Evaluation

Our film sequence uses various codes and conventions of the horror genre. We opened with slow, eerie music to set the atmosphere and create tension. The titles are shown in dark red, which has connotations of blood and death. The film is released by red mist productions, which is made bold. We focused on the title because it contributes to the films success. The title of the film should define the genre, and give osme information to the plot. The title "The Spirit Board" has connotations of evil and the afterlife, and foreshadows danger. Horrors often use groups of teenagers, who lead themselves into dangerous situations. In our film we portrayed the teenagers as naïve and mischievous, as shown in many horrors. We used fake blood, and pale make up on my face to create a bold, zombie-like appearance. This gave connotations of death weakness, and was edited to be prominent. There is not much dialogue because we wanted the scenes to be short and dramatic. The majority of the sequence has no dialogue, and this was done for effect. At the end of the sequence we made short chaotic cuts, used in other films such as SAW. The cuts switch between close up and extreme close up shots to give make a confusing shot. This fast editing made the scene look disoriented and stand out. During this scene we played dramatic loud music, to create a big impact on the scene. Throughout other scenes we played quiet high-pitched music just for atmosphere. Although this was not majorly noticeable, we saw it used in other films such as Halloween to build up tension. Our knowledge of different successful horrors helped us create a good film. We had a good understanding of typical horror music, plots, and conventions. This was shown in our own choices for the film.


Because of its small cast, the sequences representation is fairly limited. The age range is 16-17, because are target audience is young. Although the ages aren’t specified in the film, they are relatable to the audience. We show both Caucasian and Asian characters, therefore appealing to different ethnic groups. The social grade in the film is working class, because this is probably the largest audience. The social grade is reflected in the setting, costume, and language used throughout. Sexuality is not mentioned because it has no part in the plot, however if it had been a romantic comedy this could have been explored. If the cast had been larger, we would have represented many more social groups. Doing this is important to create a wider audience, for the films success.

The film should be released by a successful company, who have released other well-made horrors. Because of its editing and effects I imagine the film would be a big budget production. This would give us the option to improve and extend are editing, and film scenes which would be otherwise difficult. Because of its high budget, the film could be distributed by a major film company; like 20th century fox. They have released some of the most successful films including Avatar and the Star wars films. However it could also be released by a studio that specializes in horrors, such as Hammer Film Productions. Hammer films have released various Dracula and gothic films, and this may have a major impact on the films success. When deciding a distribution company, it is helpful to look at past films they have released and their profits. Choosing the right studio would be vital in creating a good film, and appealing to the right audience.

The target audience of the film would be quite young, probably ranging from 15-25. This is shown in the young characters. It would be aimed mostly at a working class audience, which is reflected in its setting and language. The film would appeal to both genders, and so the characters are mixed. The film wouldn’t have a target ethnicity, because horror is such a wide genre. The music throughout the film is bold and dramatic, this would appeal to a younger audience. If we were to market the product, we would use advertising such as posters and television advertisements. Also because the product is a film, it could be advertised in local cinemas. We would release various trailers of different lengths, closer to the films release. The poster advertisements would be bold and striking, placed in areas where young people go. The advertising and marketing of the film is a crucial part of making a profitable film. As horror is such a popular genre, the advertisements would have to compete with other leading films.

Throughout filming the sequence we learnt how to correctly use the cameras and tapes. There were difficulties finding and using the tapes at first, but this improved during filming. Whilst editing the production we used Final Cut Pro. We were not familiar with this programme, but we found it fairly easy to use. We were shown the basic controls, and then we could use different tools. This freedom gave us the chance to develop our ideas, and try different functions. We looked at various effects, and found ones that we preferred and thought were suitable. We found the cutting and editing of scenes quite simple, mostly considering which angles we preferred. We had some difficulties where scenes would have gaps, but we managed to edit these well. Learning to use the different tools and transitions helped us with these problems. In making our music we used Sound Track Pro. There were many different pre-made tracks we could use, which we chose from. Although we knew the type of music we wanted, it was hard for us to decide which tracks. Experimenting with the tracks let us edit and create music that we all liked. We created various tracks for different parts of the film, both prominent and ambient sounds. We believed that music was an important part of the films success, and so we focused greatly on this part. Whilst editing on Final Cut Pro we found ways of using the music, which we found most effective.

In the preliminary task we learnt the basics of filming with the cameras. We learnt how to use the different functions on the camera, and set up the equipment. We practised the 180-degree rule, a major part of filming and editing. Learning match on action helped us see different ways to switch frames. We demonstrated this in our production in the first scene when he finds the board. The preliminary task helped us understand the importance of good filming in a sequence, a factor we considered throughout filming. We saw the difference of filming from different angles, and how it changed the overall effect. When filming our own production, we tried a range of angles to see which we preferred.
The preliminary task helped in the filming of our production, because we had a basic knowledge of different ways to film. It was good practice in how to film well, and use a range of angles. This is reflected in the variety of angles we use in the film.

The sequence gave us understanding in the difficulties of filming and how to overcome them. It was a production where we were able to make our own decisions and contribute our own ideas, and we are satisfied with the final product.

Filming

Filming

Filming Schedule:
Wednesday 2:30- Sam's House
We do not need permission to film there.

Equipment:
Camera
Mini DV Tape
Tripod

Role Allocation/ Casting

Cameraperson- Natalie
Writer- Group
Director- Group
Editor- Group

Sam- Lead male role
Jagdish- Girl role: Jag
Emma- Girl Role: Emma
Nikki- Dead Brother

StoryBoard

1.Sam walking up the stairs- Long shot
2.Sam finding the board-Medium shot, panning round, close up of board
3.Showing the board- Long shot
4.Board Scene- Medium shot of table, angled to show all characters.
5.Fit scene- Close up zooming to extreme close up
6.Girl crawling- Long shot panning
5.Door- Close up of boys face

Horror Questionnaire

What genre do you prefer to watch, Thriller or Horror? And why?


2. What is your ideal setting for a horror film?


3. Do you prefer Monster or Serial Killer genre films?


4. Do you like psychological twists or simple storylines in a film?


5. Do you prefer a cliff-hanger or closed ending?


6. Do you think the antagonist or protagonist should ‘win’ in the end of a film?


7. What’s your favourite horror film? And why?



8. Would you prefer to watch a film with a religious or paranormal theme?


9. Is there anything you would find inappropriate in a horror film?

10. What would you find boring in a horror film, e.g., long dramatic pauses?

The script

The script in our opening is fairly basic. The only dialogue is Sam showing his friends the board, and the conversation at the table.
In Sam's dialogue we wanted him to sound hesitant to do the board, but forced into it by his friend. We showed this not only through speech but her grabbing the board off him at the end.
At the table we show the friends arguing on whether to use the board. The different characters opinions are expressed through there dialogue and body language. Towards the end of the sequence there is no speech, so that the dramatic music will stand out.

Christian Metz

In Metz book Language And Cinema he explored development of genre film, and suggested genres pass through four phases:

1. Experimental- The phase in which films experimented and were creative with genres.
2.The Classic- The phase in which a genre has developed conventions, often the most successful period.
3.The Parody- These films usually mock the genre, exaggerating its conventions for humour.
4. The Deconstruction-The is a film which copies conventions of different genres, creating a new sub-genre. Se7en is an example of this becaue it is a detective thriller.

The pitch

When deciding on a film idea, my group initially wanted to do a horror. This is because it was our favourite genre, and it would be the funnest to do. We had a good understanding of typical horror conventions, which we wanted to follow. While planning the production, we had various different ideas and plots:

Possession- A young girl/ boy becomes possessed by an evil spirit.

Ghosts-
Haunted House/building- A group of teenager go into a haunted building


Eventually the group decided to focus on spirits, and contacting with the dead. Although spirits are a common theme in horros, ouiji boards are rarely used in plots.In the film a group of teenager find an ouiji board, and in using it contact evil spirits.
There were three main characters:

Jagdish- She played the role of the girl who was opposed to contacting the dead. Often in horrors this character survivors, another convention we copied.

Sam- He played the character of the dead boys brother, owning the board. Although his dialogue was brief, he was a crucial character in the plot.

Emma- I played the girl who obligued her friends to use the board, and inevitably became possessed.

Preliminary Task

I did the preliminary task with two girls from my media class. In it we showed me walking into a room, and passing an object to the girl. The camera filmed a shot of me opening the door, and the walking into the room. This was to demonstrate our understanding of the 180 degree rule, match on action, and shot reverse shot. While this task helped our knowledge of film making rules, it also gave us practice filming for our production.

180 Degree Rule

The 180 degree rule is an imaginary line in film making, which the camera should not cross. It is the 180 degree arc in which the camera may be positioned. The two characters must have direct eye line, and if the camera is to cross the arc, the characters must switch places. The rule is important during dialogue, or action scenes for the audience to understand. If the rule is broken it looks disorientated, and confuses the audience, although some film makers do it intentionally. The 180 degree rule is an essential part of film making and continuity editing.