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.

Creating a Story - The Story (Part 1)

On the Friday during the half-term me and Romina Noli went to the library in order to discuss the film in greater detail. These essential details being the name of the characters, the story as a whole, the opening sequence in greater detail and more. We decided to talk about the details rather than write them, even though that 'twas conducted too. Romina then later cut the full 3 hour film to 10 minutes which I have embedded below. Along with the written work (hopefully it's readable).

The Discussion:

Key points

• The main character's name Ralivia
• Her name is the same as a popular Canadian drug used to help overcome those in severe pain, called Ralivia. We thought that it would be a good idea to use as her life is painful for her as she has lost everything dear to her, representing her as a whole.
• We also thought that it would be ironic if the drugs she's taking help her to FORGET her memories rather than remember, memories of which help her defeat the pain she's cast with..

•  The Story
1. The Doctor and Ralivia will be talking about her past.
2. The Doctor is her Father and its Ralivia's job to realise this.
3. The Father/Doctor actually killed Ralivia's Mother and he is not trying to make her remember this - hence why she's drugged. All the while, Ralivia believes that she killed her Mother.
4. The person Ralivia thinks is her Father is not, and knows that he is still 'out here'.
5. Eventually, Ralivia realises that the Doctor is her Father via the RED RING that they both have in common on set on their wedding finger.
6. No-one trusts Ralivia when she says the Doctor is her Father.
7. (Ralivia dies?) - Via her Father murdering her, made to look like a sucide.

• Ralivia is smart as she remembers her past after every session, yet she doesn't say any of the memories. If she does in the sessions, it would be the good ones - Ralivia and her Mother playing together. Not the bad ones - the death of her Mother.

Creating a Story - Stages of a Production

There are usually three stages to a production (or can be known as "Production Process"), from the initial idea to it being on sale and beyond. The stages apply to all production companies whether they are large conglomerate companies or small scale, each stage has been used to some degree even if independent companies or groups have been asked to conduct a particular stage. The stages they got through, in chronological order, are as follows:

I will be using Avatar as an example. If you've forgotten the trailer is below.

1. Pre-Production (Planning, Scripting and Storyboarding ect..)
• In Brief: This is where the idea of the story is created, everything that's done before the camera starts to film. Usually once an affirmed idea is established a storyboard can be made. Which is useful if individual groups work on each part, as it quickens the editing process. After this the linguistics are verified; the location, cast, props, special effect, visual effects and most importantly the script (for cast AND crew).
• Time Range: It could last from a second to, in James Cameron's instant, 12 years - from 1995 to 2006 (maybe).
2. Production (The Shooting/Recording)
• In Brief: Where the capturing of the scenes is gathered (footage recorded), everything discussed in the pre-production stage. The shots can be repeated as many times as the director would see fit as it may be hard or impossible to reshoot during post-production. However, lighting requirements, composition and framing is figured out.
• Time Range: Even though a shoot schedule may be written, it may not always be followed. Bearing this in mind, shooting could last between a day to a year. From the link I am able to infer that Avatar's production lasted a year.
3. Post-Production (Everything between the production and final master copy)
• In Brief: This is where the editing occurs, all the footage gained is added in order to create the film/video. A rough cut is put together to determine the best takes, the trimming the clips, graphics, images, music, colour correlation and special effects are all added to the footage. When everything has been approved by the director and/or producer the film is "locked" where no additional changes are made.
• Time Range: The editing depends on how much footage has been gathered, it also depends on how much of a perfectionist the director and/or producer is.

Other stages may include:

• Financing: This happens before pre-production, and involves budget forecasting, finding investors, etc.
• Screenplay: This can be considered a separate stage before pre-production.
• Marketing: During Post-Production, so that you are able to advertise the film/video to the audience.
• Distribution: After post-production, delivering the content to the audience (e.g. film prints, CD/DVD, etc).
• Marketing & Beyond: When the film/video provides additional advertisement through merchandise. Avatar brings downloads, lunchboxes, toys and advertisement for James Cameron's name.

Our Hopes:

• We hope that our pre-production stage will last for  at the most of a month, as we do understand that it is hard to create an idea. Especially me who likes to have creative and original ideas. There is also finding the location, props and costume.
• We hope that our production stage will last for 2 months as I think that there could be a lot or reshooting. This may actually occur during the post-production stage; that we might need more. Hopefully, our planning would be good enough that this wouldn't need to happen - testing us.
• Hopefully, we would be able to edit along the way so that the production and post-production are happening at the same time. Therefore, an additional month may be needed for editing as we wish for it to be a cheaper version of a Hollywood production.

Information from:
http://www.inspiredfilmandvideo.co.uk/content/stages-of-production
http://www.mediacollege.com/glossary/p/production-process.html
http://thevideoeffect.tv/2013/06/26/video-pre-production-and-post-production/

Film Preparation - The Thriller Genre

Before perusing the task of conceiving our Thriller Opening we needed to get an in-depth perspective of the conventions of a thriller. Enabling us to first of all write the script, let alone bring our creative vision to life.

So a question we should be asking ourselves is "what is a thriller?".
A Thriller is a mode. Meaning it is something that shocks and intrigue the audience.

The common sub-genres to the bigger embody of Thrillers are as follows along with words to describe them:

• Psychological - As the name may tell, the protagonist would have to battle conflicts within themselves in order to overcome it. Usually, their sanity is at risk, in a dangerous situation.
• Suspense, tension and excitement.

• Crime - Sometimes from the criminals point of view, they would take the police/ detectives on a wild hunt gathering clues in order to bring the criminal down.
• Uncertainty, surprise, anxiety and terror.

• Erotic - There is usually a secret amongst those in a sexual relationship, then things turn sour.
• Adrenaline-rushing, rousing and fast-paced

• Mystery - They have twists and turns, keeping toy on your toes. Making the reader guess the truth - of the person whose perspective it is. Like all thrillers, you would want to know what happens next.
• Cliff hanging, "edge of your seat", for the climax 

• Spy - Usually fictional espionage, terrorism and conspiracy.
• Red-herrings, plot twists, excessive use of cliff hangers

There are other sub-thrillers, for more click on the link below
http://kathrineroid.wordpress.com/2011/09/12/list-of-thriller-subgenres/

Creating a Story - How to..

In our lesson Mr Munn has informed us on the proper structure of a story. Enabling us to add on flesh to the bare skeleton. Using the example of Of Mice and Men to explain each part.

The framework is as follows:

Definition                          Example

• Exposition
• You see the main characters in their daily life, you get a sense of their big dream.
• When you see Lennie and George walking to the next town, discussing their dream of having the "fatta the lan'"

• Rising Action
• The step they take to achieve their goal.
• Lennie and George are going to get a new job, save money and then buy a piece of land.

• Climax
• Where the story either has a good or bad ending.
• Lennie kills Curly's Wife, and George finds out. There are two endings, apart from the known, they could have ran away together. Or...

• Falling Action
• Everything between the Climax and Resolution.
• Lennie visions Aunt Clara and a big rabbit that scolds him.

• Resolution
• How they solve the 'big' problem. 
• Lennie's inevitable death.*cry*

It doesn't mean that we will follow the format to the word. It shall be there to follow as a guide when producing one of the greatest story's we could produce.