In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
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by
Emma Phillips
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06:41
The task given to us was to create a two minute opening (approx) for a thriller film. For inspiration, we looked and studied other thriller openings, in order to give us ideas on all aspects of a thriller- such as conventions, camera angles, sounds etc. Thriller conventions suggest that thriller's should contain;
· a dark atmosphere with no shortage of suspense and tension
· include both a villain and a hero
· very fast paced with recurrent action
· faster editing when main plot events occur
· a range of interesting camera shots
· diegetic and non diegetic sounds, including music
As well as this, we have to take into consideration the age rating our thriller opening will be viewed too. This is important because if we were to film for a PG rated film; it would vastly limit the amount of typical thriller conventions that could be shown in our thriller opening. Due to this, we have chosen to film our thriller to fit a BBFC rating of 15, as we would be able to show the required levels of filming to make the genre of my piece of filming obvious. This way, we can also open our thriller up to a wider audience, without limitations. Also, by creating our thriller to be at a rating of 15, it will allow us to include the necessary language, shots, ideas and violence without going against the requirements allowed, and still being appropriate for our audience.
The first 2 minutes of a thriller are filmed with the intention to suggest a narrative, without giving away too much information. Here, the audience also has a chance to meet the main characters. Through editing, the plot normally starts slow paced, but when the action scenes take place, both the editing and shooting gets quicker in pace in an attempt to create/increase dramatic tension. Instrumental music will also, more than often, crescendo in order to emphasise the event in question. Normally, music (like non-diegetic sound) is added in during the editing process in order to add interest to the film, as well as adding to the overall effect. Within my thriller, music was added but also a voice over track to add a twist to the plot, as it was the victim talking about her experiences. Thriller films consist of many shots used to emphasise either the vast amount or lack of power amongst the characters. For instance, to illustrate weak characters, the camera would be positioned high angled facing down, and for more powerful characters, the camera would be placed at a lower angle pointing up.
The use of long shots are common at the start of the opening, in order to establish location, time and setting. Also within in this scene, close ups may be used to show detailed facial expressions or reaction shots in a character, or significant detail of an object, once more giving an idea as to their personality and role within the thriller. Considering mise-en-scene during the filming of our thriller was very important as we needed to make sure our thriller was convincing to everyone who watched it.
For research, we watched many opening scenes from films with a thriller genre in order to gain knowledge and learn about the many conventions (such as shot angles and types, characters and music), that we personally needed to consider during the filming of our own work to ensure that our thrillers were convincing. The main example we watched that had the most impact on our filming was “Psycho”, as we liked the idea of a psychological thriller.
The angle of the wall in the shot makes it look interesting, as well as the worn out wallpaper adding a sense of an abandoned building that has many stories to tell. I also think that the constant lower case text, that also ranges in sizes, is also very interesting to look at, as well as adding a spooky twist onto the film. This will influence the openings on my thriller because my partner, Nathan Roe, and I believe it looks very effective and professional, and has the kind of opening our media companies would look for and enjoy.
After the main point within our plot had been decided, we researched given topics and case studies relating too it. For instance, we gained sufficient information to be able to know enough
of the “Date-Rape-Drug” to make it a convincing. storyline within our thriller, learning about its appearance and affects. By choosing such a topic, we were able to express the epidemic in a way that spreads awareness to all young people across the country- as well as creating a
The use of dark editing techniques makes the thriller more convincing.
The added interest in this shot is due to the colour contrast of the barn against the snow, and the light rays in the centre of the shot.
Contrast in colour here also works against the colour of the barn, as the frost on the branches also creates an atmosphere of fear.
The use of black and white effects adds to the intention that all these particular shots are in the past, acting as a flashback. It also helps to create an overall effect of tension, emphasising the darkness of the culprit through shadows and their particular outfit. Rule of thirds was also used here.
Using the rule of thirds allowed the audience to focus on a main point within the given scene. In this case for instance, the desired effect is gained due to the centre of the shot being the action.
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