A2 Advanced Portfolio - Kate McQuilken

Evaluation

2010-02-28T03:55:00.000-08:00

Evaluation media

Our media production is called alone. The short story that I wrote was chosen. The story centres on a Barn which is haunted by a young girl who was tortured and murdered there 20 years previous; a group of teenagers come across the barn on a terrifying camping trip. The story also centres on the two main protagonists, Lauren and Darryl. Darryl is a geek who is a loner with no friends, Lauren the stereotypical popular girl manipulates Darryl to come along on a camping trip so that he can read the map, when the group get lost they come across a farm, where they meet a scary farmer he suggests that the group camp in his field for the night. The story then escalates as Darryl becomes annoyed that the three girls haven’t brought a tent for him and won’t let him stay in theirs. Darryl storms off into the woods angry and frustrated, he discovers a barn and see’s a vision of the haunted girl, he takes Lauren to see it and when she doesn’t want to he turns from calm to a rage of anger in matter of seconds, will history repeat itself. Kate and Hannah notice that Lauren is missing so they go looking for her they hear her screams and follow them to the barn, when they get there they see Lauren tied to the chair with Darryl standing over her, the two of them burst in and knock Darryl out, this is a false ending as it seems the equilibrium is restored, thinking that they have killed him the three girls run off into the forest. Darryl re gains consciousness and runs off after the three girls. The three girls become separated in the woods Darryl finds Hannah and kills her he then finds Kate and kills her and the last line he says is two down one to go, leaving the scene on a cliff hanger. The final scene is of the Lauren walking out the woods on her own looking distraught; to add suspense to the production we added title lines that say Lauren was never found.

I feel that as a group we worked quite well. How ever when our group stared to fall behind I naturally took the lead in trying to bring the group together as it was my concept idea and I had to get across to the group what we were trying to achieve, in addition I wanted to create a successfull production and not let it affect my grade. As a major part of the story is set out of college our group had to do alot of extra filming, I feel some of the group were not prepared to have commitment to extra work out of college that we desperately needed to do. I feel that some people sat back and let everyone else do the work and then taking the wrap for the good work at the end of the production process. We decieded to try and divide the work load between the group to make it fair. We did this but this still didn’t seem to work as Darryl and Beci were meant to the the shooting script and shot list, this work never emerged even though I asked for it a number of times. Beci also used her camera to take the pictures for the poster, she was then meant to send them to Darryl to do the editing and to create the poster, as we chose his poster idea for the production so there fore he wanted to create it and put his own personal touch on it. Beci never sent the pictures but instead at last minuet created a poster herself with out any say so of the rest of the group. All in all though the poster was brilliant.

I took inspiration for the camera techniques used in the beginning of “Saw 11” which I watched using research for the production. I wanted to create the same affect when the main female protagonist is tied up in the chair. The camera technique creates high suspense, disorientation and hightens the audience’s anticipation. I decided to have a go and try to create these camera techniques but I discovered there were a number of factors why we couldn’t due to the equipment that was available to us. To start with we only were allowed to film with amateur hand held cameras. This there fore meant the night vision created a grainy picture, the intresting aspects of the barn couldn’t be defined on the camera. In addition we did try additional lighting but even then the picture just looked fake and grainy. This therefore meant we had to film our night scenes in the day and adjust the settings on the camera to create the affect so that it appeared as though it was night.

Our genre was horror. Therefore we inevitably have typical media conventions in our film as I took much of my inspiration from horror films I have previously seen, such as saw and the messengers. To create our genre convention we have used typical aspects such as Levi Strauss’s narrative theory of Binary oppositions, the two opposition of good and evil and the three typical characters in a horror film are in cooperated in to our production, the three typical characters are the Villain, Damsel and the Hero. In the original story it was written that no one dies, but after a group meeting it was decided that the film would seem amateur and would have seemed that we had not even attempted to create a murder scene. We decided that the ending should be written, Hannah re wrote the ending, the new ending I think is brilliant as it has a terrify twist which challenges the typical forms and conventions found in real media. For instance a stereotypical ending of a horror film would follow Todorov’s theory of equilibrium. Todorov suggested that there is equilibrium where any opposing forces are balanced. This is the disturbed by some event, setting a chain of events. The problems are then solved so that order can be restored. This therefore means that the Villian would die and the hero and damsel would survive for example in the horror film “The Messengers” follows todrov’s theory. However in our production there is a false restoration of equilibrium when Kate and Hannah save Lauren and seemingly kiil Darryl, we have then challenge audience conventions as this seems like the end but in a cruel twist Darryl isn’t dead and goes after the three girls. In our production you then see Darryl killing Hannah and Kate and the final scene is of Lauren walking alone this scene has been slowed down to increase the suspense and create a cliff hanger to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

In addition we have used and developed real media conventions such as we have used typical lighting and certain scenes that are used in real media Horror films. For example we wanted to create a chase seen through the words as this is disorientating for both the character and the audience, this allows emphasises of the feeling of being trapped and lost, which is a main element in horror films. I suggested that we have the murders take place after a chase scene. I also suggested that we should use hand held cameras to create a point of view of the character being chased. I thought that because we are not professional actors and don’t have the professional equipment to create a realistic looking murder that we should use the camera as a way of signifying a murder, for example I thought that we could have one of the female protagonists being chased in the woods, you then hear a scream and the camera is then dropped and you see the murder’s feet walk past. I thought this would be quite effective but the rest of the group thought that we should try and create the murder scenes to create more of a realistic horror element. We did though film the point of view running scenes through the woods, but when it came to editing the shots didn’t work as the picture was grainy and too jerky.

We also developed conventions through the stereotypical use of characters such as the stereotypical geek and the stereotypical popular girl. This way the audience could feel a connection to the characters and we could add an element of real media to our production. In addition we set in it the present time so the characters wore the clothes they would usually wear apart from Darryl, as the representation of his clothes were of the stereotypical geek with the glasses and the unfashionable clothes. In the original concept of our production we wanted to challenge audience expectations and conventions by using the character of the farmer to create a false Villian, this concept would also tie in with the ancillary poster task as we were going to make sure that we didn’t show Darryl’s face when filming the Barn scene, which is the torturing of Lauren and we were thinking about leaving clues around so that Hannah and Kate have an epithany, realising that infact Darryl is the murder’er and not the Farmer. We did still use the farmer to create an element of bad foreboding for when the group camp in his field. There is a close up of the famer holding a knife; He also seems like an untrustworthy and creepy character.

I think that the combination of our main production and the poster is brilliant. I think this because we achieved the effect we wanted with the poster, we also wanted the poster to link in with the production. We wanted to portray to the audience the genre of the film and create mystery for the storyline of the film. From the picture you can’t see who is stood over Lauren in a dominating stance with knife in hand, the audience can tell though that he is clearly the Villian and Lauren is the victim. In another twist though it could portrayed that during the film that Darryl is the victim who finally seeks revenge on Lauren. We wanted to create interest in the poster so that the audience start to ask questions as to who is standing over Lauren and why? I think that the poster looks professional because of the editing that has been done, the red shoes on Darryl and the blood on Lauren stand out, the rest of the poster is dark with a slight tinge of vibrant emphasis on the clothings. The background is also visiablly seen, which is in the barn where the main part of the film is based I think the setting is good as the scene poster is actually set where the main concept of the film takes place. In addition the charcters names are not on the poster this is so that audience don’t know who is stood over Lauren, as it would give away the twist in the production from the start of the film.

I feel that the second ancillary task which was the magazine review was not detailed enough, it lacked context and I feel it didn’t really analyse the film. This is not a marketing strategy so it needed to be slightly analytical and not biased, there needed to be good and bad points which were reviewed and there were. I just feel that it doesn’t capture the whole idea of the film and had we of had more time we could have looked over the peice as a group and input our own ideas in to what we think should be included.

I have learnt a number of different things from the audience feedback that we collected. After analysing the graphs that we created using the data I have found out the following information. To make the questionnaire as fair as possible we tried to ask half female and half male. We asked slightly more males but this wouldn’t have had much of an impact on the results. The majority of people we asked were asked between 15-24 and 40-55. The majority of the people asked were mainly 15-24 which is the category for our intended audience, this is very useful as it means that we will be able to gain valid feedback from our intended audience therefore we would then be able to make the possible changes. We also found out that most the people asked attended the cinema and rented a film more than once a month and that nobody watches films less than once a month, this means that our film would possibly get coverage from audiences.

In addition we found out that our genre of our film which is Horror was the second most popular film behind action/thriller. Furthermore I think that if the majority of the audience asked weren’t in the category of 15-24 than there may have been a different outcome of the most popular film genre. Our plot line seemed very successful with 27 out of the 30 people asked agreed that it was a good plotline. I also found out from the Questionnaire that the majority of the audience prefer speaking characters instead of narration or bit of both. Which is good as our storyline was explained through speaking characters. We rated our production certificate 15 as it had mild language and violence, the audience agreed with us with a majority of the audience voting it a 15c.

Furthermore we have learnt that the audience’s favourite scene in our play was the torture scene in the barn, when we asked why the majority of the audience said that it appealed to them because it was an unexpected twist that shocked them and was a very intense scene which left them on the edge of their seats. This shows that this scene was successful and that we challenged audience conventions.

Through the information I have learned from the feedback about the film I think the film is suitable for the intended audience, which are teenagers and young adults. I have also learnt that the audience preferred speaking characters instead of narration or a bit of both. The feedback from the audience shows that horror films are one of the most popular genres enjoyed by film goers. Through the results it shows that our film is suitable for the intended audience and they are the most likely people to go and watch it at the cinema or rent it.

We used a Varity of media technologies when planning, researching and constructing our media production. When researching for ideas we watched many films in class and looked at other peers ideas as we had to present out short story idea to the class. We did a vast amount of research individually this included textual analyses which helps us during production as it allows us to deconstruct a film and understand the intended meanings that are behind it so that we can use these techniques in our own production. Once we had decided on our groups and decided on our story I did further research and found out what the elements of a horror included, the typical camera angles, lighting and editing and genre research. I used the computer to type up my research and used DVD players and the internet to carry out the research.

In the planning process we once again used the computer to type up our work. During planning we tried to divide the work up so that everyone did a fair amount but it didn’t work as I and Hannah ended up doing most of the written work. During the end of the filming process we still hadn’t completed the planning process and I felt that some members of the group were taking the back seat and not contributing to the work. In addition we weren’t allowed to use the good cameras for filming so inevitably we had problems like the loss of work and lines across some of the filming. In the construction process we had extensive problems with the editing software first of all none of the software worked and so we ended up using Microsoft movie maker which isn’t the most technologically advanced so therefore we couldn’t edit to a professional standard making our production look amateur.

I believe that we did though finally create a successfull production and we used the editting software as much to our advantage as possible. In the edditting process we used music to dramatise scenes and to shape a perception of the characters emotions. Further more the use of music changes the audiences perception of the next scene which would ordinally not seem trivial.

We deciede to add slow soft music to scene 2 and 3 because we thought that the actuall dialogue was not that important but the connection between the two main protagonists needed to be shown. The song was chosen very carefully as the lyrics depict the emotions of the character and change the perception of the next scene. The song that was chosen was "Many of Horror" By Biffy Clyro here are the lyrics that were featured in the film

You say "I love you, boy"

I know you lie

I trust you all the same

I don't know why

'Cos when my back is turned

My bruises shine

Our broken fairytale

So hard to hide

I still believe

It's you and me to the end of time

When we collide we come together

If we don't we'll always be apart

I'll take a bruise, I know you're worth it

When you hit me, hit me hard

Sitting in a wishing hall

Hoping it stays right

Feet cast in solid stone

I got Gilligan's eyes

I still believe

It's you and me to the end of time

Scene 2. Scene 2.

Scene 3.

Further more we added dramatic music that evokes voilence, anger and revenge once again the song was chosen carefully for the lyrics and the powerfull music. We decided to add a song to these scenes 11, 12 and 13 because these are the scenes when Darryl changes from mild voilence to a brutial serial killer, more over we added music because we thought our murders looked very amateur and un realistic so we used the technique of music to draw away from our bad acting and to just focus on actions of Darryl.

The chosen song was "The Kill" By 30 Seconds to Mars. The particular part of the film was chosen specifically because of the beat and the lyrics. The lyrics are below.

Tried to be someone else

But nothing seemed to change
I know now, this is who I really am inside.
Finally found myself
Fighting for a chance.
I know now, this is who I really am.
Ah, ah
Oh, oh
Ah, ah
Come break me down
Bury me, bury me
I am finished with you, you, you.
Look in my eyes
You're killing me, killing me
All I wanted was you

In additon i slowed down the stabbing of Kate and fitted the heavy beat and loud screaming in the music to the movement of her body because i thought this would give a shocking dramatic affect.

Scene 11.

Scene 12.

Furthermore we added titles over the final scene to introduce a closer because we wanted our ending to follow Todorvs equilibrium theory and a linear narrative. How ever the film also leaves the audience asking questions of what happens to Lauren and Darryl because the title reads "Lauren was never found". The other title that adds a closing to the film reads. "Two days later Hannah and Kate's bodies were found mutilated in the woods.

This is the final scene where the titles are overlayed on top on the picture.

Scene 13.

In all I think our production was a success, I think we would have done better though if we had managed our time correctly and used a professional editing system to add SFX including music, and added effects to the barn seen including dramatic music to increase the tension.

Target Audience feedback

2010-02-27T07:24:00.000-08:00

We showed a group of people our production to gain audience feedback and analyse whether our production was successful or not.

Mise - en - secne feedback

Audience Feedback - Character Representation

Audience feedback - Narrative

Audience Feedback - Sound

Audience Feedback - Camera Shots

Audience Feedback - Editting

The main feedback is positive as a whole. Our main positive feedback is on our use of Mise-en-scene such as the barn because the audience say this is a good choice of setting because it fits with the genre. Other positive feedback was on our diverse use of camera angles, our use of low lit lighting and our editng which involved the additonal music which all the audience said was a good choice, there for the technique of changing the audiences perception of the next scene worked. In additon the audience also identified that slow motion at the end of the film in the dramatic scenes which was used to enhance the mood. The continuous shots were used to add tension to the piece and as it is a short film, we wanted to allow as much time as possible at the beginning for plot building. This also made sure a stark constrast was shown between the slow pace of the beginning and the fast pace fo the disturbance half way through (Todorov).

Furthermore the audience identified out genre, linear narrative and Todrovs theory. the audience also identified that we used conventional horror techniques such as low level lighting and the use of the mise-en-scene. We did how ever recieve some negative feedback, this was from our character representation one audience member said that our characters were exagerated and that we had taken and american stance of the representation of our characters. How ever i dont think it is to do with our character representation was too overly exagertaed but we wanted to create characters our audience could realte to. In addition i think that they way that Lauren acted and the additonal American idiolect that she added in caused the audience to think that we had used a sterotypical view of American teenagers. In conclusion our audience feedback is positive and shows that we have successfully created a production that our target audience can understand and like.

Ancillary Task - Magazine Review

2010-02-20T03:49:00.000-08:00

I used the Review magazine "Empire" as they are a well know and established label, they also produce high standard reviews and magazines. i think the pictures i used enhance the review as the poster promotes the film and the other picture entaces the audience in and gives them an idea as what is to come.

Ancillary Task - Website review

2010-02-19T01:59:00.000-08:00

These images are of the online magazine review and the additonal logo Beci created for the website.

It is magazine review suitable for an online webpage. Beci used other wesites such as http://www.horror.com/ and http://www.killerreviews.com/ as research and studied how they looked and the content of their film reviews. As she has acces to a website makeing software she offered to do it. I think we need the same review also formatted as a magazine review, but that can easily be done. Beci realised that although their film reviews were a lot longer, she decided to base our film review on around 200-250 words as it is a short film rather than a feature length film. This is a good idea as it will give the audience a snipet of the film and entice them into the story and intrige them to watch the film.

The words on the article are as follows:
Darryl King, best known for his debut role in hit movie ‘Watch’ last summer, has just hit our screens again in this year’s biggest horror movie. In the film we see him start off as a geeky no-one with an over-the-top infatuation with Lauren (Lauren Fuller), the queen bee of college. The princess and her ladies are hoping to join their “jock” male friends on a camping weekend after finishing their exams. But who will read the map? Darryl (Darryl King) of course! Throughout this captivating and creepy camping trip we see friendships and feelings tested which leads to good turning bad when Darryl gets tipped over the edge by Lauren and her two followers (Hannah Waters and Kate McQuilken).

Although this short film has already been put on the short lift for Golden Globes, there are some little niggles. The handheld scenes are shaky, and sometimes dizzying to watch. However they do go with the disjointed journey the group are on and in some places are used very effectively. On the upside, the murder scenes look more than realistic and the use of lighting in the barn scenes makes it more than intriguing as to what could be lurking in the shadows.
Alone isn’t a timewaster and likewise is a film you can watch again and again. Look out for the surprise appearances from a certain other leading male and piece together the twists and turns of this whirlwind horror. Oh and remember to lock the front door tonight, Darryl could be hidden with revenge in mind…

Poster Analyse

2010-02-18T01:16:00.000-08:00

This is the eddited and un eddited picture we used for our poster, it has been editted and is well structured poster which will attract the attension of the public.

The font used for the title is from Microsoft and is called "Viner Hand ITC". Beci printed off the word "Alone" in a number of fonts and decieded to ask a select number of family and neighbours which they think was most appropriate for a horror film. Beci then placed the title at the bottom of the poster as she didn't want to take too much focus from the actual image. I also think the positioning is good as we dont know who the title is representative to. Which creates a challenging aspect for the audience.

Underneath the title is written "Created by Beci Hudson, Darryl King, Hannah Waters and Kate McQuilken". Furthermore, the bottom line of text shows the copyright and production label, reading as "Copyrighted © BDHK Productions".I think that Beci should have just used "copyrighted © KHBD Productions" as this was the name we used on the other poster also i think that she should have created a tag line that the group had decieded on and formatted it at the top of the poster to attarct attension, and i think this would have created a professional finish to the poster. A tag line was also added and hints to when the film may be released that reads "In cinemas Summer 2010". which is a brilliant marketing devise.

Overall I think our poster is effective and will attract the right audience

Final Poster

2010-02-17T05:58:00.000-08:00

These are different aspect I looked at when concentrating on research and analysing our poster.
*Genre *style *Layout
*Use of colour
*Font style
*Strap line
*Representation
*Narrative

Genre style- you can see from the knife and they way the female protagonist is positioned as well as the expression that is on her face that the male protagonist is after her. She is also covered in blood so the genre style is quite obvious that it is Horror.

Layout- We have purposely not put the Actors names on the poster as this would give away the whole intention of our film. We want to try and challenge the audience and send them on a guessing game.

Use of colour- We wanted to enhance the two characters to make them stand out so we made the colours richer on the editing software. In addition we tried to make the knife stand out.

Font Style- “Viner Hand ITC” was used for the poster it is a good style as it looks professional and doesn’t look amateur and tacky.

Representation – We used the name of the film as the Strap line and also positioned it beneath both the characters this is so the audience are once again challenged as they audience my initially think that the title refers to Lauren as in the Denontation she is lying on the ground in a venerable position and Darryl is stood above her when in fact the title refers to Darryl.

Narrative – the picture on the poster shows the main narrative behind our story and is a picture which we think will entice the audience as it gives as much away is needed but doesn’t give any extra information. our narrative is also a mixture between Binary opposistions and equilibrium.

Poster 1 and poster trials

2010-02-16T08:30:00.000-08:00

When I first saw this picture on the camera I thought it was not creepy enough for our poster, however when Beci uploaded it to the computer I thought that with some editing it could work. I played around with colours and decided that black and white gave an eerie look to it. It also then allowed 'Alone' to be in the blood red colour as it really stands out. The font for alone and the tag line is 'chiller', it was the first one I thought of and although I did go through them all I ended up back with this one as it looks as though it could have been hand written in blood. It took a while to come up with anythign for the tagline so I looked at a website which included horror film posters since the 60's for inspiration. I then looked at the synopsis I had previously written and the concept Kate wrote and ended up with 'From a hell of an adventure..to an adventure of hell', which links in with the synopsis.

Ancillary Tasks

2010-02-15T06:43:00.000-08:00

Poster Inspiration

2010-02-12T03:42:00.000-08:00

This was the main inspiration for the poster idea. As one of the scenes is a running scene through the woods we thought that we should incorporate this into our main poster. In addition as the mise en scene of scene 11 is in a eerie haunted barn and this is the main horror element of our film I said that we should use the barn in our poster to interest the audience. Hannah then used this poster and incorporated other ideas to create poster one. She used a tag line like the one at the top of this poster and put the name of the film in red to make it stand out much like this poster. The inspiration for the second poster that Darryl created was that it was simple meaning to the audience created through the use of the knife and the placing of the main female character which is in-between the main male protagonists legs in the barn.

On location - The Barn this played a part in our inspiration for our poster.

Poster and Intended audience research

2010-02-11T05:21:00.000-08:00

These are the 10 best horror films of 2009. All these films are for audeince of 15 and up which is in the bracket of our own target audience. For our own poster we used inspiration from "Eden Lake" and "Dead Snow". As these poster designs were in the top 10 of the best of 2009. Further more these two posters have obseuare images which doesnt give to much away and this is exactly what we wanted our poster to be like as there is a twist in the story that we dont want to give away. in addition these posters applead to our target audience so we thought it would be a good idea to use these for inspiration.

Pictures of the Barn

2010-02-11T03:51:00.000-08:00

This location was used for our poster and these are the main horro element of the film.

Poster Research

2010-02-11T03:41:00.001-08:00

Questionnaire

2010-02-10T06:36:00.000-08:00

This is the questionnaire we will get a group of people within our target audience age to fill out after watching 'Alone'. From this we will draw up graphs etc. as audience research.

1. What is your gender?

Male Female Undecided

2. Your age group?

14 under 15-24 25-39 40-55 56 over

3. How often do you go to the cinema?

Less Once a month Once every few weeks Once a week More

4. How often do you buy or rent films

Less Once a month Once every few weeks Once a week More

5. Favourite film genre?

……………………

6. Have you got a favourite or most memorable scene from ‘Alone’?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

7. If so what appealed to you?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

8. “Exams are over. It’s spring half term. A time that should be full of excitement and adventures. But when three friends go on a camping trip their fun is cut short, they’re lost, there’s no signal and no civilization. When a ‘friendly’ farmer says they can camp in his field, they jump at the chance and vow to set off again when it’s light but all is not as it seems in this neck of the woods. Their friendship is tested to the limit, they need to pull together now more than ever and escape the horrors that lie ahead. This is one adventure they didn’t sign up for…” Do you think this was a successful plotline?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

9. Did you enjoy having speaking characters or would you prefer narration?

S.C N

10. What age certificate would you rate our film?

PG 12 12a 15 18

Prop table and checklist

2010-02-10T06:33:00.000-08:00

Enlarged List.

Character: Darryl

Props:

Black Coat

Yellow T-Shirt

Jeans

Red Shoes

Glasses

Black shoulder bag

Black ruck sack

"Empire of the Sun" Novel

Character: Lauren

Props:

Green Pineapple Jumper

Pink bag

Black top with white Indian on

Black leggings

Black Boots

Navy Joggers

Light blue jacket

Grey un wripped top

Grey wripped top

Character: Hannah

Props:

Joggers

Grey coat

Jeggings

Black dolly shoes

Silver bag

White pumps

Cream jumper

Character: Kate

Props:

Navy joggers

Denium jacket

Blck leggings

Black boots

Pink Jumper

White un wripped top

White wripped top

Brown and gold bag

Character: Rob - Farmer

Props:

Cigarette

Joggers

Pumps

Lumber Jacket

Cap

Character: Zoe - Teacher

Props:

Jeans

Blue top

Paper

Other Propps:

Knife

Torches

Kate's car

Tent

Bags

Pillows

Chair

Rope

Plastic Wire

Magazines

Hand held camera

It is important to keep track of your props that have been used so that successful continuity can be achieved. We also took pictures of Lauren's wripped top and where we had put the blood on her so that when we filmed at different times we knew where to put the blood for continuity.

Reasearch into shots - Skins

2010-02-09T08:40:00.002-08:00

Hannah decided that as our group was struggling to picture what shots we would use for the car scene so she decided to look at the teenage drama ‘Skins’ in an episode where a big group of friends go to a party set in the woods. This helped as it used both a chase in the woods and a car journey.

Car journey

- Front tracking of car, camera on truck in front
- Close up of Katie in passenger seat
- Midshot of passengers in the back
- Close up of driver
- Side midshot of passenger seat
- Side midshot of driver
- Camera on opposite side of the road, panning, starting with the car face on at a slight angle, following the round a corner
- Planning again from the front, around another corner, following the car along a straight
- Long shot of the car at a junction, zoom in to a close up – can hear them talking inside
- Camera doesn’t move, car drives past
- Focuses on a sign
- As they’re driving away from the petrol station, camera ‘looks through’ the back windscreen, then goes to a close up of the driver looking in the rear-view mirror
- Midshot of back of car steadily turning into a long shot as the car drives further away
- Long side-on shot of the car, through the woods, slight panning
- Close-up of sign to show they have arrived

Woods

- Long shot through the trees so you can just make out the group walking through the woods
- Shot of just the woods then the group come into sight
- Midshot of group walking straight towards the camera
- Panning in a circle of leaves above.
- Shot of the moon
- Low angle shot of tree, leaves blowing slightly in the breeze
- Really fast, blurred tracking of the trees
- Side-on shot from waist down showing her running
- Gradually moving up so her whole body is in the shot, still tracking at the side
- Back to waist down
- Moves up
- Blurred trees again
- Long-mid-close-up of her running straight towards the camera
- Then a long shot to show she has lost her bearings
- Pan of the area

Car

- Tracking through the window of the scenery
- Close up of driver
- Panning across the inside of the car
- Camera ‘looks through’ front windscreen, and back windscreen again

We will try and incorporate some of these in our production to make it look like a more professional standard.

Proposal

2010-02-09T08:33:00.000-08:00

Everyone’s seen them. The cliché horror films we all love to hate. However, every so often you see one that stands out, one that’s different from the rest. We intend to produce a horror film that challenges the audience by making it so they really will not see what’s coming. For example, you don’t expect the twisted master-mind behind the sick games in the ‘Saw’ films to be an old man, bitter because he has incurable cancer and can’t stand to see people messing up their lives. Likewise in our film, you will not guess who the ‘baddy’ is, with certain characters throughout the film seeming a much more likely suspect.

The synopsis of ‘Alone’ is ‘Exams are over. Its spring half term. A time that should be full of excitement and adventures. But when three friends go on a camping trip their fun is cut short, they’re lost, there’s no signal and no civilization. When a ‘friendly’ farmer says they can camp in his field, they jump at the chance and vow to set off again when it’s light but all is not as it seems in this neck of the woods. Their friendship is tested to the limit, they need to pull together now more than ever and escape the horrors that lie ahead. This is one adventure they didn’t sign up for.’

We imagine our film would have the age certificate of a 15, due to the level of violence and language included so our target audience will be ages 15-21. We will reach them by using characters of a similar age, in their second year of college, which most people can relate to. Also when it comes to the review/ poster/ radio trailer, we will ensure we are writing for/in the style of magazines aimed at late teens, popular radio stations and that the poster will have traits from others advertising teen films.

Our ‘team’ consists of Hannah, Kate, Darryl and Beci. Having been to stage coach, Kate and Darryl (who also did GCSE drama) have the confidence and knowledge of performing, to be characters in our production. Likewise, Hannah also did GCSE drama and will have a role in the film. In AS Media Studies, Beci was the camera operator for her group so is the most ‘qualified’ member of our group to film. In scenes we are not in though, we all intend to have a go at filming and will share our ideas about certain shots throughout so as to get the best possible final product. In addition, our friend, and fellow drama student, Lauren, has agreed to have the leading role in our production which is promising as she is very confident and we’re sure she will bring a lot to the film.

Budget wise we will not spend too much as the locations are just college, a car park, woods and the derelict barn and there are no specific costumes, just every day clothes which each person will bring for their own character. We will need to buy a few props, such as fake blood, but they will not amount to much. We have 17 weeks to complete the film and hope to get all the scenes around college done by the Christmas holidays so after then we can concentrate on the woods scenes.

Media Production Diary

2010-02-07T07:14:00.000-08:00

October
13th October 2009
Today we were set the task of creating our advanced portfolio. Zoe our teacher showed us a brief and gave us a guide as to what is expected from us. We were told that in our final product we will produce a media portfolio comprising of two main ancillary tasks and in addition we will produce a presentation in electronic format of the research, planning and evaluation of our production. The advanced portfolio included the production of a short film in its entirety, lasting approximately five minutes, which may be live action or animated or a combination of both, together with the option of 3 ancillary tasks with the following three options:
· Poster for the film
· Radio trailer for the film
· Film magazine review page featuring the film
Zoe then told us what the purpose of this task was which was firstly to asses our own ability to plan and construct media products using appropriate technical and creative skills; secondly to asses our application of knowledge and understanding in evaluating our own work, showing ho meanings and responses are created; and finally to asses our ability to undertake, apply and present appropriate research. This unit will require us to engage contemporary media technologies, giving me the opportunity to develop your own skills in these technologies. It will also enable me to develop skills of presentation which I will require for university and in the workplace.
We then chose our groups, I inevitably chose a group of people who I know I get on well with and who are determined to make a good production. In my group were Hannah Waters, Darryl King and Becky Hudson. As a group we discussed individual ideas we had and combined them to create a brief, we agreed on the genre of Horror as we can create an exciting production where we can use contempory elements and create situations which will challenge the audience.
As a group we decided that Becky should write the brief up in neat. That night I researched the genre of horror and what a good horror film should include.

15th October 2009
In today’s meeting we looked at the brief and devised a storyline. As a group we decided that the genre of our film should be horror as we will have plenty of inspiration from other successful films. That I night I then went away and wrote the story for our production which is called “Alone”. The idea for my story was created through the research I conducted, I thought u what would be possible to produce in the limited amount of time, resources and money to create a successful horror film. My story is about a group of teenage materialistic girls who are planning on going on a camping trip with a group of boys from college at the end of exams the boys are going a few days before and the girls have to go alone, one problem is they can’t read maps. So ‘Lauren’ the leader of the three girls uses her beauty and charm to convince a typical geek ‘Darryl’ to accompany them on the camping trip to read maps. Little does she know that Darryl has an unhealthy obsession with Lauren and can’t wait to get her on his own. One on their way Darryl gets them lost, they stop off at a farm and a meet a creepy character who allows them to camp in one of his fields for the night.

16th October 2009
I showed the group my story idea they were all happy with it so we cast character roles and roles during production. We decided that as Becky had the most experience in filming that she should do the majority of the camera work with input from the group and we decided that we were all going to have a go at filming, this is so we could express our own ideas and experiment different ways of using the camera. I Darryl and Hannah will all be acting and my friend will be acting to, this is so we can have sufficient characters to make a good production. In addition the whole group will contribute to every aspect of the production.

Week Two
20th October 2009 Today we created character profiles. We did this so that we all knew the personalities of the characters; this will allow the actors to could create an in-depth knowledge of the character in which they are playing, which will inevitably create a more realistic character.

22nd October 2009
Today Zoe told us that we all needed to write additional individual story ideas, we decided to create stories that all had elements of our main story idea so that we include and input ideas in to the main story to improve it. We decided to do this for homework as we needed to get on and start to devise the script, shooting script and story board.
Week three Half Term

27th – 30th October 2009
Finished the Script during this time and started to work on the story board

Week four

November

3rd November 2009 As I felt I and Hannah had done most of the work so far we assigned the task of shooting script to Darryl and Becky as we wanted to make sure that our production was a team effort. Me and Hannah continued to do the Story board we realised that we needed to do a location reece so that the group could get an idea of where the story will be set and so that we can create a storyboard that will coincide with the production

5th November 2009 In this lesson we went on a location Reece, first of all we decided that the college scenes should be set in college as these are easy accessible places. First of all we decided that the establishing shot and first scene should be set outside the front of Rotherfield house. The class room scene will be set in a classroom and the canteen scene in Deanfield canteen as it is a typical canteen and is quite large so we could pick a quieter part of the canteen to film in. We then went on a location Reece to Checkendon where I had seen the perfect place to do the majority of the horror scenes. I showed the group an abandoned barn that had a burnt out car and two figures which was a statue of a hugging skeleton outside it. I thought this location would be perfect as it was quite, ire and creepy. It had a natural sense of horror that we would not need to create. Therefore the filming would look natural and professional.

6th November 2009 We were due to start filming today but it was cancelled due to the weather conditions. Carried on with the storyboard and shooting script.

Week five

10th November 2009
We planned to start filming today but due to the rain and the decision that we needed to make more preparation we decided to cancel filming and continue with our tasks. mine was to continue with the storyboard.

12th November 2009
Filming was cancelled again today, this time it was because of Lauren, (my friend we are using for a character In our production) as she didn’t turn up for filming. may it wasn’t such a good idea to use her, she may be un reliable. we then planned to film the canteen seen the next day which would be in Rotherfield canteen. we went on a location Reece of the canteen and decided where the characters should be and where the camera could be set up along with interesting shots. I also suggested that it may be to loud in the canteen to film and that the actors would have to talk loudly.

13th November 2009 Today we filmed in the canteen, we filmed scene 3 which involved Lauren me and Hannah asking Darryl to read a map and tell us where the new forest is. This is a key element of our production as it lets the audience know why the group are going on a camping trip and why Darryl is going with them. We filmed using the big camera and after we had filmed the scene we watched it back and decided that the volume in the canteen was too loud as the noised bounced off the walls in the small space. There was also a lot of background noise that was picked up instead of the actors voices. we discussed as a group what we could do, we decided that we could use microphones to pick up the voices more clearly and try and film in Deanfield canteen as it is bigger.

Week six

17th November 2009
Today Beci was lat to the lesson. We weren’t sure if she was going to come in so we decided to go on another location Reece and determine where we should film scene 8 which is in the farmer’s field. As I have a large filed that I own we decided that it would be a perfect location as in the background was the woods and it is on a property so we won’t have to ask permission and it will be more convenient.

19th November 2009
Today we began to film the establishing shot outside Rotherfield and scene 1, we filmed a variety of rushes and the scene from different positions and angles. We also filmed other shots that we thought were interesting such as a bird flying above, I thought this shot would be a good idea as we can out a voice over of Darryl on how he feels alone and invisible, the bird was flying alone so I thought it would be an interesting connotation. In addition as Darryl is the natural clown of the group he started to mess around and dancing to the song that we were listening too, it was hilarious and we filmed it, we showed Zoe our media teacher because we thought it was funny and she thought that we could use this in the end credits and get all of the characters from the film to do a dance. We also filmed the beginning of scene 1 where Lauren, Kate and Hannah walk past Darryl who is sitting alone on the wall watching them. we also showed Zoe this and she gave us some constructive feedback and said that maybe we should just film Lauren walking past Darryl as this would emphasise the connection between the two characters and show that there is a complex relationship between them. in addition I said that we should film lots of close ups of their faces and eye line matches so that the audience can gage the characters reactions and inner emotions.

20th November 2009 After Zoë’s suggestion yesterday that we should film just Lauren and Darryl we re-filmed this scene in different positions and lots of close ups. Beci did the majority of the filming and me and Hannah helped with of input into what we think would make interesting shots. also filmed scene 2 in the media classroom which involved the whole class including the teacher in this shot. beci filmed as the rest of the group were in it.

Week seven

24th November 2009
Re-view day – carried on with ancillary tasks the story board, shotting script etc.

26th November 2009
Re-view day – carried on with ancillary tasks and the story board, shooting script etc.

27th November 2009
Today we filmed scene 2 which is the in the media classroom, this involved the whole media class taking part in this scene. Beci filmed while the rest of the group were in it.

Week eight

December

1st December 2009 Lauren wasn’t in college again today so we couldn’t re film the canteen scene like we had scheduled to do. Instead as a group we went over any additional ideas that anyone had and looked over the script Darryl also continued with the story board.
3rd December 2009
The lesson was cancelled today and Beci didn’t turn up, me and Hannah decided that we didn’t want to fall behind on filming so we rang Lauren and Darryl to see if they were prepared to film, as we could still use the equipment and instead of wasting our time we could use it efficiently. Lauren was not prepared to film, which annoyed me as she had agreed to be in our production and put all her effort in to it. Darryl agreed to so we decided to film the beginning of scene 4 as only Darryl was needed in this shot. I and Hannah filmed as Darryl acted. we got a variety of interesting shots as we could concentrate this lesson on making this particular scene look realistic as he is meant to trip over.

4th December 2009
Today we carried on with scene 4 as the whole group was present. We also used a hand held camera as a prop and for some footage of point of view and for a variety of filming techniques. We also used a microphone so that the actors voices would be picked up clearly over the back ground noise.

Week 9
8th December 2009
Lauren was off college ill and Darryl was on a college trip. Neither of them told us which screwed up our filming schedule as we were going to film the canteen seen again. we watched the filming we had done back and since we had started using the microphone which we used for the car park scene we realised that it hadn’t been plugged in to the camera properly, therefore resulting in the entire dialogue in scene 4 being silent. This was yet again another setback but it was lucky we noticed before we made the same mistake again.

10th December 2009
As we discovered the mistake of yesterday we went back to film scene 4. we had to film in a different space as there was a car parked there, as only the dialogue of Lauren, Kate and Hannah was missing we had the issue of continuity we also had another issue of continuity as Lauren didn’t bring the right outfit. I suggested that we just begin the scene again and make a note of exactly what we were wearing and what our hair was like including the props we used so that the issue of continuity problems in the future would hopefully be resolved. We also filmed at a different angle as today was sunny and when I and Hannah filmed Darryl’s part in the scene it was cloudy so we positioned the camera so you couldn’t see what the weather was like.

11th December 2009
Today we went back to the car park to film Darryl’s part of the dialogue there was once again a problem of continuity as Darryl had forgotten the right coat. To solve this we turned his coat inside out to the shinny side to make it look like the coat he had worn before.

Week 10
15th December 2009 Today we tried to give scene 3 another go; we went to the canteen and decided it was too busy. We went to the classroom and continued with ancillary tasks I suggested that next lesson we film in Deanfiled canteen and see what the result is the group agreed. we went on a location recce to Deanfield canteen and decided that it would be a suitable location as it was quite big so we could chose a quieter part of the canteen to try to minimise the background noise.

17th December 2009
Today we filmed in Deanfield canteen and decided as a group that it was a much more ideal location as it actually looked like a school canteen. As it was the Christmas holidays we spoke as a group and decided that beci would finish the shooting script, I would finish the storyboard, Darryl would start on the poster and Hannah would complete the group research etc.

18th December 2009
Christmas holidays

Week 11 – 12 – 13

January Week 14
5th January 2010 The group catch up after Christmas not including Lauren as we wanted to see how far we had progressed. Over the holidays Darryl had thought of an idea for the poster, we developed his idea and posed for the poster and to take photos so we could document the idea, draw and develop it.

7th January 2010
College was closed because of the snow

8th January 2010
College was closed again because of the snow

Week 15
12th January 2010
Today as a group we discussed the problem of the snow. We decided that we didn’t want to film to much in the snow as it would ruin the continuity we also realised that the snow would not be melting quickly and there would be more to come. as we didn’t want to start to fall to far behind on the filming we decided to meet up that Sunday to film the most important part of our film Scene 11.

14th January 2010
Today we had a lesson in the computer room, I Hannah and Darryl started on our character mood boards this is an extension of the character profiles and just shows the thought and understanding that we have of our developed characters

15th January 2010
Today we were meant to be shown how the editing software works but all the computers in the College were down so Zoë suggested to broaden our research that we watch a few short films to see how they are edited and to write a couple of textual analysis’s. I typed up my textual analysis on “the boy with blue eyes” when I got home.

17th January 2010
today we met up in Checkendon to start filming for scene 11 we had time restriction though because Darryl had work at 5 and it was started to get dark already. Instead of filming to decided to do the photo shoot for the main poster idea that Darryl had. This was the first time Lauren was in her main costume. We took pictures of the process of making her custom for the poster and scene 11. We also took pictures of where we put the fake blood on her so we could remind our self’s and not have the problem of non continuity. I suggested other ideas for the poster such as Lauren standing in front if the barn looking desperate so that the picture would show the mise-en-scene and denotate the genre of horror, I also suggest we take pictures of Lauren and Darryl by the burnt out car as it was a very interesting picture.

Week 17
19 January 2010
Today we spent the lesson in the classroom. We looked through the picture we had taken for our poster idea, as a group we decided on our favourite and also decided that we should have more than one poster as many films have a selection of posters and sometimes they bring out a number of posters leading up to the film’s release revelling a little more about the film every time, this gages the audiences interest and keeps them in anticipation.

21st January 2010
Beci started to edit the pictures we had chosen for the poster, I Hannah and Darryl finished off our character mood boards and Lauren’s character mood board. Darryl also started on the questionnaire and we discussed as a group what questions we could as to attain the most useful information. we also arranged with Rob who is going to play the farmer in our production and the rest of the group that we are going to meet up Sunday to film scene 7 to 10. Beci will be away so she won’t be present.

22nd January 2010 Today the whole group were absent apart from me and Darryl for a number of different reasons. I started to look at the footage we had filmed and started to edit the establishing shot and scene 1. as as I looked though the footage I realised that we hadn’t filmed the bird for enough time as I wanted to use it as an enigmatic beginning and use a voice over of Darryl which we also recorded today, it sounds too echoic though.

Week 18
24th January 2010
Beci couldn’t make filming today so I Hannah, Darryl and Rob took it in turns to film as we needed rob for the shots when all four of the actors were in the scene. We tried to film scene’s 7 to 10 today but it took longer than anticipated so we managed to film scenes 7 to 8.I also decided that we should cut the filming short as it was getting dark and we had been filming for 5 hours straight so people were starting to get agitated in addition as I have an exam the next day I wanted to cram In some last minuet revision and said that we could film scene 10 Monday after college, everyone agreed and we arranged times to meet etc.

25th January 2010
the group met at my house around 4.30pm Lauren was late and it was starting to get dark so me Hannah and Darryl went down to my field and chose I location where we thought would be good for filming we also prepared the props. Lauren got to mine when it was dark which annoyed me as I worried that we wouldn’t be able to film very well in the dark, as the field has no lights and we had no additional lighting to use. Went down to my field and as it was dark decided to use the car headlights on Beci’s car, subsequently her car ran out of battery and we had to jump start it! we used the night mode on the Handy cams, this actually was a good idea as it gave the mise on scene an eerie, spooky effect. we didn’t film with the big camera but instead used two handy cams this actually worked to our benefit ad we were able to do many versatile shots, I suggested that we do a couple of POV from Darryl and Lauren.

26th January 2010
We watched what we had filmed the night before on the handy cam, it had lines all across it and the group started to panic. Hannah suggested that we watch the film back on the computer and when we did we discovered it had no lines across it. We also decided that Lauren’s POV shots weren’t very good as she had moved the camera around to much, so we wouldn’t be using her shots. as all the rest of production is set in the evening we continued with the ancillary tasks as well and agreed to meet Wednesday night to continue filming the barn scene.

27th January 2010
Beci couldn’t make filming today so again me and Hannah filmed. We met in Checkendon again and went up to the barn to film scene 10 and 11. we managed to film scene 10 but we had a problem as it was too dark we used a huge flash light which worked really well until it ran out of battery, I went to charge it at my house while Hannah filmed Lauren and Darryl. Lauren started to moan and say she was cold, I got really angry as I felt that we had cut filming short just because of her.

28th January 2010
On my way to college this morning I was thinking about how we could improve our production as I felt it didn’t have the horror element I had intended it to. I thought that we could challenge the expectations of the audience and make it so that Lauren becomes possessed by the ghost in the barn and turns around and kills Darryl and her two friends. today we filmed the beginning of scene 12 I suggested my idea to Hannah and Darryl and they seemed really keen, after a discussion about it we decided that it was to late to change the concept of the idea now but that we should review our work and see what we can to do give it more of the horror element. Lauren was being very awkward and lied to us and said she was ill. She was really starting to make me angry as she was affecting the quality of our work and not seeming to care. maybe we shouldn’t have used her and should have used someone in our own group that we could rely on. it was not dark but Beci changed the exposure on the camera and made it darker, we then decided that to make it easier on the whole group that we should film earlier in the day that we are going to film and just use exposure to darken the mise en scene. we also did some point of view shots which we will use in editing.

29th January 2010
today we had a lesson in the computer room. Darryl carried on with the questionnaire and Beci typed up the production log so that we all have the same diary, notes and planning. I also looked over the checklist and the step by step guide, I realised that we had not properly done the script, shooting script and screenplay, as I didn’t want to lose marks on this I decided that we should type them all over again in the correct format, Hannah helped me. Hannah also looked through the camera to find Darryl's voice over as we had not written it into the script.I finished off the scripts at home.

Week 19
2nd February 2010
Today I started on the shot list, Beci bought her lap top in so we could edit, we discovered that the laptop doesn’t fit the camera lead so we can’t use it. Darryl and Hannah showed Zoe the completed questionnaire and the poster and received feedback. we also decided that on Wednesday we would finish off scene 10-13 which would mean we would have completely finished the filming.

3rd February 2010
Beci couldn’t film again today. We attempted to finish all our filming; we all met in Checkendon and started to film after 10 minutes we realised that the camera wasn’t working. We then went back to my house and waited 2 hours for the camera to work it wouldn’t so we decided to forget about filming for the day. We arranged to meet Sunday to film.

4th February 2010 I was in London today on a college trip but the lesson was cancelled anyway.

5th February 2010
We couldn’t edit today because I miss laid the tapes, in addition the editing room wasn’t available. I Hannah and Darryl spent the rest of the lesson looking for the tapes. later that day I found them at my house.

9 February 2010
This morning we finally finished off the scene 11. Because of all the difficulties and time constraints we only had a an hour to finish off scene 11, as a result of this we wernt able to attain any intresting shots, so all in all the scene that was meant to be most exciting and the scene that it at the centre of the whole idea of the story doesnt actually look very good and is pretty boring, which im a quite dissapointed about, but hopefully when we edit we can add effects that will make it more exciting and intresting. As me and Hannah had no lessons for the rest of the day we went back to college and spent five hours editting. The fact that neither of us had never used the softwate before created a few problems. we over came these and managed to edit the opening sequence of shot reverse shot, the very final scene which we added an effect to and a scene of the car driving past. we also looked over the scenes we had just filmed and realised that for some reason the beginning of scene 11 was missing this was another set back which meant that we would have to film another day. We arranged with Darryl and Lauren that we would film on wednesday afternoon as we only needed a minute of footage.

10 February 2010
I came in early to college this morning to edit, darryl joined me at 10 30 and we went to edit, we spent an hour trying to open windows movie maker and even went to the films studies studio to try Adobe editting software but as we discovered we couldnt transfer work we had already edited so we went back to r215 to edit, Hannah then joined us at 11 20 and they tryed for another two hours and couldnt edit at all as the software Just wouldtn respond. We the all tried untill three o'clock to get to work once again it wouldnt work. We then went to film the scenes we were missing in checkednon which went really well as me and hannah filmed and used a variety of different shots, including close ups and pans.

11 February 2010
Today we had a lesson in the computer room and we all set to work trying to get the editing on track. The group decided to give up on the Adobe software and we went for the simpler software of Windows Movie Maker. This still had all the effects we needed and we all had had experience of editing under pressure on this software from our AS Media Studies portfolio. By the end of the lesson we were still getting the same error message appear everytime we tried to capture the clips, so Zoe (our lecturer) contacted the IT Help Centre in college. The group were told to walk down to fetch a firewire cable, but once we got there we had been told that a "tech guy" had already been sent up to find us! I had a lesson so unfortunatly i couldnt help how ever Beci and Darryl went back up to the Rotherfield campus,therefore leaving Darryl and Beci to work out how to capture all our 2-3hours of rushes onto WMM. I felt a slight sense of de ja vue at this point. By the time Darryl and Beci had reached the top campus classroom again, there were two men from the IT Help Centre who had worked out it was simply because we were trying to save it to the wrong place. They were shocked that we hadn't been told this by our teacher and we said that we hadn't actually had any lessons looking at the software with our lecturer. Eventually, after a lot of trekking up and down hills with cameras and leads and tapes coming out of our ears, they managed to settle down to capture all the footage. The original lesson had begun at 10:30am and now, at 12:30pm, they could start moving the clips across. Darryl and I were still doing this at 2:15pm Beci had to leave for a lesson and i saw her as she was leaving i then went to help Darryl untill 4 Hannah also got out of her lesson and helped. We managed to edit a half of the film. Darryl and Beci agreed to come into college at 9pm tomorrow (Friday) to finish the editing. I have lessons all morning so i couldnt offer to help but said i would join at lunch time, i also said i would bring in the story board. When i got home i worked on the storyboard as much as i could, but with two other deadlines in for tomorrow i had to split my time as i had already scarafised the quilty of my other coursework for media.

Friday 12th February
Becky spent the morning finishing off the edditing we wanted to make an uncomplete rough copy so we could submit it. i went and met Becky at lunch in the computer room and she showed me the editting she had done which was really good, but there were a few key elements missing. Mine and Hannahs murders. I believe the story doesnt make sense with out it. i said to her that we needed to add those murders in. We then copied the production to a cd. I then sujested that we add the murders in but unconviently the computer crashed and we had a lesson to go to. I said to Becky that we should carry on editting next week to make a final production.

March
We have encountered a number of problems with the softerware once again which has meant we have lost much of our work and needed to start over. We have not produced a final product. We have also added bits in to our coursework as Zoe said that improvements could be made. I offered to do the final edit at home as the college software was playing up once agian. I used windows movie maker on my home computer and i am very pleased with our final project and think the group have worked extremely hard to achieve this.

Location Recce's

2010-02-06T05:10:00.000-08:00

Location Recce 1.

Location Recce 2.

Location Recce 3.

Location Recce 4.

Location Recce 5.

Location Rece 6.

Location Recce 7.

Location Recce 8.

Location Recce 9.

Location Recce 10

A location Recce should be carried out at every new location.The purpose of a location recce is to assess the suitability of the location or route for the purpose of filming. once you have decided it is a suitable location you will then need to visit landowners to arrange permission and to assess any potential hazards.

Script

2010-02-03T08:58:00.000-08:00

SPRING 2009

EXT. FRONT OF COLLEGE – SUNNY MORNING

College building, trees, green grass bank, wall and a path with two benches

PANING OF THE TREES AND OF THE BUILDING

DEEP FOCUS OF THE BUILDING AND FORWARD ZOOM ON DARRYL

Darryl – stereotypical geek, wears glasses, unfashionable clothes

Darryl has a crush on Lauren needs to portray this by the way he looks at her

DARRYL (V.O)

I’ve never given much thought to social status all I know is I don’t fit in no not that I am invisible I am nothing I am.. Alone

M.C.U

SD: (to himself) Sits on the wall reading a book see’s Lauren walking past and waves

Lauren – stereotypical popular girl: wears fashionable clothes and is very confident she thinks she is better than other people

M.S - PAN OF LAUREN

LAUREN

SD: Turns to look at Darryl and ignores him

C.U of LAUREN

S.R.S

SHALLOW FOCUS PAN OF LAUREN

C.U OF DARRYL

SCENE 2

INT. CLASSROOM – MORNING

A busy classroom, with students talking

L.S

SD. Darryl sits alone at a table with an empty chair next to him he looks uncomfortable and is watching the door

LAUREN

SD. Walks into the classroom and sits down next to Darryl

Hey Darryl

Darryl looks uncomfortable and shy

L.S

TEACHER

SD. Walks forward and hands out papers

I hope you’ve all remembered we’ve got a pop quiz on mitosis

SD. The class turn over their papers and begin

M.C.U

SD. Lauren leans closer to Darryl to copy his work, Darryl notices and smiles

SCENE 3

INT. CANTEEN – MORNING

Chairs and tables with students sitting at them talking

L.S

SD. Darryl sits alone reading his book opposite Lauren

M.S

Kate and Hannah who are looking at a map Lauren points at Darryl

Kate and Hannah are Lauren two “followers” they act just like her are stereotypical popular girls and wear fashionable clothes

L.S

The three girls laugh they walk over to Darryl

M.C.U

LAUREN

Darryl----

C.U

DARRYL

SD. Looks up shyly

LAUREN

Erm..we were just wondering if you could read this map for us, and show us where The New Forest is?

DARRYL

Erm yeah sure, let’s see

C.U

SD. Lauren passes him the map and their hands touch

DARRYL

Why do you need to know?

M.C.U

LAUREN

A group of us are going up there for spring break but we have to go a day late because of exams

DARRYL

SD. Ponders over the map for a minute

Ohm right

HANNAH

Can’t you find it?

DARRYL

Yes, it is there

SD. Points to the map

Where are you going?

HANNAH

Well everyone else is going to the new forest so there

O.T.S

KATE

SD. Points to the map

I think it’s there

M.S

SD. Lauren and Hannah laugh

LAUREN

No honey that’s the isle of white

SD. Kate pulls disgruntled face

O.T.S

DARRYL

Ive been there before with my dad it’s really good

SD. The three girls laugh

SCENE 4

EXT. IN A CAR PARK – MORNING GREY AND WET

Half empty car park, the ground is wet and there are a few trees and bushes along with a few cars

SD. Lauren, Kate and Hannah are standing around Kate’s car packing their luggage up for the trip

F.S

DARRYL

SD. walks towards the girls with two bags and a pillow

M.C.U

KATE

SD. Walks around from the front of the car and puts her bag in the boot

I can’t believe that loser has to sit next to me. Why is he coming again?

LAUREN

SD. Playing with the hand held camera filming Hannah and Kate

Well can you read maps?

KATE

SD. Looks hurt

M.S

DARRYL

SD. Walks towards the girls with two bags and a pillow

Hi guys!

SD. Trips over his own feet and drops his bags

M.S

LAUREN, KATE AND HANNAH

SD. All laugh

KATE

Ohm painful

L.S

DARRYL

SD. picks up his backs and walks towards them

Ops everyone raring to go?

C.U of LAUREN

M.C.U

LAUREN, KATE AND HANNAH

SD. Go silent and turn back to the car

PAN LONG SHOT OF WOODS AND A LANE

LONG SHOT OF KATE’S CAR DRIVING PAST

SCENE 5

EXT. KATE’S CAR – DUSK LATER ON IN THE DAY

Country lane woods surround it

PAN OF THE CAR DRIVING PAST

E.L.S

INT. KATE’S CAR - DUSK

HAND – HELD CAMERA

SD. Kate is driving, Darryl is sat in the front reading the map Lauren is filming and Hannah is singing along to the music

KATE

Where are we Darryl?

DARRYL

I don’t know turn right here

KATE

Are you sure I don’t know where we are, are we lost?!

DARRYL

KATE

Guys shut up we are lost!

HANNAH AND LAUREN

What? What you mean?

KATE

I give up, that’s it I am turning around

LAUREN

No wait let’s stop here and ask

C.U OF LANDSDOWN FARM SIGN

KATE

Landsdown farm?

SD. They look down the track scared

Kate stops the car turns off the music and the engine the group sit in silence

Anyone going in then?

DARRYL

SD. Scared

Not me

KATE

Take it’s just me then!

EXT. FARM TRACK

surrounded by woods on one side and a field on the other in the foreground is a farm house

L.S

SD. Gets out the car and slams the car door in an angry manner

INT. KATE’S CAR

HAND – HELD CAMERA

HANNAH

Oh for god’s sake. She’s so moody

LAUREN

Hannah, don’t be so bitchy! I know you two don’t get on that well but please don’t start now. I am going after her

EXT. FARM TRACK

F.S

SD. Lauren gets out the car

INT. KATE’S CAR

SD. Hannah and Darryl stay in the car scared

HAND – HELD CAMERA

HANNAH

Are you going in to?

DARRYL

No I’ll stay with you

SCENE 7

EXT. THE FARM TRACK - DUSK

Woods to one side of the track and an empty field the other side and in the foreground a farm house is visible

L.S

SD. Lauren and Kate walk along the track and start to look around for someone

LAUREN

SD. walks backwards

erg hi, hello, anyone there?

SD. walks backwards

KATE

Excuse me? Anyone there?

SD. Rob (farmer) comes up behind the girls and frightens them

ROB

You girls are on private property!

SD. Lauren and Kate jump

LAUREN

s..sorry.. we’re just a bit lost and were wondering if you could help us?

C.U EYE LINE MATCH OF KATE’S EYES WITH MATCH OF THE KNIFE

SD. Rob moves his hand and accidently reveals a knife sticking out of his trousers Kate notices and tries to warn Lauren by nudging her

M.C.U

ROB

Where are you going?

M.S

KATE

The new forest camp, in the new forest

ROB

SD. laughs

That’s nowhere round here girls, you’ll never get there before dark

LAUREN AND KATE

SD. start to panic

ROB

Tell you what you girls can camp in my field

LAUREN

Really? That would be really good thanks!

KATE

SD. looks uncomfortable and nervous

Eh yes thanks

L.S

ROB

SD. watches as the girls walk away

SCENE 8

EXT. FARMERS FIELD – NIGHT

An empty field, there bags are next to them and there is a tent on the floor

E.L.S

DARRYL

SD. standing next to the three girls shining a torch at the tent looking uncomfortable and scared

Are you sure about this? We could just head back to the New Forest, it will be safer

LAUREN, KATE AND HANNAH

SD. trying to put up the tent looking frustrated and confused

(in unison) NO

KATE

SD. trying to put the tent poles together

Ah I can’t do this! Stupid poles!

SD. throws the poles to the ground in rage

HANNAH

I’ve never even seen a tent before

DARRYL

SD. exasperated

Hold these, I’ll do it!

LAUREN, KATE AND HANNAH

SD. Kate takes the torches and the three girls smile and giggle at each other

LAUREN

Err Darryl have you bought a tent? We didn’t think you’d want to sleep with us?

DARRYL

SD. looks hurt and throws down the tent and storms off into the woods

KATE

Darryl come back!

HANNAH

Where are you going?

LAUREN

We can’t put up a tent alone we need your help!

SCENE 9

INT. THE BARN – NIGHT

A derelict barn in the middle of an empty field. the barn has an empty chair inside it with rope wrapped round it there is also barred wire and a tire by the chair

L.S FROM BEHIND DARRYL

DARRYL

SD. walks towards the barn he walks inside the barn

HAND – HELD CAMERA

What the fuck

SD. he trips over and when he looks up again he sees a girl slumped over in the chair and a bloodied knife shinning in the light

Shit!

SD. heavy breathes and panics

SCENE 10

EXT. FARMERS FIELD – NIGHT

An erect tent is in an empty field

L.S

P.O.V

DARRYL

SD. runs towards the tent heavy breathing

Lauren! Lauren get up! I need to show you something

SD. undoes the tent and grabs Lauren

L.S

LAUREN

Lauren is wearing pyjamas to portray that she has just been woken from her sleep

SD. lying down

P.O.V

What? What is it?

SD. Lauren gets out the tent and is annoyed

L.S

DARRYL

there was a girl and a barn and blood and a knife I can’t explain

SD. grabs her arm and starts to run

LAUREN

SD. starts to run

Darryl where are we going what are you on about!

SCENE 11

EXT. OUTSIDE THE BARN

DARRYL

SD. walking towards the barn breathlessly

there was a chair and I tripped and I looked up and there was a girl in the chair and a bloodied knife!

LAUREN

SD. looks scared and stops in her tracks

What! I am not going in there! lets just go back

DARRYL

SD. stops and pulls her arm in a

(in a clam voice) ah come on Lauren it probably wasn’t real I just want to show you, come on

INT. THE BARN

L.S

S.D Lauren and Darryl walk into the Barn and shine the torch around

DARRYL

see there’s nothing here but a chair

L.S

GIRL (ghost)

SD. walks past the corner of the barn

C.U

LAUREN

SD. look frightened

What was that?

I don’t like it, it’s spooky come on let’s just go

M.C.U

SD. tugs on Darryl’s arm

DARRYL

No I just want to show you

LAUREN

Well I don’t want to see it I am going

L.S

SD. starts to walk in the other direction

GIRL (ghost)

SD. walks past the doorway

C.U

LAUREN

come on I don’t like it!

L.S

DARRYL

SD. grabs Lauren and flings her onto the chair

O.T.S

SERIES OF S.R.S MONTAGE SHOTS

LAUREN

SD. screams

get off me! Darryl get off me!

DARRYL

SD. puts his hand over her mouth

Shut up you stupid bitch or your robot friends will hear

L.S

GIRL (ghost)

SD. walks past the door

M.C.U

DARRYL AND LAUREN

SD. turn their heads quickly to look

LAUREN

SD. struggles

DARRYL

SD. holds her down harder

Don’t you understand Lauren I just want to be alone with you; I know you will like me

C.U PAN OF DARRLY’S HAND REACHING FOR THE KNIFE

SD. increases his hold as he reaches down and grabs the knife

C.U

LAUREN

SD. tries to scream and struggles

M.C.U

DARRYL

Now shut the fuck up you stupid bitch, don’t move!

C.U

SD. searches around the bottom of the chair and finds some wire

L.S

GIRL (ghost)

Appears again behind Lauren and stands there and watches

C.U

DARRYL

SD. looks at the girl and shakes his head

L.S

LAUREN

SD. screaming and wriggling

DARRYL

Shut the fuck up I could do anything right know with this knife

E.C.U

SD. traces his finger along the blade

You have such beautiful skin Lauren

M.C.U

LAUREN

SD. screams and cries

No! No! Please no

O.T.S OF LAUREN

DARRYL

SD. stands in front of Lauren smiling

Am I this pathetic? Pathetic! That it took this! Took this for you to even register my face in her beautiful perfect world? Look at you. You’re even beautiful when you’re crying

LAUREN

Darryl, you don’t want to do this, this isn’t you! I know you Darryl

DARRYL

SD. brandishes the knife around

You know me? You don’t know me! You have no idea who I am, what I want, what I need!

LAUREN

SD. cries

C.U OF LAUREN’S FACE

DARRYL

SD. traces his finger down her face, to her lips and then to her throat

LAUREN

Your sick!! You, you need help, you can’t, you can’t

DARRYL

I am sick. Yes. Sick. If I can’t have you Lauren, no one can

M.C.U

LAUREN

SD. thrashes widely at her bindings

DARRYL

SD. Laughs and slashes the knife across Laurens face

if I can’t have you Lauren no one can, let’s see how many people want you when your beautiful face has been ruined, no one, just me

LAUREN

SD. screams

O.T.S

DARRYL

SD. drops the knife and covers his ears

LAUREN

SD. stares at him

I will die first

L.S

HANNAH AND KATE

Hannah and Kate are wearing pyjamas as they have come looking for lauren after they hear screams and notice that she has disappeared from the tent

FORWARD ZOOM

SD. are hiding by the door

M.C.U

LAUREN

SD. looks at them and Darryl notices

DARRYL

SD. begins to turn around

HANNAH

SD. hits Darryl across the head with a hammer

DARRYL

SD. falls to the ground

L.S

KATE AND HANNAH

SD. runs forward to Lauren

LAUREN

SD. breathes heavily

Oh my god

M.C.U

KATE

SD. undoes the wire

C.U

HANNAH

I think he is dead shit

M.C.U

KATE

SD. looks around

come on guys let’s just go, just run!

M.C.U

LAUREN

SD. stands up

But what if? What if?

HANNAH

SD. hugs her

he wasn’t even breathing Lauren, he’s gone

L.S

EXT. OUTSIDE THE BARN

LAUREN, KATE AND HANNAH

SD. run out of the barn

L.S

GIRL (ghost)

SD. appears in the barn doorway

SCENE 12

EXT. IN A DARK WOOD – DUSK

The group accidently split as they lose sight of each other Kate and Hannah have lost sight of Lauren

E.L.S BEHIND HANNAH AND KATE

KATE AND HANNAH

SD. running through the woods away from the barn

P.O.V

KATE

SD. running through the woods

Hannah come on!

HANNAH

SD. running through the woods

Wait! I’m coming!

E.L.S

KATE

Where is Lauren? Look there’s a track come on!

Kate and Hannah lose each other as Kate is a faster runner and Hannah lags behind

DARRYL

SD. chases Hannah and hits her over the head with a hammer

HANNAH

SD. screams and falls to the ground

C.U

KATE

SD. Standing alone in the woods

Hannah! Hannah! Hannah!

M.C.U

DARRYL

SD. comes up behind Kate and stabs her in the back three times

KATE

SD. slumps to the ground

M.C.U PANING UP OF DARRYL’S BODY

DARRYL

SD. stands over Kate’s body

Two down, one to go

SD. runs off into the woods

SCENE 13

EXT. ON A COUNTRY LANE

fields and woods surround the deserted lane

E.L.S

LAUREN

SD. walks along the road alone, covered in blood, bruises and cuts

THE END

Shooting Schedule - lessons

2010-02-03T06:09:00.000-08:00

13th November
Film canteen scene in Rotherfield.

19th November
Film establishing shot of Darryl on a wall in Rotherfield, whilst Lauren, Kate and Hannah walk past. In addition, film end credits of Darryl dancing.

20th November
Refilm establishing shot and Lauren, Kate and Hannah walking past Darryl whilst he was reading a book.

27th November
Refilm Lauren walking past Darryl, instead of having Kate and Hannah aswell.

3rd December
Film car park scenes.

4th December
Continue car park scenes and more behind the scene footage.

10th December
Further filming in car park.

11th December
More filming in the car park.

15th December
Refilm canteen scene due to sound problems.
17th December
Continue canteen scene filming but in Deanfield.

22nd January
Film Darryl’s voiceover in establishing shot.

24th January
Film car scenes and also the encounter with the farmer.

25th January
Film tent scenes.

27th January
Film first scenes in the barn.

28th January
Film running scenes with Kate and Hannah in the woods.

9th February
Film last parts of barn scene.

10th February
Refilm what wasn’t recorded due to the record button not being pressed.

Story Board

2010-02-02T06:02:00.000-08:00

We decided as a group that we didnt really need a storyboard to do our shoots. As the story idea was mine i breifed the group on what I invisage the final production to look like. Before we shot any film we would look at the script and we would share our ideas on what we thought would be good shots for the specific shot, in addition we did follow the guide of the shooting script but changed it according to our own ideas.

Screenplay

2010-02-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

SPRING 2009

EXT. FRONT OF COLLEGE – SUNNY MORNING

College building, trees, green grass bank, wall and a path with two benches

PANING OF THE TREES AND OF THE BUILDING

DEEP FOCUS OF THE BUILDING AND FORWARD ZOOM ON DARRYL

DARRYL (V.O)

I’ve never given much thought to social status all I know is I don’t fit in no not that I am invisible I am nothing I am.. Alone

SD: (to himself) Sits on the wall reading a book see’s Lauren walking past and waves

LAUREN

SD: Turns to look at Darryl and ignores him

INT. CLASSROOM – MORNING

A busy classroom, with students talking

SD. Darryl sits alone at a table with an empty chair next to him he looks uncomfortable and is watching the door

LAUREN

SD. Walks into the classroom and sits down nest to Darryl

Hey Darryl

TEACHER

SD. Walks forward and hands out papers

I hope you’ve all remembered we’ve got a pop quiz on mitosis

SD. The class turn over their papers and begin

SD. Lauren leans closer to Darryl to copy his work, Darryl notices and smiles

INT. CANTEEN – MORNING

Chairs and tables with students sitting at them talking

SD. Darryl sits alone reading his book opposite Lauren

Kate and Hannah who are looking at a map Lauren points at Darryl

The three girls laugh they walk over to Darryl

LAUREN

Darryl----

DARRYL

SD. Looks up shyly

LAUREN

Erm..we were just wondering if you could read this map for us, and show us where The New Forest is?

DARRYL

Erm yeah sure, let’s see

SD. Lauren passes him the map and their hands touch

DARRYL

Why do you need to know?

LAUREN

A group of us are going up there for spring break but we have to go a day late because of exams

DARRYL

SD. Ponders over the map for a minute

Ohm right

HANNAH

Can’t you find it?

DARRYL

Yes, it is there

SD. Points to the map

Where are you going?

HANNAH

Well everyone else is going to the new forest so there

KATE

SD. Points to the map

I think it’s there

SD. Lauren and Hannah laugh

LAUREN

No honey that’s the isle of white

SD. Kate pulls disgruntled face

DARRYL

Ive been there before with my dad it’s really good

SD. The three girls laugh

EXT. IN A CAR PARK – MORNING GREY AND WET

Half empty car park, the ground is wet and there are a few trees and bushes along with a few cars

SD. Lauren, Kate and Hannah are standing around Kate’s car packing their luggage up for the trip

DARRYL

SD. walks towards the girls with two bags and a pillow

KATE

SD. Walks around from the front of the car and puts her bag in the boot

I can’t believe that loser has to sit next to me. Why is he coming again?

LAUREN

SD. Playing with the hand held camera filming Hannah and Kate

Well can you read maps?

KATE

SD. Looks hurt

DARRYL

SD. Walks towards the girls with two bags and a pillow

Hi guys!

SD. Trips over his own feet and drops his bags

LAUREN, KATE AND HANNAH

SD. All laugh

KATE

Ohm painful

DARRYL

SD. picks up his backs and walks towards them

Ops everyone raring to go?

LAUREN, KATE AND HANNAH

SD. Go silent and turn back to the car

EXT. KATE’S CAR – DUSK LATER ON IN THE DAY

Country lane woods surround it

INT. KATE’S CAR - DUSK

SD. Kate is driving, Darryl is sat in the front reading the map Lauren is filming and Hannah is singing along to the music

KATE

Where are we Darryl?

DARRYL

I don’t know turn right here

KATE

Are you sure I don’t know where we are, are we lost?!

DARRYL

KATE

Guys shut up we are lost!

HANNAH AND LAUREN

What? What you mean?

KATE

I give up, that’s it I am turning around

LAUREN

No wait let’s stop here and ask

KATE

Landsdown farm?

SD. They look down the track scared

Kate stops the car turns off the music and the engine the group sit in silence

Anyone going in then?

DARRYL

SD. Scared

Not me

KATE

Take it’s just me then!

EXT. FARM TRACK

surrounded by woods on one side and a field on the other in the foreground is a farm house

SD. Gets out the car and slams the car door in an angry manner

INT. KATE’S CAR

HANNAH

Oh for god’s sake. She’s so moody

LAUREN

Hannah, don’t be so bitchy! I know you two don’t get on that well but please don’t start now. I am going after her

EXT. FARM TRACK

SD. Lauren gets out the car

INT. KATE’S CAR

SD. Hannah and Darryl stay in the car scared

HANNAH

Are you going in to?

DARRYL

No I’ll stay with you

EXT. THE FARM TRACK - DUSK

Woods to one side of the track and an empty field the other side and in the foreground a farm house is visible

SD. Lauren and Kate walk along the track and start to look around for someone

LAUREN

SD. walks backwards

erg hi, hello, anyone there?

SD. walks backwards

KATE

Excuse me? Anyone there?

SD. Rob (farmer) comes up behind the girls and frightens them

ROB

You girls are on private property!

SD. Lauren and Kate jump

LAUREN

s..sorry.. we’re just a bit lost and were wondering if you could help us?

SD. Rob moves his hand and accidently reveals a knife sticking out of his trousers Kate notices and tries to warn Lauren by nudging her

ROB

Where are you going?

M.S

KATE

The new forest camp, in the new forest

ROB

SD. laughs

That’s nowhere round here girls, you’ll never get there before dark

LAUREN AND KATE

SD. start to panic

ROB

Tell you what you girls can camp in my field

LAUREN

Really? That would be really good thanks!

KATE

SD. looks uncomfortable and nervous

Eh yes thanks

ROB

SD. watches as the girls walk away

EXT. FARMERS FIELD – NIGHT

An empty field, there bags are next to them and there is a tent on the floor

DARRYL

SD. standing next to the three girls shining a torch at the tent looking uncomfortable and scared

Are you sure about this? We could just head back to the New Forest, it will be safer

LAUREN, KATE AND HANNAH

SD. trying to put up the tent looking frustrated and confused

(in unison) NO

KATE

SD. trying to put the tent poles together

Ah I can’t do this! Stupid poles!

SD. throws the poles to the ground in rage

HANNAH

I’ve never even seen a tent before

DARRYL

SD. exasperated

Hold these, I’ll do it!

LAUREN, KATE AND HANNAH

SD. Kate takes the torches and the three girls smile and giggle at each other

LAUREN

Err Darryl have you bought a tent? We didn’t think you’d want to sleep with us?

DARRYL

SD. looks hurt and throws down the tent and storms off into the woods

KATE

Darryl come back!

HANNAH

Where are you going?

LAUREN

We can’t put up a tent alone we need your help!

INT. THE BARN – NIGHT

A derelict barn in the middle of an empty field. the barn has an empty chair inside it with rope wrapped round it there is also barred wire and a tire by the chair

DARRYL

SD. walks towards the barn he walks inside the barn

What the fuck

SD. he trips over and when he looks up again he sees a girl slumped over in the chair and a bloodied knife shinning in the light

Shit!

SD. heavy breathes and panics

EXT. FARMERS FIELD – NIGHT

An erect tent is in an empty field

DARRYL

SD. runs towards the tent heavy breathing

Lauren! Lauren get up! I need to show you something

SD. undoes the tent and grabs Lauren

LAUREN

SD. lying down

What? What is it?

SD. Lauren gets out the tent and is annoyed

DARRYL

there was a girl and a barn and blood and a knife I can’t explain

SD. grabs her arm and starts to run

LAUREN

SD. starts to run

Darryl where are we going what are you on about!

EXT. OUTSIDE THE BARN

DARRYL

SD. walking towards the barn breathlessly

there was a chair and I tripped and I looked up and there was a girl in the chair and a bloodied knife!

LAUREN

SD. looks scared and stops in her tracks

What! I am not going in there! let’s just go back

DARRYL

SD. stops and pulls her arm in a

(in a clam voice) ah come on Lauren it probably wasn’t real I just want to show you, come on

INT. THE BARN

S.D Lauren and Darryl walk into the Barn and shine the torch around

DARRYL

see there’s nothing here but a chair

GIRL (ghost)

SD. walks past the corner of the barn

LAUREN

SD. look frightened

What was that?

I don’t like it, it’s spooky come on let’s just go

SD. tugs on Darryl’s arm

DARRYL

No I just want to show you

LAUREN

Well I don’t want to see it I am going

SD. starts to walk in the other direction

GIRL (ghost)

SD. walks past the doorway

LAUREN

come on I don’t like it!

DARRYL

SD. grabs Lauren and flings her onto the chair

LAUREN

SD. screams

get off me! Darryl get off me!

DARRYL

SD. puts his hand over her mouth

Shut up you stupid bitch or your robot friends will hear

GIRL (ghost)

SD. walks past the door

DARRYL AND LAUREN

SD. turn their heads quickly to look

LAUREN

SD. struggles

DARRYL

SD. holds her down harder

Don’t you understand Lauren I just want to be alone with you; I know you will like me

SD. increases his hold as he reaches down and grabs the knife

LAUREN

SD. tries to scream and struggles

DARRYL

Now shut the fuck up you stupid bitch, don’t move!

SD. searches around the bottom of the chair and finds some wire

GIRL (ghost)

Appears again behind Lauren and stands there and watches

DARRYL

SD. looks at the girl and shakes his head

LAUREN

SD. screaming and wriggling

DARRYL

Shut the fuck up I could do anything right know with this knife

SD. traces his finger along the blade

You have such beautiful skin Lauren

LAUREN

SD. screams and cries

No! No! Please no

DARRYL

SD. stands in front of Lauren smiling

Am I this pathetic? Pathetic! That it took this! Took this for you to even register my face in her beautiful perfect world? Look at you. You’re even beautiful when you’re crying

LAUREN

Darryl, you don’t want to do this, this isn’t you! I know you Darryl

DARRYL

SD. brandishes the knife around

You know me? You don’t know me! You have no idea who I am, what I want, what I need!

LAUREN

SD. cries

DARRYL

SD. traces his finger down her face, to her lips and then to her throat

LAUREN

Your sick!! You, you need help, you can’t, you can’t

DARRYL

I am sick. Yes. Sick. If I can’t have you Lauren, no one can

LAUREN

SD. thrashes widely at her bindings

DARRYL

SD. Laughs and slashes the knife across Laurens face

if I can’t have you Lauren no one can, let’s see how many people want you when your beautiful face has been ruined, no one, just me

LAUREN

SD. screams

DARRYL

SD. drops the knife and covers his ears

LAUREN

SD. stares at him

I will die first

HANNAH AND KATE

SD. are hiding by the door

LAUREN

SD. looks at them and Darryl notices

DARRYL

SD. begins to turn around

HANNAH

SD. hits Darryl across the head with a hammer

DARRYL

SD. falls to the ground

KATE AND HANNAH

SD. runs forward to Lauren

LAUREN

SD. breathes heavily

Oh my god

KATE

SD. undoes the wire

HANNAH

I think he is dead shit

KATE

SD. looks around

come on guys let’s just go, just run!

LAUREN

SD. stands up

But what if? What if?

HANNAH

SD. hugs her

he wasn’t even breathing Lauren, he’s gone

EXT. OUTSIDE THE BARN

LAUREN, KATE AND HANNAH

SD. run out of the barn

GIRL (ghost)

SD. appears in the barn doorway

EXT. IN A DARK WOOD – DUSK

KATE AND HANNAH

SD. running through the woods away from the barn

KATE

SD. running through the woods

Hannah come on!

HANNAH

SD. running through the woods

Wait! I’m coming!

KATE

Where is Lauren? Look there’s a track come on!

DARRYL

SD. chases Hannah and hits her over the head with a hammer

HANNAH

SD. screams and falls to the ground

KATE

SD. Standing alone in the woods

Hannah! Hannah! Hannah!

DARRYL

SD. comes up behind Kate and stabs her in the back three times

KATE

SD. slumps to the ground

DARRYL

SD. stands over Kate’s body

Two down, one to go

SD. runs off into the woods

EXT. ON A COUNTRY LANE

fields and woods surround the deserted lane

LAUREN

SD. walks along the road alone, covered in blood, bruises and cuts

THE END

Shot List

2010-01-31T11:19:00.000-08:00

SPRING 2009

EXT. FRONT OF COLLEGE – SUNNY MORNING

PANING OF THE TREES AND OF THE BUILDING

DEEP FOCUS OF THE BUILDING AND FORWARD ZOOM ON DARRYL

DARRYL (V.O)

M.C.U

M.S - PAN OF LAUREN

LAUREN

C.U of LAUREN

S.R.S

SHALLOW FOCUS PAN OF LAUREN

C.U OF DARRYL

SCENE 2

INT. CLASSROOM – MORNING

L.S

TEACHER

M.C.U

SCENE 3

INT. CANTEEN – MORNING

L.S

M.S

L.S

M.C.U

LAUREN

Darryl----

C.U

DARRYL

LAUREN

DARRYL

C.U

DARRYL

M.C.U

LAUREN

DARRYL

HANNAH

DARRYL

HANNAH

O.T.S

KATE

M.S

LAUREN

O.T.S

DARRYL

SCENE 4

EXT. IN A CAR PARK – MORNING GREY AND WET

F.S

DARRYL

M.C.U

KATE

LAUREN

KATE

M.S

DARRYL

M.S

LAUREN, KATE AND HANNAH

KATE

L.S

DARRYL

C.U

LAUREN

M.C.U

LAUREN, KATE AND HANNAH

PAN LONG SHOT OF WOODS AND A LANE

LONG SHOT OF KATE’S CAR DRIVING PAST

SCENE 5

EXT. KATE’S CAR – DUSK LATER ON IN THE DAY

PAN OF THE CAR DRIVING PAST

E.L.S

INT. KATE’S CAR - DUSK

HAND – HELD CAMERA

KATE

DARRYL

KATE

DARRYL

KATE

HANNAH AND LAUREN

KATE

LAUREN

C.U OF LANDSDOWN FARM SIGN

KATE

DARRYL

KATE

EXT. FARM TRACK

L.S

INT. KATE’S CAR

HAND – HELD CAMERA

HANNAH

LAUREN

EXT. FARM TRACK

F.S

INT. KATE’S CAR

HAND – HELD CAMERA

HANNAH

DARRYL

SCENE 7

EXT. THE FARM TRACK - DUSK

L.S

LAUREN

KATE

ROB

LAUREN

C.U EYE LINE MATCH OF KATE’S EYES WITH MATCH OF THE KNIFE

M.C.U

ROB

M.S

KATE

ROB

LAUREN AND KATE

ROB

LAUREN

KATE

L.S

ROB

SCENE 8

EXT. FARMERS FIELD – NIGHT

E.L.S

DARRYL

LAUREN, KATE AND HANNAH

KATE

HANNAH

DARRYL

LAUREN, KATE AND HANNAH

LAUREN

DARRYL

KATE

HANNAH

LAUREN

SCENE 9

INT. THE BARN – NIGHT

L.S FROM BEHIND DARRYL

HAND – HELD CAMERA

SCENE 10

EXT. FARMERS FIELD – NIGHT

L.S

P.O.V

DARRYL

L.S

LAUREN

P.O.V

L.S

DARRYL

LAUREN

SCENE 11

EXT. OUTSIDE THE BARN

DARRYL

LAUREN

DARRYL

INT. THE BARN

L.S

DARRYL

L.S

GIRL (ghost)

C.U

LAUREN

M.C.U

DARRYL

LAUREN

L.S

GIRL (ghost)

C.U

LAUREN

L.S

DARRYL

O.T.S

SERIES OF S.R.S MONTAGE SHOTS

LAUREN

DARRYL

L.S

GIRL (ghost)

M.C.U

DARRYL AND LAUREN

LAUREN

DARRYL

C.U PAN OF DARRLY’S HAND REACHING FOR THE KNIFE

C.U

LAUREN

M.C.U

DARRYL

C.U

L.S

GIRL (ghost)

C.U

DARRYL

L.S

LAUREN

DARRYL

E.C.U

Of the knife

M.C.U

LAUREN

O.T.S OF LAUREN

DARRYL

LAUREN

DARRYL

LAUREN

C.U OF LAUREN’S FACE

DARRYL

LAUREN

DARRYL

M.C.U

LAUREN

DARRYL

LAUREN

O.T.S

DARRYL

LAUREN

L.S

HANNAH AND KATE

FORWARD ZOOM

M.C.U

LAUREN

DARRYL

HANNAH

DARRYL

L.S

KATE AND HANNAH

LAUREN

M.C.U

KATE

C.U

HANNAH

M.C.U

KATE

M.C.U

LAUREN

HANNAH

L.S

EXT. OUTSIDE THE BARN

LAUREN, KATE AND HANNAH

L.S

GIRL (ghost)

SCENE 12

EXT. IN A DARK WOOD – DUSK

E.L.S BEHIND HANNAH AND KATE

KATE AND HANNAH

P.O.V

KATE

HANNAH

E.L.S

KATE

DARRYL

HANNAH

C.U

KATE

M.C.U

DARRYL

M.C.U PANING UP OF DARRYL’S BODY

SCENE 13

EXT. ON A COUNTRY LANE

fields and woods surround the deserted lane

E.L.S

LAUREN

cuts

THE END

Shooting Script

2010-01-30T09:02:00.000-08:00

SPRING 2009

EXT. FRONT OF COLLEGE – SUNNY MORNING

College building, trees, green grass bank, wall and a path with two benches

PANING OF THE TREES AND OF THE BUILDING

DEEP FOCUS OF THE BUILDING AND FORWARD ZOOM ON DARRYL

DARRYL (V.O)

I’ve never given much thought to social status all I know is I don’t fit in no not that I am invisible I am nothing I am.. Alone

M.C.U

SD: (to himself) Sits on the wall reading a book see’s Lauren walking past and waves

PAN OF LAUREN

LAUREN

SD: Turns to look at Darryl and ignores him

C.U of LAUREN

S.R.S

SHALLOW FOCUS PAN OF LAUREN

C.U OF DARRYL

SCENE 2

INT. CLASSROOM – MORNING

A busy classroom, with students talking

L.S

SD. Darryl sits alone at a table with an empty chair next to him he looks uncomfortable and is watching the door

LAUREN

SD. Walks into the classroom and sits down nest to Darryl

Hey Darryl

L.S

TEACHER

SD. Walks forward and hands out papers

I hope you’ve all remembered we’ve got a pop quiz on mitosis

SD. The class turn over their papers and begin

M.C.U

SD. Lauren leans closer to Darryl to copy his work, Darryl notices and smiles

SCENE 3

INT. CANTEEN – MORNING

Chairs and tables with students sitting at them talking

L.S

SD. Darryl sits alone reading his book opposite Lauren

M.S

Kate and Hannah who are looking at a map Lauren points at Darryl

L.S

The three girls laugh they walk over to Darryl

M.C.U

LAUREN

Darryl----

C.U

DARRYL

SD. Looks up shyly

LAUREN

Erm..we were just wondering if you could read this map for us, and show us where The New Forest is?

DARRYL

Erm yeah sure, let’s see

C.U

SD. Lauren passes him the map and their hands touch

DARRYL

Why do you need to know?

M.C.U

LAUREN

A group of us are going up there for spring break but we have to go a day late because of exams

DARRYL

SD. Ponders over the map for a minute

Ohm right

HANNAH

Can’t you find it?

DARRYL

Yes, it is there

SD. Points to the map

Where are you going?

HANNAH

Well everyone else is going to the new forest so there

O.T.S

KATE

SD. Points to the map

I think it’s there

M.S

SD. Lauren and Hannah laugh

LAUREN

No honey that’s the isle of white

SD. Kate pulls disgruntled face

O.T.S

DARRYL

Ive been there before with my dad it’s really good

SD. The three girls laugh

SCENE 4

EXT. IN A CAR PARK – MORNING GREY AND WET

Half empty car park, the ground is wet and there are a few trees and bushes along with a few cars

SD. Lauren, Kate and Hannah are standing around Kate’s car packing their luggage up for the trip

F.S

DARRYL

SD. walks towards the girls with two bags and a pillow

M.C.U

KATE

SD. Walks around from the front of the car and puts her bag in the boot

I can’t believe that loser has to sit next to me. Why is he coming again?

LAUREN

SD. Playing with the hand held camera filming Hannah and Kate

Well can you read maps?

KATE

SD. Looks hurt

M.S

DARRYL

SD. Walks towards the girls with two bags and a pillow

Hi guys!

SD. Trips over his own feet and drops his bags

M.S

LAUREN, KATE AND HANNAH

SD. All laugh

KATE

Ohm painful

L.S

DARRYL

SD. picks up his backs and walks towards them

Ops everyone raring to go?

C.U of LAUREN

M.C.U

LAUREN, KATE AND HANNAH

SD. Go silent and turn back to the car

PAN LONG SHOT OF WOODS AND A LANE

LONG SHOT OF KATE’S CAR DRIVING PAST

SCENE 5

EXT. KATE’S CAR – DUSK LATER ON IN THE DAY

Country lane woods surround it

PAN OF THE CAR DRIVING PAST

E.L.S

INT. KATE’S CAR - DUSK

HAND – HELD CAMERA

SD. Kate is driving, Darryl is sat in the front reading the map Lauren is filming and Hannah is singing along to the music

KATE

Where are we Darryl?

DARRYL

I don’t know turn right here

KATE

Are you sure I don’t know where we are, are we lost?!

DARRYL

KATE

Guys shut up we are lost!

HANNAH AND LAUREN

What? What you mean?

KATE

I give up, that’s it I am turning around

LAUREN

No wait let’s stop here and ask

C.U OF LANDSDOWN FARM SIGN

KATE

Landsdown farm?

SD. They look down the track scared

Kate stops the car turns off the music and the engine the group sit in silence

Anyone going in then?

DARRYL

SD. Scared

Not me

KATE

Take it’s just me then!

EXT. FARM TRACK

surrounded by woods on one side and a field on the other in the foreground is a farm house

L.S

SD. Gets out the car and slams the car door in an angry manner

INT. KATE’S CAR

HAND – HELD CAMERA

HANNAH

Oh for god’s sake. She’s so moody

LAUREN

Hannah, don’t be so bitchy! I know you two don’t get on that well but please don’t start now. I am going after her

EXT. FARM TRACK

F.S

SD. Lauren gets out the car

INT. KATE’S CAR

SD. Hannah and Darryl stay in the car scared

HAND – HELD CAMERA

HANNAH

Are you going in to?

DARRYL

No I’ll stay with you

SCENE 7

EXT. THE FARM TRACK - DUSK

Woods to one side of the track and an empty field the other side and in the foreground a farm house is visible

L.S

SD. Lauren and Kate walk along the track and start to look around for someone

LAUREN

SD. walks backwards

erg hi, hello, anyone there?

SD. walks backwards

KATE

Excuse me? Anyone there?

SD. Rob (farmer) comes up behind the girls and frightens them

ROB

You girls are on private property!

SD. Lauren and Kate jump

LAUREN

s..sorry.. we’re just a bit lost and were wondering if you could help us?

C.U EYE LINE MATCH OF KATE’S EYES WITH MATCH OF THE KNIFE

SD. Rob moves his hand and accidently reveals a knife sticking out of his trousers Kate notices and tries to warn Lauren by nudging her

M.C.U

ROB

Where are you going?

M.S

KATE

The new forest camp, in the new forest

ROB

SD. laughs

That’s nowhere round here girls, you’ll never get there before dark

LAUREN AND KATE

SD. start to panic

ROB

Tell you what you girls can camp in my field

LAUREN

Really? That would be really good thanks!

KATE

SD. looks uncomfortable and nervous

Eh yes thanks

L.S

ROB

SD. watches as the girls walk away

SCENE 8

EXT. FARMERS FIELD – NIGHT

An empty field, there bags are next to them and there is a tent on the floor

E.L.S

DARRYL

SD. standing next to the three girls shining a torch at the tent looking uncomfortable and scared

Are you sure about this? We could just head back to the New Forest, it will be safer

LAUREN, KATE AND HANNAH

SD. trying to put up the tent looking frustrated and confused

(in unison) NO

KATE

SD. trying to put the tent poles together

Ah I can’t do this! Stupid poles!

SD. throws the poles to the ground in rage

HANNAH

I’ve never even seen a tent before

DARRYL

SD. exasperated

Hold these, I’ll do it!

LAUREN, KATE AND HANNAH

SD. Kate takes the torches and the three girls smile and giggle at each other

LAUREN

Err Darryl have you bought a tent? We didn’t think you’d want to sleep with us?

DARRYL

SD. looks hurt and throws down the tent and storms off into the woods

KATE

Darryl come back!

HANNAH

Where are you going?

LAUREN

We can’t put up a tent alone we need your help!

SCENE 9

INT. THE BARN – NIGHT

A derelict barn in the middle of an empty field. the barn has an empty chair inside it with rope wrapped round it there is also barred wire and a tire by the chair

L.S FROM BEHIND DARRYL

DARRYL

SD. walks towards the barn he walks inside the barn

HAND – HELD CAMERA

What the fuck

SD. he trips over and when he looks up again he sees a girl slumped over in the chair and a bloodied knife shinning in the light

Shit!

SD. heavy breathes and panics

SCENE 10

EXT. FARMERS FIELD – NIGHT

An erect tent is in an empty field

L.S

P.O.V

DARRYL

SD. runs towards the tent heavy breathing

Lauren! Lauren get up! I need to show you something

SD. undoes the tent and grabs Lauren

L.S

LAUREN

SD. lying down

P.O.V

What? What is it?

SD. Lauren gets out the tent and is annoyed

L.S

DARRYL

there was a girl and a barn and blood and a knife I can’t explain

SD. grabs her arm and starts to run

LAUREN

SD. starts to run

Darryl where are we going what are you on about!

SCENE 11

EXT. OUTSIDE THE BARN

DARRYL

SD. walking towards the barn breathlessly

there was a chair and I tripped and I looked up and there was a girl in the chair and a bloodied knife!

LAUREN

SD. looks scared and stops in her tracks

What! I am not going in there! lets just go back

DARRYL

SD. stops and pulls her arm in a

(in a clam voice) ah come on Lauren it probably wasn’t real I just want to show you, come on

INT. THE BARN

L.S

S.D Lauren and Darryl walk into the Barn and shine the torch around

DARRYL

see there’s nothing here but a chair

L.S

GIRL (ghost)

SD. walks past the corner of the barn

C.U

LAUREN

SD. look frightened

What was that?

I don’t like it, it’s spooky come on let’s just go

M.C.U

SD. tugs on Darryl’s arm

DARRYL

No I just want to show you

LAUREN

Well I don’t want to see it I am going

L.S

SD. starts to walk in the other direction

GIRL (ghost)

SD. walks past the doorway

C.U

LAUREN

come on I don’t like it!

L.S

DARRYL

SD. grabs Lauren and flings her onto the chair

O.T.S

SERIES OF S.R.S MONTAGE SHOTS

LAUREN

SD. screams

get off me! Darryl get off me!

DARRYL

SD. puts his hand over her mouth

Shut up you stupid bitch or your robot friends will hear

L.S

GIRL (ghost)

SD. walks past the door

M.C.U

DARRYL AND LAUREN

SD. turn their heads quickly to look

LAUREN

SD. struggles

DARRYL

SD. holds her down harder

Don’t you understand Lauren I just want to be alone with you; I know you will like me

C.U PAN OF DARRLY’S HAND REACHING FOR THE KNIFE

SD. increases his hold as he reaches down and grabs the knife

C.U

LAUREN

SD. tries to scream and struggles

M.C.U

DARRYL

Now shut the fuck up you stupid bitch, don’t move!

C.U

SD. searches around the bottom of the chair and finds some wire

L.S

GIRL (ghost)

Appears again behind Lauren and stands there and watches

C.U

DARRYL

SD. looks at the girl and shakes his head

L.S

LAUREN

SD. screaming and wriggling

DARRYL

Shut the fuck up I could do anything right know with this knife

E.C.U

SD. traces his finger along the blade

You have such beautiful skin Lauren

M.C.U

LAUREN

SD. screams and cries

No! No! Please no

O.T.S OF LAUREN

DARRYL

SD. stands in front of Lauren smiling

Am I this pathetic? Pathetic! That it took this! Took this for you to even register my face in her beautiful perfect world? Look at you. You’re even beautiful when you’re crying

LAUREN

Darryl, you don’t want to do this, this isn’t you! I know you Darryl

DARRYL

SD. brandishes the knife around

You know me? You don’t know me! You have no idea who I am, what I want, what I need!

LAUREN

SD. cries

C.U OF LAUREN’S FACE

DARRYL

SD. traces his finger down her face, to her lips and then to her throat

LAUREN

Your sick!! You, you need help, you can’t, you can’t

DARRYL

I am sick. Yes. Sick. If I can’t have you Lauren, no one can

M.C.U

LAUREN

SD. thrashes widely at her bindings

DARRYL

SD. Laughs and slashes the knife across Laurens face

if I can’t have you Lauren no one can, let’s see how many people want you when your beautiful face has been ruined, no one, just me

LAUREN

SD. screams

O.T.S

DARRYL

SD. drops the knife and covers his ears

LAUREN

SD. stares at him

I will die first

L.S

HANNAH AND KATE

FORWARD ZOOM

SD. are hiding by the door

M.C.U

LAUREN

SD. looks at them and Darryl notices

DARRYL

SD. begins to turn around

HANNAH

SD. hits Darryl across the head with a hammer

DARRYL

SD. falls to the ground

L.S

KATE AND HANNAH

SD. runs forward to Lauren

LAUREN

SD. breathes heavily

Oh my god

M.C.U

KATE

SD. undoes the wire

C.U

HANNAH

I think he is dead shit

M.C.U

KATE

SD. looks around

come on guys let’s just go, just run!

M.C.U

LAUREN

SD. stands up

But what if? What if?

HANNAH

SD. hugs her

he wasn’t even breathing Lauren, he’s gone

L.S

EXT. OUTSIDE THE BARN

LAUREN, KATE AND HANNAH

SD. run out of the barn

L.S

GIRL (ghost)

SD. appears in the barn doorway

SCENE 12

EXT. IN A DARK WOOD – DUSK

E.L.S BEHIND HANNAH AND KATE

KATE AND HANNAH

SD. running through the woods away from the barn

P.O.V

KATE

SD. running through the woods

Hannah come on!

HANNAH

SD. running through the woods

Wait! I’m coming!

E.L.S

KATE

Where is Lauren? Look there’s a track come on!

DARRYL

SD. chases Hannah and hits her over the head with a hammer

HANNAH

SD. screams and falls to the ground

C.U

KATE

SD. Standing alone in the woods

Hannah! Hannah! Hannah!

M.C.U

DARRYL

SD. comes up behind Kate and stabs her in the back three times

KATE

SD. slumps to the ground

M.C.U PANING UP OF DARRYL’S BODY

DARRYL

SD. stands over Kate’s body

Two down, one to go

SD. runs off into the woods

SCENE 13

EXT. ON A COUNTRY LANE

fields and woods surround the deserted lane

E.L.S

LAUREN

SD. walks along the road alone, covered in blood, bruises and cuts

THE END

Research Horror Brain Storm

2010-01-28T06:45:00.000-08:00

Genre research - Horror

2010-01-26T08:40:00.000-08:00

Conventions of the ‘horror’ genre

Horror Films are designed to invoke our worst fears. They often end in a shocking finale, which both captivates and entertains the audience in an invigorating experience. Horror films tend to center on the dark side of life, the forbidden, and strange events. They deal with our nightmares, vulnerability, alienation, terror of the unknown, fear of death and loss of identity.

- Blood and gore
- Death/ murder
- Villains and victims
- Isolated settings, ie. Woods, haunted houses
- Monsters/ ghosts
- Darkness
- Storms
- Chase sequences
- Violence
- Screaming
- Shaking, hand held camera
- The supernatural
- Mental illness

Prospective Characters

- Psycho killer man
- Group of friends
- Geek

Planning on using Todorov’s narrative structure of equilibrium – disequilibrium – a new state of equilibrium and possibly also Propp’s –

- the hero – the one on the quest and the one who saves the day
- the villain – the evil one who causes the disequilibrium
- the helper – a person who helps the hero on their quest (the sidekick)
- the victim – at the mercy of the villain
- the donor – someone who has something special which will help the hero

Treatment

2010-01-25T08:32:00.000-08:00

Darryl King the stereotypical Geek, is a good natured, kind and successful character that has an obsessive crush on Lauren (the stereotypical popular girl). As the story develops we see Darryl’s demeanor change and his character transform in to an evil, psychotic, cold blooded killer, in a malevolent series of events. Lauren learns a vile lesson for her ways.

The story begins with Lauren manipulating Darryl to come along on a camping trip so that her and her friends can use him to read the map. The group inevitably get lost in the middle of a menacing wood, they stop and ask for help at a farm. The relationships in the group are tested as they begin to argue and agitate each other. At the farm the group are met by a creepy farmer. Who is was intoduced to create a sense of foreboding The farmer suggests that the group stay in his field as they wont be able to reach their destination before nightfall. As the group begin to set up their tents, there is a sense of tension in the group. Darryl is then told that there is no where to sleep, he gets annoyed and suddenly his demeanor changes as he storms off in a fit of rage. To calm himself down he goes for a walk in the woods and he stumbles across a derelict barn and creeps inside. The Barn is haunted by a girl who was tortured there many years ago; she has a chilling resemblance to Lauren the main protagonist and wants revenge.

When Darryl looks inside the barn he sees an empty chair which his is baffled by, he then trips and when he looks up he see’s a girl slumped lifelessly over the chair with her hands and feet tied together and a bloodied knife in the corner. Terrified he runs back to tell Lauren.

When he brings Lauren back to the barn the girl who was in the chair has gone. Little do they know that her ghost is watching them. Darryl tries to explain to Lauren what he has seen but she doesn’t believe him, she thinks he is being deceitful to get his own back for not having anywhere to sleep. Lauren becomes angry and as Darryl entices her in to the barn he once again becomes angry and thrown Lauren down onto the chair. In a cruel twist he becomes over whelmed with rage becomes a victim of himself, taunting himself for being an invisible being.

He throws Lauren down on the chair and binds her with wire that is around the chair, he seethes with anger as Lauren taunts him with insults and starts to thrash at her with the knife he grabbed from the corner. The two other girls notice that Lauren is missing and go looking for her they hear screams and voices coming from the barn they then creep inside and knock Darryl out and leave him for dead. They untie Lauren and make a run for it the group become split and there is only Kate and Hannah left, little do the girls know that Darryl is not dead and has gained consciousnesses. In a wrath of terror he goes after the girls on a killing spree. When he finds the two girls who have been separated in the woods he undertakes two brutal murders. The film then ends with “Two down one to go” meaning Lauren is next. The final scene is lauren alive walking through the woods and then titles come up which read, "Two days later Hannah and Kate's bodies were found mutilated in the woods" "Lauren was never found". there fore our story follows the conventions of Todorov as it follows a linear narrative and the equation of Equilibrium.

Research - Genre specific Horror lighting

2010-01-24T12:58:00.000-08:00

Low-key lighting (or ambient lighting) is a style of lighting for photography, film or television. It attempts to create a chiaroscuro effect. In traditional photographic lighting, three-point lighting uses a key light, a fill light, and a back light for even illumination. Low-key lighting requires only one key light, optionally controlled with a fill light or a simple reflector.

Low key light accentuates the contours of an object by throwing areas into shade while a fill light or reflector may illuminate the shadow areas to control contrast. The relative strength of key-to-fill, known as the lighting ratio, can be measured using a light meter. Low key lighting has a higher lighting ratio, e.g. 8:1, than high key lighting, which can approach 1:1.

The term "low key" is used in cinematography to refer to any scene with a high lighting ratio, especially if there is a predominance of shadowy areas. It tends to heighten the sense of alienation felt by the viewer, hence is commonly used in film noir and horror genres.

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low-key_lighting)

Through extensive research of viewing various horror films i have realised that in the dramatic horror scenes low key lighting is used, this use of low key lighting puts certain parts of the shot in to darkness or low shadows exenterates the character. in our production for the Horror scenes we are going to follow the typical conventions of a horror film and film in the dark, low lit areas and use low key lighting in the barn to exenterate Lauren and Darryl and further more add an element of terror.

Rob - Farmer Character profile

2010-01-23T12:41:00.000-08:00

Farmer Additional Man:

Hobbies: Fishing, gardening, Farmer

Personality: Reserved, eccentric, mysterious

Representation of clothes: Shabby clothes

Other: his character was created to create a false impression that he is the killer.Additional

Kate's Character profile

2010-01-22T03:50:00.000-08:00

Kate: a stereotypical popular, ditsy, rude bitch

Favourite subject: Physical education because it involves contact with the sports boys and this is the only subject she is good at.

Hobbies: Shopping, partying, cheerleading for the local football team, boys, Chocolate

Personality: Bubbly, enthusiastic, Brash, doesn’t think before you speak, up front and sometimes quite abrupt or though she doesn’t mean to be.

Representation of clothes: Denotes her materialistic existence. Designer clothes, labelled, shorts skirts, tight jeans, boots.

Hannah's Character profile

2010-01-21T08:36:00.000-08:00

Hannah: a stereotypical materialistic popular girl

Favourite subject: Sex education because it doesn’t involve any real concentration

Hobbies: Shopping, partying, cheerleading for the local football team, boys, Horse riding

Personality: Flamboyant, high strung individual, gutsy, good sense of humour, lacking common sense

Representation of clothes: Denotes her materialistic existence. Designer clothes, labelled, shorts skirts, tight jeans, boots.

Lauren's Character profile

2010-01-21T08:34:00.000-08:00

Lauren: a stereotypical “Popular bimbo” and Daddy’s girl.

Favourite subject: Drama, gives her the opportunity to be creative and show her natural drama queen personality

Hobbies: Shopping, partying, cheerleading for the local football team, is known for “stringing boys along”

Personality: Happy, extravagant, bubbly girl, not very intelligent, angelic, daddy’s girl

Representation of clothes: Denotes her materialistic existence. Designer clothes, labelled, shorts skirts, tight jeans, boots.

Other: Copies off Darryl in Biology and many other subjects

Darryl's Character profile

2010-01-20T06:39:00.000-08:00

Darryl: a stereotypical “geek”

Favourite subject: BiologyHobbies: Reading books, playing chess, collecting stamps, war hammer. Stalking Lauren – the prettiest girl in school

Personality: Reserved, slightly with drawn, intelligent and knowledgeable, hard to get along with doesn’t mean to put people down but does; he’s very clever so thinks on a different level to other people. “Split personality”

Representation of clothes: Glasses, dull shirts tucked in to trousers and bow ties, trainers done up with big bows, high waist trousersOther: He has a love obsession for Lauren; he will do anything for her.

Concept

2010-01-19T08:28:00.000-08:00

Main themes: Horror, Revenge – a teenage girl was tortured and murdered in a barn more than 20 years ago, this is the same barn that features in the film. The girl’s spirit cannot rest until she seeks her revenge and makes people witness and suffer the pain that she did. She finds revenge in the form of Darryl as he wants Lauren to pay for not noticing him all these years.

Darryl, the stereo-typical geek, is worryingly in love with college beauty, Lauren. Her and her two ‘followers’ are going on a road trip to meet the other popular cronies when their exams finish. However, being typical bimbos they have no sense of direction and cannot get themselves there. Darryl ends up tagging along to read the map and direct them there but he too gets them lost. When a ‘friendly’ farmer says they can camp in his field, they jump at the chance and vow to set off again when it’s light but all is not as it seems in this neck of the woods.

Darryl goes through a horrifying change and transforms from the weedy, unconfident boy with a crush to a sick, twisted killer, his crush turning into lust, an unhealthy obsession. Haunted by the girls spirit he goes on a blood curdling killing spree, after already torturing Lauren in the barn. He shows no mercy, killing Hannah with a hammer to the head and stabbing Kate in the back, again and again without a second thought. His last words ‘two down one to go’ show he sees this as a game and emphasises the sickening transformation he has incurred.

Ideas Generation Spider Diagram

2010-01-18T07:23:00.000-08:00

Ideas Generation

2010-01-17T07:25:00.000-08:00

Ideas Generation Focus:- Horror

Don’t judge to quickly or “judge a book by its cover”

Message:- To learn a lesson
Don’t take people for granted or judge to quickly

Who:- Characters
Four character, all stereotypical characters, change in behaviour of one challenges audiences expectations.

Geek:- purpose – to challenge the audience and make them realise that not everyone is as they seem.

Popular Girl:- purpose – meet audiences expectations of a typical popular “bitch”. Send a message to the audience that people who are nasty will get their comeuppance.
Two other female characters friends of Popular girl:- purpose – to add a sense of realism and depth to the story line.
Old Farmer:- purpose – challenge the audience he is made to look like the murderer

Structure: - Beginning – the film will start of in a school the three girls decide to go on a camping trip to join their male friends who are already there but there is a problem. None of them are exceptionally intelligent nor do they have any common sense, so they ask a typical Geek who they know will be able to read maps and ask for his help. Yet what they don’t know is that the Geek has an infatuation for the main female protagonist and will do anything for her, further more the main female protagonist takes advantage of the Geek and uses her beauty to manipulate him. The geek agrees to accompany the girls on the camping trip to read the map.

Middle – The group get lost in the countryside and pass a number of spooky looking places such as a farm, and a graveyard. They stop and ask for help from an old farmer. They’re something untrustworthy about him and he makes the group feel uncomfortable. He offers his field for them to camp in for the night and the group accept. The old farmer is there to challenge the audience as it is make to look as they he is the killer.
The group have an argument once they have set the tents up and Darryl walks off annoyed into the woods. While walking through the woods he sees a rundown barn. He goes inside to investigate the barn is empty but he trips over and opens his eyes to see a girl (ghost) tied up to a chair covered in blood. He then blinks and looks again and only sees a bloodied knife in the corner and no girl. He runs back to tell the main female protagonist to tell her and show her of what he has just seen he convinces her to come and see.

End-When he gets her inside the barn he becomes possessed with rage when she starts to get frightened. He get really angry and wants to punish her for not taking notice of him and manipulating him and making him feel invisible. The other girl notice the main female protagonist is missing and come to find her. They find her the barn and hear her screaming they think it is the farmer, they burst in and knock the male protagonist over the head knocking him out they release the main female protagonist and make a run for it. When the male protagonist comes around he sees they are not there and goes after them. The film ends there as it is left on a cliff hanger to add suspense and excitement.

Aesthetic Style :- Todorov theory of narrative – equilibrium and disequilibrium Todorov recognised 5 stages.
Equilibrium – the group go on a camping trip
Disruption of order – the group gets lost and Darryl walks off annoyed
Recognition of the disruption – Darryl takes Lauren to the “Barn” and tortures Lauren

Planning - Group

2010-01-16T08:55:00.000-08:00

2 Minute Script for short stroy

2010-01-15T08:53:00.000-08:00

SPRING 2009

EXT. FRONT OF COLLEGE – SUNNY MORNING

College building, trees, green grass bank, wall and a path with two benches

PANING OF THE TREES AND OF THE BUILDING

DEEP FOCUS OF THE BUILDING AND FORWARD ZOOM ON DARRYL

Darryl – stereotypical geek, wears glasses, unfashionable clothes

Darryl has a crush on Lauren needs to portray this by the way he looks at her

DARRYL (V.O)

I’ve never given much thought to social status all I know is I don’t fit in no not that I am invisible I am nothing I am.. Alone

M.C.U

SD: (to himself) Sits on the wall reading a book see’s Lauren walking past and waves

Lauren – stereotypical popular girl: wears fashionable clothes and is very confident she thinks she is better than other people

M.S - PAN OF LAUREN

LAUREN

SD: Turns to look at Darryl and ignores him

C.U of LAUREN

S.R.S

SHALLOW FOCUS PAN OF LAUREN

C.U OF DARRYL

SCENE 2

INT. CLASSROOM – MORNING

A busy classroom, with students talking

L.S

SD. Darryl sits alone at a table with an empty chair next to him he looks uncomfortable and is watching the door

LAUREN

SD. Walks into the classroom and sits down next to Darryl

Hey Darryl

Darryl looks uncomfortable and shy

L.S

TEACHER

SD. Walks forward and hands out papers

I hope you’ve all remembered we’ve got a pop quiz on mitosis

SD. The class turn over their papers and begin

M.C.U

SD. Lauren leans closer to Darryl to copy his work, Darryl notices and smiles

SCENE 3

INT. CANTEEN – MORNING

Chairs and tables with students sitting at them talking

L.S

SD. Darryl sits alone reading his book opposite Lauren

M.S

Kate and Hannah who are looking at a map Lauren points at Darryl

Kate and Hannah are Lauren two “followers” they act just like her are stereotypical popular girls and wear fashionable clothes

L.S

The three girls laugh they walk over to Darryl

M.C.U

LAUREN

Darryl----

C.U

DARRYL

SD. Looks up shyly

LAUREN

Erm..we were just wondering if you could read this map for us, and show us where The New Forest is?

DARRYL

Erm yeah sure, let’s see

C.U

SD. Lauren passes him the map and their hands touch

DARRYL

Why do you need to know?

M.C.U

LAUREN

A group of us are going up there for spring break but we have to go a day late because of exams

DARRYL

SD. Ponders over the map for a minute

Ohm right

HANNAH

Can’t you find it?

DARRYL

Yes, it is there

SD. Points to the map

Where are you going?

HANNAH

Well everyone else is going to the new forest so there

O.T.S

KATE

SD. Points to the map

I think it’s there

M.S

SD. Lauren and Hannah laugh

LAUREN

No honey that’s the isle of white

SD. Kate pulls disgruntled face

O.T.S

DARRYL

Ive been there before with my dad it’s really good

SD. The three girls laugh

Chosen Story Idea/ with and additional ending

2010-01-14T08:42:00.000-08:00

In the sleepy south east of England a small town named Liten exists it’s in this gloomy town that I am from, and where I plan to not spend the rest of my life.

I sat on the wall alone outside the front of school waiting for a familiar half friendly face studying my notes for the next lesson. Then I saw one, my back stiffen, and heart beat fast as she turned to look at me, her piercing brown eyes penetrated the chill in the air, her hair swirled around her face mesmerising me as the cold wind suddenly picked up. Her face was intensely beautiful, with piercing loving eyes, porcelain tanned skin and the body of a Goddess she was perfect. The look only lasted for a second, but it sent chilling warmth down my spine. She turned back to her friend. Was I that invisible to her? I wanted her, and would do anything to make her mine.

I walked to class alone, as I walked past the window of a classroom I caught my reflection in the shiny glass. Facing my empty reflection in the glass, I was kidding my self, I was forced to admit that I was lying to myself; I would never fit it, physically or mentally. I just didn’t relate to people my own age, or any other age to be honest, I was on a completely different level to everyone else. Once inside the classroom I saw with disappointment that the chair next to mine was empty, it was all ways a guessing game to whether Lauren would actually turn up for class or not. Class didn’t start for a few minuets and was filled with a buzz of conversation which annoyed me; I kept my eyes fixated on the door hoping Lauren would turn up, she did and I sighed with relief as her sweet perfume filled the air, she took her appointed seat by my side and panted “Hi Darryl”. We had a pop quiz today on mitoses. It was straight forward, pretty easy but I knew that Lauren would be copying me. As she sat down I could feel her warmth radiating from her skin, she lent over to copy my work, the sweet smell of passion fruit filled my nostrils, her hair fell on my skin and her arm touched mine, for an instant, I felt a thrill of pure lust raising the hair on my arms, I froze hypnotised by her touch, she looked up at me and a gentle smile spread across her face, I looked away in a heart beat my face burning red with embarrassment that she had caught me yearning for her.

When I walked out of class Lauren walked ahead the wind bit at my cheeks and nose, the air blazed my lungs like fire with every breath. I went and sat in the canteen alone. I lifted my head a little. They were all laughing, Lauren, Kate and Hannah all were engrossed in what,as far as I could tell was a map. This intrigued me, why were they looking at a map? Lauren pointed at me and Hannah and Kate Giggled, I shot my head down quickly flushed with embarrassment that they were clearly talking about me. When I looked back up I was astonished to see the three of them walking my way, Lauren shot me a cheeky smile and I knew from that that there was an alternative motive, she clearly wasn’t just being friendly.

“Hello Darryl” Lauren said. My ears were hot. I had no reason to feel self conscious I reminded my self I hadn’t done anything wrong. I looked up warily “hi”

“erm we were just wondering if you could read this map for us and show us where Newquay was”“erm yeh sure.. let see” our hands touched as she passed me that map which sent a tingle of excitement down my back. “why do you want to know where it is”

“oh we were thinking of going on a weekend trip camping”

“ohh right” I pondered for a minute and thought this could be my chance to make Lauren mine, Hannah interrupted my train of thoughts “can’t you find it?”

“Oh, no its there” I pointed to Newquay “where were you thinking of camping though?”

“camper caravan park”

“really? I know where that is ive been there before.. I know I place just round the cornor where it has amazing views and you can camp for free!”

I managed to persuade them that I would take them to this amazing camping place; I even said that I would drive them there, just so I would get the chance to be near her.

The Day of the Trip

I met the girls at college, my heart was pounding my palms sweating like mad, my head in a jumble of images of what was to come. As we got near the new forest the girls were convinced that we had gone the wrong way so I needed to think fast on my feet, they seem anxious and made me stop at the next person we saw. I followed a dark dingy track down to a farm house we lapsed into silence as I drove down the track memorised by the unfamiliar territory. I stopped short of the farm house, everyone sat in silence scared by the thought of a desolate farm house.

“Anyone going to go then” Kate called out…

“not me” I thought, it was to quiet and lonely nothing seemed right..

“take it I will be going then” Kate said agitated, she slammed the car door as she got out, we all turned to one another perplexed by her anger.

“urh for god sakes shes so moody” Hannah groaned

“Hannah don’t be so bitchy, I know you two don’t get on that well but please don’t start now, I am going after her.”

Hannah sighed and surprised me by looking upset. “Are you going to?” Hannah asked hesitantly “no I’ll stay with you” I answered coolly, only because really I was slightly spooked by the desolate farm.

The girls came back 5miuets later; they were laughing and joking with each other. “hi guys the nice sexy farmer boy said that we are no where near the New Forest and have gone completely the wrong way..

Kate interrupted “Thanks Darryl” I felt a pang of fright,

“Now, now come on he didn’t mean to we all could have helped read the map, and don’t suppose our loud singing helped” they all laughed at I felt a great weight of fright lift from my shoulders.

“ but the sexy farmer did say that he knew a campsite we could stay in overnight as its getting dark now and he said there would be no way that we would be able to find out way.”

“Are you sure about this girl we could just go back and find our way to the new forest”

“yes” they all coursed in unison.

“oh ok then… where do we go then”

“head for signs to Borden then he said bare left to the Liss Forest camp site”

I headed the wrong way on purpose I knew this was the only way I could properly get Lauren on her own. My only chance to feel the warmth of her skin against mine, her absurdly beautiful face looking at me, her sweet pert lips against mine. None of the girls noticed I was going the wrong way they were all to busy looking at a magazine and listening to their iPods.

“we’re here!”

“wohhooo” they all cheered.

They forest was ire and damp there was an unwelcoming presence which only I seemed to sense. We set up the tent, I couldn’t wait to share a tent with Lauren, I would be close to, I could keep her warm in the night when it was cold, it would be amazing, the thought sent a warm shiver down my spine. “You ok Darryl” I tore my head away, embarrassed that she had interrupted my thoughts, “we bought an extra tent for you as we thought you wouldn’t want to share with us girls” I felt surprised and sad that they’d even thought of my feelings and sad that I wouldn’t be sharing with Lauren. “ye that’s cool” I said warily not wanting to express my disappointed to much. I sat up in my tent alone angry that Lauren and the others had left me to put up my tent alone, I could hear them all laughing and joking in their tent while I sat here in the cold, deadly silence alone.

My blood boiled of the thought of them thinking and acting like they are better than me. There not, there all a bunch of stupid materialistic bitches. I couldn’t sleep torching my self looking at her absurdly beautiful face starring back at me from a photograph. I grasped my torch in frustration, trying to block the anger that filled me, for fear my eyes would tear up, a humiliating tendency that happened when I was angry.

I stepped out into the silent night. The air was freezing and uncomfortable to breathe in, I had a lump in my throat like there was something there aching to escape. I trudged for a while, my legs felt heavy as my feet shuffled along in the thick damp leaves, in the distance of my torch light I could make out a small run down building… I made my way over to it apprehensively, my heart picked up speed as my pace slowed down. As I approached the building I realised that it was a small wooden shack that had obviously not seen any care in year. As my inquisitive side took over I opened the door to the cabin slowly pondering what could be inside “Hello” I crept inside and shone my light around the little shack, moonlight seeped through the cracks in the wood, I walked forward slowly and tripped over something, my head smacked the ground with a thud, my torch went flying and landed on the floor with a thump, I looked up feeling dizzy and bewildered to see the torch lighting up the legs of what I could only make out as to be a chair, my heart thudded, as a scrambled forward and grasped the torch with fright, it was then I saw the shiny red blood on a knife glistening In the light of my torch, I didn’t have a chance to notice anything else everything went black and when I opened my eyes a low oath made me aware that someone was with me I looked up back at the chair, to my astonishment a girl was sitting with her head slumped with her dark hair cascading in front of her face the door slammed and a dark figure came in brandishing a knife I looked back at the girl who was frantically screaming and wriggling her arms which were tied behind her back, the figure then attacked the girl with the knife and left her to die, blood soaked her clothes and seeped down the cracks in the floor boards, she was slumped over the chair like a lifeless rag doll. I sat their in terror that he would see me and comfor me I was glowing with hot sweat that had drenched my clothes. Suddenly it all disappeared and I was alone in the room. No girl, no figure, no knife just me and a chair. I knew I wasn’t crazy. What had happened? There was no way to explain away what id seen. I grabbed the torch with all my might ran out he door as fast as i could back to camp my breathe hot against the air the chest felt tight and hurt I kept looking back to see if there was anything following me. “Lauren! Lauren, get up seriously I need to show you something” I ripped open their tent and shook Lauren awake. “erh what, what is it” I cant explain I saw something, there was this shack and this girl and a knife and blood just please just come I need to show you”

She got up wearily, and followed me out of her tent, walking out of the tent was like walking into a wall of icey air and I watched with fascination as she shuddered the frosty breaths onn her face woke her up and she began to jog, whether to keep warm or or make the time go quicker I’m not really sure, to the old shack where I had been just minutes before. My blood still boiled by the fact that they had been laughing at me… it was bubbling inside me, I wanted to hurt her like she hurts me, daily. So I told her what had happened it worked, and she was petrefied she stopped running and said she thought we should leave. I wasn’t frightened I just wanted to know what it was, the images I’d seen still burned behind my lids, calling to me. We went inside the shack and I shut locked the door behind me. I felt a strange serene calm settle over me “Look sit on the chair I’ll show you what happened” my voice sounded calm.“no I don’t want to I just want to get out of here its spooky, comeon lets just go” she pleaded tugging on my arm, I thrilled at the touch, “no, I just want to show you” I tried hard to sound placating, trying to keep the excitement out of my voice “well I don’t, im going” Ahh the Lauren that was used to getting her own way’s insolent tone rang in my ears. “No” I don’t know what happened next I felt strong, a demon possessed me I grabbed her by the waist and flung her onto the chair, her eyes stared at me wide with terror and shock, she started to scream, calling those useless robot friends of hers, ruining everything, so I held her down and put my hand over her mouth. I could almost smell the fear rippling off of her I bent close to her ear my lips gently brushing it, “don’t you understand Lauren I love you I just want to be alone with you, I know you will like me” I increased my force holding her down watching her squirm in pain and grabbed the knife that had reappeared in the cornor. “now shut the fuck up you stupid bitch, don’t move”, I reached around on the floor and found some eletrical wire, I tied her hands and feet together on the chair as I did this she started to scream and shout now her petulant mouth was free of my hand… “seriously shut up! I could do anything right now with this knife” I managed to silence her and rippped off a part of a cotton top reavelling her soft skin that lay beneathe to make a gag. I struggled to breath, “you have such beautiful skin, I ran the blade of the bloodied knife over her skin, my skin prickled and perspired, “NO! no, please, please” she was sobbing now desperation clear in her voice. I saw the fear in her eyes and realised I was enjoying this, watching her struggle, fight against me, the desperation in her voice did something to me, I felt pure lust sweep through every bone of my body, oh yes, this was fun. She finally has noticed me. Am I really pathat pathetic!? That it took this! Took this for her to even register my face in her beautiful perfect world? “Look at you, your even beautiful when your crying”. “Darryl, you don’t want to do this, come on, I know you darryl…” That did it.. “you know me!? You KNOW me?” I laughed and even to my own ears the laugh sounded bitter and almost evil.. “you don’t know me, you have no idea who I am, what I want, what I need…” she sobbed louder now and I realised I was tracing my hand down her cheekbone, down her throat… “YOUR SICK! You.. you need help you can’t you can’t…” Her broken sentences spilled out. I’m sick. Yes. Ok. Sick. “if I can’;t have you lauren.. no one can.” She began thrashing wildly at nher bindings.. I watched in fascination as the wires lashed around her wrists drew blood. Wrong move, I liked desperation, I craved it.. it gave me power. That strange laugh, the one that belonged to me filled the air again. Suddenly before I’d even registered what I was doing I slashed the knife down, striking her across her beautifuul cheek.. “if I can’t have you Lauren, no one can, lets see how many people want you when your beautiful face has been ruined..” there would be no one.. just me. She Screamed So loud I dropped the knife to cover my ears my hand lashed out and slapped her with a loud snapping sound across the cheek and she became deadly silent, starin g at me with these dead eyes. “ I will die first”. Fine if that’s what she wanted. I watched her eyes suddenly become alive they noticed somethng, but squickly went dead again, noit the same dead though, no this was someone trying to hide something I began to turn around and…

My head hurts what happened? I can feel something rough on my cheek, grating the skin it feels like splinters.. a wooden floor? I can hear voices there far away.. muffled. “ I, I think he’s dead” I recognised it.. the preppy tone sounded different, deadened,scared, Kate. “Shit guys lets just leave lets just run “ahh Hannah, the voices were becoming clearer “but, but what, what if..?” Lauren still with those clumsy sentences “He’s dead lauren look at him he’s not even breathing” Kate was inisistent I lay perfectly still my shallow breathing stopping alltogether.. let them believe it. I heard their fast heavy footseps running for the door. The game just got more fun.

My head hurts, what happened? I can feel something rough on my cheek, grating the skin, it feels like splinters. A wooden floor? I can hear voices, they sound far away. Muffled. “I, I think he’s dead” I recognised it. The preppy tone sounded different, deadened, scared, Kate. “Untie me quick and let’s get out of here!” That was Lauren. “I can’t undo these wires, they’re knotted too tightly” Hannah must be here too. “He had a knife! Find it!” I let them carry on, thinking I was dead. It would be easier this way. Three against one... I wouldn’t stand a chance but this..this was more interesting. Maybe I could get rid of them one by one. People at school wouldn’t mind. Sure to their faces, everyone was nice but they didn’t know what was said behind their backs. They are bitches. And these bitches are going to pay for the pain they cause to people like me. I won’t be seen as insignificant now.

They’ve found the knife and are cutting through the wires, three quick slices and it’s done, Lauren is free. Now all I can hear is footprints as they run away. I know Hannah is the slowest one, so she will die first. I quietly get up and fumble around for the hammer they hit me with..bitches.. and knife which they have foolishly left behind. Before I know it, I have caught up. With the other girls far ahead, I take my chance. As she sees me a peircing scream echoes the deserted woods, I smile. Even if Lauren and Kate do hear her, she'll be dead by the time she is found. I hear her skull crack as the hammer makes the connection, I make sure I do the job properly, not like they did with me, my head still throbs, I've done Hannah a favour really, she'll only feel pain for a matter of seconds whereas it's still with me now. As she collapses to the ground I run after the others.

I’m at a distance where I can see them, but they have no idea I’m there. They stop suddenly, and look round. I duck behind a tree. “Maybe she’s gone back to camp?” says Kate “How about I go and check and you head for the road...try and get help!” Lauren mumbles something I can’t quite make out. “Don’t be silly, he’s dead! We’re safe now!” Kate hugs Lauren and heads towards the make-shift camp. Stupid, bimbo girls. I go after Kate and as she hears footsteps she must think I’m Hannah “I’ve been look....” she stops short as she sees it’s me and screams as the knife goes in. I leave her there. Leave her to bleed to death “Two down. One to go.”

The End

Introduction - Breif A2 Advanced Portfolio

2010-01-13T03:14:00.000-08:00

The purpose of this unit is to firstly asses my ability to plan and construct media products using appropriate technical and creative skills; secondly it is to asses my application of knowledge and understanding in evaluating my own work showing how meanings and my responses are created and finally to assess my ability to undertake apply and present appropriate research.
The unit then require me to engage with contemporary media technologies, giving me the opportunity to develop my own skills in these technologies. It will also enable me to develop the skills of presentation that are required for further study at higher levels and in the workplace.
In the final product I and my group will produce a media portfolio comprising of two main ancillary tasks and in addition we will produce a presentation in electronic format of the research, planning and evaluation of our production. The advanced portfolio included the production of a short film in its entirety, lasting approximately five minutes, which may be live action or animated or a combination of both, together with the option of 3 ancillary tasks with the following three options:
• Poster for the film
• Radio trailer for the film
• Film magazine review page featuring the film
We will then need to evaluate our final product and reflect upon the production and the mistakes we made or the things we think we did well.

Research - Narrative Theory

2010-01-12T06:13:00.000-08:00

TZVETAN TODOROV

LEVI STRAUSS

VLADIMIR PROPP

Applied Narrative Theory - Todorov and i think it also our story involves Strauss's Binary oppositions. In addition our production does challenge narrative conventions because Darryl ends up as the only one alive and in traditional Horror films except the film series "Saw" the Hero normally ends up alive and saves the day, where as in this case the two hero's are murdered and there is a fake restoration of equilibrium which is then distrubed again.

Tzvetan Todorov

Todorov suggested that there are five stages to a narrative:

1.Equilibrium

2.A disruption of the Equilibrium

3.A realisation that this disruption has happened

4.An attempt to repair the damge and restire Equilibrium

5.A restoration of Equilibrium

This theory is applied to most films including Horror as it shows linear events and the restoration of the problem.

Claude Levi - Strauss

> what interestes Strauss was how much of the world is described in terms of opposites: night/day light/dark he notices these opposites also tended to structure in texts.

>Binary oppositions: create meaning through establishing what something is not. we understand the world through a system of power weighted oppostitions.

>Binary oppositions are obviously present in narratives because fundamentally a narrative must be based on a conflict of forces, oppositions between hero and vilian.

>consider what or who are considered "disruptive forces" and "vilians" what does this tell us about the dominant ideologies of the news we consume.

This theory is usually applied to horror films because of the opposition of hero/vilian.

Roland Barthas

he argued that the reader produces new meanings when reading a text

1. Intended meaning: the meaning that the media producer wanted the audience to understand.

2.Negotiated Meaning: he argued that the reader produces new meanings when reading the text. they may believe some of the meaning but not all.

3.Oppositional Meaning: audiences completely disagree with the meaning and create their own

Vladimir Propp

As well as finding the 31 narrative function's of Propp's theory he also discovered that there are only 8 braod character types in one hundred tales he analysed.

>The Hero

reacts to the donor, weds the princess (Luke Skywalker)- this is Hannah and Kate in our production as initally they save Lauren and kill the vilian untill everything turns around for the worse>The vilian

struggles against the hero (Darth Vader Emporer)- This character is Darryl in our production>The Donor

Prepares the hero or gives the hero some magical object (obi Wan)

>The Helper

helps the hero in the quest (Han Solo, Chewbacca, R2-D2, C-3PO, Leia)

>The Dispatcher

Character who sends the hero on his way (yoda)

>False Hero

takes the credit for Hero's actions and or tries to marry princess (solo?)

>The Princess

person the hero marries, often sought for during narrative. (leia) - This is Lauren in our production as she is the Damsal in distress and needs saving>Her Father

rewards teh hero for his efforts

Research - Into Camera Angles, Shots, Mise en scene, Representation, Lighting, Sound, Editing, Location and Narrative theories

2010-01-11T08:42:00.000-08:00

Camera angles and movement combine to create a sequence which in turn creates a meaning.
Camera shots
Extreme long shot

Can be taken from as far off as quarter of a mile away. They are usually used to scene-set, and as the establishing shot. They are normally exterior shots eg the outside of a building or a landscape. They are particularly good shots to show thrilling action such as a war film or a disaster film. There is often very little detail visible in the shot and is meant to give a general impression rather than specific information.
Long shot

This shot shows the image as approximately “life size”. The shot is sometimes called “full shot” the shot shows the entire human body, with the head near the top of the screen and the feet near the bottom. The focus is on the characters but the background detail still emerges and allows the scene to be set.

Mid shot
This shot contains a figure from the knees/ waist up, this shot is usually used for dialogue scenes and to show some detail to action. The background detail is minimal. Variations of this shot include, two shot, three shot and over the shoulder.

Close up
This shot shows very little background detail and concentrates on either the face, the upper part of the body or a specific detail of mise en scene. This magnifies the object and shows its importance. A close up shot of the face can take us into the mind of the character; in addition the shot can be used to make us feel comfortable or uncomfortable with a character by being thet close to their face.

Extreme close up
An extreme version of the close up, generally magnifies the object beyond human the capacity of the human eye. An extreme close up of the face would show only the mouth or eyes with no background detail whatsoever. It is an artificial shot and can be used for dramatic effect.

Camera angles
The relationship between the camera and the object being filmed gives emotional information to an audience and guides their judgement about the character or object in shot.

Bird’s eye view
This shows a scene from directly over head, it is a an unnatural and strange angle and creates a sense of abnormality. Familiar objects viewed from this angle may seem unrecognisable at first; the shot puts the audience in a godlike position, looking down on the action. Objects and people can be made to look insignificant.

High angle
The camera is elevated above the action using a crane to give a general overview. High angles can make a object appear smaller and less significant even scary.

Eye level
Neutral shot, the camera is positioned as though it is a human is actually in the scene. The actors head are in level with the focus.

Low angle
This increases the height and gives a sense of speeded motion. Low angles gives help give a sense of confusion to a viewer, of powerlessness within the action of a scene. The lack of detail about the setting adding disorientation to the viewer, in addition it can make a character seem insignificant.

Oblique/canted
Sometimes the camera is tilted, to suggest imbalance transition and instability. The shot is also used to create point of view shots.

Camera movements
To create movement and make the film more interesting.

Pans
This movement scans a scene horizontally. or follows an object or character without moving the camera.

Tilts
This movement scans the scene vertically

Dolly shots
Also called tracking or trucking shots. the camera is placed on a moving vehicle and follows alongside the moving action. This movement is good for portraying speed, the journey of a character.

Hand – held shots
These shots give the sense of “fly on the wall” effect. The audience feel they are part of scene rather than removed from it.

Crane shots
A dolly shot in the air. Can move up, down, side to side and create a swooping action.

Zoom lenses
Creates close up shots while being the same distance from the subject, changes the position of the audience, they are used to give the impression of movement and excitement in a scene where it doesn’t exist.

Aerial shot
An exciting variation of a crane shot, usually taken from a helicopter. Often used at the beginning of a film in order to establish setting and movement.

Mise en scene
Mise en scene describes the design aspects of a product. It refers to anything that can be seen in the shot, the set, actors, customs, lighting and props. mise en scene is very important as it can show tone, meaning and narrative information.

Representation
Representation can be related to aspects of reality such as people, places, objects, events, cultural identities and other abstract concepts. representation is essential to a successful film, it connects the audience with the characters and allows them to feel as though they can relate to the character. the representation of clothes can also dennotate the genre of the film eg a character dressed in a Stetson, jeans, a gun and a chequered shirt is the stereotypical representation of a cow boy.

Lighting
There are various different ways of lighting an object or a mise en scene which can create all different kind of effects, which are use for specific genres or to create a specific atmosphere. The use of lighting can influence the meaning of a shot for eg in a horror film the lighting is often dark to portray the villain and create an unnerving atmosphere.
There are a number of types of different lighting that can be used:
For example

Back ground light
is used to illuminate the background area of a set and the background light will also provide separation between the subject and the background.
Cameo lighting
Is a spotlight that accentuates a single person in a scene. it creates an “angelic shot” such as one where god is shining down onto this person.

Fill light
This may be used to reduce the contrast of a scene and provide some illumination for the areas of the image that is in shadow.

High-key lighting
It is an overall lighting design which uses the fill light and backlight to create low contrast between brighter and darker areas. it can be used in both daytime and nigh time scenes. it can be used to suggest and upbeat mood. advantages are that it doesn’t require adjustment for each scene which allows quick filming times. the disadvantage is that this form of lighting fails to add meaning to the drama.

Low-key lighting
This form of lighting attempts to create a chiaroscuro effect, this lighting requires only one key light optionally controlled with a fill light or a simple reflector. It accentuates the contours of an object by throwing areas into shade.

Soft light
This light casts shadows with soft edges. The softness of the light depends on mainly two factors one is distance, the closer the light source the softer it becomes. Two the size of the light source, the larger the source the softer it becomes. This lighting can be used to make a subject appear more beautiful or youthful and to reduce shadows without creating additional shadows.

Sound
Additional sound can be added to a film to give it a more dramatic affect. for example a spooky creaking door or a monsters scream can be added to a horror film to give it the heighten atmosphere. SFX can also be used to create dramatic effects.

Editing
Editing is part of the post production process. it involves selecting and combining the shots you want resulting in sequences and therefore creating the finished product – the motion picture. This therefore creates a logical coherence which is achieved through cutting continuity, which emphasises smooth transition of time and space. Editing can make or break and film and is used to create exciting shots and special features which make the film more interesting

Location
A location of scenes can create a massive impact on the films genre and style. for instance of a film is shot in a scary wood which has dark lighting etc then you would expect the genre to be horror. The location can be used to relate to the audience and create understanding and recognition.

Narrative Theories
The human mind needs narratives to make sense of things; we connect events and make interpretations based on those connected. In everything we seek a beginning, middle and an end.

Todorov’s theory of narrative is one of equilibrium and disequilibrium. Todorov recognised 5 stages.
Equilibrium
Disruption of order
Recognition of the disruption
An attempt to repair the disruption
A return to a new equilibrium

Levi Strauss came up with the idea of Binary oppositions, it is “a theory of meaning” “a pair of opposites, thought by the Structuralisms to powerfully form and organize human thought and culture” Strauss says that his theory can be applied to any moving image or literature, there is always two opposites in a film to balance it out.
Such as Good and Evil
This theory can be applied to many horror films.

Research - Into Films

2010-01-10T08:50:00.000-08:00

Mise en Scene
Is the arrangement of scenery and properties to represent the place where the movie is enacted it helps to create connotation and denotation and can plays a major part of many films.

Denotation and Connotation
Denotation refers to the literal meaning of things for example a man making sandwiches in a kitchen for his daughter, the connotation is the underlining meaning that conjures up emotion. The connotation is that the man maybe a single parent and therefore has to take on the stereotypical women’s roles.

Diegetic and Non-digetic sounds
When filming the diegetic sounds are anything on screen that creates a sound, such as the characters talking, any objects that may make a sound or music represented as coming from an object within the scene. Non-diegetic sound is the where a sound source is neither visible on the screen nor has been implied to be present in the action such as the narrators commentary, sound effect that has been added for dramatic effect or mood music.

Questionnaire results and analyse

2010-01-09T08:38:00.000-08:00

7. The majority of the people that answered the question said that the torture scene appealed them because it was a shock to them and was very intense. The people said that the Kate’s Death was the most memorable moment for them said that it was because it was an interesting twist. Finally the people that said the final scene was most memorable said that it was because of the added effects and the writing as it created a powerful conclusion.

This is our questionnaire that we conducted we asked a range of different age groups and our target audience which is 15-24. We asked 30 people to make it as fair as possible and to get enough valid data.

Analyse of graph results and audience feedback

I have learnt a number of different things from the audience feedback that we collected. After analysing the graphs that we created using the data I have found out the following information. To make the questionnaire as fair as possible we tried to ask half female and half male. We asked slightly more males but this wouldn’t have had much of an impact on the results. The majority of people we asked were asked between 15-24 and 40-55. The majority of the people asked were mainly 15-24 which is the category for our intended audience, this is very useful as it means that we will be able to gain valid feedback from our intended audience therefore we would then be able to make the possible changes. We also found out that most the people asked attended the cinema and rented a film more than once a month and that nobody watches films less than once a month, this means that our film would possibly get coverage from audiences.

In addition we found out that our genre of our film which is Horror was the second most popular film behind action/thriller. Furthermore I think that if the majority of the audience asked weren’t in the category of 15-24 than there may have been a different outcome of the most popular film genre. Our plot line seemed very successful with 27 out of the 30 people asked agreed that it was a good plotline. I also found out from the Questionnaire that the majority of the audience prefer speaking characters instead of narration or bit of both. Which is good as our storyline was explained through speaking characters. We rated our production certificate 15 as it had mild language and violence, the audience agreed with us with a majority of the audience voting it a 15c.

Furthermore we have learnt that the audience’s favourite scene in our play was the torture scene in the barn, when we asked why the majority of the audience said that it appealed to them because it was an unexpected twist that shocked them and was a very intense scene which left them on the edge of their seats. This shows that this scene was successful and that we challenged audience conventions.

Through the information I have learned from the feedback about the film I think the film is suitable for the intended audience, which are teenagers and young adults. I have also learnt that the audience preferred speaking characters instead of narration or a bit of both. The feedback from the audience shows that horror films are one of the most popular genres enjoyed by film goers. Through the results it shows that our film is suitable for the intended audience and they are the most likely people to go and watch it at the cinema or rent it.

Audience Questionnaire

2010-01-08T08:34:00.000-08:00

1. What is your gender?

- Male
- Female
- Undecided

2. Your age group?
- 14 under
- 15-24
- 25-39
- 40-55
- 56 over

3. How often do you go to the cinema?
- Less
- Once a week
- Once every few weeks
- Once a month
- More

4. How often do you buy or rent films?
- Less
- Once a week
- Once every few weeks
- Once a month
- More

5. Favourite film genre?
……………………

6. Have you got a favourite or most memorable scene from ‘Alone’?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

7. If so what appealed to you?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

8. “Exams are over. It’s spring half term. A time that should be full of excitement and adventures. But when three friends go on a camping trip their fun is cut short, they’re lost, there’s no signal and no civilization. When a ‘friendly’ farmer says they can camp in his field, they jump at the chance and vow to set off again when it’s light but all is not as it seems in this neck of the woods. Their friendship is tested to the limit, they need to pull together now more than ever and escape the horrors that lie ahead. This is one adventure they didn’t sign up for…”
Do you think this was a successful plotline?
- Yes
- No
Why?
........................................................................................................................................................

9. Did you enjoy having speaking characters or would you prefer narration?
- Speaking Characters
- Narration
- Bit of Both

10. What age certificate would you rate our film?
- PG
- 12a
- 15
- 18

Presentation "Independent Bullet Proof Vest"

2010-01-08T08:04:00.000-08:00

Slide 1.

Slide 2.

Slide 3.

Slide 4.

Slide 5.

Slide 6.

Slide 7.

http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/insideindies/shortsfest/player.html?chosen=bulletproof

Link to watch the film

Inividual Research - Film Review "Independent Bullet Proof vest"

2010-01-06T08:48:00.000-08:00

Textual Analysis on Independent lens “Bullet Proof Vest”

Bullet proof vest is a documentary made in 2006 in Richmond by film graduate student May Lin Au Yong. The documentary Bullet proof vest is about the plight of the residents of the city of Richmond who are fed up with the gun violence decimating the City’s young men, the residents decided to take over the four most dangerous parks in the city and set up tented cities in a desperate stand for peace.
I decided to use the documentary for my short film textual analysis because I think that gun violence is a very important current issue that needs to be raised and dealt with. I wanted to show people what the affects of gun culture has on the non immediate victims, children “the forgotten generation”.

The documentary is narrated by two nine year old twins Mustapha and Jyeshria who live in the tented city as well as a mother living in the tented city. The twins tell of how they are not allowed out to play or even to play in parks, which are normally safe haven for children, in Richmond they are not. The increasing violence means that a whole generation are missing out on a childhood and basic human rights of freedom. The other narrator also describes this as well as explaining why it is so dangerous to let children out on their own.

To start with the whole documentary is filmed in black and white this is so we the audience focus on the narration instead of focusing on a colourful motion picture. Therefore by focusing on the narration the audience can also take in the full information being told to them. The establishing shot is a long shot; it is of the main highway entering Richmond, there is a sign above the highway saying “Richmond Downtown” this introduces the audience to the location of the film. The establishing is not a still and has an unknown character riding a bike; this moves the scene along but also allows time for anticipation to be built. In this establishing shot we are introduced to the characters, Mustapha and Jyesheria, only by voice not by image. The narration is non-diegetic as the two protagonists are not actually in the motion picture. The diegetic sound is of the moving cars, rustling trees and general urban noises. We are not introduced to them physically until approximately a minute and a half in to the film. In addition I think this device is used so that the audience’s main focus once again is on the narration.

The next series of shots are montage shots of the city. These shots are taken from a moving vehicle and vary from long shots to medium close ups of shops, houses and people, these shots offer an insight to the audience of the way of Richmond city life.

Next the dialogue chances to commenting on why the twins cannot go to the park alone, to correspondent with this the shots also change to montage long shots of a children’s play ground equipment covered in graffiti and empty. The next shot is a medium close up of a play ground toy empty but still moving. The connotation is an empty play ground toy but the shot is significance because children’s play grounds are the epitome of excitement and enjoyment for children, a place where they can be free and safe. The equipment still in slight motion is ire and conveys the denotation that once children where there but no have all gone now due to the violence. The image of the moving toy once again illiterates the point that gun crime affects the whole community, not just the immediate victims. After various shots of the park, graffiti and surrounding area we are introduced to the main protagonists. First we are introduced to one of the twins Mustapha the shot is a deep focus shot, where the main subject who is Mustapha is slightly out of focus while the background is all in focus. This was deliberate to represent the fact that the children are almost forgotten about as being victims of gun culture; they are looked past and almost invisible. In addition all the shots of the protagonists are level shots this means that there are no diminishing or exaggerating qualities of the subject being filmed. There are then shots of the children playing in the park, close ups of their faces and feet this allows the audience to see the happy emotion of the two characters. The last narration from the twins is the poignant phrase “I do not want to do” while this is said there is a close up of Mustaphas face and a silent pause. This allows the impact of the phrase to be felt as this is sad and shocking for a young child to think that they could be killed young. In addition as the scene and narration then changes this is a good closure for the particular narration.

The film then cuts to an establishing shot of the tented city and an introduction to the mother who narrates the next part of the film. There are a series of close ups of her face, her children and of her cooking, this makes the audience feel empathy for the characters as they are going to such extreme measures as to living in poverty to stand up against the violence. Also there are medium close ups, high level shots and pans of the camp and a sign that says “we want our children to be safe, stop the violence” this is to illiterate the point of the film. We then see a long shot and close up of a memorial for a child who has presumably been killed by gun violence. There is a silence which allows the image to sink in and affect you. The film then cuts to a series of montage shots of the ten communities in the dark. The signifies the end of the film and well as the end of the day as we have spent a day in lives of residents of Richmond and seen what they do in a desperate stand for peace. The finale shots are shots that have been used before of the young girl Jyeshria playing in the park laughing and smiling. This reminds the audience of what a childhood should be like not the childhood that we have seen in this film.
I think the use of the child narrators in this film was very affective as it allows the audience to see the story through a Childs eyes and as children are naively honest and truthful we know that what they are telling us is the truth. In addition the representation of typical gun culture as we know it affects the poorer communities which seem to be ethnic minorities. None of the characters are dressed up in unusual clothes, they are wearing what they would wear in their everyday lives which portrays realism also the mise-en-scene is of real and not set up environments of Richmond which once again adds to the realism of the film. Finally the film doesn’t follow a particular narrative theory but is a documentary following a day in the life of residents of Richmond who are the forgotten victims.

Individual Reasearch "Some Thoughts"

2010-01-05T01:13:00.000-08:00

I chose to do a film review on this 3 minute wonder as it engaged my interest as it was unique and original. In addition as we are looking at different film techniques I thought this particular film would be good to understand amateur filming as well as understanding the filming technique of using a hand held camera. I also enjoyed this film because it gave the audience a sense of realism as a handheld camera was used as well as the narration being non- scripted but it had the element of “free” speech which revealed the narrators conscious and bizarre thoughts. The use of the hand held camera creates a jerky, unprofessional image but in this case this was intended as Karl didn’t want a pristine, glossy look. He wanted to engage his audience and allow them to familiarise with him and feel as though they could connect with him and become entwined in his thoughts.

The short film is about the thoughts of Karl the director and main protagonist as he walks around the natural history museum and reveals his inner thoughts about our world, evolution, development of man and so on. His thoughts are bizarre, natural and humorous. I think this film is quite good and I find this film interesting and the concepts that the narrator raises. Although the content of the film has obviously been thought about and scripted it feels very natural which is achieved through the use of the handheld camera and the natural narration.

The film starts of the image of a moving globe and the camera in a forward zoom there is non diegetic sound from the narrator. The beginning is an enigmatic, as you are tricked into thinking this is an image of earth from space. As the camera cuts back to an offer the shoulder shot from behind the main protagonist (Karl Pilkington) we realise that this is in fact a revolving globe that he is watching. The camera then cuts to a black background and the title of the short film is introduced “Some Thoughts”. There is a sound bridge of non diegetic sound of natural sound such as people talking and moving which comes from the next shot. There is then two high angle shots of the museum and of Karl. The first one is an establishing shot and shows the main protagonist entering the museum down some steps, this allows the audience to see where the film is set and the second shot shows the sheer size of the museum. We then see Karl entering a meteorite room where there is a series of cut shots which involve medium shots of the main protagonist studying the relics of the museum, there are also close ups of the relics that he is studying .e.g. a meteorite.

The non diegetic sound of Karl portraying his thoughts coincides with the images that are filmed. This how I know that the narration was put together after the filming had been done, the narration sounds very natural, so it is as though he is actually talking to us as he goes around the museum. Next there is a medium shallow focus shot of Karl gawping up at something; the camera then tracks down from a huge dinosaur fossil to a different shot of Karl looking at it. This shot was a point of view shot as the camera shows what Karl was looking up at. The next few shots are a series of cut shots of close ups of Karl’s face and the artefacts he is looking at. There is then a low angle shots with makes Karl seem important and dominant this links in with the narration as he says “I just think we know too much, and if you look at the things we can do now” it also portrays that Karl’s thoughts are very important and pioneering. Next there are a series of slightly high angle shots which are point of view shots. These shots show us what Karl is looking at. This allows the audience to make a connection with his thoughts and in addition we may be able to feel empathy and his point of view of the subjects he is talking about. Next there is a very strange shot from the other side of a plastic figure which is transparent Karl’s face is obscure and misshapen, this portrays how Karl’s thoughts are sometimes as he is confused as what to think. Finally there are a long series of cut shots of various different artefacts in the museum. These shots are sometimes forward zooms and pauses as the audience get a chance to take in the image on the screen. There are also several tracking shots of Karl walking around looking at artefacts.

Research - Thlema and Louise textual analyse

2010-01-04T08:14:00.000-08:00

How female charcters are represented

In the film Thelma and Louise in the first scene we see the two women rushing around in different mese-en-secenes we then see a connotation between the two women on the phone where we see a convention, where it cuts from one mese-en-scene to a different mese-en-scene after one another. This is used to show the similarities and differences between the two women.

We can see form the denotation of the first scene that Thelma is represented as the
Stereotypical weak, girly, Housewife, we can tell this by her clothes and the fact that
the mese en-scene is in a domestic space, this is obvious from the furnishings and the
quite, homely surroundings. Our stereotypical view of Thelma is also then reinforced
when Louise rings Thelma and addresses her as “Lil house wife”. To add to this when
her husband Daryl comes down from upstairs he starts to shout at her and tell her
“not to holler at him”.

He also reinforces his statues by talking about his job and how important he is to the
house hold. Thelma is represented as a subservient house wife to her husband, she
looks after and cares for him, for instants in the scene you can see her doing up his
cufflinks for him. Thelma in the denotation is represented as a weak being, who is un
able to survive with out the aid of ‘strong male’ as when she is packing for her trip
she is unable to make a decision on what to take and in the end takes everything even
a gun as precaution, this is a stereotypical representation as it is showing that a
women needs the aid of an object to make her feel safe when a man is not there. The
Denotation also represents her a happy subservient housewife, from her conversation
with Louise the Connotation is clear, that she feels trapped by her husband and scared
of him as she has to ask him to let her go away, even though she is to scared to ask as
she knows he will say no. the connotation represents her feelings as though she wants
to be in depended and more free willed but she is scared.

Louise is represented as more of an independent woman as the denotation suggests, although she is still represented as stereotypical as she does a very female orientated job, working as a waitress and in the kitchen in a café. It is clear though that from the conversation on the phone that within Thelma and Louise’s relationship that she takes charge as the male stereotypical role as the more dominate one. Louise is represented in the connotation and the denotation as a stronger free willed person as she takes charge of situations and is very organised, which is shown through her packing her belongings for the trip.

The opening scene of men behaving badly is set in Deborah’s (Leslie Ash) flat, Gary (Martin Clunes) the denotation of Gary shows that Gary is dressed in a suit sitting in a rocking chair with a blanket over him, in this scene they are discussing the future prospect of Dorothy (Caroline Quieten) moving in with him. We can tell from the dialogue that Gary is clearly worried about her moving in as he knows that this is a sign that he is getting older, and also that her moving in could portentously progress to marriage and even a family, which would mean he would have to give up his current life a drinking, sex fuelled lad. The connotation is showed through the denotation which is very clever as we can tell that Gary is feeling old and is very scared at the prospect of this as this may mean an end to his current fun life. At the end of the convocation the denotation shows that Gary has forgotten about the context of the conversation and is back to his lad dish ways being patronizing towards Deborah rubbing her head and asking how she is.
In the next scene the mese-en-scene is in the Gary and Tony’s flat (Martin Clunes) and (Neil Morrissey) the mese-en-scene representation is stereotypical of a male flat, as it is messy, with little decorative furnishings. The two male characters are seen as stereotypical men in the denotation as they are sitting round talking about sex and drinking. The connotation is that they are both looking to settle down and they both have strong feelings for two women.

Individual Research - Analyse of Mr Bean Car park short film

2010-01-03T07:22:00.000-08:00

As with any other Mr. Bean film, this short film is just as hilarious and outrageous as any other. This particular episode sees Mr Bean trying to exit a car park; Mr Bean is short of change so he tries to find an alternative way of leaving. In one scene he disappears behind a wall and the camera is left focusing on barrier when he returns he has a massive bin in his hand which he uses to imitate a car so it can get through the barrier. This shot ads to the humour as the audience doesn’t know what to expect. These shots used in this short film consist of basic shots such as close ups and mid shots, these are affective though as the positioning of the camera add to the humour of the piece, in instance there is a long shot of Mr Bean at the other end of the car park revving his car as we can see the distance between him and the barrier. Of course in true Mr. Bean style, he fails a few times before succeeding.
The representation of Mr Bean in murky brown suit and his tiny green car give a cause for laughter. As a character, this man has great facial expressions and body language, which helps the viewer identify with him.
As it is a shot film Mr Bean’s attempts at leaving the car park are stretched out a lot longer than a normal film would allow and this adds to the humour and purpose of the film.
This short film uses a good sense of humour that even young children can follow, making it an all round short film that will suit a variety of audiences. The initial situation is one that many can relate to, but may go around solving it a lot differently that those attempts of Mr. Bean’s.

Textual Analyse

2010-01-02T07:30:00.000-08:00

Media textual analyses of short films

The Boy with blue eyes

This particular short film is enigmatic, the motive of two of the characters is un clear (her father and the grainy man) we are as an audience allowed to use our imagination and initiative to delude what we will about these to characters. Therefore the particular film has a challenging essence.

The majority of the film has non diegetic sound in it. This composes of the narrative voice which is the main character the little girl daisy. There is a minimal amount of diegetic dialogue but there is emphasises the importance of it. There is also calm quite music through the beginning of the piece, the music is calm but has a sense of sadness to it.

In the opening scene there is a low angle tracking of the grass and the dialogue begins. We then see the main character Daisy dressed in red in a crouched position hiding in the grass. The camera does a reverse zoom into a high angle shot and Daisy is conveyed as a very vulnerable character. The colours through out the piece consist of dull, browns, greys and blacks. The only real colour is of Daisy red dress. The red dress makes her stand out as well as her pigtails this makes her seem naïve and very young.

The first shot we see of her father is a low angle shot of only his feet through the whole film we never see his entire face. When we properly see more of him we only see the side of his face and his reflection in a dirty mirror. This makes the audience feel that we should not trust him as we are never allowed to make a connection with him; there are no eye level shots of him. And the side view shots make us the audience feel very uneasy and uncomfortable. When we are introduced to “the Grainy man” we only see his hands working away and him rubbing of the dust of his hands, the scene is uneasy and the diegetic sound of rub hands rubbing together create an unpleasant atmosphere of this particular character.

As the film progresses we see a shallow focus shot of a white wall and Daisy in the background she is blurred as though she is in deep thought and to make the audience concentrate on the dialogue. As she turns around the corner she sees “the Boy with blue eyes” as she approaches him Daisy is bought into focus. The boy with blue eyes is wearing light coloured clothing that looks ragged and dirty. After this they go down to the lake, the denotation of this is that it is just water but the connotation is that water is pure much like the little girl. Daisy talks of how the grainy man can never be washed away. This makes me conjure up the thoughts of a darker side to him. In addition I think that the boy with blue eyes is a figment of Daisy’s imagination and away to escape her family life and have company of her own age as she seems like a very isolated lonely child. The next scene after daisy has left the lake is a shot reverse shot between daisy, her father and the grainy man. At first we see a point of view shot from daisy watching the two men at a table the shot then changes to an eye level match of daisy looking through the staircase bars, this connotation signifies that Daisy is a prisoner to these to man and cant escape from them.

Next we see again a point of view shot from daisy watching as the grainy man walks towards her and hang up his coat. He doesn’t even look at her which gives the impression that she is unimportant and of no significance. In the final scene we see a still shot of the bath and of daisy climbing into in her clothes. We then see a worm’s eye view of daisy slowly lowering her face into the water and breathing in it. I found this scene quite disturbing as these actions of bathing in your clothes seem unusual and the way she just lowers her face slowly into the water with a blank expression and no emotion. In addition the dialogue is also of a disturbing nature and one again she says that the grainy man can never be washed away. Further more the dialogue is all in one tone, there seems to be no emotion in her voice, no anger, no sadness, nothing. It is as though Daisy isn’t really there and doesn’t have a spirit.

Story Idea

2009-12-30T01:29:00.000-08:00

In the sleepy south east of England a small town named Liten exists it’s in this gloomy town that I am from, and where I plan to not spend the rest of my life.

I sat on the wall alone outside the front of school waiting for a familiar half friendly face studying my notes for the next lesson. Then I saw one, my back stiffen, and heart beat fast as she turned to look at me, her piercing brown eyes penetrated the chill in the air, her hair swirled around her face mesmerising me as the cold wind suddenly picked up. Her face was intensely beautiful, with piercing loving eyes, porcelain tanned skin and the body of a Goddess she was perfect. The look only lasted for a second, but it sent chilling warmth down my spine. She turned back to her friend. Was I that invisible to her? I wanted her, and would do anything to make her mine.

I walked to class alone, as I walked past the window of a classroom I caught my reflection in the shiny glass. Facing my empty reflection in the glass, I was kidding my self, I was forced to admit that I was lying to myself; I would never fit it, physically or mentally. I just didn’t relate to people my own age, or any other age to be honest, I was on a completely different level to everyone else. Once inside the classroom I saw with disappointment that the chair next to mine was empty, it was all ways a guessing game to whether Lauren would actually turn up for class or not. Class didn’t start for a few minuets and was filled with a buzz of conversation which annoyed me; I kept my eyes fixated on the door hoping Lauren would turn up, she did and I sighed with relief as her sweet perfume filled the air, she took her appointed seat by my side and panted “Hi Darryl”. We had a pop quiz today on mitoses. It was straight forward, pretty easy but I knew that Lauren would be copying me. As she sat down I could feel her warmth radiating from her skin, she lent over to copy my work, the sweet smell of passion fruit filled my nostrils, her hair fell on my skin and her arm touched mine, for an instant, I felt a thrill of pure lust raising the hair on my arms, I froze hypnotised by her touch, she looked up at me and a gentle smile spread across her face, I looked away in a heart beat my face burning red with embarrassment that she had caught me yearning for her.

When I walked out of class Lauren walked ahead the wind bit at my cheeks and nose, the air blazed my lungs like fire with every breath. I went and sat in the canteen alone. I lifted my head a little. They were all laughing, Lauren, Kate and Hannah all were engrossed in what,as far as I could tell was a map. This intrigued me, why were they looking at a map? Lauren pointed at me and Hannah and Kate Giggled, I shot my head down quickly flushed with embarrassment that they were clearly talking about me. When I looked back up I was astonished to see the three of them walking my way, Lauren shot me a cheeky smile and I knew from that that there was an alternative motive, she clearly wasn’t just being friendly.
“Hello Darryl” Lauren said. My ears were hot. I had no reason to feel self conscious I reminded my self I hadn’t done anything wrong. I looked up warily “hi”

“erm we were just wondering if you could read this map for us and show us where Newquay was”“erm yeh sure.. let see” our hands touched as she passed me that map which sent a tingle of excitement down my back. “why do you want to know where it is”
“oh we were thinking of going on a weekend trip camping”
“ohh right” I pondered for a minute and thought this could be my chance to make Lauren mine, Hannah interrupted my train of thoughts “can’t you find it?”
“Oh, no its there” I pointed to Newquay “where were you thinking of camping though?”
“camper caravan park”
“really? I know where that is ive been there before.. I know I place just round the cornor where it has amazing views and you can camp for free!”
I managed to persuade them that I would take them to this amazing camping place; I even said that I would drive them there, just so I would get the chance to be near her.

The Day of the Trip

I met the girls at college, my heart was pounding my palms sweating like mad, my head in a jumble of images of what was to come. As we got near the new forest the girls were convinced that we had gone the wrong way so I needed to think fast on my feet, they seem anxious and made me stop at the next person we saw. I followed a dark dingy track down to a farm house we lapsed into silence as I drove down the track memorised by the unfamiliar territory. I stopped short of the farm house, everyone sat in silence scared by the thought of a desolate farm house.
“Anyone going to go then” Kate called out…
“not me” I thought, it was to quiet and lonely nothing seemed right..
“take it I will be going then” Kate said agitated, she slammed the car door as she got out, we all turned to one another perplexed by her anger.
“urh for god sakes shes so moody” Hannah groaned
“Hannah don’t be so bitchy, I know you two don’t get on that well but please don’t start now, I am going after her.”
Hannah sighed and surprised me by looking upset. “Are you going to?” Hannah asked hesitantly “no I’ll stay with you” I answered coolly, only because really I was slightly spooked by the desolate farm.

The girls came back 5miuets later; they were laughing and joking with each other. “hi guys the nice sexy farmer boy said that we are no where near the New Forest and have gone completely the wrong way..
Kate interrupted “Thanks Darryl” I felt a pang of fright,
“Now, now come on he didn’t mean to we all could have helped read the map, and don’t suppose our loud singing helped” they all laughed at I felt a great weight of fright lift from my shoulders.
“ but the sexy farmer did say that he knew a campsite we could stay in overnight as its getting dark now and he said there would be no way that we would be able to find out way.”
“Are you sure about this girl we could just go back and find our way to the new forest”
“yes” they all coursed in unison.
“oh ok then… where do we go then”
“head for signs to Borden then he said bare left to the Liss Forest camp site”

I headed the wrong way on purpose I knew this was the only way I could properly get Lauren on her own. My only chance to feel the warmth of her skin against mine, her absurdly beautiful face looking at me, her sweet pert lips against mine. None of the girls noticed I was going the wrong way they were all to busy looking at a magazine and listening to their iPods.

“we’re here!”
“wohhooo” they all cheered.

They forest was ire and damp there was an unwelcoming presence which only I seemed to sense. We set up the tent, I couldn’t wait to share a tent with Lauren, I would be close to, I could keep her warm in the night when it was cold, it would be amazing, the thought sent a warm shiver down my spine. “You ok Darryl” I tore my head away, embarrassed that she had interrupted my thoughts, “we bought an extra tent for you as we thought you wouldn’t want to share with us girls” I felt surprised and sad that they’d even thought of my feelings and sad that I wouldn’t be sharing with Lauren. “ye that’s cool” I said warily not wanting to express my disappointed to much. I sat up in my tent alone angry that Lauren and the others had left me to put up my tent alone, I could hear them all laughing and joking in their tent while I sat here in the cold, deadly silence alone.

My blood boiled of the thought of them thinking and acting like they are better than me. There not, there all a bunch of stupid materialistic bitches. I couldn’t sleep torching my self looking at her absurdly beautiful face starring back at me from a photograph. I grasped my torch in frustration, trying to block the anger that filled me, for fear my eyes would tear up, a humiliating tendency that happened when I was angry.

I stepped out into the silent night. The air was freezing and uncomfortable to breathe in, I had a lump in my throat like there was something there aching to escape. I trudged for a while, my legs felt heavy as my feet shuffled along in the thick damp leaves, in the distance of my torch light I could make out a small run down building… I made my way over to it apprehensively, my heart picked up speed as my pace slowed down. As I approached the building I realised that it was a small wooden shack that had obviously not seen any care in year. As my inquisitive side took over I opened the door to the cabin slowly pondering what could be inside “Hello” I crept inside and shone my light around the little shack, moonlight seeped through the cracks in the wood, I walked forward slowly and tripped over something, my head smacked the ground with a thud, my torch went flying and landed on the floor with a thump, I looked up feeling dizzy and bewildered to see the torch lighting up the legs of what I could only make out as to be a chair, my heart thudded, as a scrambled forward and grasped the torch with fright, it was then I saw the shiny red blood on a knife glistening In the light of my torch, I didn’t have a chance to notice anything else everything went black and when I opened my eyes a low oath made me aware that someone was with me I looked up back at the chair, to my astonishment a girl was sitting with her head slumped with her dark hair cascading in front of her face the door slammed and a dark figure came in brandishing a knife I looked back at the girl who was frantically screaming and wriggling her arms which were tied behind her back, the figure then attacked the girl with the knife and left her to die, blood soaked her clothes and seeped down the cracks in the floor boards, she was slumped over the chair like a lifeless rag doll. I sat their in terror that he would see me and comfor me I was glowing with hot sweat that had drenched my clothes. Suddenly it all disappeared and I was alone in the room. No girl, no figure, no knife just me and a chair. I knew I wasn’t crazy. What had happened? There was no way to explain away what id seen. I grabbed the torch with all my might ran out he door as fast as i could back to camp my breathe hot against the air the chest felt tight and hurt I kept looking back to see if there was anything following me. “Lauren! Lauren, get up seriously I need to show you something” I ripped open their tent and shook Lauren awake. “erh what, what is it” I cant explain I saw something, there was this shack and this girl and a knife and blood just please just come I need to show you”

She got up wearily, and followed me out of her tent, walking out of the tent was like walking into a wall of icey air and I watched with fascination as she shuddered the frosty breaths onn her face woke her up and she began to jog, whether to keep warm or or make the time go quicker I’m not really sure, to the old shack where I had been just minutes before. My blood still boiled by the fact that they had been laughing at me… it was bubbling inside me, I wanted to hurt her like she hurts me, daily. So I told her what had happened it worked, and she was petrefied she stopped running and said she thought we should leave. I wasn’t frightened I just wanted to know what it was, the images I’d seen still burned behind my lids, calling to me. We went inside the shack and I shut locked the door behind me. I felt a strange serene calm settle over me “Look sit on the chair I’ll show you what happened” my voice sounded calm.“no I don’t want to I just want to get out of here its spooky, comeon lets just go” she pleaded tugging on my arm, I thrilled at the touch, “no, I just want to show you” I tried hard to sound placating, trying to keep the excitement out of my voice “well I don’t, im going” Ahh the Lauren that was used to getting her own way’s insolent tone rang in my ears. “No” I don’t know what happened next I felt strong, a demon possessed me I grabbed her by the waist and flung her onto the chair, her eyes stared at me wide with terror and shock, she started to scream, calling those useless robot friends of hers, ruining everything, so I held her down and put my hand over her mouth. I could almost smell the fear rippling off of her I bent close to her ear my lips gently brushing it, “don’t you understand Lauren I love you I just want to be alone with you, I know you will like me” I increased my force holding her down watching her squirm in pain and grabbed the knife that had reappeared in the cornor. “now shut the fuck up you stupid bitch, don’t move”, I reached around on the floor and found some eletrical wire, I tied her hands and feet together on the chair as I did this she started to scream and shout now her petulant mouth was free of my hand… “seriously shut up! I could do anything right now with this knife” I managed to silence her and rippped off a part of a cotton top reavelling her soft skin that lay beneathe to make a gag. I struggled to breath, “you have such beautiful skin, I ran the blade of the bloodied knife over her skin, my skin prickled and perspired, “NO! no, please, please” she was sobbing now desperation clear in her voice. I saw the fear in her eyes and realised I was enjoying this, watching her struggle, fight against me, the desperation in her voice did something to me, I felt pure lust sweep through every bone of my body, oh yes, this was fun. She finally has noticed me. Am I really pathat pathetic!? That it took this! Took this for her to even register my face in her beautiful perfect world? “Look at you, your even beautiful when your crying”. “Darryl, you don’t want to do this, come on, I know you darryl…” That did it.. “you know me!? You KNOW me?” I laughed and even to my own ears the laugh sounded bitter and almost evil.. “you don’t know me, you have no idea who I am, what I want, what I need…” she sobbed louder now and I realised I was tracing my hand down her cheekbone, down her throat… “YOUR SICK! You.. you need help you can’t you can’t…” Her broken sentences spilled out. I’m sick. Yes. Ok. Sick. “if I can’;t have you lauren.. no one can.” She began thrashing wildly at nher bindings.. I watched in fascination as the wires lashed around her wrists drew blood. Wrong move, I liked desperation, I craved it.. it gave me power. That strange laugh, the one that belonged to me filled the air again. Suddenly before I’d even registered what I was doing I slashed the knife down, striking her across her beautifuul cheek.. “if I can’t have you Lauren, no one can, lets see how many people want you when your beautiful face has been ruined..” there would be no one.. just me. She Screamed So loud I dropped the knife to cover my ears my hand lashed out and slapped her with a loud snapping sound across the cheek and she became deadly silent, starin g at me with these dead eyes. “ I will die first”. Fine if that’s what she wanted. I watched her eyes suddenly become alive they noticed somethng, but squickly went dead again, noit the same dead though, no this was someone trying to hide something I began to turn around and…

My head hurts what happened? I can feel something rough on my cheek, grating the skin it feels like splinters.. a wooden floor? I can hear voices there far away.. muffled. “ I, I think he’s dead” I recognised it.. the preppy tone sounded different, deadened,scared, Kate. “Shit guys lets just leave lets just run “ahh Hannah, the voices were becoming clearer “but, but what, what if..?” Lauren still with those clumsy sentences “He’s dead lauren look at him he’s not even breathing” Kate was inisistent I lay perfectly still my shallow breathing stopping alltogether.. let them believe it. I heard their fast heavy footseps running for the door. The game just got more fun.