During this lesson we were taught about match cuts. A match cut is a cut that literally matches something, usually action. It is when two different clips are cut together directly the same, of a person of an object, to make the film flow from one cut to another, this should be done so that it is unnoticeable to the naked eye. Later, we then watched several clips that included different ranges of match cuts, we were asked to identify them - this was very useful to me as i could fully understand what a match cut looked like and how it was used effectively. It also gave me ideas as to which particular shots i could use for our thriller. After we were given a task, we were asked to get into our groups and we were given the following scenario:
A man in london, 3 pm, chain smoking and working on the computer, he is seen putting private files onto a disc, packaging the disk and then posting the parcel. We were then asked to write down what various shots we would use, and descrive how we would use them if we were given this particular scenario.
Wednesday, 21 January 2009
Monday, 19 January 2009
Saturday, 17 January 2009
Planning A Scene
Monday 12th January:
In todays lesson, we watched an opening of a thriller film that our teachers had made as an example for us. This gave me many ideas for our own practise scene we have to do in our next lesson. The soundtrack they used was repetitive yet intriuging, and it helped me think of what kind of soundtrack I can use for my thriller opening. The camera shots they used made the audience suspect what was going on but at the same time we had a clear image of the mise-en-scene which gave us a glimpse of the situation.
Later on in the lesson, we had to start planning our own scene and we discussed what shots, angles and sounds would make our scene interesting and similar to a thriller.
In todays lesson, we watched an opening of a thriller film that our teachers had made as an example for us. This gave me many ideas for our own practise scene we have to do in our next lesson. The soundtrack they used was repetitive yet intriuging, and it helped me think of what kind of soundtrack I can use for my thriller opening. The camera shots they used made the audience suspect what was going on but at the same time we had a clear image of the mise-en-scene which gave us a glimpse of the situation.
Later on in the lesson, we had to start planning our own scene and we discussed what shots, angles and sounds would make our scene interesting and similar to a thriller.
Sunday, 11 January 2009
Film Openings.
(Thursday 9th Jan)
During this lesson we watched a 30 minute documentary about film openings. Whilst watching it we answered a few questions like what particular openings are effective? And how can you make your opening effective? I would say watching the documentary was really helpful, because at the end of the lesson i was able to establish what made a good opening and what made a bad opening? It also made me think about our thriller opening and how we can use various techniques to draw in the audience and keep them hooked. We also learnt a few other vital things:
There are 4 main types of openings, these are:
- Classic: this opening contains alot of action and temptation which can help to grap the audiences attention, which is also known as 'Instant Arousal.' This opening should tempt the audience to continue watching the film.
- Classic (2): sets questions as it starts of with something small and then gradually builds up.
- Title Sequence: sets tone through titles and/or credits.
- Flashback: the opening scene starts at end of the movie, then slowly works back to the beginning. This is often affective, as audiences are trying to put together clues.
When Thomas Sutcliffe says:
'Films meed to seduce thier audience into long term commitment. Whilst there are many types of seduction, the temptation to go for instant arousal is almost irresistable'
He meant that the opening needs to entice the audience to watch the full movie, beginning to end. The audience should share a long term relationship with the film rather than sharing a short relationship.
To achieve this directors use the 'instant arousal' technique. This is when they use a shocking scene in the beginning of the film.
Risks of instant arousal:
- high expectations
- you have to answer questions that the audience may ask at the beginning.
'A good beginnning must make the audience feel that it doesn't know nearly enough yet, and at the same time make sure that it doesn't know too little'
You should give enough information to attact the attention of the audience and help them to adjus to the film and make them feel comfortable establishing the characters, tone etc.
Kyle Cooper's title sequence to the film 'Seven' is so effective. It tunes the pitch, sets the tone, sets an idea. We know that someone is putting together a collage, it gives us clues that we don't see at that point. Although it doesn't show characters, or even the plot, the opening manages to set questions.
This lesson was very useful as it gave me ideas about my thriller opening and also watching opening scenes of many films has given me inspiration to create a opening that immediately graps the audience!
During this lesson we watched a 30 minute documentary about film openings. Whilst watching it we answered a few questions like what particular openings are effective? And how can you make your opening effective? I would say watching the documentary was really helpful, because at the end of the lesson i was able to establish what made a good opening and what made a bad opening? It also made me think about our thriller opening and how we can use various techniques to draw in the audience and keep them hooked. We also learnt a few other vital things:
There are 4 main types of openings, these are:
- Classic: this opening contains alot of action and temptation which can help to grap the audiences attention, which is also known as 'Instant Arousal.' This opening should tempt the audience to continue watching the film.
- Classic (2): sets questions as it starts of with something small and then gradually builds up.
- Title Sequence: sets tone through titles and/or credits.
- Flashback: the opening scene starts at end of the movie, then slowly works back to the beginning. This is often affective, as audiences are trying to put together clues.
When Thomas Sutcliffe says:
'Films meed to seduce thier audience into long term commitment. Whilst there are many types of seduction, the temptation to go for instant arousal is almost irresistable'
He meant that the opening needs to entice the audience to watch the full movie, beginning to end. The audience should share a long term relationship with the film rather than sharing a short relationship.
To achieve this directors use the 'instant arousal' technique. This is when they use a shocking scene in the beginning of the film.
Risks of instant arousal:
- high expectations
- you have to answer questions that the audience may ask at the beginning.
'A good beginnning must make the audience feel that it doesn't know nearly enough yet, and at the same time make sure that it doesn't know too little'
You should give enough information to attact the attention of the audience and help them to adjus to the film and make them feel comfortable establishing the characters, tone etc.
Kyle Cooper's title sequence to the film 'Seven' is so effective. It tunes the pitch, sets the tone, sets an idea. We know that someone is putting together a collage, it gives us clues that we don't see at that point. Although it doesn't show characters, or even the plot, the opening manages to set questions.
This lesson was very useful as it gave me ideas about my thriller opening and also watching opening scenes of many films has given me inspiration to create a opening that immediately graps the audience!
Thursday, 8 January 2009
Film Openings
Thursday 8th January:
In today's lesson we had to watch a short documentary about film openings and what makes them effective. I learned some techniques such as the 'trick of Film Noir', where the ending of the film is shown at the beginning. I think this is a good way of confusing the audience yet grabbing their attention as they would want to find out what happened to lead to the situation or conclusion. I also learned the conventions of a classic thriller film where it starts off with a shot of the building, going through a window, past a reception and into the room of the hero or, in some cases, the villain. I think this lesson has helped me develop my thoughts on what kind of thriller my group could try to do and how to make it successful.
In today's lesson we had to watch a short documentary about film openings and what makes them effective. I learned some techniques such as the 'trick of Film Noir', where the ending of the film is shown at the beginning. I think this is a good way of confusing the audience yet grabbing their attention as they would want to find out what happened to lead to the situation or conclusion. I also learned the conventions of a classic thriller film where it starts off with a shot of the building, going through a window, past a reception and into the room of the hero or, in some cases, the villain. I think this lesson has helped me develop my thoughts on what kind of thriller my group could try to do and how to make it successful.
Practicing Sound Editing
Monday 5th January:
In today's lesson, we had a chance to practice editing a video clip with non-diagetic sounds. One of the clips we used was from the James Bond film. We had to edit in a plane crash sound etc. I think this activity was very useful as it helped me gain some experience and skill that I can use when making my own thriller video clip.
In today's lesson, we had a chance to practice editing a video clip with non-diagetic sounds. One of the clips we used was from the James Bond film. We had to edit in a plane crash sound etc. I think this activity was very useful as it helped me gain some experience and skill that I can use when making my own thriller video clip.
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