Hayden Woodcock's role in our production

My main role within the group is the producer, meaning that I am entitled to plan and coordinate various aspects of film production, such as: coordinating writing, directing and editing, as well as organising the filming in terms of location and time. I am also responsible for the acting, as I have accepted to take on the role of the Vampire antagonist, since Hubert was the main actor last year. Even though I am experienced with acting, film acting is very different. Therefore, I will use our acting skills research to gain some tips on how I should alter my acting for the screen. Another role that I am partially responsible for is directing. This means that I will be in control of the making of the film trailer and required to supervise the actors. However, Hubert will be the main director, so it is fair to establish me as a co-director. We will both be in charge of the post-production process as we are neither experts or inept in these areas.

The Bitter Kiss Official Trailer

4. How did you use media technologies in the construction, research, planning and evaluation stages? (Hubert Osinski)

3. What have you learned from your audience feedback? (Hayden Woodcock)

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/FVPPMY2 Here is a link to my audience questionnaire for my final products.

Audience reaction from our products

2. How effective is the combination of your main product and ancillary texts? (By Hubert Osinski)

1. In what ways does your media products use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products? (Hayden Woodcock)

To conclude, I believe that throughout our film trailer, poster and webpage I have successfully followed and use codes and conventions. Film Noir and Horror generic conventions are clear in our trailer and our poster, whilst our Webpage has explore Horror and Neo Noir generic conventions, due to the absence of Film Noir websites because of the lack of advanced technology and web 2.0 during the influential Noir period. However, there are subtle examples where we have subverted the conventions, in order to make our products more modern, original, mainly due to genres being more permeable. For example, we subverted the use of old-fashioned film transitions, such as: wipes to enable our trailer to be modern, suiting our primary target audience. However, we have mainly followed conventions to attract a further older demographic audience who can relate to the Film Noir style. Lastly, due to the blend of modern and old conventions we have created innovative products.

Offical Web Page (Hayden Woodcock)

https://hgewoodcock.wixsite.com/the-bitter-kiss

My final Webpage.

Official Theatrical Poster (Hubert Osinski)

Ancillary feedback

1.      Poster:

·         I like the colour contrast (red/white fonts and red/blue in general. But I don’t like the font for 'a gamble between life and death' it’s quite hard to read-Emma Crossley

·         Like the text on the movie poster and the concept, but think the image could have been a bit clearer-Reagan Hollingshead

·         Dan Neary: antagonist at the forefront of the poster grabs attention and correlates with the genre conventions, the editing to a blue wash contrasts well with the red and black colours, I like how the identity of the antagonists face is partially hidden, creating enigmas and audience interaction from the direct eye-contact, appears typical. Weaknesses-top font could be changed to a more horror style, looks quite sci-fi to me and the slogan is quite difficult to read

·         Eva Dickinson: The poster is very enticing and prepares the audience for the dark mature themes they will witness within the movie. Although simplistic, it works in favour if the poster as the public will want to know more about the movie. Weakness: I’m not such a fan of the text used for the title- particularly the word 'Kiss'... I think the bloody text is too stereotypical and common within the horror genre and one thing I loved about the trailer is it revealed the film to be a unique brand of film within the horror genre. The text also brings immaturity to what I'd argue is otherwise a mature and powerful poster.

·         James Palmer-Smith: Pros: Use of colours make the poster eye-catching and focuses you on the most important information. E.G. the Title and Slogan through the use of red. Poster is not overcrowded and does not try to show too much information with a focus on the image and title. Whilst still providing all the information needed. Cons: Large gap between title and the top of the cape. Top red text could be larger to allow it to be read quickly

·         Tom Horeckyj-I like the dramatic font and close up of the vampire. The cloak makes him seem mysterious and makes me want to know more about him. For weaknesses you could maybe increase font size to bring more attention to the words? Add some blood/shadow effects round the edges? Great already though.

1.      Web page:

·         Could change the font for ‘Explore’ to something simple like Arial

·         I like the reviews on the website and that it’s easy to navigate, but the slogan font is unclear like the poster-Emma Crossley

·         Dan Neary: conventional in the way that it allows audience interaction, quotes and critics responses have animated effects so this enhances aesthetics of the webpage, gives overview of the plot and characters-good information shows images of the trailer-makes the audience want to know more. Weaknesses-slogan appears unnecessary, not appealing as it is too blurry, an addition of sound? And merchandise advertising perhaps

·         Tom Horeckyj: The website has some great imagery and use of quotes to draw appeal for the film. Some words overlap like the website title and the headings but maybe it's just on mobile.

·         James Palmer-Smith: Good use of reviews as part of the homepage, good use of columns in the explore section, good links around the site, effective navigation bar, specific info on characters helps to build a back story, and very detailed with useful information. However, there are some incorrect fonts in some places.

Film Trailer feedback

We have completed some audience research following our first draft and our final Official Trailer of 'The Bitter Kiss.'

We used social networking sites, in this case: Facebook, to conduct audience research into our Official trailer.

First Trailer Draft

Poster First drafts (By Hubert Osinski)

First Draft

Second Draft

Third Draft

Fourth Draft

19th February

The filming was very successful because we were able to get extra footage. For example, different angles of the Detective pouring a drink. The use of the extra footage will be beneficial for cut-ins and a wider use of angles, as well as creating tension and in this case, it will emphasise the Detective's alcoholic flaw. Moreover, even though we had planned to film in a forest, we decided to film in an alleyway. This group decision was made because of the weather, the props and the excess, in the way that it was easier for my Uncle to enter this location than the forest. Also, the practical space in the alleyway worked better for the props as we could draw a chalk outline of a body and have more space for our resources, whilst creating a similar tone. We are slightly behind schedule because of the previous issues, however, at least we can now focus on the editing stage of the production cycle.

Shooting schedule (By Hayden Woodcock)

Flash Card Deck created by Hayden Woodcock with GoConqr

Audience research into slogans

Create your own user feedback survey

Results collated together with feedback from a lesson: Don't fall into the Vampire's grasp!=8 A gamble between life and death=11 What MAN is capable of stopping such a MONSTER?=10 How many more will die before the beast meets its doom?=3 He's fast, he's furious, he's the Vampire!=1 These results show that 'A gamble between life and death' is the audience favourite for our slogan. However, due to the tight interest between the top three, we are planning to incorporate them within the trailer and possibly our ancillary web page. We think 'What MAN is capable of stopping such a MONSTER?' would be effective in creating a stylistic Film Noir, and it would connote the binary opposite between the protagonist in the form of the Detective and the antagonist Vampire monster. The use of the 'MAN' highlights the stereotypical representation of the hero within our film, creating a sexist presentation which is common in Film Noir. Additionally, the use of the question emphasises the power of the villain, perhaps creating doubt in the audience's mind. Whilst, 'Don't fall into the Vampire's grasp!' will be beneficial in use during the trailer, possibly by a First person narrator describing the vicious edge to the antagonist. Also, the negativity here again represents the antagonists ferocious havoc, as well as acting as a warning towards the audience. This could connote the terror, and attract the audience further, feeling immersed within the plot and the atmosphere.

Shooting Script

Storyboard

The Bitter Kiss dialogue script (By Hubert Osinski)

Sound Research (By Hubert Osinski)

Slide Set created by Hubert Osinski with GoConqr

Risk Assessment

12th January

Luckily, St Mary’s Willoughby Waterleys has agreed to allowing us to film in their Church, which is great considering that we no longer have to think of alternate ideas or locations. Therefore, this means that our production is moving on steadily but successfully, now we have to complete the script and continue to search for locations for the other scenes in our Film trailer. We are aware that we face challenges in the location scouting and prop hunting, so we will try to be as organised as possible to keep the production cycle flowing as effective as possible.

The Bitter Kiss shot list

5th January 2017

Unfortunately, St Mary's Church Broughton Astley has not confirmed our filming, because of the concerns with the subject matter and accepting the shooting without further consultation.

Research into existing website (Hayden Woodcock)

Focus Pitch

We have conducted some research into our target audience in order to understand their preferences and responses in co-ordination to our questions.

Influential Film Posters (By Hubert Osinski)

We like the use of the low-key lighting on the character, supposedly the 'Dracula' due to the stereotypical make-up and hair-style, in creating secrecy and representing a Propp villain. Also, we like the elaborate 3D typography, conventional for Film Noir.

We like the use of red and white fonts, common in Horror posters, as well as the use of the one main image surrounded by darkness.

This poster is very colourful and unique, whilst obeying conventions such as: the main cast names at the top of the poster and 'a film by...'

Again we like the use of the main image. This poster effectively represents the possible Propp hero of the Detective, and the green, yellow and red colours all blend together nicely to create a hot atmosphere. This may connote the pressure within his profession.

Brand Identity (By Hubert Osinski)

Costume ideas (By Hayden Woodcock)

We already own the Vampire outfit, so there are no worries about sourcing the clothing from a particularly shop. However, the fangs will need to be sourced, likely from either ASDA, Aldi or Amazon. My Uncle is also sourcing the Detective outfit, again meaning that we do not need to source the clothing from a particularly shop. Therefore, the clothing seems easy, however, sourcing the props will provide a challenge.

Film title feedback

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/R3C66KX
Above is a link to our survey regarding possible Film Titles for our Film Noir/horror.

Prop ideas (By Hayden Woodcock)

Mind Map created by Hayden Woodcock with GoConqr

Top Opening Shots of All Time

What have I learnt?

• Symmetry between the opening and the closing shot makes the shot notable, perfectly sandwiching the film and underlying the extent of its journey
•  Slow motion works well
• Spoilers that we do not pick on until the end because it begins with a flash forward
• Opening long takes are always more impressive, but not always effective
• Shot reverse shot/cross cutting between an object creating tension and another scene (perhaps completely different) 

Affect on our production:

This research has been quite interesting and influential upon any styles we should consider when deciding carefully upon the shots we should include in the trailer. Symmetry between the opening and the closing shot will work well in our Film Noir/horror to link to the themes of menace and stylistic conventions include flashbacks or forwards, since they will provide audience engagement through the tension and information. However, because we are creating a trailer instead of a short or feature film, we will have to consider this with detail as it may be quite confusing. Instead, our trailer needs to be easy and quite episodic. Furthermore, we are planning to use cross cutting to cut between the tension of the Detective's telephone with the killings to connote that he will shortly be needed. This will represent his importance and his character type in terms of Propp's theory.

                                            

30th November 2016

Unfortunately, we have found out that we are unable to film at the local church, because of understandable concerns on behalf of the Parish Church Council. Therefore, we face a challenge to search for other locations, preferably Church's (so that we do not need to change our ideas.) We will attain research by visiting local Church's and asking whether it would be a possibility to film there. Our main aim is to have some shots before Christmas so this process will be short and quick.

Location hunting (By Hubert Osinski)

1. Interrogation room. We've taken our school theatre as a possibility due to its potential for lighting the scene.

2. Potential crime scene, we thought this would be a good area to shoot the crime scene because it's an open space with trees around it which gives us space for mise-en-scene

3. Ambience shots, the pines are really tall therefore they'd be good for capturing wind whispering through trees.

4. This is an establishing shot of the forest, looks very plain and boring without any mise-en-scene. For mise-en-scene we'd have detectives roaming the area.

7. This would be for interior ambience.

 

6. This is a small ditch in the forest, it is big enough to fit Hayden's body, it'd be ideal for the shot of the dead victim.

7. This would potentially be a shot of the detective or a character getting into the pond to take a dead body out of the water. 



This location would be great for the detective to walk down the path with a lantern in his hand to light his way, creating a sense of mystery.

Codes and conventions of Film Posters(By Hubert Osinski)

Poster Conventions from Hubert Osinski

How does a Director block a scene? (Hayden Woodcock)

What have I learnt?

• Can use two cameras for a slightly different angle and more footage
• Without any emotional cues from the actors, a reliance on editing tricks is increased. For example, music and close-ups
• It is more effective if the characters have an objective. When they are not using dialogue, this should be shown
• Explore the use of the camera movement and motion (steadicam or hand-held)
• Always consider the 180 degree rule, but if it is discreet and the choice of the shot works effectively without confusion, this rule can be broken or experimented with

In our production, we will explore characters objectives and their body language behind this, whilst specifically following the 180 degree rule because we do not want confusion but we are keen on shot-reverse-shots. Furthermore, I think that our production will mostly be steady, but the beginning shots of the artefacts and the objects in the Church will be hand-held in order to allow extreme close-ups and a variance in angles. Lastly, we may use two cameras for more footage depending on the teachers rule and how popular the Nikon's are.

Resources/Equipment (By Hubert Osinski)

Codes and conventions of Film webpages (Hayden Woodcock)

Institutional Regulations (By Hubert Osinski)

The Bitter Kiss age rating & censorship from Hubert Osinski

Film title research

1. Deadly Night: This title would refer to the night-time setting and the dark low-key lighting used within the generic Film Noirs and Horrors. The use of the word 'deadly' connotes the innocent deaths that take place throughout the narrative, and the stereotypes of a Vampire (our antagonist.) This title should provide the audience will pleasure, specifically entertainment from the 'Uses and Gratification Theory' because they would expect a sinister and climatic mood.

2. Vampire Night: This title is informative and specific because it is clear and it makes the narrative already quite obvious. The Vampire killings occur at night, so the title is very self-explanatory. However, this name does not leave the audience with anything to think about, which would prevent audience capture and interest. Additionally, this title is not generic for a Film Noir because there is no incorporation of an adjective, meaning that it would not relate to our conventional narrative.

3.  Nightfall: This title is short and sweet, whilst the use of the 'night' signifies the time of the murders and the theme of darkness. Also, the 'fall' will connote how the innocent victims fall to their death in the hands of the Vampire. Lastly, this title creates a sense of failure, perhaps the protagonists or the antagonist. As a result, this will lead to audience anticipation because they are not aware of who will fall.

4. The Dark Detective: This is a conventional Film Noir title, as their is a mention of his name that makes the audience consider more why he is a dark character. The lexical choice of 'dark' also implies that the Detective goes through a transition and change in his usual attitude towards the law, perhaps he has began to use darker methods to solve his cases. Lastly, the alliteration creates a sharp sound, signifying that this character will have a flaw.

5. The Vicious Vampire: Again, alliteration is used to emphasise the represented villain within our Film, whilst being conventional for Film Noir. The use of the word 'vicious' connotes harshness, evilness and anger being stereotypical for a Vampire and an antagonist. As well as this, this alliteration enables the audience to be entertained because the title could be easily exaggerated, making the character sound instantly cool and quite tongue-and-cheek which is want Film Noir is often all about and what we desire.  

6. The Night Hunter: This title seems effective because it sums up the roles of Vampires and their desires to suck on blood because of their blood-thirst. The use of 'the' creates a sense of importance, the 'night' signifies the time of day this character completes their hunt and the lexical description of 'hunter' connotes a savage and secretive character. Therefore pleasuring the audience because we want to know who the night hunter is and who the victims are. All of these connotations represent a dark character, as well as highlighting a predatory-like demeanour.

7. Night-Stalker: This title links to the predatory representation of the 'night-stalker.' However, the term stalker modernises this title and emphasises that this character will be presented as creepy and weird, so the audience will already have expectations and judgement. Again it provides audience enhancement because it is not clear of whom the night-stalker is, for hype. Plus, I think that it is another short and sweet title that will certainly attract the audience and force them to desire to want to know more.

8. The Bitter Kiss: This title connotes that the Vampire takes his victims, by seducing them and killing them. Furthermore, the 'bitter(ness)' will signify how the character is cold. We would use this title to surprise the audience as it clearly represents a negative character and kiss, but we will present the Vampire as softer and more humorous for a twist, again creating the tongue-and-cheek effect.

9. Down to the Sacred Grave: This Film title could show how the killings have more of a sacrificial element, creating a religious aspect. This would link to our desire for our film narrative and themes. It is clear that the character is killing for blood and survival, in a old and traditional manner.

10. The Dark Wanderer: This final title appears to be strong because it incorporates the 'dark' and evil connotations simultaneous to the secretive and humorous character. As well as this, the use of 'wanderer' seems to modernise the title, juxtaposing the old fashioned Film Noir style also involved. Overall, I think that this title is also effective for contradiction and twists in the way that it shows importance and quietness, perhaps making it more stylistic.

We have conducted some research and decided to share it on social media in order to fully widen the amount of research we can attain. Social networking research is vital and widely used nowadays because so many people are associated with it.

We have sent this email to our friends and other students for a younger demographic response as well.

Directing a Film Noir/Horror (By Hubert Osinski)