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)