Research: Questionnaire and results

I created a questionnaire in order to identify what people expect to see within a thriller movie, this helped me to identify the people that I handed out my questionnaire to were people of the age 16-34 this is because this is the age group of the people that I have targeted my thriller for, this is because the narrative applies mostly to them.

Below is the questionnaire that I created:

 

I handed the questionnaire out to various people who all fit within the age range and I received their feedback

 

 

 

 

Here are some of the key findings from my questionnaire:

 

This graph shows me that that most people feel worried after watching a thriller film. This has helped me gain a general understanding of how someone will feel after watching my thriller.

 

 

This shows me that people prefer to see thrillers take places in locations such as houses, this has helped me because I know the location I should choose to shoot my thriller.

 

This information tells me that people prefer to see thrillers that have a theme based around romance, this tells me that I should write a narrative based around romance.

 

This graph shows me that people prefer to see male antagonists, this has helped me in choosing the roles for the characters in my thriller.

Research: Opening Credit / Typography

Opening Credits:

Intro:

What is their purpose?

Opening Credits are the text we see at the very beginning of the film; Opening credits are not only used at the start of the film to tell the audience who are the main stars of the film, but to also state the producer(s), director and any executives. They also tell us which film or production companies are linked to the film.

What information they provide?

Order of apprearance:

- Production Company

- Actors

- Production/ Title

- Producer

- Director

How do they make the audience feel?

Opening credits give the audience a feeling of excitement or anticipation when they see the actors that are playing a part of the film. they will also help determine what genre the movie will be. For example, 

 

Opening credits can be very effective in thriller movies when assisted by a good soundtrack generating suspense, tension and fear. 

 

Conclusion

In doing this research I have learned the order of appearance within opening credits.  in my opening credits  I will credit the actors and actresses, hair and make-up, lighting operator, Producer, Sound Operator, Editor and Director.

Typography:

What Is Typography?

Typography is the style or "appearance" of a text within a film.  a font in order to portray a message . It plays an essential part in the presentation process.

The typography for thrillers tend to be twisted and disturbed this is to set the mood or generate emotion for the audience.

Conclusion

Through research I have found that thrillers use a certain type of font or text style to indicate what sort of thriller will be shown. This effectively generates emotion among the audience as they anticipate what will happen during the film. In my thriller I will explore the different styles of text to effectively generate fear among the audience.

Research: Mis en Scene (setting & iconography)

Mise En Scene: Setting and Iconography

What are setting and iconography?

Setting-

Setting is the location the film is set in; the setting can be pretty much anywhere from buildings and towns that you see on a day to day basis, to even countries on a much wider scale.
Setting is a very important because it makes the movie more conventional to its genre and creates numbers of different connotations and denotations.

Typical/ conventional thriller settings are locations such as Run down or derelict houses, warehouses/ factories, Abandoned and desolate locations, Family homes, forests and schools: Settings such as these all carry different connotations and denotations which the audience notice/ pick up on. For example, setting it in a family home would denote that its just a family home, although it may connote that a place usually tied or linked with safety and security is not all trustworthy.
　

Iconography

Iconography are the objects that are used to help carry out or accomplish roles within the film, certain pieces of iconography hold different connotations and denotations that we can physically see or we can infer. For example, a childs doll can denote the innocence of childhood but can hold evil connotations.

　
Settings and Sub-Genre: How are settings dependant on sub-genres?

The Setting is dependent on the sub-genre the movie falls under to make it conventional to the sub-genre and to make it more interesting and help the audience engage in the action taking placem, and to generate tension and suspenseful moments.

Psychological thriller: The setting would normally be in a Run down house, Abandoned warehouse, Basement of a house, School and forests etc... this is because the action taking place is in a smaller and more secluded enviroment and would allow the audience to be drawn into focus on whats happening.

Crime-Thrillers: The setting for this thriller sub-genre would tend to be larger populated. For example, Banks, Towns and Cities etc... this is because there tends to be a bit more action taking place in these settings


Iconography and Sub-Genre: How is iconography dependant on sub-genres?

Iconography is dependant on sub-genre because the sub-genre helps build an understanding of the type of objects that will be seen or used. This also has to do with the fact that

Psychological-Thrillers: the type of iconography used in this sub-genre tends to be quite sinister. for example, Knives, Blunt objects and Power Tools etc... this is because these objects are common everyday objects and arent normally used for the purpose of harming even though they hold the potential to do so.

Crime-Thriller: Things like guns and other form of weaponry are more commonly used in this sub-genre because they are mostly used in commiting crimes such as Bank Robbery, Mass Murder and other larger scale crimes. This ties very well with the genre to give the film life, meaning and create understanding as to why it is a crime-thriller

Conclusion:

In conclusion looking at Setting and Iconography within thrillers has helped me understand what sort of setting and objects I can expect to see in certain sub-genre, and why they may have been used. Also I have learned what sort of setting and iconography I can use within my own thriller film and how it can support the sub-genre it falls under. in planning to do this it will help my thriller be more conventional to also make the narrative effective.

Research: Editing

 

Editing

Editing is where the shots that are taken during filming are stitched together at certain parts. The length of each shot determines the pace and smoothness of the film and can help generate mood and emotion. Combining with cinematography editing helps the shots that are taken make more sense and understanding.

Film trailers are a really good way in connecting an audience to a film. Film trailers mainly use a mixture of editing styles, techniques and speeds to appeal and entice an audience, while also advertising the film.

Different Types of editing

Wipe cut- When the shot "slides" into another shot.

Dissolve- When a camera shot "disintegrates" into another.

Reaction shot- Any shot is used to show someone’s reaction to a pervious shot.

Montage- Montage is the speed of editing, where shots are quickly put together to generate excitement.

Slow editing- Slow editing is when clips are put together at a slower pace and this is to create suspense and capture action

Fast editing- is when clips are put together at a fast pace and this is to create suspense and thrill.

Shot reverse shot- this is normally used in films where a conversation is going on, it is used to switch between participants really quickly.

Jump cut- is a drastic editing technique that is very noticeable to the eye

Conclusion
Doing this research has furthered my knowledge and understanding of the different editing styles and techniques that are used in films; it has also helped me understand more in how they help generate mood and emotion for the audience. This will help me when it comes to the editing
of my thriller piece as i will know which edits to use to create a certain response from the audience.

Research: Cencorship

Censorship

Who are the BBFC and what is their role?
 
The BBFC's role is to monitor and conduct what a film is and isn't allowed to show/ depict, and to also protect the public from anything that could offend, cause controversy or cause any potential mental harm.

Why is the role of the BBFC important to the film industry?

The BBFC's role is important because they set the rules and regulations within the film industry and with an established board to monitor what is being shown to people

What things get censored and why?

Some things like drugs, weapons,and explicit scenes get censored in films. Because somethings aren't suited for certain age categories.

What is the difference between films being cut and banned?
 
There is a difference between a film being cut or banned, this is because one is the alteration of a certain scene or scenes, whereas the other is when the film is not allowed to be shown completely.

The film will be revised to ensure that the content is appropriate if it is unsuitable the film will either be banned or the film-makers  will be asked to be cut certain peices of footage several times at certain points until the BBFC are happy for it to be shown to the public.



Forna vs Kermode

Three arguments made by Forna for censorship were...
  1. The public associate themselves with different characters and may be influenced to put themselves in that situation.
2. Some films may start to break down the barriers us as humans put up, for example there may be a film about a woman being raped however the woman starts to enjoy even though before they watched the film the audience would think it wrong for her to do so. 
3. The power of words and images featured in some films may affect the audience and have the potential to stir racial hatred etc.

Three arguments made by Kermode against censorship were...

1. Everyone has different reactions and interpretations on what they see in the film. 
2. It is unfair that we are being told what we can and can't watch. As human beings we know what is right and what is wrong so it should be our choice whether to watch it or not. 
3. The issue of responsibility; policing films is impossible, the films we watch should'nt be seen to be encouraging however they should be seen as showing the audience realistic situations e.g. rape/ murder etc..    
I agree with Forna's argument to apply censorship but I also believe that the public have free will and they should be able to watch what they please as long as there is a level of responsibilty


Conclusion
In doing research on censorship I have come to learn what will get cut from a a film and what can cause a film to get banned or what has to be cut from a film in order for it to be shown.

Research: Age certificates - Ms Begum

Age Certificates

What are age certificates?

Age certificates are set by the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) to determine and regulate what age group is suitable to view certain films.

The BBFC are the board in charge of regulating film age certificates and whether films can be shown or certain scenes within in the film. The age rating is completely determined by the BBFC and can only be changed by them.



Age Certificates
U– This age certificate stands for Universal and means that it can be viewed by anyone. Things that are shown in an Rated U film are:

• there is nothing unsuitable for children

 

 This is an example of a U rated film, this is because this film is for general viewing and anyone can watch it.



PG- This stands for Parental Guidance, this is for general viewing although some scenes within may not be appropriate for all children. Things that can be shown in a PG rated film:

• Mild language 
• Sex and drug references
• Moderate violence if justified by context (e.g. fantasy).

This film may contain scenes that might frighten small children so its completely down to the parents/ guardian to decide whether the child can watch it.

12a- Can be viewed by children aged 12 and older in the cinema only, children under the age of 12 can watch as long they’re accompanied by an adult. Things that can be shown in a 12a rated film:

• Mature themes
• Discrimination
• Soft drugs
• Infrequent strong language 
• Moderate violence
• Sex references and nudity
• Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed.
• Sexual violence may be implied or briefly indicated.

12- Can be viewed by children aged 12 and older but not in a cinema. Things that can be shown in a 12 rated film:

 

• Mature themes
• Discrimination
• Soft drugs
• Infrequent strong language
• Moderate violence
• Sex references and nudity
• Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed.
• Sexual violence may be implied or briefly indicated.

15- Can only be viewed by children aged 15 and older. Things that can be shown in a 15 rated film:

•  Adult themes
• Hard drugs
• Frequent strong language and limited use of very strong language
• Strong violence
• Strong sex references
• Nudity without graphic detail
• Sexual activity can be portrayed without strong detail
• Sexual violence can be shown if discreet and justified by context.

 18- Can be viewed by an audience aged 18. Things that can be shown in a 18 rated film:

 

•  No limitation on the bad language that is used
• Hard drugs are allowed
• Explicit sex references along with detailed sexual activity are also allowed.
• Scenes of strong real sex may be permitted if justified by the context
• Very strong, gory, and/or sadistic violence is usually permitted
• Strong sexual violence is permitted unless it is eroticised or excessively graphic

R18- This certificate is strictly restricted for adults 18 and older to view the film, access to these types of film can only be found in Licensed sex shops and Licensed adult cinemas. films that are rated R18 have much more explicit content. Things that can be shown in a R18 rated film:

•  Hard-core pornography 
• Real sexual activitystrong fetish material
• Explicit animated images.

 More cuts are demanded in this category than any other category and There is still material that is often cut from films with R18 rating:

• Strong images of injury in BDSM
• Urolagnia
• Scenes depicting/ suggesting incest (even if staged)
• References of underage sex or childhood sexual development
• Aggressive behaviours such as hair-pulling or spitting on a performer are not permitted.

Discuss 12A Rating - Spiderman 

When Spiderman was first released in 2002 it was originally given a 12 certificate rating. In doing so it was argued that it should've been given a PG rating instead, The BBFC on the otherhand said the film was too violent and shouldn't have a PG Raing and to stop the issue and allow it to be shown they gave it a 12A instead.

conclusion

Doing research on age certificates has helped me understand more about the BBFC and their role in the film industry, it has also given me better knowledge on what is shown in each age certificate. This has also given me a personal understanding as to what age certificate my thriller would roughly fit into and what content would class it into that age category. This will give me a general idea of what age group will be able to watch it.

Research: Narrative Themes



Narrative Themes

What are themes?

Themes are the topics or ideas a narrative would mainly consist of; for example, Death or Revenge. These are things the audience can identify and give them understanding or insight as to what the film is about. This can also help determine what sub-genre the movie would fall under.

do themes depend on genre?

Themes depend on genres/ sub-genres as they are what bring the different themes to life. If themes did not have any correlation to the genre it would cause confusion and would not make any sense as to why it falls under that genre/ sub-genre, this would cause the film to lose its appeal and put audiences off from wanting to watch it again or any sequels that may follow. 

examples of different themes:

Revenge:

Love:

Death:

Obsession:

Conclusion

Doing research on Narrative Themes has helped me understand the conventional themes that take place within a thriller, and it has also helped me build some understanding of what themes will be present in my own thriller piece. This will also help me determine what sort of audience reaction I will get.

Research: Lighting and Colour

Lighting and Colour

 

Intro

Lighting and Colour can be very significant when used to highlight or display the importance of a character or objects in the scene. Lighting and Colour are very important conventions to thriller films because they help to set the mood in certain films and scenes. It can also help to focus the audience’s attention to one particular person or objects. Lighting can be used to cast shadows and create silhouettes to create a chill or maybe suspense. Colours can be used to bring the scene to add life and emotion to the scene/ film.

 

Angles of lighting

 

Top lighting- This is lighting that comes from above the character, and creates a glorified look upon the character(s).

 

 

 

Under lighting- Under Lighting is the light that comes from underneath the person. This is used to generally give a distorting effect on the character(s).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back lighting- Back Lighting is the lighting that comes from behind the character. This is normally used to create silhouettes and tends to add a mysterious effect.

 

 

 

 

 

Types of lighting

 

Low-Key Lighting- This type of lighting tends to be quite dark and is used in scenes depicting desolate or run down settings. Low-key lighting is the most common/ conventional to thriller films because it helps to creates a dark and eerie atmosphere, this is so it adds suspense and tension for the audience; this adds a more fearful look towards the film.

 

 

 

 

 

High-Key Lighting- This is lighting that appears natural yet clearly brighter than natural lighting. This would be more commonly used in sci-fi thrillers, this is so that it gives an exaggerated look to the scenery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural Lighting- This is when no extra lighting has been added to the scene, this is normally used when trying to create a sense of naturalism or realism.

 

 

 

 

 Colour in scene

Certain Colours are used in scenes to have different connotations to them, and can give different interpretations of the scene. For example:

 

Dark Blue/Black: Horror

 

 

 

Red would tie well with Soft Horror.

 

Blue would be associated with Action Thriller

 

 

The colour Orange would be suitable for Action-Adventure.

 

 

 

Green: Sci-fi Thriller

 

Colours that are conventional to thrillers are red, dark blue and black because it helps to make the scene/film look isolated surrounding by the dark atmosphere creating mysterious and evilness. The colours are also have different connotations from the audience to interpretate each colour to represent different objects or emotions in certain ways.

Research: Narrative Theory

Narrative Theory

 

Narrative Theory:

 What is a narrative, and why is it important to the audience?

 A narrative is the storyline that is used during the film; it's the story of the film and portrays all the things that happen to lead to the outcome. It's very important to the audience as it gives them an understanding of what the film is about, and gives them knowledge as to why some of the characters had motives.

 

What four elements allow and help the audience to find meaning?

 Four elements that help the audience to find meaning are:

The characters, The Connotations & Denotations, Structure and genre.

 Characters- Characters will help an audience to understand who they are, why they're important to the story and how they're conventional to the roles they play. 

 Connotations and Denotations- Connotations are the things that we infer or imply these are things that are not physically shown, whereas Denotations are the things actually are and what is seen.

Structure- The Structures role is to allow us to understand from Beginning, middle and ending, and to also ensure there is no confusion.

Genre- Genre shows us how conventional it is and what makes them conventional genre-wise

 

 

Propp (Characters):

Vladimir Propp looked the basic plot components of Russian folk tales to figure out their narrative elements. He was primarily interested in narrative folk tales as he believed their folk tales were based around the same problems, which meant that they had similar structures throughout.

 

Propp's narrative stages:

 

Complication: Protagonist(s) plan to take action against the Antagonist(s)

 

Transference: The Protagonist reacts to the donor

 

Struggle: The Antagonist(s) has to be overcome

 

Return:  The hero arrives home and is not recognised

 

Recognition:  The false hero or villain is unmasked

 

 

 

 

Todorov (Equilibriums):

 

Zvetan Todorov firmly believed that narratives should consist of 3 main equilibriums.

A state of equilibrium where everything is perfectly normal.

A disruption (disequilibrium) which causes disorder, chaos or mayhem.

And a New Equilibrium which is the restoration of natural order/ balance.

 Although, Todorov chose to add more micro equilibriums within the main three to give them more understanding.

 

Todorov’s narrative stages:

 •Equilibrium

 •Disruption

 •Resolution

 •Restored Order

 •New Equilibrium

 

 

 

Aristotle: The Importance of Plot

 
Aristotle was a Greek philosopher who believed that a film should have a beginning, middle and an end. The events must casually relate to one another as being either necessary or probable. It is important to arouse emotions from the visuals/text.

 

 

 

Barthes: Semiology within Narrative

Roland Barthes was not only a French literary theorist but also a philosopher, critic, linguist and Semiotician. He believed that the narrative can be explained by using these five things:

 

Action- the Understanding and resolution is understood by the action.

 

Enigma- Teases the audience by presenting a puzzle or a riddle that needs to be resolved.

 

Symbolic- The Connotations

 

Semic: The Denotations

 

Cultural Understanding- Events that can be recognized by different groups of people.

 

What narrative structure do thrillers tend to take and why?

The narrative structure thrillers tend to normally take are storylines in which everything begins normally, until someone or something causes a form of disturbance or disruption which causes an unbalanced state, bringing a climax. For this to be solved or equalised someone must go up against the force causing the problem. These are the basic steps of Todorov's theory and narrative stages.

 

 

Conclusion:

In the research I have done I have found out what sort of storyline would be conventional to the thriller genre; this will help me when it comes to planning and writing my own thriller storyline. This also helps me to understand what sort of reaction I will gain from the audience.

Research: Sound

 

Sound

Intro

Sound is one of the most crucial elements in film production; this is because sound assists what can be seen to add an audial effect. Sound is used to create understanding for the audience and to help give an insight into what may be coming next. A Powerful soundtrack can create different responses from the viewers.

There are various different types of sound being used in films such as:

- Diegetic sound:

Diegetic sound is the sound which comes naturally in the film world e.g. Dialogue, music /Talking from a radio or television. The sound can either be on or off screen. For example in the clip of "The Dark Knight Rises" we see the two characters sat down talking.

 

 

- Non-diegetic sound:

Non-diegetic sound is sound that has been created to put into the film world for example a soundtrack, voice-over or even a sound effect. In the clip of "The Dark Knight Rises" straight into the scene we hear Non-Diegetic music being played as we are being showed the city buildings.

 

- On screen sound:

On screen sound is when the audience can see exactly where the sound is coming from for example a radio, television or a telephone ringing. The used of this type of sound is used to create naturalism, make sense and to make the scene more realistic. This helps to make the scene more believable and helps to keep the audience aware of the surrounding. an example of this is at 0:06 - 0:10 where we see a large crowd of people in the stock exchange, we are then aware that it is them making the noise.

 

- Off screen sound:

Off screen sound is sound that can be heard but you cannot see where it is coming from, but it makes sense to the film world for example a phone call, building site, traffic or people in the background. The use of this type of sound helps give the audience awareness of what’s happening around the character.

 

- Parallel sound:

Parallel sound is the sound when the sound(s) in the back ground make sense to what’s going on on-screen for example. This trailer down here of a mystery-horror film 'One Missed Call'' is an example, the used of parallel sound in this trailer helps to give the viewers an idea of what's the film is about by allowing them to hear what's in the phone and the mysterious story behind it. This helps to engage the audience attentions to watch the movie and find out for themselves.

 

- Contrapuntal sound:

Contrapuntal sound is when the sound does not match the image going on on-screen for example in the movie “Jaws” we see kids playing happily in the water to then hear a dramatic soundtrack come in at 1:32, at first the audience may not fully comprehend why that sort of soundtrack is being played; but then have an understanding that there is impending danger, this then makes the audience feel sympathetic knowing that one of them is about to be attacked.

 

Conclusion:

 

I have looked at all these types of sounds used in film, and it has given me a better understanding as to why they would be used and the emotions that they generate. This has also given me a better understanding as to what sort of soundtrack to create during my own film production.