and deleted particular scenes which i think will take away from the tention  i want to build. Original i planned to show my protagonist originally as a victim and showing her in her everyday life in order to almost make the audience emphasis with her. However i have made an altercation to the plot and have decided to portray her as a blood thirsty psychopath, this is so she defies the usual stereotype of a female as being submissive and marginalized. I want her to look powerful and cold, therefore i will simply show her through an evil light instead and deprive the audience of knowledge as to how she has become like this in order to create suspense and make them want to watch the movie 

Key editing tools

These are a variety of audio effects which allowed me to manipulate the pitch and atmosphere of the different sounds which i incorporated in my trailer. I found these very useful as they allowed me to express my own vision on the original audio.

There were numerous transitions which i was able to include between clips, this enabled me to make clips flow better and also create tension. I think the more natural ones are better for my trailer as it makes it look more professional.

I used the blending tool to allow my audio clips to blend better, this is key in making your trailer flow and to try and eliminate any blatant change in sound, volume or pitch. 

I used these filter and effects in order to blend clips to create the illusions that they were filmed at night, in an eerie setting and also on the same day. These have really helped me create a chilling effect and by being able to manipulate their harshness it has really benefited my production.

I have used two title pages in my trailer, i originally planned to include them to tell the story, however i believed my clips were able to do so and i found it made my trailer look unprofessional. Although i have still used them to create suspense and to tell the audience when the film is being released.

 

I have been able to clip my audio files together so i can get a gathering effect, this has really helped me build up the sound, making it creepier and more efficient. I have trimmed the audio clips to make them coincide effectively

 

 The speed tools were extremely beneficial for my trailer, they enabled me to slow down clips to create suspense and emphasis and speed up clips to portray tension. I was able to manually manipulate the speed so i could make it exactly how i wanted to. This was definitely my favorite tool as it made me realise how the speed can really change the meaning of a clip. 

Day 5; Filming

Today i filmed a few shots which i intend to use a flash cuts, these shots were quite disturbing. I showed my protagonist washing her blood drenched hands in a scruffy looking sink through a closeup. This was very effective as it shows her covering her tracks but also hinting at her malicious behaviour. I also filmed her doing her lipstick, using the reflection from a knife as a mirror. Originally i planned to use a standard mirror, however i believe this was more visually pleasing as it really helps the audience see how psychotic and blood thirsty she really is. This idea was also reinforced by the closeups of i filmed of her kissing the knife, showing a lack of empathy in which is a characteristic of the criminally insane. I am really happy with these shots as they help reinforce the genre and make my trailer look a lot more creepy.

Day 4; Filming

Today i did a of filming as after creating my first draft i came to the conclusion that there were gaps which prevented my trailer from being as i envisioned it. I resolved this by filming for footage in which helped made the story line clearer whilst doing this i also experimented more a variety of camera angles to add diversity and make it have more professional outcome. Firstly I found some old film of my auntie as a little girl of whom has similar features to my protagonist. I did this as it can foreshadow her psychotic character now with the innocence she withhold when she was younger. This comparison is effective as it adds more depth and really allows my audience to connect with my trailer. I got this idea from a trailer i came across whilst i was searching for inspiration in which i could adapt and use in my own. 

 

 

I personally found this very hard hitting as it proposed questions as to what happened to the woman to make her characteristics change so much. I simply played the film on a television in a dark room, this is because it added a more sinister feeling and avoided any features in the room diverting any attention. I spent a considerable amount of time doing this as i wanted to shots to be relevant therefore i chose ones of her face closeup and playing like any 'normal' child would. From this i was given ideas in which i could help show connections with the little girl to make the link clearer.

One of the main issues i had depicted with my footage so far is that i didn't believe my characters profile was constructed as much as i wanted it to be. Consequently my aim was to do this, i filmed my character standing on street corner  trying to get cars to stop with a gesture named 'thumbing' followed by her walking up to a car and leaning into it. I believe these shots helped the audience uncover her possession and view her as a predator. I filmed this through a variety of long shots and closeup shots in order to experiment and ensure that every little detail was included. These shots were also slightly different in the way i dressed my actress, prior to this shoot she was filmed wearing more typical hooker clothing, with short skirts and low cut tops however i dressed my actress in a scruffier outfit to show her lack of class. 

I then went to the woods which i had previously filmed in in order to reiterate links. I showed my protagonist walking away from a dead body which came out very chilling. I filmed her swinging on a rope swing, this was because in the film of my auntie, she is shown doing so, therefore i believe this will look extremely good as it will show strong links. I finally filmed extreme closeups and cut away shots of my protagonist in the woods, looking muddy and disgruntled to reinforce her psychopathic ways.

Thriller magazine inspiration

I have created a mood board of different thriller magazine posters, this has given me insight into what conventions they display. I am able to depict aspects which i think look good and will conciser using for my final piece  and others elements which i do not believe are beneficial. From these magazine covers  my initial though is that they are incredibly busy and incorporate lots of  detail both in the visuals and in the taglines. There are key themes which stand out to me from even just a glance, for example there is generally only one person in the frame, more likely to be a male, this is because they are stereotypically more butch and fearful. The color red is also incorporated into many of the posters, this is due to its negative connotations of fear, danger and blood, all of which are key elements of thriller films. Finally the typography is extremely exaggerated and powerful, this ads more emphasis and coincides with the intensity of the main images. I am going to pick the three that inspire me the most and analyse them in further detail in my next post. 

Day 3 filming

Today i went to derelict location, although i hadn't initially planned this for my trailer, i came to the conclusion that showing my protagonist simply shooting her victims, isn't very graphic. Therefore i decided to use a run down location in order to show her victims being brutally tortured, this will make my trailer appear more scary and therefore reinforce my genre. I used one male actor and with some helped used makeup to create the illusion that he has been beaten, this will show my audience the extend of my protagonists actions and consequently make her come across more terrifying. I filmed a variety of different shots, from numerous angles of the actor looking like hes suffering and also cut in shots of his scars and bruises. I also made sure i got some good footage of the location, this is to establish the setting and also create a more eerie atmosphere. My next step is to film more of my protagonist in order to build her character profile more, this is essential as the audience will be able to build an opinion of her whilst adding more meaning to the trailer. 

Format research; Film poster

This research has really helped me to develop more knowledge on the key codes and conventions of a thriller poster. Beforehand i knew what was typical of a poster in general, however i was unsure how one of this particular genre differed. The key thing that i picked up was that less is definitely more, it is important to create enigmas by not giving to much away. I have also acknowledged that when there is to much going on, concerning images and writing, that a sense of eeriness and suspense is withdraw. I am going to apply this knowledge to when i come to create my thriller poster, in order to create a chilling yet professional looking piece. This research has helped me come to a few important conclusions, i am only going to use my protagonist on my poster, this will ensure that she is the main focal point and that when my audience come to watch the film, there preconceptions can be challenged. I also want a sense of darkness to be amplified in my poster, this is because my trailer is orientated mainly around the night, therefore this will reflect that whilst also creating a fear factor. Finally i have decided to not over exaggerate my typography, as from my prior research i have depicted that this will take attention away from the image whilst making it look more ammeter. This research has been really beneficial for my process and has definitely helped me see thriller posters in a new and more advanced light. 

Day 2; filming

Today i filmed scenes in the woods and at a decrepit location. I faced some challenges in the woods, as because they are enclosed i have to film in the light in order to ensure my footage doesn't loose any detail. However i don't think it was as effective as it lost the quality of eeriness i hoped to achieve. Therefore i am going to edit the filming i do have to make it look darker and see if this is visually pleasing. Although if this does not give me the outcome i want, i will re film this section at a later time in the day. The woods were successful for filming body parts hiding beneath the leaves, they look really scary and definitely realistic. I also filmed wide shots of my protagonists walking towards and away form the camera with a gun in her hand this plants enigmas and reinforces the conventions of a thriller as weaponry is a common feature.  I also found a new location for a scene in my film, it is a run down old pub, i took some shots of the interior of the building which involved smashed glass and old furniture, i believe this will be useful in my filming as it follows conventions of a thriller of being isolated. I used a torch to shine on particular parts of the interior, this allowed more detail to be portrayed yet also creating the effect that someone is in there shining the torch. I think this scene creates quite a lot of suspense as it almost makes you think that somethings going to jump out of the darkness. My next step is to go back to this location with my actors and film my torture scenes. 

movie poster inspiration

I have research some movie posters in order to gain insight into what i believe will be the most visually effective for my final piece. From this research i have managed to narrow my options down to not only the ones which suit my genre though would suit my narrative to. As my trailer is predominantly about one female actress, i think it is crucial to only incorporate her into my film poster. As you can see all of the above only include one character of whom are in the center of the frame, this is powerful as we are not distracted by any other factors which may take attention of the subject in the frame. The eye line positioning also allows us to really build a connection with the person, this is enhanced by the use of closeup and the fact that it appears that they are staring at us also suits the thriller genre as it is unsettling. Another aspect of these images which i find interesting is the use of  deformity constructed by the editing, whether its in the form of high contrast or cracking of the face, we can immediately tell that there is something sinister and unsettling about the subject, therefore enigma is created and this is before the audience even watch the film. I have also depicted that most thriller posters abstain from using bright colors and therefore tend to revolve around darker shades, this is powerful as we are instantly able to detect the genre though it also create tension as we are left questioning who or what may be creating the obscurity. Despite this, as you can see the color red as been integrated into a couple of the posters, this is a typical conventions due to its graphic connotations of danger and blood. When it comes to typography, it is clear that it is not that significant on the page and therefore is presented to use in smaller and daintier fonts, this is because the attention is aiming to be on the character. However my placing the typography below the face of the actor, our eyes are naturally drawn to it after, this ensures that the audience will be able to distinguish these important details. From doing this research i have decided to only include my protagonist in the frame, i also will adhere to the dark color schemes and smaller typography, in order to gain the best results i can.  

Day 1; filming

My first day of filming was very successful, i manged to film shots from various scenes. I filmed in the evening as i planned, in order to create a more sinister atmosphere. I was initially worried about the light effecting the quality of my footage, however this was resolved by using street lights for the alley way scenes, this actually was really effective as it allowed me to experiment with different lighting techniques whilst still obtaining a sense of realism. I managed to film various shots of my protagonist in the alley way, from different camera angles and cut away.  Therefore when i go to edit i will have many to chose from in order to gain the full effect, as i discovered i am better of having to much footage than not enough. I also drove through some country lanes, filming shots from inside and outside the car. The car lights were really beneficial as it allowed some detail to be revealed though still maintained aspects of mystery. I faced some issues with lighting from outside the car as the car lights predominantly focused on my protagonists legs, this made it uneven and visually dissatisfy, i solved this by also using a very bright torch to even out the exposure.   I explored a variety of cut in shots of my driver, in order to give the audience some information as to whom he may be and to reinforce why she may be in the car. I also went to the bar to film numerous shots of my protagonist drinking alone in a bar, however after filming the shots i initially intended to, i realized that it may add more meaning if i show her drinking with an unknown person, i did this through over the shoulder shot, i really like these shots as they create tension. I used two costumes for these scenes, which i meticulously chose, they are both stereotypical of the type of person i want the audience to perceive her as, therefore i used a black leather skirt, black cropped top with ripped tights, this made my character look uncouth and highlighted her dark side. I also incorporated provocative red dress, which could foreshadow her evil side, this was also very visually enticing due to its brightness. 

Planning-Final Script

   

Final script for my thriller film from jemimawright97
Organization of location, actors, props.

Here is my final script for my thriller trailer, i have brought all my research and planning together to give me a clear basis. From this i am able to identify exactly what i require for each shot including, lighting, camera angles, sound, editing and my actors hair and makeup. This is very helpful for my filming and will enable me to work in a more efficient manner. It was essential that i brought everything together into one document as i can now envisage it properly and i was able to depict issues which may occur so therefore i could build on the ideas and improve my original plan.

Planning-Location Rationale

By making a location rationale i have been able to really think deeply into the locations i want to use and what effect they will have on my trailer. By doing this task i have actually changed some locations as when i went to convey what meaning they would add, i shortly realized that they didn't and therefore would be ineffective in my trailer. For example, i was originally going to film my protagonist drinking in a more upmarket, swanky bar near my house, however after deliberation i realized that this simply would not fit in with the representation i was trying to express to the audience. Therefore i had to think of somewhere more appropriate which was the brewery shop, i chose this location as it is somewhere my protagonist is more realistically likely to go. From doing this planning i have been able to establish layouts, lighting what type of shots will be the most powerful for my trailer with the resources i have. I have also thought about possible risks or considerations for the locations, this is essential and has helped me create my risk assessment as my priority that i film my trailer with no possible threats to the people involved in the production process. I will combine this with other aspects of my planning to create my final script. 

Planning-shooting sceduele

I have clearly laid out a shooting schedule, this is so i have a precise outline of the shots i intend to take. By using this, when i go to film each shot i will know exactly what angles i hope to incorporate, what i want my actress to be doing and what equipment i need. By organizing my thoughts, when i go to start filming i will be more prepared and will spend less time deciding on what i think will look good and more time on actually filming the shots i have already spent a lot of time planning. Despite this i know that when im at the shooting stage, this may change slightly depending on what is more visually satisfying, however i have this as a base. I have been able to also set up dates and times which suit everyone involved, although this was difficult, the outcome is very positive as now i know exactly what im filming and when, this has definitely benefited my time management. This information will also make it a lot easier for me when i create my final script for my trailer as i already have determined a large proportion of it. 

Planning-Risk assessment

I have made a risk assessment for when i go to film my trailer, this is important as i can refer back to it to ensure that i don't face any unnecessary threats during filming. I have considered all my locations and shot types and depicted any possible hazard which could occur, i have from there analysed and evaluated any risk which could occur from this hazard and consequently proposed solutions to them. Not only is this crucial for my actors and production teams safety as this is a major concern for me, though  it will also benefit my final piece,because i will not have to waste any time and i can just get on with shooting. I will ensure to print out copies of this risk assessment and give them to anyone involved in the production of my trailer to make sure that they are aware of what may affect them and how they can over come this. 

Planning-Sountrack ideas for my trailer

There are many elements which hold great relevance in thriller films, i believe music is one of the most important aspects. This is because a movie can reveal so much with its soundtrack alone, it sets a tone or feeling that the director is trying to convey, and can provide us with so infinite of information, for example it has the ability to project  a characters feelings, emotions, mental state and actions with just a few notes. Music can tell us when the climax of an event is going to happen or when a reoccurring thought (playing the same music) Consequently it has the reverse effect of telling the audience what emotions they should be experiencing to, without music dramatic events seem insignificant. From watching many thriller films, we already have a preexisting schemer's when concerning the music playing, for instance when we hear slow suspenseful music we can tell that it is creating tension, building up to an event. When action is occurring and we are meant to feel scared, the music becomes faster, the notes become shorter and more erratic. In the genre thriller we are not only presented with just music, though songs which incorporate lyrics, the tone of the voice can really effect our mood and set a darker more sinister tone. Sound effects are also used to create realism and emphasis events such as; wind, echoing noises, screeches, heavy breathing, crackling sounds and many more. I have done some research into sounds which i think would really benefit my trailer and add emphasis, here are a few examples;

1

Lyrics;

I was five and he was six
We rode on horses made of sticks
He wore black and I wore white
He would always win the fight

Bang bang, he shot me down
Bang bang, I hit the ground
Bang bang, that awful sound
Bang bang, my baby shot me down

Seasons came and changed the time
When I grew up, I called him mine
He would always laugh and say
"Remember when we used to play?"

Bang bang, I shot you down
Bang bang, you hit the ground
Bang bang, that awful sound
Bang bang, I used to shoot you down

Music played and people sang
Just for me the church bells rang

Now he's gone, I don't know why
And 'till this day, sometimes I cry
He didn't even say goodbye
He didn't take the time to lie

Bang bang, he shot me down
Bang bang, I hit the ground
Bang bang, that awful sound
Bang bang, my baby shot me down

I particularly like this song for many reasons, firstly the lyrics are extremely applicable to the narrative of my film, the emphasis of 'bang bang' could refer to a gun shot. The fact that a female is singing could suggest that she is the one using the gun, my plot is about a woman of whom is a serial kill so therefore the lyrics of the song will compliment the visuals. The frequent references to a male would also be suitable for my film and the unclear message it is trying to portray, from the song we cant really tell whom the victim is and this is exactly what i want to emphasis in my trailer. This could be effective using it as diegetic music that the protagonist is playing, then it slowly drifts into non diegetic as the scene changes, this would be alternative yet would still create the same atmosphere i intend to.  The slow beat and weary tone of the females voice create an eerie, unsettling tone and is perfect for creating suspense. If i were to use this song for my trailer, i would use it at the beginning to create a creepy atmosphere, preparing the audience for further action.  

2

I think this song is really effective, it gave me chills down my spine. The high pitch sound of the child's voice emphasizes his innocence, this provokes an emotion the audience to feel scarce and confused. The fact that the music is so painfully slow and the singer sounds calm, almost had the reverse effect of the audience as they would be left to wonder why this particular song has been chosen. This puts into practice Barthes theory of binary opposites as visually the audience would be seeing signs of danger and murder though the music would suggest different. The use of a child is typically a convention for he horror as they are seen as being the ultimate innocence and therefore suggesting that they are related to any brutality is uncomfortable for the audience to accept. Despite this i could still use this in my trailer as i could use a horror hybrid or even go against thriller conventions and adapt others. There has been examples of other thriller films where similar music has been used and the film is still effective and very much still a thriller.

3

This music is extremely disorientated, it is holophonic, which means that when listening wearing headphones is varies in which ear certain sounds come out of. I believe this track involves a lot of depth, the consistent undertone of the piano is extremely chilling, though the various sound effects over the top like the whispering, door slamming, tearing of a material, heartbeat and sharpening of a knife really make it complete. The variety of sounds are misleading for an audience as firstly you wonder why there are there and secondly where they are coming from. Even though they may not link to the visuals in my trailer, they would be beneficial in creating an enigma code and leaving the audience extremely disturbed. However i haven't decided yet if this would be perfect for my trailer as i think i need something that goes into a faster pace in order create more tension.

4

This music is very dramatic, the combination of screeching high pitched sounds and dramatic low

pitched sounds of a drum go really well together. Even though they contrast highly they are effective in creating suspense as it leaves you not entirely knowing whats going on.  The soundtrack would be perfect for when my trailer get more sinister as it has connotations of danger and brutality due to the heaviness and aggression of the beats. The sudden thumps would work well if synchronized with flash cuts of significant shots such as someones face popping up or a murder weapon, this would make the visuals seem even scarier and create an enigma as to why there are there. The music is almost headache inducing, this would work really well with the psychological thriller genre as it would make the audience feel uncomfortable and as if they are inside of the insane persons mind.  I think it would work really well with my trailer as it is clear my protagonist is far from sane and this could foreshadow this effectively. 

5

 I would use this song as a whole piece due to the dramatic diversity within it. However i would take elements from it as they would be good for different shots in my trailer. At 1 minute 58 seconds a repetitive beat starts to play, this would be useful when the brutality starts to be revealed in my trailer as it is fast flowing and would help the action be portrayed in a forceful manner.  I also like the music from 13 seconds until 1.13 as it is incredible eerie and it leaves you waiting for something to happen, their are certain peculiar sound effects inserted in which is there to distract the audience. 

This research has really helped me come to grips with what music i think would suit not only the genre of my trailer, though the narrative to. By listening to a range of songs which usually associated with thriller films i can really get a widespread idea on which ones will enhance my trailer and those that will deduct tension. I have decided to use something unusual as it will be less predictable for the audience and they will not know what to expect, this is a vital element i am going to take into consideration when creating my final product. 

research- into location and mise-en-scene for my trailer

       

Research into location and mise-en-scene from jemimawright97

Before going straight into planning what locations and mise-en-scene i am going to use in my trailer, i think it is vital to do some research first. This is because i need to become aware of specific conventions which will benefit my trailer and make sure i get the most out of filming without wasting any time.  By delving so deep into the mise-en-scene for instance the positioning of actors and objects in the frame i have really gained knowledge which i had never even passed my mind, therefore i can apply it when i place my characters in the shot, ensuring that every single movement has a reason behind it. As a result of this i can create subtle enigmas which my audience can depict and question this should create tension. My research into lighting has also opened my eyes as it involves far more than i originally thought, especially in conveying characters emotions. From this i have decided that i am going to use back lighting in long shots, this is so the identity of the character is  hidden,this is an important convention of the thriller genre as it creates suspense and leaves the audience ignorant. In some of the close up shots of my protagonist, i have decided that top lighting would be the most efficient, this sets a sinister atmosphere and creates the feeling that she is vulnerable and deprived of light which has connotations of positivity and purity.These are just a few ways in which i intend to use different lighting techniques, i will provide a full overview in my script. My research into costume and hair and make up has helped me realize that in a sense more is less, i have watched many thriller films and one similarity between them all is that when it comes to costumes, the protagonists just look like 'normal' people you would see on an every day basis. Though with this in mind, i do need to take in consideration my characters backgrounds and social roles, this is so i can reflect this by putting them in costumes which obviously foreshadow this. This is vital as my trailers just a snapshot of the film, this restricts me from building an in depth character profile which means i will need to play on stereotypes to make this clear to the audience. When taking into account hair and makeup, similar rules apply, however i do need to make sure that when i want to show that my characters have been hurt, the bruises and wounds must look realistic. I have identify a huge contrast between low budget and high budget thriller films, the makeup really does determine the realism which in effect can make or break a film. I am going to work on this for my trailer, i fortunately have a sister who has studied theoretical makeup at London of fashion, this will definitely help to enhance the quality of my trailer. When referring to props, i am hoping to use a shotgun, obviously this will have to be artificial, though i need to focus on ensuring that this is not made to obvious to the viewers as it will simply make it appear extremely amateur. I have put thought into other forms of props which i researched, for instance masks, i believe these are really impressive in thriller films as they make you feel uncomfortable as who's behind the mask is a secret which creates an enigma, however i am going to play around with this to see whether it  improves my trailer or not.  Finally by researching the conventional locations, i have been able to establish places in my are which could be suited the genre. I am definitely going to use quite stereotypical locations such as woods, country roads and alley ways, i have seen them illustrated in many films and for me they are definitely a powerful way of making the audience feel tense and scared for the safety of the protagonist. As you can see in the images in my slide share, a lot of these locations are photographed at night, this definitely amplifies the fears associated with them, from this i am going to do most of my filming later in the day to create a more nervous atmosphere. 

Planning-letter for location and actors

I only have to ask ask for permission for one location, as my others are out in the public. I am fortunate as my request has been accepted and also the the times in which i suggested have also been agreed. This location is perfect for my filming, as due to the fact the business will be closed, i will be able to manipulate the layout of the furniture and brightness of the lighting in order to enhance my shots. I also have the choice to include extras to add to the realism whoever if they take attention away from my protagonist i can simply eliminate them, this is something i would have no control over if the establishment was open. The reason why i chose this bar opposed to any other one in my area is because it is quirky and has a more casual feel opposed to an upmarket flashy bar. I have purposely done this as my protagonist is working class, therefore this location appears to be more suited to her which will increase the realism of my trailer. The location is also extremely versatile as there is a spacious upstairs seating area, therefore i can film a various range of shots in it. 

 I sent this email well in advance of my shooting schedule, this is because Megan works full time so therefore her free time is really restricted. However she got back to me and we were able organize time slots where we are both available and can get some filming done. I chose Megan as she is 20, however looks quite significantly older as a result of this she will fit the profile of my protagonist. She has done modeling in the past, this is beneficial for me as it will eliminate and shyness in front of the camera and also she is likely to be able to pull different facial expressions depending on the mood i intend to portray. Because i am friends with Megan, it will make filming a lot easier as we will be more comfortable around each other and  able to discuss ideas which will benefit the outcome but also point out if there's anything which may disrupt the final product in a constructive manner.

Planning- Camera angles, lighting and sound in my storyboard explained

https://soundcloud.com/user431610291/storyboard

Planning-Story board

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                                4                     5                   6

                                7                     8                    9

                                10                  11                   12

                               13                14                  15

Planning-Plot narrative and narrative theories applied to my trailer

      

Plot narrative from jemimawright97

This is my first draft of my plot narrative, i have created this to make sure i have established my final idea for the plot of my film which helps me to know which aspects are crucial to include in my trailer. Consequently when it comes to filming my trailer, i can refer back to this so i can assure i don't miss out any crucial details. Because i have a clear and concise plot, i have been able to organize which of the narrative theories i can successfully apply to my trailer, this will add more depth and meaning and hopefully make it more interesting to watch  I am going to create a more detailed script for my trailer, which i can closely follow.

Planning-Mind map on; Sound, camera angles,Narrative and mis-en-scene

Mind Map created by jemima_wright with GoConqr

This mind map has enabled me to put all my knowledge of mise-en-scene, sound, camera angle and editing and then apply it to the thriller genre. By presenting them in this format it is easier for me to depict which elements i intend to use in particular parts of the trailer for  my shooting schedule. Through my filming and editing process, i will be able to refer back to this mind map for new inspiration and use it almost as a checklist to confirm i have incorporated as many of these items as i can to give my product more professionalism

Research-Moodboards

From analysis my survey results, i have taken into account the three most popular thriller hybrids. From this i decided to make a moldboard for each, i can gain greater knowledge on each genre and then later decide the one i wish to pursue in my final piece. 

Psychological Thriller

 

From looking at these posters, i can tell that the narrative is generally based around just one character, this is something i hoped to incorporate as although its simplistic, it can eliminate confusion and the fear of over complicating things.  There is a great use of editing of the characters face, including a cracking effects but also making them appear through shade of blue, this sets a chilling atmosphere and tells us that there is more to the character than meets the eye. I personally think that these posters are the most powerful for me as they really catch your eye and make you want to watch the film to find out why they have been presented the way they have. 

Action Thriller

It is clear that in these posters, there is more emphasis on props such as weapons, this immediately tells us what sub genre the film is. Another thing i noticed it that the posters are orientated around masculinity and the idea of the alpha male. This has put me of using this hybrid as i have already thought of narrative ideas, which all have the similarity of using a female protagonist.

Horror Thriller 

These posters nearly all highlight a lack of identity, in nearly all of the posters, either the protagonists back is turned to us or long shots are used to hide there faces. I find this extremely effective and concealed which creates an enigma, it leaves me wanting to discover who they are. The use of textured background is also effective as they disorientate us and have connotations of corruption. From doing this research i would definitely conciser using this sub genre as it definitely has a huge fear factor.

From doing this research the psychological thriller mood board and conventions enticed me the most, i believe this is because they focus more on making the audience engaged and able to delve into the protagonist mind opposed to just simply frightening them. They are able to manipulate our minds to such an extend that we are unaware of what is reality and what isn't, i find this incredibly clever. When referring to the posters they are more striking to me as they are visually misleading and make us ask yourself many questions regarding why such editing has been portrayed? does this mean something? As a whole they create a more sinister atmosphere which is exactly what i intend to do when i create my own.

Planning-Timeline of project

I have created this timeline to give me a an overview of the project, by having this i am able to tick things of as i go along and ensure that i complete tasks when they should be completed. As a result of this i can ensure that my time management is correct which will minimize stress which will hopefully make sure my tasks are not only completed in the correct timescale  but to the best of my ability as they are each given a fair amount of  care and consideration.

Planning- Target audience research

Target audience research for my thriller trailer from jemimawright97

Finding out who your target audience is, is an absolute vital part of your planning process for making a film of any genre. Firstly it is important that you research who you may be interested in the genre you hope to produce, this can be done through surveys, focus groups or even the internet. From this you can establish who your target audience is, what they want to see and consequently how your going to implement their interests in an innovative way in order to provide audience satisfaction. 

From my research i have established that my target audience is male and females over the age of 16. It is important that my trailer is suitable for a wide range of people as this will determine the movie success. Therefore  although my trailer will initiate blood and violence, i am not going to reveal all the goriness in the trailer as it would make the age restriction tighter. However with this in mind, thrillers are generally preferred by teenagers, this is because they enable themselves to get more worked up and frightened by them making them more vulnreble to the sinister side of the genre, opposed to adults whom have experienced more in their lives making them slightly more desentitised to them. They also watch them to make their level of maturity seem higher, as being 'cool' or 'brave' if they watch them, increasing there self esteem. Thriller films are generally directed at males, as they are stereo typically more aggressive and fearless, so therefore they wont be to scared to actually pay attention to the visuals, instead they gain satisfaction out of watching people hurt others. Despite this
I have  made sure that my trailer is suitable for both genders as if it only appeals to one or the other then i will lose a huge proportion of my target demographic. The ways in which i plan to satisfy both groups is to incorporate a good combination of action when referring to violence and destruction in order to please the males, however the story line contains a lot of depth and meaning, plus my main protagonist is a female showing that there are also elements for my female audience too.

Whilst researching my target audience i have been able to find out what elements they like and believe are vital in creating a successful thriller film. When referring to sound i have found that most people view it as being on of the most fundamental parts of thriller film in order to create tension and suspense, though also to emphasis the action taking place, from this i can depict that i need to include a combination of fast paced dramatic music to scare the audience though also slow high pitched music to prepare the audience for the action. My research has also told me that fast paced editing looks powerful in a trailer as it alludes to complexity in my narrative, opposed to the trailer simply conveying a straightforward plot. With this in mind i am going to assure to integrate this technique in my trailer to make sure that my audience aren't being told a story, instead they are going to presented with a wide range of fragmented shots which will disorientate them. My target demographic evidently also thrive on watching thriller films that have a high sense of realism, i can take this on board and create it through a number of methods. Firstly i need to verify that my location is appropriate for my narrative, this will then make it seem more believable. I accept that if i use locations which my audience are likely to see on an everyday basis it will be more frightening for them to watch as they are more inclined  to envisage the corruption happening to them. Another element which will definitely add to the realism in the costume and makeup as if they are constructed in an unprofessional way it could ruin my whole trailer. I am going to resolve this issue by using a make up artist to create cuts and wounds to make appear more life like, this could hit a nerve and make the audience feel more uncomfortable and unnerved. On the other hand in scenes where my protagonist is characteristic to be a 'normal' person, i need to ensure that her costume and hair and makeup are not over exaggerated so the audience can relate to her. Finally to confirm that my trailer seems realistic is to guarantee my story line isn't to over the top, filled with loads of blood, gore and scenarios which are highly unlikely to occur in the outside world. Consequently i am going to research true stories which could act as a basis for my story line.

Planning-Initial Idea

 I haven't yet thought of the narrative for my trailer though i have written down many different ideas, so my next task is piecing the ideas together to create one final plan. I am going to create a brain storm of camera angles, mis-ens-sene, editing, narratives and sounds in order to show to my thought processes. Here are a few ideas i have depicted from my research.

I have spent a long time watching a variety of thriller trailers in order to come to conclusion of the sub genre i intend to combine, i have decided on psychological. The reason behind this is because i believe the trailers are the most captivating, they leave you wanting more. It gives you more scope to focus more on shot types and narrative than having to focus on purely blood and gore.  I also like the cool editing which is incorporated into the trailers as they are disorientating and disturbing. I specifically like flash cutting, this allows you to randomly insert an image irrelevant to the scene or even narrative, this is so beneficial when trying to confuse or disturb the audience. s  I have listened to different sound tracks tat i believe would be the most effective and after a lot of deliberating i have decided to use more than one, from my own research i personally find slower, peaceful music more eerie as it contrast the genre so much it leave you confused and creeper out. However i think there needs to be a perfect balance, so when action is occurring the soundtrack needs to be louder and more powerful with a clear beat. I have also looked at a variety of camera angles which i believe are especially effective in psychological thriller trailers. Point of view shots are extremely striking as you are seeing things from the protagonists mind, this is a key element of the sub genre as their mind is usually far from stable so its is important to really give the audience a feel of that. Extreme closeups are also effective as you can focus on random parts of the body to confuse the audience and also make them question the importance of the shots, are they relevant to the narrative? or are they simply their to mislead you and plant a seed. Closeup shots of protagonists face are crucial in order to give the audience an idea of how there feeling, this can really provoke emotions out of the audience to, for example; If a female character was being tortured and extreme closeup of her eyes watering, her face dripping with sweat and her teeth grinding on each other, to see this in detail would almost make you feel her pain. When i have a clear i dead of what i want to do for my trailer, it will be easier to establish what mis-en-scene i want to include, though from my research i have discovered to stay away from bright colors and use dark tones of greys and black as they are more sinister.

Research-Analysis survey results

I decided to create a survey monkey in order to find out what people like to see in thriller films. This would give me a clear view as to what i should include in my trailer and what is unnecessary and therefore should leave out. The survey would also help me discover my target demographic, this is helpful as then i have a clear view as to who my audiences are and therefore what they want to see. I think audience feedback is extremely important within media as you need to make sure that your satisfying your consumers and not just yourself. Survey monkey was an  extremely helpful resource as it was easy to use and the results are laid out in a clear, concise way, ready for me to analyze. 

Question One

From these results i can depict that my target audiences age ranges between 16 and 20, as a result of this i will ensure that my final product is not only suitable for these ages however the content will also have to be engaging for them to. Consequently my storyline can be complex, and i will be able to use more graphic scenes.

Question Two

These results tell me that my results are mainly from a female perspective, therefore i will have to ensure my final product will suit both genders. This is important as females usually prefer the more psychological aspects of thrillers whereby males are more commonly interested in action, blood and gore, therefore i will ensure to use elements of both in my trailer.

Question Three

I think this question was vital in providing me with information for my ancillary task. Although the results varied, the most common answer was the internet. In a day and age where our lives revolve around the internet, these results were not surprising, however i need to make sure i am current when advertising my trailer. As a result of this i will take it on board and i will try and incorporate the web when promoting my trailer in order to gain consumers.

Question Four

This question was extremely useful as it gave me an insight into why people watch trailers, from these results i am able to establish the purpose of my trailer which is helpful when i come to chose what to include in my trailer. Therefore i will ensure that i don't reveal to much of the story line and  instead just use footage of the best bits as this is more likely to attempt my consumers to watch the movie.

Question Five

I asked this question to see how popular the genre thriller is, if i had of received a great amount of responses opposing to the genre, then i would have been more inclined to rethink my genre and then proceed to change it. However the majority of my respondents  in fact do like the genre which gives me confidence as my trailer will be suitable for them. I decided to insert a box where the respondents could explain why they like the genre in order to give me an idea about what elements would be beneficial in my final product.

These are 6 of the responses, they tell me that i need to make sure my trailer not predictable and therefore exiting, i can do this by creating suspense by the use of various elements such as; music, fast paced editing and not being to self explanatory. The main thing i got from this particular question was to make sure that i don't just use lots of blood and violence as my target demographic prefer mystery and having to think.

Question Six

I decided to ask my respondents to rank what features are the most important to them, this is helpful when i come to creating my trailer as it tells me which elements are the most vital and which ones are not so crucial. The results showed me that the most important aspect is tension and suspense, this tells me that i need to make sure my trailer is mysterious and doesn't reveal to much. Other features which were ranked highly were; shots that make you jump, fast paced editing and tense music. I will take on board these results and ensure to use them in my trailer. Elements that my respondents didn't deem as being that important were; low key lighting, creepy sound effects and use of props, consequently i will still involve these conventions into my trailer however i will not put to much emphasis on them.

Question Seven;

 

  

Every trailer reveals information to their audiences through different ways, thriller films usually use text or diegetic narration, i wanted to find out which one my audience would create more suspense so my final product meets their needs. The results showed that they believe diegetic narration is the most beneficial, i will take this on board and include it within my trailer whilst still making sure that it looks professional. 

Question Eight; 

As hybrids are extremely common in this day and age, i wanted to know what hybrid my respondents found the most complimentary with the thriller genre. The results were far from close. It is clear that psychological thrillers are the most thrilling for my audience, this has given me a better idea as to what structure i wish to follow in my trailer. If i were to do a psychological thriller i would have to research various movies and conventions in order to make sure that i fulfill the expectations. I personally agree with these results, as both genres are about making you think and leaving a mark, however combined with a thriller the outcome will be more sinister.

Question Nine;

The opening shot to any trailer is by far the most important shot, it instantly makes the audience decide whether they want to continue to watch or simply turn it of. I think in especially the thriller genre, the opening has to be extremely engaging. The results show that viewers prefer the opening to be filled with mystery opposed to going straight in with jumpy scenes of death and danger. Therefore i have decided that my trailer will initially be quite calm and slowly become more scary, this will reel the audience in and engage them .

Question Ten;

I asked this question as i can tell what my audience has previously watched and why the liked it, from this i can gain new ideas and develop preexistence ones. From this question i found out that my respondents like plot twists and suspense. Therefore i will move away from predictability and ensure my trailer is captivating, tense with slight elements of blood and gore.

In conclusion, this survey has really helped me develop ideas and  understand what consumers really want from a thriller films. I will make sure i really use the results in order improve my trailer and ensure my audience are getting what they want and not just what i think will look good. From doing this survey, my original plan has definitely changed for the better.