Horror mood board: summer work

Diary

An account of what happened during filming

1st day of shooting: On the first day of filming, I filmed with Chiara who is the main protagonist in my film. The first location we filmed in was my back garden where I took simple standing and walking shots from different shots and angles. It took about an hour and a half to film as we started at 5 and finished at around half 6. We had to wait for it to get dark which took longer than expected but I needed to wait for it to get darker as my film opening was set at night.



2nd day of shooting: I filmed with Niamh who is the main antagonist in my film opening. The first location we filmed in was my back garden. Firstly, we took standing shots from different angles then slow walking shots. It took longer than expected because I had to do her makeup, hair and she had to get dressed. It took about an hour as we had to stop filming early because we started filming to late and it got to dark. We started at 6 and finished at 7 which was just enough time to get all the simple shots needed. I learnt from this mistake as I couldn't film to late as it was to dark but I needed darkness for my film so, I learnt to film at the right time to get the right amount of lighting.



3rd day of shooting: I filmed with Chiara and filmed in the grange local to me, we filmed close up shots and more action type shots. It took nearly two hours as I found it hard to get the shots in focus. Also, I took some shots of the location from different types of shots and angles when we were there.




4th day of shooting: I filmed with Niamh and filmed in the grange, I filmed general action shots such as, her running and tracking shot of her going through the grange. We started filming later than normal as we had to get to the grange which is about 10 minutes away from. We started at half 5 and finished around half 6.



5th day of shooting: I filmed with Chiara in my back garden where we filmed action shots of her falling over and walking away from the camera. As it was getting really dark quickly so we started filming at around 4 and finished at 6.



6th day of shooting: I filmed with Niamh in my back garden where we filmed long shots of her walking and standing still. We filmed for about an hour as the camera was going out of focus and due to the dark there was a major lighting issue.



7th day of shooting: I filmed with Chiara in the grange where we filmed shots of her with props used in the film. We started at 4 and finish at half 4 as this didn't take long to film as they were easy shot to film.

My film opening: Compendium Of Evil

Compendium Of Evil film opening:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29qQuL_b2BE

Evaluation for my film

Evaluation for the opening of my film

1.) In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

https://www.emaze.com/@ATWOTFOC/compendium-of-evil-evaluation

2.) How does your media product represent particular social groups?

3.) What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?

https://app.emaze.com/@ATWOTCWR/compendium-of-evil-evaluation-q3

4.) Who would be your audience for your media product?

https://app.emaze.com/@ATWZFRRZ/evaluation-compendium-of-evil

5.) How did you attract/ address your audience?

https://app.emaze.com/@ATTLRWWF/evaluation-q5#1

https://prezi.com/r3nmkd5ljmjn/advertising-my-film-plan-of-poster/ - plan for my advertisement poster.

6.)What have you learnt about the technologies from the process of constructing this product?

https://prezi.com/uymaimqsw8pj/6-what-have-you-learnt-about-the-technologie/

7.) Looking back at your preliminary task what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

https://app.emaze.com/@ATTLLRQT/evaluation-q7#1

The editing process

https://prezi.com/cnboedyzyv2l/copy-of-explain-any-topic/

Evaluation of my editing process

The first step of my editing process was that I uploaded all my footage and shots onto iMovie. All the shots added together were 4 minutes long and the set time we were given was 2 minutes so, I cut the shots down excluding any unimportant or poor quality shots. Once I had all the important and vital shots imported and cut down, I stabilised any shakiness apart from two shots where they needed to be shaky. By stabilizing the shakiness it increases the quality of the shot which improves the quality of the shot and appeals to my target audience. I decreased the speed of some shots using slow mode as this heightens the tension and sheer suspension to make the audience feel fearful. I didn't increase the speed of my shots as I don't like the effect it has and it takes away the tension from the scene.

I edited my shots by using filters, adjusting the lighting, saturation and colour gradient. I used the filters Camo, Silent Era, Noir, black and white and Aged Film. I think these filters are effective because they make my film opening look quite vintage and old which is the impression I aimed for. Also, they make my film look quite 80's which is the era and style of film I was inspired by. I lowered the brightness of lighting to make the shots look dreary and spooky, this imposes horror on the audience. I decreased the saturation and added a blue tinge over the shot to make it look icy cold to make the audience feel panicked and uneasy. Finally, I decreased the colour gradient to make the shots look monochrome which links in with the aged and vintage look.

I edited so there was non- diegetic sound throughout as the background sound to add more tension. I added drone dark suspense, thunder, volcano, mystery accents, suspense accents, heart beat and footsteps sound effects. I think these sound effects create sheer tension and crescendo's in suspense action shots. Also, they appeal to my target audience because they build up suspension and makes the audience feel on edge. I  muted any background and white noise as it was distracting and poor quality sound. In one of my shots, I used the phone sound effect to show that the main character was trying to call for help but couldn't due to the line being busy or no reception. Before, this shot was quite confusing so, the sound effect made it easier to understand and expressed the amount of fear and pressure the character is under. I hardly included any diegetic sound in my film as it was poor quality, unimportant and not as effective compared to the non- diegetic sound I used. The only diegetic sound I included was in a shot where shoes walk across the camera and we can hear twigs and branches breaking. Before filming this shot, I filmed myself breaking up branches and purely used this sound onto the shot of the shoes walking across the camera.

I used a range of transitions to make the film opening run smoothly but rapidly to interest and draw in my target audience. I used the transitions cross blur, cross dissolve and cut throughout my film opening. I think the cross dissolve and cross blur makes the shots run smoothly and blend into each other. I used 'cut' transitions as they create jump scares and impose terror onto the audience because they move onto shots more rapidly and sharply.
In the opening shot to introduce the title of my film 'Compendium of Evil' I edited in a shot of blood dripping down the screen with the title slowly appearing as the blood drips down. I think this was effective because of the colour symbolism of red which connotes evil and hell. In addition, blood is a key thriller symbol which immediately imposes fear and panic onto the audience. I think the font of my title is effective as it's slightly faded that gives the impression of an old effect which blends in with my old monochrome theme. I edited this in through finding the video clip on YouTube and saving it into a file then moving it into a section of the film.

Shooting schedule

Shooting Schedule

Script

Script: Compendium of evil

Shot (1): [Establishment shot to show the location, production logo appears.]


Shot (2): Suspense and mystery sound accents introduced, cave water sound effects gradually come in.

Shot (3): Suspense sound effects continue.


Shot (4): Wind, thunder and lightening, ran sound effects and loud violin music starts.


Shot (5): Violin and piano music builds up, pitch gets higher and tempo gets quicker.


Shot (6): Heart beat sound effect, sound slows down and maintains at a steady rhythm.
Evie- heavy breathing


Shot (7): Tempo and pitch slowly builds up.


Shot (8): Music cuts off and focuses on sound made by boots and sound effects of twigs breaking.


Shot (9): Dramatic sound introduced of suspense accent sound effects.


Shot (10): Telephone sound effect, non diegetic sound slows down and maintains at a steady tempo.


Shot (11): Footsteps sound effect, sound gradually starts to become more dramatic.


Shot (12): Sound intensifies creating a crescendo, tempo quickens and pitch heightens to a high volume.


Shot (13): Sound maintains at an intense and dramatic level.


Shot (14): Pitch of violin gets higher and the tempo has a rapid rhythm.


Shot (15): Tempo and pitch of the sound stops and starts in an irregular pattern.

Shot (16): Suspense sound effects of thunder and eerie violin music.


Shot (17): Beat of sound drops dramatically when character falls.


Shot (18): Pitch heightens and quickens creating suspension.


Shot (19): No change in sound, changes from low to high pitch with a rapid tempo to match the tense atmosphere. 


Shot (20): Tense sound builds up of thunder and cuts to silence when the black screen appears.


Shot (21): [Screen cuts to black] silence.

Production logo for my horror film

My Production logo

These are some of the experimental production logos that I made. I wanted to make my production logo eye catching and bold to draw in my target audience.Therefore, I incorporated contrasting colours in my logo. Furthermore, I wanted a logo which linked and would be significant to media and film so I decided to use filming equipment that the audience could identify.

I decided my production name would be called 'TR Productions' because it is the initials of my name and it is easy to remember for my target audience which is a key factor when choosing a name. I think my experimental logos would be effective for a production logo because they are bold and would stand out from other logos. In addition, I have used bold writing in interesting fonts for my production logo name which could draw in the attention of my audience. On the other hand, I think the logos are quite bland and dull which could seem boring and unappealing to the audience.

This is the production logo that I may decide to choose because it looks professional. Also, I like the italic bold writing because it is really appealing which draws in the audiences attraction. In addition, I think the vintage looking logo is effective because it is significant to the media industry. A positive of this production logo is that it gives me the flexibility to alter and edit it if I wanted to change the colour etc.. I think it would be effective when the production logo appears, the filming tape moves because it expresses my editing skills and gives off a good impression on my audience. Therefore, I think it would increase the audiences interest in the film.

I may just use a simple title for my production logo in an old creepy font which is as effective because it looks professional but very horror. Furthermore, it matches my old monochrome theme so, blends well in my film. Although, it boldly stands out and is eye catching for the audience against the foggy horror setting which is the aim of a production logo.

Horror storyboard

My Storyboard

Extra Information



Camera work:

At the start of my film I am planning on using extreme long shots and establishment shots to introduce my locations and show the audience the mise en scene in the frame. I think I will use panning shots to show characters moving across the frame or by following them.

I may follow the 180 degree rule but it will be unlikely because I will probably film the characters individually at different times. I am definitely going to use a match on action shot as it shows technique and can impose fear on the audience if its executed well. I am planning to use canted shots to distort or represent my antagonist character in a negative way and worms eye view to make my antagonist character seem dominant. I will probably film parts of my film in a shaky filming style to create a tense atmosphere and show how the camera changes to a characters perspective.

Non- Diegetic/ Diegetic sound:

I will probably use mostly non- diegetic sound as I have chosen to not use any dialogue in the opening of my film. I am going to use a lot of sound effects and music to intensify the suspension. The sound effects I am thinking of using is spooky sounds, eery wind, branches breaking, heart beat, heavy breathing, footsteps and creaking noises. I mostly use sound effects in shot 10 and 11 as this is when the protagonist is running from the antagonist and falls over. I think I will use violin, piano and flute music as they are very prominent and dramatic instruments to use in a horror film.

Transitions:
I think I will use mostly jump cuts as they create tension and most effective when including jump scares. I may use fade in/out and blur at the start when the production logo and film title appears to introduce the film. I am planning to use fade to black and fade to white because I think they look effective when moving onto the next part of the story and for creating suspension. In addition, my last shot in the opening will fade to black so it will be left on a cliff-hanger which attracts the target audience.

My horror film: Compendium of evil

My preliminary task

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ci2auwQJYzQ

Evaluation for my preliminary task

Evaluation for my preliminary task

I used my iPhone 6 to film the preliminary task and edited it on iMovie. I used numerous skills during the production process of the preliminary task, such as Shot Reverse Shot (SRS), taking into consideration the 180 degree rule and the rule of thirds. The types of shots I used were close up, extreme close up, medium close up and tracking shot. 

I think my main production success is my use of Shot Reverse Shot skills, although Rosie's and Laura's lines were filmed separately, their scenes run smoothly together. I think this shot is effective because it gives the impression that the characters are actually having a conversation. I abided to the 180 degree rule because both characters maintained their positions rather than swapping sides which created a good continuity throughout the shots. Even though my camerawork was smooth and steady, when editing I stabilised any shaky camera movements to prevent and minimise unwanted jerky camera movements. I filmed inside so dialogue from both characters were loud and clear, and there was no unwanted background noise during the scenes. I used non- diegetic music including sound effects of dramatic music, this created suspense and correlated with the tense atmosphere when the characters are having an argument. 

I think the extreme close up worked really well because it made the audience focus on the characters emotions and reactions. Furthermore, I used tracking shot to follow the characters when their entering the room which was effective because a tracking shot establishes and presents the mise en scene in the frame. I used non- diegetic and diegetic sound in my piece , I used diegetic sound of the characters dialogue and sound of objects in the shot. I used non- diegetic sound effects, such as dramatic music to build up suspense when characters are having an argument. I have included interesting transitions to build up tension and they create a sharp effect to heighten the audiences emotions and reactions.

The editing was efficient in the sense that it strictly abided the 30 second maximum time limit. A juxtaposing negative consequence was that I had to cut and remove some shots because my conversation went on for too long. As a result, it appears rushed and uninteresting. Some of my shots were poorly shot for example, when Rosie looks over at Laura's works. It is unclear and confusing to the audience of the meaning behind Rosie's action. I think I should of done a over the shoulder shot because it would show some of my editing techniques and more diverse shots which would make it more interesting. Due to the 180 degree rule abided and due to other techniques used, I would state my current editing level as intermediate. I exhibited skilled editing techniques to excel beyond basic, yet I don't think I was good enough yet to be labelled advanced.

I found it hard to cut my preliminary task down because I didn't want to cut any of the conversation or erase key aspects of my shots. Even though, it's one second off the time limit I think I did well to incorporate interesting camera shots and angles to attract the audience.

Overall, I believe I did a good job of my preliminary task even though I could of made some improvements but I did recognise them and change a few of them. I incorporated necessary techniques but forgot to include match on action shot which would of been effective when filming one character opening a door and going through it. I am proud of my use of the 180 degree rule because it flowed well throughout the conversation. All the shots that I included were shot steadily and my editing ensured that my whole piece ran smoothly.

Audience survey

Audience survey

Opinions on horror films:
From my survey I can see that 25% of the people that participated in my survey enjoys comedy horror. A close second was action horror with 11% of participants enjoying it. I can also see that nearly 4% of people enjoy slasher and gore horror. The other 3.57% of people enjoy other types of sub- genres in horror depending on specific features in them sub- genres. In order to effectively create a successful horror film I need to try and incorporate the most popular sub- genres to attract my target audience. I think when making my horror film I am not going to include science fiction of gothic horror as 0% of participants chose them. I have summed up my information about peoples opinions into a pie chart so it is neatly displayed in order to clearly understand.

Preferred themes in horror films:

In my survey out of the options provided zombie apocalypse and insanity theme in a horror film was most popular by 21.43% of participants choosing it, followed by supernatural with 17.86%. I think I am going to incorporate zombie apocalypse in my film as it goes well with my plot and themes. I'm going to includes key features of insanity because it obviously popular amongst my target audience. 0% of people chose science gone wrong, suicide and religion which depicts that I shouldn't include it in my film as it might be unappealing or uninteresting to my audience.


Causes of attraction towards watching a horror film:

In summary most participants chose plot (29.63%) as most appealing in a film, closely followed my characters (22.22%). This presents that characterization and a gripping plot are the most effective techniques to creating a successful horror film. I think I'm going to be very particular on the actors I use as it can have a massive effect on the popularity of my film on my target audience. 3.70% of participants chose lighting, locations and sound which presents that they have a minor effect on my film.


Preferred sound in a horror film:

Tense music was the most popular with 77.78% of people choosing it over ambient music (22.22%). It presents that my target audience enjoy dramatic and suspense music in a horror which I will incorporate in my film. As it is a key attraction, I will make sure that my horror film includes dramatic music to build up tension in my horror film which will increase my audiences interest.

Overall summary of data collected:

After evaluating and reviewing my data and feedback I am going to aim to:

• Incorporate comedy and action into my film in order for it to attract my audience as they are the most popular genres.
• Should include key features of insanity and zombie apocalypse as they are very successful and attractive sub- genres.
• Should include a good plot and effective characters as it gets the audience hooked and interested.
• Frequently use tense music throughout my film as 77.78% of my target audience are attracted to it.

My horror survey

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/PKDYQ9X

Plan for preliminary task

Plan for my preliminary task

Camera work

I am going to use a medium close up shot when the characters enter the room to introduce the characters to the audience. To show the setting and mise en scene of the shot I will use a long shot, this will present to the audience the location of the shot. I will use a close up and eye level angle when the characters are having a conversation. I think the eye level angle will be effective to the audience when two characters are speaking to each other because it feels like the characters are talking to you. I am going to use a extreme close up to express the characters reactions and facial expressions. I think I am going to use a low angle shot when one of the characters is shouting at the other to make seem dominant and superior; this imposes fear and vulnerability on the audience.

Editing
I am going to use fade-in/ fade-out transitions when the characters enter he shot to make the shots smoothly flow creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. When the character start having a argument  I am going to use sharp cut transitions to correlate with the tension and suspense.

Locations

• classroom
• canteen
• school field
• in town 

I think I am going to shoot my location in a classroom because it will be easier to show the conflicting and tense conversation. Also, the setting will help the audience understand my plot and the relationship between the characters.

Lighting
When the characters enter the shot the lighting will be bright with high exposure. I think the lighting will gradually darken when the characters sit down opposite each other. As their conversation becomes conflicting and one of the characters shouts at the other the lighting will be gloomy and dismal.

Costumes
I might use costumes to express the two characters contrary styles and personalities but if I don't they will either be in school uniform or smart clothes to correlate with the school environment.

Costume ideas:
Carrie- Black or dark coloured clothing, dark gothic makeup and accessories.
Abby- floral and colourful clothing, light pink makeup.

Plot
It is a normal school day, Abby is working hard and doing her homework like usual. She is very quiet and studious so is mostly vulnerable from people copying her homework. Carrie who is very careless and loud who forces Abby to do her homework for her, like she does most days. Carrie and Abby have most lessons together so Carrie uses Abby to do her homework for her on a daily basis. But, Abby has enough of the manipulation and bullying so refuses to do Carries homework. Abby wants to work hard, concentrate on herself and do well but she can't when Carrie is forcing her to do her work. The contrast between the two characters personalities lead to a clash which causes tension throughout the plot.

Characters- characterisation
Carrie- She is a very loud and confident character that thrives in the spotlight. She leaches all authority and attention so the focus is always on her.
Abby- She is a very introverted and shy character that is very vulnerable to pressure from Carrie.
Mise en scene
The frame of the shot will show a the setting of a classroom, it is a natural setting of a classroom of desks and school books. I think this mise en scene is very important because it immediately presents to the audience what the plot might be about. Furthermore, the mise en scene of the school environment shows the age of my target audience. The location and mise en scene presents that it is targeted towards a teenage audience because they go to school so they might relate to the plot or link themselves to the characters.
Sound
I am going to add tense and dramatic music when Carrie storms out of he room to express the tension between the two characters. Also, I think the music will show the differences between the contrary characters. I think I will add soft and quiet music of flute or violins when Abby walks into the room to represent her shy personality. Furthermore, I will add loud non diegetic sound to present Carries harsh and loud personality. When Carrie storms out of the classroom after Abby refuses to do her homework I am going to add dramatic piano or violin music to create suspense and to exaggerate the cliff hanger so the audience are interested in what is going to happen next.
Props
Props I am going to use is school books and folders to contribute towards my plot and show the audience  

Camera shots & angles powerpoint