Story Board

Here is our group opening sequence story board, this will be used throughout our development of our film. It will guide us into knowing what shots come next as well as reminding us what shit type it is, angles used and who is on the set at the time. 

First Day of Filming

Holly, Max and Sam shot the flash back scene to our opening. I was absent during this due to being in a lesson, at the time. However I saw the filming that took place afterwards and was happy with the work which was done. The filming was shot in a spare office as it was a suitable location for this shot and looked realistic. They took some very interesting shots that has made this flashback much more interesting.
As a group we now need to discuss ways in which we can use these flashback but make them even more interesting and for clear for the audience to know that these are flashbacks. We shall do this by using different editing types; such as slow motion, faster, fades or black and white.

Production Name

After many suggetions such as 'Two Ducks Full' and 'Fire' the group had come to the choice of using 'Hollow' as our Production name. I am very happy with this as I feel that it fits the theme of the film well. If we used the name such a 'Two Ducks Full' it would have give off the wrong vibe of the film. Making audineces think it would be a funnny film rather than a dark and thrilling one. Hollow, is catchy and memoeable and straight away makes the audience think of a film that is dark.

Group Decisions for Genre and Storyboard

Over the holidays we all came up with the start of a storyboard, when we all saw each other at school again we showed each other our ideas. All of the ideas were very different, mine was the thriller theme, a group of young girls go camping in a forest and each one disappears. At the end of the film you find out that it is one of the group of girls who is killing each friend one by one.
  Other came up with Flick chick theme and horrors, as a group we had to come to a disicion. We came to the conclusion of doing a Thriller Theme as it is a theme that all the group will enjoy filming and have a good input into.
After having a few long conversations we finally came up with the idea of our opening sequence. A man who is in love with a women and has made himself think that she is in love with him too, however she is clueless about this and has her own boyfriend and is hoping to get married. So the man takes revenge on the ladies boyfriend by killing him; so he can have her all to himself.
Sam had come up with a few very good shots that we chose to put into our own storyboard, we all added ideas to create the storyboard.
I feel that the storyboard and the theme of  the opening is very good, I will be able to contribute alot to the group and come up with ideas.

What I've learnt from the Preliminary Sequence

From this activity I have learnt a lot of skills that i can then use when coming to make my final opening sequence. From testing out different shot types i am now aware of which ones are the most difficult to do and which ones are the  easier options. We use Final Express to edit this sequence, from this we now know our way around the system better, making us quicker next time we come to use it for our real opening. I've learnt from this which editing styles and ideas are best to use and then apply them to our opening. We tried out different shot types and from this now know that using the panning shot is very effective. We will use this shot type in our opening as it sets the scene well, on the Preliminary Sequence we also used the over the shoulder shot. This builds up suspense and create a dramatic feel to the opening; for this reason we have chosen to add it to our opening.     

Preliminary sequence

This is my Groups Preliminary Sequence, the reason that we have done this is to test out the equipment so when we come to make our real opening we know what to do straight away; therefore not wasting time. We also tested out several shots from different angles and perspectives. This will give us ideas of shot types to use in out opening, to create a interesting opening film.

Juno Opening.

Juno 
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Released: 2007
Directed By:Jason Reitman
Staring: Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner

This is a very unusual opening, as it goes from reality to a cartoon version of what is happening. The camera follows a girl, which the audience then link to being the main character in the film. The scenes show a girl drinking a large bottle of sunny D. We later find out that this is relevant because she is about to take a pregnancy test. By the opening being in a cartoon like form, it adds interest for the audience and captures their attention straight away. The music is being played throughout the whole opening; using this theme tune makes the opening more interesting and lively. The music used is upbeat and 'happy go lucky’. The lyrics to the song are relevant to the relationship that Juno and her 'lover' have. The credits come up throughout the whole opening and linked into what is on the screen. This way it makes the opening flow much better and goes in it with the music being played. We hear the character speaking over the top talking about how she and a boy decided to have sex, and the complex relationship they now have due to her becoming pregnant. You now and then see a group of boys running wearing bright yellow shorts; this is contrasting to the dull background. However these boys are also relevant as Juno’s ‘lover’ goes running in this group every Moring, you learn this later on in the film.  

                                                                                                                                                          

Dead Again 
Genre:Drama, Mystery, Romance
Released:1991
Directed By:Kenneth Branagh
Staring:Kenneth Branagh, Emma Thompson, Andy Garcia

This opening starts off with the title in white against a black background, this draws attentions and interests the audience. Then the scene is filled with shots of which look like newspaper titles, words that appear are; murder, and also articles which give information about the person who was murder. This makes the audience ask question about whom this person is and why they are relevant to the film. It then goes to a room which happens be in black and white, inside this room all you see is a newspaper on the wall highlighted by a white light and a man’s mouth who seems to be humming. The newspaper on the wall relates to the other information we were given earlier on, the audience then link the man in the room to the newspapers; this makes us think that this man is a key character in the film. The camera and light highlight a pair of scissors; this draws the audience’s attentions and makes them wonder what is going to happen next. When the man walks down the alley holding the scissors, the camera gets a close up shot of this making the audience know that these are an important prop being used. Then with a fast changing shot, it goes to a woman in bed waking up from which looks like a nightmare. It is in colour, this connects with the back and white shots and nightmare. As if the black and white shots are the nightmare she was having and that is what has made wake up.

The Cleaner 
Genre: Crime/Thriller
Realesed: 2007
Directed by: Renny Harlin
Staring: Samuel L Jackson, Eva Mendes, Ed Harris

The opening sequence starts off with a shot of a town and plays spooky music. The weather is dull and grey this then matches with the music and sets the tone of the film from the start. When we see the dead body the music changes and becomes more upbeat. This is ironic and does not match the setting. This then makes the audience realise that this film will be more relaxed and humorous than scary and depressing as we first thought at the start. 
40 seconds into the opening we hear a voice. This voice is heard throughout the whole of the opening. It is a mans voice, he is talking about what it is we are seeing. He explains to the audience the proceedings he has to go through for his job; cleaning up dead bodies and its remains. We find out at the end of the opening that the voice over is a man who is talking to people about his work. This was a very clever way to use the voice over.
We first meet the main character by hearing his voice but then we are matched to his face at the end. We know he is the main character due to the fact that he was the one talking and the focus is on him and his job. We don't know any other information about the man, other than what he does for a job.
The narrative function for this opening was for the audiences to know about this man and his job, and this is all we know so far.
The camera shots are all used to imphasie what we are looking at and to make the scene more dramatic. There are low angle shots as well as close ups. There is a close up of the glasses that are covered in blood. This is used to mak ethe audince understand the reality of this mans job. He has to clear up every little thing that is left behind in the death area.

Mise-en-scene : A group of elderly men is business suits they are all centered in the middle of the frame. The eldest of the lot is sitting on a chair in front with the other behind, this suggests he is the center of the attention and getting the picture taken could be specially for him. They are all wearing formal clothing this shows that they are business collogues or that they are all  brothers and the man in the center is the father. The men at the back are all wearing red ties this links them together. The bald man on the left of the frame glances at his watch, this shows that he is uncomfortable with the situation and hopes that it ends soon.

Sound and light: The light is coming from the center and makes the men the center of attention in the shot. The only talking comes from the photographer who is being energetic and trying to build up the energy from the men who are standing there rather lifeless.

Britishness: Classic British working men.

Colour: The mens suits are dull so they don't really stand out from the background. However all men at the back are wearing red ties, this links them together by being work friends or brothers.

Stereotypes: Boring British wealthy working men.

Mise-en-scene : The lady is wearing seductive lingerie, with greek esque props in the background to set the scene of the picture. The picture could be for a lover or just for herself. She has an old fashion haircut which suggests what year this was taken in. She is lying on a white table to improver her in this picture. The Greek props contrast against the way the lady is sitting and the clothing she is wearing.

Sound and light: Talking between the photographer and the lady, the flash and click of the camera. The woman dialogue is light hearted and she is laughing showing that she is not taking herself seriously.

Britishness: The British accent.

Colour: The props in the background are white and the table she is lying on is also white this contrasts wit the black lingerie she is wearing. The background is suggesting an angelic and peaceful picture but by her wearing lingerie this suggests something else.

Stereotypes: Lady who still wants to act like she is younger than she really is.

Mise-en-scene : A little boy sitting on a lavish chair, he is wearing formal clothing to match the red chair.
There is a lady in the background who is more than likely going to be his mother, she is positioning his body to make him look his best for the photo. The chair is set in the center of the shot however the boy is sitting to the left of the chair.

Sound and light: People are talking to the child to make him stay still, whilst the child throughout the shot does not have any dialogue.  The light is coming from the center and is all on the child, he has the full attention.

Britishness: Posh, wealthy looking child.

Colour: The background is dull and this makes the chair stand out. The child's jacket matches the red chair, whilst his shoes match his shorts. His 'mother' is wearing dull grey clothing so this suggests that she is not in this picture and has very little importance during this shot.

Stereotypes: A wealthy little boy.

Mise-en-scene : The two ladies at the back are more immature compared to the lady who is sitting on the table and seems more mature. The woman at the back are making seductive gestures towards the photographer, leading over the table and sticking their tongues out. All the women are grouped in the center meaning all are the center of attention and not one is more important than the other.

Sound and light: The ladies are laughing and speaking from the photographer. Click and flash from the camera.

Britishness: A group of good friends having a good time together.

Colour: The background is dark which blends into the two ladies clothing, contrasting with the lady in blue. This questions the audience in why she is the only on wearing blue, this may be because it could be her birthday celebration.

Stereotypes: A group of older ladies having fun but still with a young mind.

Mise-en-scene: The man is wearing a black and white suit with a red Fez. He is in the center of the shot and this is focused more due to his hat. He is wearing a fake moustauche this shows a side of his character which is humorous but is used ironicly during this shot due to his attitude towards the photographer. His hand movement shows slight frustration towards the photographer.

Sound and light: The click of the camera and flash. Characters is speaking to photographer in a serious manner.

Britishness: Formal gentlemanly clothing for a formal event, however the Fez is not part of this.

Colour: The man is wearing a red Fez which makes the man the center of attention in the shot. The background is dull brown color, which makes the man stand out due to the fact he is wearing a black and white suit. This also shows that he has made an effort for the occasion.

Stereotypes: Man in formal clothing but with a twist on sense of humor from his fake moustache and Fez.

Mise-en-scene: Man is placed in the chair, sitting up right looking formal. His posture and facial expressions show he is uncomfortable with the situation that is taking place. The dialogue explains to the audience why he is getting his picture taken.

Sound and light: Dialogue between man in the chair and photographer. Click from the camera and flash.

Britishness: Classic cockney accent.

Colour: The suit blends into the brown background. Shows how his character is boring and does not want to be there.

Stereotypes: Asian middle- class, old man looking for a wife via arranged marriage.

Mise-en-scene : The cat sitting on a chair with a bow on the front, showing it is quite special to its owner, the woman behind it, holding it still. The cat is the center if the shot, in front of the owner, the owner loves her pet, bringing it forward into the spotlight instead of herself

Sound and light: Flash from the camera and click.

Britishness: Sterotypical of an older white woman who adores her cat.

Colour: Chair and rug and grey and white to match the colours of the cat. Take the attention away from the owner, who is wearing a plain black and not much of the focus.

Stereotypes: Of a british old woman who adores her pet.

Mise-en-scene :identical blue dresses on each of the children. Stands out against the dark background. Lady that works there is wearing dull clothing and blends into the background. The mothers dress is slightly dull but still has the blue color to show she’s associated with the girls in the centre. Work ladys hair is scruffy and tied back to show shes busy and at work compared to the mothers hair which has had more time and care put into it the girls hair is all identical and neat and tidy, and is being cared for thorughout the extract. The triplets hands are all linked showing their bond and they all link towards the girl in the centre suggesting she’s the oldest of the three. The two women on the edge are symmetrical in the way they are positioned and sat , creating the focus of the scene, the girls in the centre. Mum looks proud and the worker looks tired and not very interested in the mothers story. Two of the triplets look jealous of the sister in the centre getting all the attention. Makes you wonder where the father is in all of this?

Sound and light: Two lights behind focus in on the triplets to add to the main focus of the scene which is them. Light coming in from above and filler lights on the side to soften the faces. The light casts a shadow over the worker to show she’s less important to the scene and the light is more focused on the mother who is telling a story. Sounds of the mother talking about how she conceived the children showing she is comfortable with the other lady in the scene. And there is sounds of fussing over the triplets, to show they are still setting up for the actual photo. Cannot hear the male voice of the photographer like you can in other scenes. adds to the fact they’re not ready for the picture yet.

Britishness: ballerinas. British girls take ballet classes when they were younger. Mothers british accent. Proud british mother.

Colour: dark background. Triplets stand out in the blue. Lady that works there is wearing dull clothing and blends into the background. The mothers dress is slightly dull but still has the blue color to show she’s associated with the girls in the centre. Triplets white shoes stand out against the dark flooring also.

Stereotypes: classic blonde ballerinas. Typical mother in background trying to push her children to greatness as well to the front of the picture. Possibly single mum trying to do good by her daughters to make up for no father, possibly spoiling them?

Mise-en-scene: dog, table, red cloth, matches the red clothing, stands out from the rest of the scene. Central to the scene. Dog looks relaxed. Excitable lady combing the dog, fussing over him.
Light and Sound: lady talking, fidgeting noise. Camera click. Camera flash.
Britishness: a lady proud of her dog. Britsh people, dog is a mans best friend.
Color: red blanket stands out. Blanket matches the woman's clothing, she has a dog on her jumper. Not much other color.
Stereotypical: woman fussing over her pet. Proud of her dog.

Mise-en-scene: white clothing. Angelic. Baby does not look very comfortable.
Light and Sound: white light. Happy and angelic. New baby. ‘happy glow’. Click of the camera. Flash of the camera. Bright, filer lights from the side to soften the faces.
Britishness: English accent.
Color: white, pure.
Stereotypical: stereotypical happy glow from the mother.

Mise-en-scene: chair, lady wearing a nurses outfit, hat. body language is stiff and serious. Facial expressions are serious and showing no emotion. Only smiles quickly when the photographer says a joke.
Light and Sound: flashes of light when the picture takes. Not really any other lighting used.
Britishness : typical nurse
Color: the lady's blue dress stands out
Stereotypical: typical nurse

Mise en scene: Clothing for boxer. Boxing gloves and shorts. Facial expressions show aggression and enthusiasm about what he is doing. Loves boxing. No hair. No make up. Simple. Concentrates on the boxing. Smiles in between photos to show he’s proud of himself.

Sound and light: flashes of light when the picture takes. Not really any other lighting used.

Britishness: it doesn’t


Color : the gloves are bright red, so they stand out and are the main attention.

Stereotypes: black man boxing

Mise en scene: Dated clothing and hairstyles, show date of film. Formally dressed except the child. Dressed scruffily and casually. Stereotypically stood, the mother is more enthusiastic than the rest of the family and the grandmother doesn’t really look like she knows what’s going on. Women look like they’ve made an effort to wear make up. Grandmother is wearing glasses shows her age. Mother is in the centre of the shot to show she’s central to the family and she’s the only one that is enthusiastic about it as she keeps talking to the photographer. Father and son are hiding behind the mother showing thy don’t really want to be there and feel awkward and ‘protected’ by the mother and grandmother. Facial expressions on the son make him look fed up and bored. The father keeps pulling faces and deep breathing to show he’s preparing himself to pretend he wants to be there and that he is fed up of being fussed over about his tie and papers in his pocket. The mother is smiling and over the top with her emotions to show her enthusiasm about the picture and the grandmother looks confused about where she's meant to be and laughs randomly.

Sound and Light: Classic photographic lighting studio, sets the scene. Standard lighting with filler light on the side to soften the faces. People talking and its as if we’re overhearing the conversation. Flash of the camera and the sound of a camera clicking shows the audience a picture has been taken.

Britishness: Classic family. Mum, dad, child and grandmother. The way they’re dressed. Their accent. Mother is head of family and in control. Son is fed up.

Color: two characters that are fed up with it are wearing dull colours and the other two characters are wearing more vibrant colours to show their more enthusiastic approach to the picture.