action mood board

Film institutions

DREAMWORKS- Dreamworks Studios is an American film studio which develops, produces, and distributes films, video games and television programming. It has produced or distributed more than ten films with box-office grosses totalling more than $100 million each. They mainly specialise in horror films like Paranormal Activity, The Ring etc. It also does a few child films like Up and Shrek

Film Institution

WARNER BROS- Warner Bros Entertainment is an American producer of film, television, and music entertainment. It mainly specialises in films like adventure e.g. Harry Potter, Batman, Incpetion and The Matrix. Then a few comedies like The Hangover and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Film Institutions

Paramount Pictures Corporation is a film and television production/distribution company, consistently ranked as one of the largest movie studios. A lot of expensive and well known films are made by Paramount e.g. Iron man, Transformers, The Godfather etc.

outgone

As a group, we have decided to use a range of different types of fonts to be used while making our draft titles, we have also changed the name of the opening 2 minute short film various times, the one that we are currently using now is "Outgone". I (James), made a rough title sequence that will be uploaded in the next post, which was made and produced on Sony Vegas 10, this opening sequence is not the official opening titles as we constantly changing the title, which will soon be finalised and then another title sequence will be produced. We have used various fonts for this opening titles (Outgone) here are some of them.

What we have here is 5 different fonts that have our draft title "Outgone" which will be changed to a different title as we progress. This is just to give us a rough idea on what sort of font we would like for our final production. Personally, I prefer the Second font and the Last font as they are both quite action/thriller designed and it makes them stand out. One of these would be used in our final production title sequence to give a more action effect to our 2 minute production.

Pie Chart

opening 2 minutes of world war z

The main character in the film, "Gerry" played by Brad Pitt with appearances from Mireille

Enos and Daniella Kertesz playing the other main characters in the film. The main character being played by Brad Pitt is one of the main appealing factors of the film as Brad Pitt is a respected actor who has appeared in many good films such as Fight Club and Troy. This will help to attract an audience as Brad Pitts reputation as an action is indisputable and is of a status when he is associated with a film, its very anticipated.

 

The plot is based around a contagious infection sweeping though the city of New York turning ordinary people into zombies (classic zombie film set up). The film follows Gerry Lane keeping his family safe from the zombies, and although it is not made clear in the trailer, i would assume that Gerry will have something to do with stopping the crisis. This is a typical plot of an action/horror film where something catastrophic happens and the hero has to save the world and their family as they are somehow linked with the disaster. This follows Todorov's narative theory closely, there is a disruption of the equilibrium at the start of the film (the infection breaking out and zombies reeking havoc) and its the role of the main character to stop the crisis. The plot also vaguely conforms to Propp's theory. There is a clearly defined hero, Gerry, and there is the princess, The family of Gerry, and no doubt there will be a villan and a helper, although it is not shown in the trailer, but we can assume this will happen though out the film. The plot does not completely conform to Propp's theory, but it is close enough to say it resembles the theory.

 

The setting of the trailer changes throughout the trailer, it start off in the streets of New York in a massive traffic jam, which is not uncommon in New York, which helps to make the audience feel calm, showing them is all is well and normal (Equilibrium). The setting then changes to a street full of people freaking out (Upsetting the equillibrium) which immediately grabs the audiences attention and makes them want to continue to watch. The trailer then flashes though different post apocalyptic scenes of the city as well as some shots of military personnel and helicopters.This helps to raise the tempo of the trailer making it more engaging to the audience.

- The costumes of the cast are the kind of thing that the normal civilian living in New York and other character have different designs depending on their role in the film, whether that be a military officer or a zombie, they all have conforming designs of costumes.

- The sound track that is featured in the trailer is varied between non at the start, and a heavy distorted metal sounding guitar that starts in the middle of the trailer and continues to the end. This use of music helps to make the beginning of the trailer seem almost plain and boring and the music that starts half way though the trailer makes it seem really high paced and action packed.

18

'18' Certificate

No-one under 18 is allowed to see an ‘18’ film at the cinema or buy/rent an ‘18’ rated DVD or video game. No ‘18’ rated works are suitable for children.

Is an ‘18’ certificate on a video game the same as an ‘18’ for a film or DVD?

Yes, if a video game is rated ‘18’ it contains strong material and is not suitable for players who are under 18.

What sort of issues might I find in an ’18’, film, DVD or video game?
'18’ works are for adults and can contain strong issues such as:• very strong violence
• frequent strong language (eg f***) and very strong language (eg c***)
• strong portrayals of sexual activity
• scenes of sexual violence
• strong horror
• strong blood and gore
• discriminatory language and behaviourcan you see drugs in an '18'?
At ‘18’ drug taking may be shown but the work as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse

15

'15' Certificate

No-one under 15 is allowed to see a ‘15’ film at the cinema or buy/rent a ‘15’ rated DVD or video game. Parents are warned that ‘15’ rated works are not suitable for children under 15 years of age

Is a ‘15’ certificate on a video game the same as a ‘15’ for a film or DVD?
Yes, if a video game is rated ‘15’ it is not suitable for players who are under 15. Parents should not assume that because something is a game it is unlikely to contain the same sort of material as a ‘15’ rated film or DVD. If the BBFC has rated a game ‘15’ it is because it does contain the same sort of material as a ‘15’ rated film or DVD.

What sort of issues might I find in a ‘15’ film, DVD or video game?

‘15’ works are stronger than '12' or ‘12A’ rated works and could include any of the following:

• strong violence
• frequent strong language (eg 'f***').
• portrayals of sexual activity
• strong verbal references to sex
• sexual nudity
• brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence
• discriminatory language or behaviour
• drug taking

What about a horror film?
At’15’ there can be strong threat and menace (as long as it is not sadistic or sexualised), although the strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable

Can you see drugs in a ‘15’?

At ‘15’ drug taking may be shown but the work as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse.

The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances like aerosols or solvents is unlikely to be acceptable at ‘15’.

12A

12a Certificate

The A stands for 'accompanied' and 'advisory'. '12A' means that anyone aged 12 or over can go and see the film unaccompanied. Children younger than 12 may see the film if they are accompanied by an adult (eg someone over the age of 18), who must watch the film with them.

What's the difference between '12' and '12A'?
The '12' certificate is just for videos, DVDs and games. '12A' is for films only.

Is there a lower age limit for a '12A' film?
No. However, the BBFC considers the content of '12A' rated films to be suitable for children aged 12 and over, and we would not recommend taking very young children to see them. Works classified at these categories may upset children under 12 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them. An adult may take a younger child if, in their judgement, the film is suitable for that particular child. In such circumstances, responsibility for allowing a child under 12 to view lies with the accompanying adult

Will there be any strong language in a 12/12A?

The BBFC's Guidelines state that there may be strong language (eg 'f***') at ‘12’ or ‘12A’, but it must be infrequent. The context of the strong language is important and aggressive uses of strong language may result in a film or DVD being placed at the ‘15’ category. There is some allowance for puns on strong language at this category. There may be moderate language (uses of terms such as ‘b*tch’ and ‘tw*t’ at ‘12’ 0r ‘12A’.

Do 12A films contain Sexual content?
Sex may be briefly and discreetly portrayed in a ‘12A’ film, DVD or video game. Verbal sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers and frequent crude sex references are unlikely to be accepted. There may be nudity in ‘12A’ films but sexual nudity should only be brief and discreet.

What sort of violence can I expect in a ‘12' or '12A’ ?
At ‘12A’, moderate violence is allowed but it should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if they can be justified by their context (for example brief sight of bloody injury in a medical drama).
Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated at ‘12A’. It must also have a strong contextual justification.

Can 12A's be passed off as a Horror film?
Yes, some horror films are passed at this category. Moderate physical and psychological threat is permitted at ‘12’ or ‘12A’ as long as disturbing sequences are not too frequent or sustained.

PG

'PG' Certificate

‘PG’ stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for younger children. A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. Parents should consider whether the content might upset younger or more sensitive children

Are all ‘PG’ films made for younger audiences?
No. Some films, such as documentaries, are given a ‘PG’ certificate but have not been made with a young audience in mind. However, the certificate means that any issues in the work are appropriate for the majority of this age group and nothing should upset a child of eight or over.

What sort of themes are passed at ‘PG’?
No theme is prohibited at ‘PG’, as long as it is treated in a manner appropriate to the category. ‘PG’ works can explore challenging issues such as domestic violence, bereavement or racism.
In a ‘PG’ work, illegal or antisocial behaviour, such as bullying, will not be condoned or seen to go unchallenged. Smoking and drinking will not be promoted or glamorised and if child characters are seen smoking or drinking, there should be a clear message that this is bad. If drugs are mentioned or seen, a ‘PG’ work should emphasise that they are harmful.

Will there be any bad language?
There may be mild bad language (such as ‘shit’ or ‘son of a bitch’) in a ‘PG’ film, but the context and delivery are always important. For example, if the language is used aggressively or if there is too much bad language, a work may be passed at the next category.

What about sex?
References to sex are acceptable if the activity talked about or shown is implied and lacking in detail. In addition, if a child is unlikely to understand a reference, we may allow it at ‘PG’.

What about violence or horror at ‘PG’?
There should be no detail of violence in a ‘PG’ work, so while there might be some blood, we would not see how the injury was inflicted. Violence is generally more acceptable in a historical or fantasy setting, because of the distancing that this provides.
As far as horror goes, we allow some 'jump' moments and scary scenes, but sequences showing significant or realistic violence, horror or threat must not be prolonged.

What about behaviour children might copy?
Potentially dangerous behaviour which children might copy (such as a child climbing into a washing-machine or playing with electricity) is unlikely to be acceptable at ‘PG’, especially if it comes across as safe or fun. Realistic or easily accessible weapons, such as knives, will not be glamorised or focused upon in a ‘PG’ work.

Will there be any drugs in a ‘PG’?There might be innocuous or passing references to illegal drugs or drugs misuse in a ‘PG’ work, although there should be no strong focus on this. In addition drug references may be permissible if there is a clear anti-drugs or educational message likely to be understood by children over eight.

U

'U' Certificate

The ‘U’ symbol stands for ‘Universal’. A ‘U’ film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. However, it is impossible to predict what might upset a particular child, especially at this lower end of the category range.
Will there be any bad language in a ‘U’ film?
There will only be mild bad language in a 'U' for example, 'Damn, hell, etc'. Occasionally, bad language such as ‘bloody’ or ‘bugger’ may be included, where justified by the context.

Do ‘U’ works contain any sexual activity?
Characters may be seen kissing or cuddling and there may be references to sexual behaviour (ie to ‘making love’). However, there will be no overt focus on sexual behaviour, language or innuendo

Is violence or horror permitted in a ‘U’ film?
A ‘U’ film may include brief fight scenes or moments where characters are placed in danger. However, moments of emotional stress or threat will be quickly resolved and the outcome will be reassuring.
There may be brief scary scenes and moments where the characters are placed in danger. As with violence, however, these scenes will be balanced by reassuring elements, such as comic interludes or music.
‘Baddie’ characters may carry or use weapons, but there will be no emphasis on these. Child or ‘hero’ characters are unlikely to use any kind of weapon. Potentially dangerous or imitable behaviour, particularly those which come across as safe or fun, will not be present.

What sorts of films are usually passed at ‘U’?
The films that would normally pass as a 'U' certificated film, would normally target a younger audience for example years 4+, such as Toy Story.

Will there be references to drugs?
At ‘U' there will not normally be references to illegal drugs or drugs misuse unless there is a very clear anti-drugs or educational message which will be understood by a younger audience.
Drugs references which are unlikely to register with young children and are brief or passing may occasionally be passed at ‘U’ – for example a verbal reference to ‘the Opium wars’ in an historical documentary.

Evaluation of preliminary task

Our preliminary task was to show our abilities on camera angles and audio and what effect it had on the scene and setting. In our group was Avraj, Sam, James and I. We worked well together on our film making debut, each member of the group bought something different to contribute and our desire to succeed motivated us to make the best preliminary task possible. We wanted to show off our skills and knowledge about the subject and portray it via the task. 

Although overall we felt that the task was successful, we did encounter some problems with our lack of experience in the field. For example keeping camera steady, we could improve this with the aid of a tripod.

Title scene to The Watchmen

The Title sequence to the film The Watchmen is acompanied by "the times are a-changing" by bob dylan sets the feel for the film, a parrell universe where super hero's are not out of the ordinary. The sequnce shows them apperaing in key post WW2 events such as the assaination of JFK. Whilst these scenes occur there is a reappering text showing the title's such as the director and producers. They keep the same theme throughout which is the yellow text and same font. compared to others this title scene is longer than most but attracts the audience with intresting moments whilst subtly including the producers and studio company.

prelimanry task AS Media

Opening scene to pulp fiction

The clip starts with the sound of a motor bike starting up as the definition of 'pulp' appears on a blank black screen with shire writing the contrasting simple colours immediately indicate the genre of the film, they have edited it so that the writing shakes slightly which is also very effective as it creates the mood of a thriller that the film is going to be somewhat dark.

The opening scene is of a couple discussing their plans of robbery, they appear to be a normal couple in a cafe fooling around, the sound is all diagetic in this with only the sound of speaking, background noise and cheerful music in the background being played in the cafe this works well as it contrasts with what you were expecting to happen. It follows the typical conventions of a thriller starting with a normal setting. The same Mid-shot of the couple is used for about a minute and then shot-reverse-shot, panning shots and over-shoulder shots are introduced as their conversation progresses which introduces the characters more and makes the audience aware of them being the antagonists. Suddenly the characters roles become apparent when the use of guns as props are used to threaten people in the cafe. Almost immediately as they have shouted the fast paced quirky music starts and the screen goes back to black with bright orange font appearing with the credits to the film, the title of which is animated. The music and colours used create a strong contrast to the dark and eerie effect you would normally find with a thriller but I feel it works very well to make it a little more light hearted and humorous for the audience in contrast to the previous scence of a shooting threat.

The characters in this first scene are dressed in casual wear and have normal make-up which works well in the film as they do not want attention drawn to them and wish to be under cover and discreet before they make their threat.

After the credits having finished a new scene is introduced of two new characters which are dressed smartly as gangsters in a posh car cruising down a road, background music can be heard as well as the dialogue between the two characters. A side on close-up shot is used of the two men throughout the car journey, this makes the audience focus on the conversation between the two. Shot-reverse-shot is used between the two men in their conversation but the shots are still very close-up, the genre of the film is apparent because of the dialogue between the first two characters and of course the following two men in the sceond scene, the sub-genre of crime is also very clear because of the two gansters and the immediate gun shooting threat in the first scene, which prepares the audience for what the rest of the film is going to entail.

When the two men have left the car a shot from below is used as they get their weapons from the boot of the car which indicates power on their behalf. Natural light and bright colours are used throughout the film clip which I viewed which again contrasts with your typical thriller as they normally use the opposite of this. However it works very well in this film due to the humorous side of it which is reflected in their casual conversation before going to attack people. Tracking shot is used as you watch the two men walk to the building and then a birds eye view which is a good establishing shot of the building they have entered.

The locations are all rather ironic in the opening to this film because they are not isolated and are all in a everyday situation which all viewers can relate to. The film is a twist on your typical thriller but certainly works very well doing it this way.

Analysis of Love Actually

Love Actually is a 2003 British Christmas themed romantic comedy film written and directed by Richard Curtis. The screenplay delves into different aspects of love as shown through ten separate stories involving a wide variety of individuals, many of whom are shown to be interlinked as their tales progress. The ensemble cast is composed predominantly of British actors.Set in London, the film begins five weeks before Christmas and is played out in a weekly countdown until the holiday, followed by an epilogue that takes place one month later. The opening two minutes of love actually shows the text of film producer, music producer, editing producer. This makes it more professional and a feel to the film.The beginning of the film just shows people hugging and kissing which links with the name of the film 'love' actually. Which infers that its a genre of romance.


A strong opening sequence would immediately demonstrate and clearly lay out the genre of the film in hand, meaning a good director would successfully be able to undertake this action within the first two minutes of a sequence. Taking this into consideration, I am therefore going to analyse the opening sequence of the film 'Love Actually' and come to a conclusion as to whether I personally think the director has set the story out successfully, but at the same time created a well needed and significant chain of narrative enigma.

Analysis of The Dark Knight

The opening titles of the film have been altered to try and set the scene of the film. For example all the companies involved usual opening title colours have been replaced with much more dark and gloomy colours. This shows a clear attempt to try and introduce the film as a Action. This takes a good effect as it does succeed to set the scene and gives the audience acknowledgement of the type of film. Also special effects are used the opening sequence to give it more depth and create a larger effect. Then it cuts to a ariel shot to show the audience the surroundings from above. It is a city scene, then match cuts to a man wearing a clown-faced mask. This introduces the sense of mystery . A close-up is used on the man with the clown mask, then continues to zoom out to show more men also wearing clown masks. These men are interpreted as the 'villain's' of the film and the camera is on purpose focusing on the evil-like masked men, to emphasize the unusualness to create this view. A lot of match cuts are used when the men are entering the building, they are fast-paced to build tension and pull together the scene,Action films are renounded for doing this. Also jump cuts are used between the men breaking in and the men in the van. There is a strong focus on the men in the van to portray that although there is a bank robbery, something bigger is happening here, that will introduce the main characters and lead on to introduce the rest of the story-line. Sound is made up mainly of the extremely loud gun-shots when the masked men are breaking into the bank. The sounds are very sharp and aimed to make the audience jump. This creates the scene as a classic tension building Action opening. 

Codes and Conventions of Romance

Codes and Conventions of Action

Opening 2 minutes of the Hangover:



f



In the opening scene it starts off with a women getting ready to get married, her parents are in the background and everything looks calm. she receives a phone call and from the tone in her voice you can tell she is anxious and worried. The scene changes to a scruffy looking man standing in a desert road infront of a beaten up car and 3 other guys. Immediately you can tell they have been through alot and they are going to cause a dilemma. The man on the phone (Phil) says he's lost Doug, by her reaction you can tell that is her husband to be. The audience will know want to know how 3 grown men lost another member of their group. After he said that the music kicks in and plays country music which sets the scene to be in the desert/Las Vegas. it sets it up to be a comedy as the title suggests its about them getting drunk and the audience will want to know what happened to them. 
  

Opening 2 minutes of Batman the Dark Knight:

The film starts immediately in the thick of it, a plane with hostages on it. This creates an atmosphere and sets the scene to be an action filled film. The director uses shots such a over the shoulder to bring the audience in. the music plays a large part in the setting as it builds up suspense and intrigue the audience. the sinister voice of the Bane (the man in the mask) sets him up to be the bad guy, this will make the audience interested in the character and want to find out more about him.

Opening 2 minutes of Insidious 2 :



The film starts off where it ended in the the last film. the scene is immediately set by overwhelming high pitch music which tells us something bad has happened or is going to happen. This links in with the dark setting which gives off an eerie feel. The use of over the shoulder shots gives the perspective from the women's point of view and brings the audience closer to the action. Close ups of the man's facial expressions show the audience how he feels, which in the case is upset.