Shooting - In a Nutshell; The Kichen and Interrogation Room

Sorry for this delayed post. We started filming at least a month before I posted this post. During the filming I realised that it is a harder job that you may first assume. I am now able to understand why there is the need of the enormity of the crew.

Whilst we were shooting The Interrogation Room I realised that the positions of each cast member needs to be maintained from shot to shot, unless a transition was shown during one of the shots before a cut was taken. As one of my jobs on set was to maintain continuity, it would be very bad continuity if the Doctor's right hand was in the process taking off his glasses at one camera angle, then suddenly it was his left that placed the glasses to rest on the table within the same few seconds. Even though this would be minor something disorientating to the viewer would be if one angle would show his hand on his forehead, the next not, and the third shot repeats the first with his hand on his forehead.

One method I thought of to maintain the body gestures and movements of the cast was to write them down on a spare script, what was said instead of the dialogue given at times, how they delivered those lines and more importantly what they did during the lines. for example, if that was when they lifted their hand, or held their gaze in a precise direction and position. It was good as it was written down so I would be able to refer to it later, another is that anything differing was taken in relation to the first shot. Allowing everything to be preserved. Unfortunately, it isn't very reliable, I found myself focusing on one person at a time, what they did, usually the person who was talking at current. Additionally, I tended to look at the person from outside what was seen on the camera, I got the 'whole look' instead of what would be seen individually. I realised that that was a waste of time to the extent where I was missing vital details such as Romina's (Ralivia's) hand being placed across her belly throughout. Her left hand. Of which she regularly switched with her right. Therefore I decided to just watch the takes though the camera.

Which, in turn, proved to be unreliable still as I kept on making the mistake of briefly taking my eyes off the camera, or I believed my pen hitting the paper to be too hard, where the sound would be picked up on the camera. It could be seen as good, amplifying what the Doctor was writing on the paper, or annoying to the viewer, hopefully furthering them to be disorientated. Either way I thought of another method to record movements and spoken words. Using my phone as shown below:

• One way was for me to take photos, as it is a still image it allows for me to see accurately how a person was standing, sitting or in this case laying on the floor, as the images are not smudged. This is useful especially when the person is in a stationary position, so unlike a video, I wouldn't need to pause the video to see how they were, I could take a quick glance. Another thing that was fortunate for me is that my kitchen floors are chequered. Enabling me to get a detailed description of the stance they showed  or way they lay.

• The second was to video the scene at the same time as it was being taken from Natalia's camera (the footage that we would actually be using). That way it was in sync with what was going to be used, it also provided the advantage of tracing their steps, the vital image on the screen, so it would be exact if the shot were to change angles. Along with the words that were said during 'the argument' even though that doesn't actually matter as it would be dubbed with other actors improvising an argument. However it was more helpful as it was evidential, I didn't miss out on what may have happened and no noise was made. I could also show the actors what they did and where they went wrong before completing another take.

Overall, I came to realise that character's movements and body gestures were more important compared to what I imagined. Yet, after our first couple of shootings I came to realise that editing could 'fix' any mistakes. Also, that we weren't going to use the same cut from the same camera angle at the same part. Only if it was further on during the take. Meaning as necessary as it may be for a big Hollywood production, it wasn't as vital for what we were putting on.

Mise en Scene - Hand Movements & Body Gestures, Clothing (Natalia's sister), Stains on the walls and billboards

Making a Masterpiece - Opening Credits Inspiration

There has been several ideas for the opening credits, the first idea Romina is able to illustrate magnificently through a video, of which I have attached below. Highlighting the key points, one idea that both me and Romina had was to cut magazine and newspaper clippings, stick them on top of the wall scene (made of newspaper articles and post-its), spelling the names of those in the film and their labeling within the film. We thought that, that would be a good idea as it really represents someone who is obsessed. First of all it takes time and effort to cut individual letters to make a word, nevertheless a sentence. It is also something that is a common feature in a psychological thriller. That's why it was the most suiting as it is the most used.

Romina's video:

Our other idea was to make the credits embedded in the newspaper clippings 'attached' to the wall. I thought that it would be good as it allows us to first of all show our editing skills and then it allocates the viewers to have a chance to read the newspaper articles to grasp what is to happen in the film. As it is harder to catch on at the beginning of the film, more obvious suggestions such as newspaper headlines needed to be cast to express what we wish to show, that being that she is placed in the mental institution because she believes she killed her mother.

Romina, and her wonderful editing skills would be needed to place the credits in the newspapers, whist I create 'The Wall' and what is to be on it; the pictures, newspapers and post-its. And Natalia photoshops several the newspapers that are to be properly seen, changing a couple of words. Also, the photographs that are seen are Natalia's from when she was younger so it seems more realistic as her mother and sister are used in the flashbacks. Plus, it helps with continuity.

Prior Films - The Film-Making Task and Preliminary Task

Before we started the Thriller Opening, my media teacher - Mr Munn - gave us access to the cameras and equipment that we would be using for our Thriller opening. Allowing us to experience the skills needed and gaining practice so that our final product would have the highest standard. After all, we want our films to be Hollywood not Holly-did-the-best-as-she-could.

The links to both my previous blogs are plastered below:

The first made was the Film-Making Demo

The second was the Preliminary Task

At the very beginning I didn't really understand the format of Blogger and of blogging in general. That is why the film-making demo and preliminary task are on another blog. Hopefully, the change in both the blogs' formats would show my development with the website and technology. Especially the videos themselves, the development is astounding across all the areas, sound, editing, mise en scene and camera. But the biggest change is how interesting they are - the change of storyline (happens with all films), yet the ability to engage the audience is outstanding. I believe that was die to the organisation, watch and you may understand.

Making a Masterpiece - Costs and Receipts

As a group we have had 3 receipts of which we have been able to keep a hold of. Yet there has been four things that we brought with our money contained. One of which Romina brought but forgot to keep the receipt, luckily she was able to go back and to take a picture of the Lucozade.

This was the first thing that was brought. The blood costing £1.99 from Party Superstores.

The second was the Nurse's blouse costing £6.25 from the British Heart Foundation.

The third was the red ring; £7.50 from Topman.

As we needed to use tinted pink water, we decided to buy pink lemonade Lucozade from Tesco £1.21.

The last thing that we brought was drawing pins from Ryman's for the wall. That way it looks more effect as it seems more realistic; like the newspaper clippings are actually pinned to the wall.

(SOON TO BE INSERTED)

The Mise en Scene that we gathered I placed it into a table that I labelled "The Filming Budget". It recorded what we collected from others or was able to buy. I didn't write what we provided ourselves as we would be taking those props back. As we wouldn't with the rest i wrote what would happen to them post-shooting. Below is "The Filming Budget".

Making a Masterpiece - Mise en Scene and Costs

Any extra utensils out of the school's provision, us as a group, would need to provide. Therefore as a group we have decided to spend a maximum of £15 each towards the costs. Making the total cost that we are willing to spend be £45 for the following articles of Mise en Scene:

The Nurse:

• Nurse's Tunic - I was able to find several websites that have them. Our planning was to find the addresses of the buildings where the tunics were, and then purchase them. One website and then abandoned warehouse was Oxypas. Another website was Scrubs Uk, we/ I was going to go to the location, but instead we differed from that option as Romina was able to find a smart white blouse at The British Heart Foundation as a replace. Luckily it was only £6.25 where we was going to spend a maximum of £29.90 on a tunic. As of this, the top costume has to change, the change being that she will now wear a blouse with hopefully a blue, if not white, vest underneath, because it is too time consuming to find and retrieve a nurse's blouse at this point in time.
• Do not become mistaken in thinking that they were the only methods we tried in getting the Nurse's uniform/tunic. We seeked after hospitals (which uniforms are limited as they are issued to the staff), fancy dress/party shops (where the clothing was too provocative for my liking) and other medical places (when they were unable to help, they provided us with email addresses, where they didn't reply, and street addresses, which didn't have the uniform).
• Black Trousers - We would have brought smart black trousers for the nurse, however the character that is playing her already has some. Therefore no cost shall be spend.
• Shoes - Similarly, comfortable canvas shoes such as plimsolls and espadrilles in either black or white. I was able to find some in Shoe Zone for the price of £4.99. Fortunately, yet again, the opportunity was drawn at a hit as the need to purchase new shoes wasn't required.
• ID Card - This was when my skills recruited from GSCE ICT (which wasn't much) was essential. I was able to forge a fake Medical ID placing a chip, logo, photo and barcode. All of which I seeked out by viewing other ID Cards. Both the Nurse's and Doctor's ID Cards are the same, as in set up. Yet there are minor alterations, the barcode for example. It is a picture, but the end number of the barcode I was able to change from a '6' to a '7'. Furthermore, Natalia had brought photo-paper for the photos that are to be cast upon the wall, and we decided that we could also use this for the ID as it would replicate my student ID Card. I think that Natalia is going to take the full cost for the photo-paper, however she did say that the cost for the photo-paper is £2.99. Which would be taken out of the total cost if she goes against it.

The Doctor:

• Laboratory Coat - This was free of charge as we were able to retrieve this from the school's science tech room. I informed them that we would borrow the item until early-mid December. I have to say that this was one of the easiest things to obtain.
• ID Card - The same as the Nurse's without the need to change the barcode. 
• Smart Black Trousers, Blue Shirt and Shoes - Our teacher (Mr Munn) who is to be playing the doctor has the appropriate clothing already to provide this in his own discretion. He is a teacher after all.
• The Ring - Natalia was able to buy the ring from Top Man which amounted to £7.50. The ring in itself was a mission to buy as well. I would think that the reason for this is because men's jewellery is a rarity, yet our ring required having a ruby in it and being gold, made the mission become a quest.
• Pens and Clipboard - The pen that would rest in the laboratory coat's pocket would need to be smart looking, therefore ideally metallic. Which would only be obtained through purchase, Natalia offered to buy the pen(s) from her own pocket - that I am in favour of. So no extra money would be spent. The clipboard we got from Geography at school, where the cost of it is also free. Also known as no money spent.

Ralivia:

• The Patient's Gown and Socks - After searching around a few places of medical care (such as Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and World's End Medical Centre), first of all for a tunic for the Nurse, and then Ralivia's gown, we were successful at getting this at The Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital, with an extra treat of patient socks as well. Once again we just asked them whether we could borrow it, to which they said "yes" on the condition that we give it back early-mid December as promised. My guess is that it was harder to obtain the Nurse's tunic/uniform as it is issued to them personally. Whereas the patient's gown and socks are issued to everyone therefore there is many in stock and one-size fits all.

Others:

• Table Cloth - There is the option of using the Monster's Inc. table cloth that I already have or buying a new one - spending a maximum of £2 on it from somewhere like Poundland. On the contrary, if we were to use the Monster's Inc. cloth it could show the contrast of what childhood she could have had and should have had, instead of the unfortunate situation of what happened.
• Tray, Cups and Pills - Like much of the Mise en Scene, all of the following would be provided by the team itself. That way it is free. For example, I would provide a rounded blue tray, and brown pills. They're iron pills which shouldn't have a bad effect over Romina. Natalia would also cater pills (Paracetamol and vitamin tablets I think) along with the small plastic cups. A better choice to the paper McDonald's cups that I once observed.
• Blood - Before we were eventually able to find the location of the blood, it was practically a task that seemed impossible, even though Halloween was not long ago. When we were able to find the tube of blood at a costume shop during school the cost of this was £1.99 for something that was 50oz. Fortunately now we know where we would be able to find more blood.
• Pink Lemonade Lucozade - Romina was able to find the lucozade in Tesco which would be our "tinted pink water". However the cost of which was not noted, so this information is still to be announced. 

There seems to be a lot of blue displayed within the opening. I feel as though this would be able to set an element of calmness and stillness - after all, blue is seem in that way with water. It is something that is a natural substance, it's pure and true.

There Are Many Types Of Audience...

Meaning is given to a text once the receiver of that text is able in interpret it. We would call the 'receiver' the audience. - Destinée Bishop

For you to understand this revolutionary quote that has inspired many to bring life to a range of audience theories (or for me to come up with the quote), a few keywords are needed. Please read on below.

·         Text – (1) From the 14th century French wording of anything written. (2) From Latin ‘textus’ style or texture – things woven. (3) From old German ‘tek’, to weave, fabricate, make. (4) We ‘read’ all texts, they’re all made.

·         Audience – The producers who encode a message to a targeted set of people for them to decode/consume the media product.

So, what is audience theory? 

The theories of the way in which a person is able to make sense of, and give meaning to cultural products. In total there are 5 different audience theories. 

The Hypodermic Needle Theory: 

This is the idea that the audience is a passive one, where the media has full control over how they think and behave. The audience themselves are not usually aware of the effect the media has over them, which can/has cause/d 'moral panic'.

The main genre whose audience follows the Hypodermic Needle Theory is violent media. Usually among videogames where, most commonly, adolescents would re-enact the what they had witnessed - for example theft. In this case, the violence they already had within them, shown because the media 'controlled' them.

The Reception Theory

This theory regards each member of the audience as an individual who have their own circumstances - their gender, age, ethnicity, ect. The audience would then extract the media in whatever way suits them according to their circumstances. They would interpret it, for it to then be handed back to the media who make additional changes. Its an on-going two way cycle (between audience and producer) where the text is continuously changing meaning as the audience give it meaning.

Once I heard this audience theory my first thought was of Hollyoaks (a TV Drama) - because the storylines always change and the helplines they would have after a traumatic episode that's melodramatic, but does have elements of real life. For example, the clip below sums up the three points I made.
 

 

The Hollyoaks couple, real names Nikki Sanderson and Jeremy Sheffield, appearing for a "This Is Abuse" advert.

 

 

The Two-Step Flow Theory

 

The text is transferred from opinion leaders, such as doctors appearing in a toothpaste advert, who then pass it on to the audience, those buying the toothpaste. I can infer that the reason behind this theory is that people tend to believe those who are authoritative. If the person standing before them and giving information has a qualification and/or a title the audience is more likely to trust and give-in to what they're saying. The text the audience does get does not get to them directly, it mediates along the way, making your perception altered.

 

Uses and Gratifications Theory

 

This theory proposes that the audience is an active one where each person is an individual consuming the media for their own devices. The audience use and choose the media/text for their own devices, Bulmer and Katz identified the uses as; escapism, advice, education, surveillance, information, identification and social interaction.

 

An example of this can be Channel 4 documentaries, such as Educating Essex. Some people may watch it for entertainment purposes where they may laugh at those in the documentary, others who are from Essex would identify with the text. Teacher's could watch it as information for tips on educating their children - what works, what doesn't - and some may be like those children and find it an escapism to know others are like them.

Cultivation Theory

"TV is not a window on or reflection of the world, but a world in itself" - George Gerbner.

This theory deals with the long term effects the media has over a person, similar to The Hypodermic Needle Theory where beliefs are cast upon the audience. However, this proposes that the primatal focus on media, would change the beliefs of the culture as a whole.

1984! This reminds me of 1984 where 'Big Brother' is watching over the citizens, where they would inevitably end up conforming to the beliefs and ideologies of those higher that them - the government in their case, the media for the cultivation theories. Which can be seen seasonally with the book-turned-TV Series Big Brother. A TV Reality-Show where 'Big Brother' controls what those under the eye of them can do, they, too end up conforming to their rules and regulations or just 'give up' and do nothing.

My Thoughts

After researching all the different audience theories I believe that our Thriller Opening would fit under The Hypodermic Needle Theory. I feel this because, there isn't a leverage for the audience to feel differently about the characters within the story and what may happen. This could be a good thing as the audience should be able to understand it more, so they would find it more enjoyable. However, I personally prefer if a text were to have meaning otherwise I find there to be no point in the text being there in the first place.

I like The Two-Step Flow Theory, as it doesn't seem as though the media is demonic and controlling where our behaviours, ideologies and beliefs are due to the text they've place on us. Where we are not in charge of what happens to us (this is also the Marxism Theory where conglomerate companies don't show what WE want, rather what they choose too, creating the illusion of choice, power and freedom ect..) and the media is. The Two-Step Flow allows a link between the media and the audience where it's as thought they are 'listening' to the audience, getting feedback and changing the text according so (semi-eradicating the Marxism Theory, or arguing against it).

My own ideology would be to create a film or piece of text where The Uses and Gratifications Theory is applied. I love this theory from them all as it supports my beliefs in media or text to make and impression over a person; to create a change (helping the old lady across the road), or influence them in a way (they may start to recycle or be more considerate). As it allows the audience to extract what they will from the text, it would have a bigger audience range where it can be seen or heard to may more.

Making a Masterpiece - The Shooting Schedule

It was Natalia's job to create a production schedule and I believe that she has done a fine job at doing so. As with many films, there have been hold backs when knowing when to shoot. I can take responsibility on my behalf as the majority of the delay has been cast around Mise en Scene and costume. Therefore, what keeps us together as a team is what has been able to drive us into grasping the utensils needed. However, I didn't believe that it would be such a hard task; obtaining fake blood. Something that is so vital to the film, and so minor in price and status, I thought would have be reachable within any costume shop, especially as Halloween has just passed.

Even with the focus on mise en scéne, Natalia was able to work her way around into creating a production schedule. Which is below.

Creating a Story - The Screenplay

Once I had made my script for our film Project R, I needed it to be checked by Natalia Frain-Gutierrez who has the job of director. Which allows her to alter the script where it would be able to adhere to her vision. I not mind, and accept the cuts that she made to the script in order to make the the opening scene fit within 2 minutes. However, one criticism I would give would be the ending. I feel as though Ralivia waking up from a nightmare does not fit in with the context. It would be as though her dreams, which I am guessing are her memories, are not actually helping her, they make her sad and scared. It completely defeats what we, Romina and I, are trying to send to the audience. This being that her reminiscing is enabling the surmount amount of pain that she is being subjected to.

It is obviously bias to prefer my own work compared the the adjustments made by another, however I don't feel as though it truly fits. I think that her screaming from a locked metal door resembles a thriller much better compared to her waking up. This would be because it is scarier as to what is happening, "why is she screaming?" "why is she locked up?" "would she ever get up?. Whereas her screaming from a dream would just ask "why was she screaming?", "what is she screaming about?".

Yet, below is the finished screenplay. Even though i may not agree with the adjustments, I do feel as though the screenplay is written perfectly. It has included not only what the characters would say, but also what they would wear, the setting - what's in the scene - and the room - whether it's shot from inside or outside. The best thing about this is that the whole thing is condensed, and not as wordy as mine.

Shooting script for the opening sequence of “Project R”

Creating a Story - The Storyboard

Adding our own parts to the storyboard, Romina, Natalia and I were able to complete the storyboard. With many adjustments in order to improve it. My part in the storyboard was to complete the miss en scene. I have the rest of the miss en scene I have typed in one of my previous posts.

Below, the storyboard. Curtsy of Romina Noli.

Creating a Story - Characters and Mise en Scene

Below is a description of what the characters would constantly have on them (props) as well as their hair and make-up. I have made it in chronological order to how you would see them on screen.

·         Present Day Ravilia (An 18 year old Caucasian female)

   COSTUME: She wears a paper thin two-piece hospital set. It is dirty white with slight stains seen. She is bare foot.

   HAIR and MAKE-UP: Her attire is a mess, her hair is wet chaotic, and her face looks neglected.

   PROPS: A piece of sting is fraying from her costume, she plays with it.

·         The Doctor (An olive skinned male in his late-forties)

   COSTUME: He wears a white laboratory coat which has a pocket at his top breast. Underneath the coat he wears a smart light blue shirt. His wedding finger holds a distinctive red ring –representing danger, there is something wrong with the Doctor - also on his left arm sits a golden watch. His shoes are very acute and sheen.

   HAIR and MAKE-UP: His face is groomed and looked after. Hair neatly positioned and tucked on one side.

   PROPS: Several pens protruding from his top breast pocket.

·         Young Ralivia (8 year old present day Ralivia)

   COSTUME: She wears a long brown strayed t-shirt with blue ripped jeans. On her feet are black socks with holes in them.

   HAIR and MAKE-UP: Her hair is tied back idly in a ponytail. Loose hairs are seen to stray at the sides. She looks filthy as though she hasn’t washed in days.

·         The Nurse (A Caucasian female in her mid-twenties)

   COSTUME: She has on a nurses light blue tunic with a pocket near the top. Attached to is sits a silver pocket watch, she is also wearing slimming black trousers. Her shoes are a simple black.

   HAIR and Make-UP: Her face has minimal make-up. Her hair tied back in a productive bun.

   PROPS: She holds a small white tray with three plastic cups perched on it. Within them there are multicoloured pill. Also on the tray is a cup filled with a pink water-based liquid.

·         The Mother (A Caucasian female in her mid-thirties)

   COSTUME: She wears a dark red top and ripped jeans. Her clothes are tacky, and her black trainers have holes in them.

   HAIR and MAKE-UP: Her hair is entwined with coloured curlers and she has bruises on her face. Red lipstick slathers her lips, and make-up attempts to hide her bruises. She looks aged and unclean.

   PROPS: In her mouth she constantly holds a cigarette. Additionally, once she dies, blood would be seen (fake blood needed).

·         The Father (A Caucasian male in his mid-thirties)

   COSTUME: Underneath a leather jacket, he wears a chequered shirt. His bottoms are scruffy jeans and his shoes are black.

   HAIR and MAKE-UP: His hair is messy as though it hasn’t been combed. His teeth are yellow under his unkempt beard and moustache. Like the MOTHER he looks unclean and aged.

   PROPS: Unseen taps of the hard metal gun are heard in his hand, constantly.

Creating a Story - The Story (Part 2)

Whilst Romina and I were at the libaray we took several notes on paper as well as the previous post's video. These are the steps we took in order to achieve the our story - Project R.

• Ralivia's name: (appoligies for the handwritting)

What Romina had held up during the video. It being a mindmap of what characteristics we felt Ralivia broadcast.

The origins of Ralivia's name. Why we used it an the Father/ Doctor situation.

•  The Father/Doctor

This is how we invisioned the Father and Doctor to look. I saw the Father to look like a hill-billy whilst the Doctor looked like a sadistic professionalist.

•  The Opening Sequence

Hopefully it is readable. It is simply a ruff copy of the script, storyboard and frames combined.

Creating a Story - My roles and Mise en Scene

We (Romina, Natalia and I) have arranged particular roles within the for the coursework. That way it would be clearer and easier to evaluate when the time comes. We used the BBC website in order to help us understand the demeanour of each position easier.

As of this I have the roles of:

• Costume - Finding the costume and making sure that they're on set.
• I will find the costumes by calling hospitals and buying clothes. We, as a group, have arranged to split the cost of such.
• Hair and Make-Up - Ensure the visual aspects of the character are correct.
• The same goes for make-up. If we as girls don't have the make-up that's necessary, I will buy it.
• Assistant Camera Woman - As Romina Noli would be the main character (on-screen) I will help to record with Natalia Frain-Gutierriez
• We have the cameras at school.
• Budget Manager - I will be buying the essential equipment, therefore in charge or it. Plus I do mathematics, deemed to handle the money.
• Scriptwriter - I'm assuming it would look like a play, therefore I have the most expertise.

Romina was in charge of writing/creating the storyboard. Using the framing order, I have listed (below) the mise en scene within each. That is if 'mise en scene' means not the costume the character wear (http://www.proseproductionsink.com/1102_Licata_Elements_of_Mise-en-scene_modified.pdf). But the furniture and props that would be seen, anything that would be referred back too later on in the film . Basically, the fundamental structures of the setting.

Keep in mind that the RED RING is a part of the costume.

Frame-by-Frame mise en scéne:

• Frame 1 - Interrogation Room
• The flickering light - Classical thriller conventions, nothing it constant, always on edge.
• The clock - It can show her thoughts and that time is going really slowly for her, how long she's been at the hospital and that she may never get out.

• Frame 2 - The Kitchen (flashback)
• The table - as it is used to show her mother's death and the sanctuary where Ralivia hides before the end of her mental state.
• The white table cloth - What her father wrapped her mother in. Only to be known later on in the film. It also symbolises purity as it is white, which is iconic as an impure deem was commenced

• Frame 3 - Interrogation Room
• Repeated

• Frame 4  - The Kitchen (flashback)
• Repeated

• Frame 5 - Interrogation Room
• The tablets (Ralivia takes) - Her constant medication she's taking. Not actually making her better (as previously explained).

• Frame 6 - Interrogation Room
• Not "Mise en Scene" parse but the focus would be on the characters body parts as well as the Doctor's hand and in particular, the Red Ring.

• Frame 7 - The Kitchen (flashback)
• The Mother's hand and her blood on the floor. Again not "Mise en Scene" but something of which is vital.
• The white table cloth in view too.

• Frame 8 - Interrogation Room
• Repeated (it's a camera angle frame).

• Frame 9 - Interrogation Room
• Repeated (it's a camera angle frame).

• Frame 10 - Interrogation Room/ Hall
• In the Interrogation Room it's repeated.
• In the Hall the focus is the
• Length of the hall - To show how far her journey would be, and that it's never ending.
• Doors - To show where she is destined to be. Where she will always be -hidden away and cast aside.
• The lights - The same as the Interrogation Room. However, it is lighter, to display how her hope is actually getting brighter.

• Frame 11 - The Bedroom
• The post-it notes and newspaper articles - Exhibiting her past and the future, the truth that she would eventually find out. As well as her obsession with both that and herself.
• The door - Likewise to the hallway doors. Adding on that that would be where she's stuck.

• Frame 12 - The Kitchen (flashback)
• Similar to Frame 7, plus the hand of the Father and the RED RING like Frame 6.

There is a conflict with ideas for the last frame(s). There is option one, which is mine and Romina's idea (I talked - or wrote(?)- about this before). On the other hand there's Natalia's that's option 2, where she wakes up screaming.

Creating a Story - The Script

I was handed the job of writing the script for our Thriller Opening. Romina and I had written up to the second time The Kitchen is seen. Without the help of another person, the remainder of the script was not immaculately created with everything in check. Romina and I had exchanged various emails to correct he script, as I can admit that I had written this at night, there were many spell checks, mainly with Elivia's name. Others included the year and the colour of certain features on a character.

If I can go back and improve writing the script I would make sure that I had an extra person that was there with me whilst I was writing it. I would love to go back in time and tell myself not to write when you're half asleep, as now I know that your best work is not shown at it's best.
I also wrote the script blind sighted, meaning that I should have wrote a screenwrite and not a script. Also, if I am able to tell the difference between the two then I would be able to produce work that is adequate enough to sit with my standards.

Anyway, below I have written/attached my final piece. Enjoy.

Project R Thriller Opening Script.pdf

Film Preparation - Se7en

In order to help us properly envision a thriller film of our own (it would need to the completed story, not just the opening) our teachers  Mr Munn and Miss Broadbent had us watch Se7en. When we were watching, they told us that we would need to talk about the film's Sound, Lighting, Camera and Mise en Scene. I wrote (or typed) this on a word document in chronological order to the film, yet I was unable to upload it fully. I will learn for a latter date. Below is the table I created.

David Fitcher  - Se7en (1995)

Sound   ·         Sounds of traffic and cars outside, whilst you can’t actually see them. ·         It seems as though it is a crime filled area, it really goes well with the grimy suburban setting. ·         Scratching, electric, record player sounds. it disturbing to the viewer foreshadowing what is to come. ·         The sounds when observing the second murder are slow and passed. It’s like a pulse that is elongated. ·         Rain and traffic sounds come back when one of the detectives ever seem miserable about the case. ·         The barking of the dog reminds the audience that they have one and of the area that they are in. ·         Sound of storms are in the background. It couldalso foreshadow whats to come – more murderes, more misery and mystery. Along with dark music when they discover the painting. ·         Loud  instrumental music is played once the action gets going; anything dramatic like them running or discovering the new bodies. You never hear any lyrical songs. ·         Rain continue as the case is hard to solve yet again. Being visual and auditable rain.

Lighting ·         It is very dark, the only lighting is that from the window – natural light. ·         When he got to the first body the lighting became very dark. ·         Even outside is dark and it is raining outside too. ·         The credits are dark and only light up the graphic images that are to be shown. ·         There are loads of flashing lights during the credits. Also, they make some words bounce out to be bigger. ·         When witnessing the second body, the light is very little. It comes from flash light and natural light. Also, the tiny laps that are stashed around the house. ·         Once they found out how the second man died, the rain gave way and it was sunny outside and in. Its not just natural lighting anymore, there’s lights from actual lights. ·         The above goes for every new murder. Whenever there is a new body, there is dark lighting. Once they find out its cause, it goes bright. ·         They came to a loss and the weather got gloomy again and the area became dark. ·         Throughout the film the lighting gets lighter. As they are beginning to uncover the murder’s mind. ·         Lighting around the hospital gives a sense of hope in the dark hours. ·         Throughout the film loads of green is shown. It could be that the biggest murder plot would be envy. Also that it might happen in the library where it is greenest. ·         The photos are lit with a red light. This shows the danger and warns the detectives. Whilst the detectives view the photos with a white light. Symbolising safety that they could bring to the city. ·         The red light becomes safer as they reach the murder’s house. This could be as they have finally reached him. If not in person, then in sprit. ·         As they caught the murderer, there is loads of natural lighting.

Camera   ·         Lots of close ups of his face and the occassionalt full body shot, when he’s doing something. Such as walking or washing up. ·         Shots of him tying his tie. Taken from the mirror. Looking through the mirror. This was an over-the-shoulder shot. ·         The objects on his bed were a close up. With his hand reaching down to get them. ·         Only close ups, long, and orienteering shots seem to be taken. ·         The camera is low angled making it seem as though it is at a diagonal. ·         You only see parts of an image during the credits before it is moved on to the next. This bewilders the audience and wanting them to know more. ·         Diagonal lines of the fence cut the screen as well as the fence itself, this is disturbing. ·         Whenever there is a new murder the camera angles cut off at sharp edges. Yet when they find out how they died then it becomes smoother. ·         The train shaking the house strengthens the fact that they are in a suburban area. This is also shown by the camera shaking. ·         There are also harsher angles usually lower shots and diagonally cut. As they are done from underneath, it could resemble the fact that they are at the bottom of the case. They have no control. ·         When they start shooting loads of red starts to ‘pop’ up. This could hint at the sense of danger. ·         Ragged camera angles are taken with objects in the way. This may symbolise that everything isn’t as clear as it may seem. ·         Close-ups of recording disks are shown to represent the tables coming back into motion, yet again. ·         Within the car before the murder gets angry you are able to see all the passengers faces clearly. With the mesh not being in the way. After, both the new detective and the murderer’s faces are hidden behind the mesh grid. It could mean that not everything is how it seems. They only reveal parts of themselves.

Mise en Scene (Props) ·         That which is his tie. It is black suggesting that his work is dangerous. ·         The objects that are on the counter are evenly distributed and placed. Everything that the character has done is precise, he is well organised. ·         His tick-tock counter thing that paces back and forth. It makes time seem so much slower than it is and adds mystery to the situation. ·         The images shown during the credits are immaculately done, whilst the words seem to be scratched out. It looks almost psychopathic. ·         They tend to show the days of the week or time of the day. Everything is ordered and organised – precisely. ·         The telephone is an old-fashioned one. So it was set in the 50s(?)just like old time thrillers. (Film noir- original thriller) ·         Food tins are shown. They are stacked up and repeatedly shown with other victims as well as the second. ·         There is a continuous stream of rain throughout the beginning. ·         Close up of the photo with dripping blood red glasses painted around the woman’s eyes. ·         He’s using a type-writer to write things down. With old lampshades. ·         Scratches on the floor coincide with the scratches from the credits. ·         Close ups on words and images could suggest that the detectives have scattered minds. ·         Traditional setting of a family home with a dining table, pets and pictures. ·         The tick-tock is revisited, and then thrown. It may suggest that the system that was shown at the beginning has now collapsed. ·         The murderer is dressed in red instead of the conventional orange to show that he is dangerous. ·         When the package is delivered the van has bits of red on it with a white background. It could be that the package was sent with good/pure intentions from the deliverer, but the content is actually bad. ·         The empty wasteland in the final scene can show there is nothing left for both the detective and the case.