Analysis of detective film openings- Sherlock Holmes

Mise-en-scene:  Costume- Period victorian dress, long tweed coats, hats however also religious cloaks shows contrast between 2 cultutures.

Actors: Serious facial expressions, pained look from henchman, possessed look from girl. Shows how Holmes and Watson can be so calm in life threating situations.

Make up: basic make up, victim made pale- to show the supernatural element of the scene.

Props: carriage, cane, hats, lantern, altar, knife.

Setting: Street in victorian London then makeshift temple.

Editing: fast editing, jump cuts, invisible editing. Shows the frantic pace Holmes works at.

Lighting: low key lighting at night. Shows the darkness of the criminal world.

Camera: extreme close ups of Le Strade, Holmes and Blackwood- helps to emphasise the varying emotions. mid shots mix of slow motion then sped up shots to again show the pace Holmes works at but also to show how methodical Holmes is.

Sound: Non- diagetic: Music and Holmes' internal monologue.
          
            Diagetic: hooves on cobbles, dialogue, ritualistic chanting, cries of pain, suffocation.     

 


 

My view on sound recording

For our next scene we decided to have an all audio scene. It took a while as we had to get use to the equipment and then go through it enough times to make sure it was a good quality. This meant mainly working on the actors vocals and positioning around the microphone. I feel it's a good scene and will fit in well with our other scenes.

My view on filming at night

Set up was quicker as we were used to the equipment. However the main issue was positioning the camera so we had enough light to see the actors but also capture the dark, scary atmosphere we wanted. Once we got an angle we were happy with, the finished product looks good and editing has made it look even better. I feel on the whole the film is coming along nicely.   

My view on filming the day scenes

Filming was slow at first as we had to take time to set up, and make sure foliage didn't block the camera. However once that was sorted we ran through the scene trying it from different angles, with the actors trying different vocals. Overall I'm happy with what we ended up with.  

The detective pitch

The reason I've put this up is its the idea we went with and I think its important to show the original idea. The feedback that Pete, James and Jonny got was that:

They were told to think about changing the cast list to make it more realistic or drastic depending on how the actor played the character.

Another opinion was changing the location from the city to the suburbs to add realism as often you don't see a murder in a densely populated area.

When we filmed it we did actually move location to the Ridings estate as its quiet enough to be realistic. But its also built up enough to add enigma. For example did any one see the killing.    

preliminary task evaluation

In a group with:
Charlie Bradley and Danielle Guichard

Write about the preliminary task. What were you asked to do? How did you find each stage of the process?:
At the start of the task we were asked to story board what we were going to film. I found this struggle with drawing and some shots we wanted were difficult to explain, also we cut some aspects. I found filming and acting relatively easy and I became more confident after each take. Editing I struggled with at first but eventually got the hang of it and am now happy with the finished product.

Write 3 things you learnt during the preliminary task:
* I learnt how to edit.
* How to work a camera in a practical task.
* How to keep focus while acting in front of a camera.

List 3 things that went well:
*Filming
*Acting
*Organisation

List 3 things you think could have improved:
*Story boards could have been more detailed and better drawn.
* Editing I feel could have been quicker
*My eye line while acting as I looked at the camera once or twice as well as making continuity bad in some shots.

Has the preliminary task given you any ideas for your 2-minute film opening:
Yes, it's given me a few ideas of what transitions and shots to use. I'm thinking of using a  crime/thriller for my film opening.            

Preliminary task

Storyboard

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwWVFrFirTeAENk7TEYpWD1TWE_c-WJKKmL6j0kmGt98KSqb0iy2KN1oV6hz_mJU9RoMgBMXVoftDAARIYRuJWi-a6IAK1Gumfobz7XYYyDV5cYs9TYAuhEf7HAOVT0YCDi5VtWMznAo/s320/IMGP1753.JPG For the murder scene we wanted to create a dark, scary atmosphere. To get this effect we used hand held shots, to make it look shaky - connotations of fear. Along with low angle close ups of the Victim falling, because to me it's scarier when you can't see the danger but you know its there. For the detective scene we wanted to show how a calm, picturesque location can play host to something this horrific. But also how calm the police are in these situations.

Props and Costume

Props: Mask Pen knife Fake blood Tarpaulin (or other covering Material) Costume: Henry/David Stone: Smart Casual trousers and shirt, Shows he's a detective not just a regular cop. Connotations of being well off and well respected. James/Dan Cash: Same costume as Stone when he's a detective. Key point is both wear different jackets, this is a convention of the detective genre as in all detective films the partnership wear different jackets to show different backgrounds and how they play off each other. When James is the murderer the costume is scruffy jeans and a hoodie. All dark clothes along with his mask. Connotations of evil and not wanting to be seen. Pete/Mafia accomplice: Dark hoodie and jeans, dark scarf covering his face again connotations of evil and not wanting to be seen. Jonny/Jim Marley: smart shirt and trousers with a tie. Connotations of Wealth and taking pride in your appearance.

Shooting Schedule

Shooting schedule

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The reason we did a shooting schedule was so we could have a clear, easy to follow plan of when and where to film and through using this we found filming was organised and quicker to set up, meaning we had more time to get the shots we wanted.

Our job roles

Camera/sound: Jonny because he was the best camera man out of all of us during the preliminary task

Director: Henry because He's the most vocal and can direct dramatic aspects well

Producer: Pete because he was the best at editing out of us during the preliminary task

Sherlock Holmes opening titlels analysis

Film company: Warner bros./legendary pictures

Producer names: Joel Silver, Lionel Wigram, Susan Downey, Dan Lin

Director: Guy Ritchie

Actors: Robert Downey JR, Jude Law, Racheal Mcadams, Mark Strong.

Job role definitions

The Director: A film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in film making. They control a film's artistic and dramatic aspects whilst guiding the techinical crew and actors.

Producer: The producer oversees the film production and filming. The producer will also market to the target audience and find a way of financing the film.

Camera operator: Is in charge of the operation and matienence of the camera equipment.

Sound operator: Is in charge of the operation and matienence of the sound recording equipment.

Se7en opening titles analysis

Mise-en-scene: Costume: No visible costume mostly close ups of hands and newspapers adds to enigma as you wonder who it is you see working.

Lighting- low key, very dark adds to the fear and suspense as well as the enigma.

actors: Only e close ups of hands, slow, shaky movements that grow with confidence as the sequence progresses.

Make up: Hands are made to look dirty gives the impression of poverty.

props: surgical tools, books, marker pens, newspaper clippings.

Setting: Hard to tell adds to the enigma. looks like an office/apartment.

Editing: medium paced cuts, lets the images linger adds to suspense.

Camera: Close ups and POV all you see ae hands and what the killer is working on adds to suspense.

sound Diagetic: none

None diagetic: Music (eerie screeching pitch helps disorientate the audience)

Film opening- cast/characters/locations

CAST: Detective David stone: Henry Inman
Detective Dan Cash/murderer: James Quinlan
Mafia acomplice: Pete Fawcett
Jimmy Marley:: Jonny Knibbs
1st Cop on scene: Will Davidson

 CHARACTERS:
Detective David Stone: A 25 year old up and coming detective known for his comittment to any case and his maverick style, comes from a rich family. Struggles to seperate business from personal issues. Partner to Dan Cash.
 Detective Dan Cash: A 30 year old more experienced detective, father figure to David Stone. Has Serious money Problems and can't afford a life saving operation for his Dad. Has to turn to acting as a mafia hitman to afford it.
 Mafia Acomplice: You never learn his name or age, he is assigned to the killer as clean up and is only seen when someone dies.
 Jim Marley: A wealthy banker, with known mafia connections. Was been investigated by Stone and Cash until becoming the killler's 1st victim.

 WHY: David Stone/Henry Inman: We chose me to play this part because I do A-level drama. I love acting, I'm commited and I'm confident in front of the camera. Dan Cash/James Quinlan: We chose James to play this part because he's an A-level student, he's a big fan of the genre and he works well with me. Mafia acomplice/Pete Fawcett: We chose Pete because he wanted to act but prefers camera work, so a smaller role suited best for him. also does photography which will help when it comes to filming.

 LOCATIONS: The Rydings estate: we chose this location as a built up area will add to the enigma of a murder scene.I.e did anyone see. Willingham Woods: We chose this location as it's secluded and a good place to not only dump a body but to film uninterupted.

marketing

We have established our certificate as 15+ and to market to this audience we would: Advertise after popular tv shows that also appeal to this audience such as top gear or coronation street. Have facebook and twitter pages. Finally have posters outside cinemas and where they'd get attention e.g on the side of a bus

Our film's classification

after a discussion in the group we decided that our film should be certified as: 15- because there are violent elements and language that people may find offensive and children may imitate This classification fits the detective genre well as a lot of detective films have a 15 rating for example lethal Weapon 2 or Hot fuzz.

BBFC classification

Here are the bbfc's classifications. U-suitable for all ages PG- parental guidance is advised, suitable 12/12A- anyone under the age of 12 can't see this film in a cinema without adult supervision 15- no under 15 can see a film with this certificate 18- no under the age of 18 can see his classification R18- only specialist cinemas and shops can show these films due to graphic sex

bbfc

The BBFC control film classification throughout all films published in the UK, they regulate what film rating a film should get and if it actually eligible to be published.The BBFC rate films by looking at certain criteria and comparing it to the film in question, if films fail to meet this criteria aspects of the film may have to be changed or the whole film may be rejected, the criteria is: ± Discrimination - is the film offensive to a certain religion, gender, disability, etc. ± Drugs- Does the film portray the use of drugs and does it advertise the use of drugs ± Horror - are there scenes that are to scary for young children. ± Language - Is there bad language that can influence young minds. ± Imitable behaviour- Are the scenes to violent or use certain dangerous weapons e.g. knives or bottles, these are any thing that a child may be able copy and take influence from. ± Nudity- Does the film portray too much nudity/sex that could be offensive to the audience, some films that use to much nudity may be classed a R18 because there is to much nudity for it to be classed as just an 18 ± Theme - are there thing added into the film theme that could be offensive, for example there shouldn't be glamorisation of illegal activities such as drug dealing, rape or murder. ± Violence- Does the film contain graphic or excessive violence.

The Dark Knight Film Opening Analysis

The Dark Knight Film Opening Analysis

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Film opening synopsis

Detectives David Stone (Henry Inman) and Dan Cash (James Quinlan)  investigates the murder of a wealthy banker with known Mafia links. As the case develops, more wealthy victims are found, notably a private doctor, CEO of an insurance company and the head of a union striking about pensions. Stone finally makes the connection that his partner's father needs £30,000 to have life saving surgery. After staking out Cash, Stone learns he's been raising money for his father's operation by moonlighting as a Mafia  hit man and now Stone must make the decision of his life: condemn his best friend's father to death or let more people die at the hands of his friend.   

Target audience expanded

After Talking in the group and seeing what the UK film council said we came up with two possible target audiences: 15 years and up and What the film council suggested 35 + females.

However the Film council data didn't include our genre (detective) so the research came from the closest possible genre (Thriller). So what we'll do is interview a 15+ audience member and a 35+ audience member, then we'll discuss the feedback and try to blend the best of what we hear from both interviews in to the film.     

film opening blurb

A murder in an English suburb leaves locals horrified and the police looking for answers. As the case develops detective David Stone (Henry Inman) and detective Dan Cash (James Quinlan) start to realise just how personal police work can get.

8 key planning questions

1. Is it practical- Yes as the locations we need are local, props won't be expensive and its relatively easy to cast and script.

2. Does it work to the strengths of the group- Yes as we all agree on it and the group is a good balance of people who are confident in front of the camera and people who are confident behind it.

3. Will it show off the skills you've learnt on the course- Yes as there will be many chances  for advanced camera work and editing.

4. Is it something you can film and edit in the time available- yes as we all know how to film/edit and everything we need is relatively local.

5. Can you get access to locations- yes as all chosen locations are public areas and are school timetables fit around are chosen times.

6. Can you organise lighting in your locations- Yes as the majority of filming will be done in daylight and what night scenes there are the location has enough light.

7. Have you included dialogue- yes and it will work as any unwanted noise can be removed in post production.

8- do you have high quality actors, yes as we have 2 a- level drama students in the group.    
     

Detective target audience

After analysing research data from the UK film council. we found that our specific genre (detective/thriller) was the 4th favourite film that the general public enjoy watching, with 53% of the vote as seen on picture 1.
After researching demographics we found that it is the favourite  genre for females aged 35+ but it is widely enjoyed by all ages, genders and social classes as seen on picture 2.


 Picture 1







Picture 2

target audience feedback

I gave our target audience questionnaire and to two 15+ year olds to get a wider range of  feedback this is what they said:

They like detective films, they like the mystery and action of detective films.

They think to make a good detective film you need action and a good blend of fast paced and slow scenes.

One criticism was that they said we were aiming at the wrong target audience and should market to the 25+ audience.

When asked what they'd like to see in a detective film they said: They'd like to see cliff hangers and things that keep the audience guessing.

Final advice was not to overcomplicate our opening with too much dialogue.

Conventions of the Detective genre

Character: Intelligent thinking man, the maverick side kick both our loyal to one another, both can handle themselves in a fight.  I.e Lethal weapon with Murtagh and Riggs.

Mise-en-scene- Setting: surbaban rich area edge of city, often travels in to city, woods and coastline for crime scenes because secluded less likely to be seen.

Costume: Varies depending on time/department/situation.  Either Police uniform, or smart casual suits o leather jackets. sometimes period dress such as Victorian. i.e Ashes to Ashes or Sherlock Holmes.

Lighting: darker when crime is being committed often filmed at night. Lighter in police station or with detectives shows contrast between crime and justice.

Actors: Anger, thought, confusion, pain. All used to show the emotional toll on the people involveed in the case.

Make up: Basic make up unless criminal dresses up. I.e The joker In The Dark Knight.

Props: guns, cars, magnifying glass police badge.

Shot type: tracking, pov, establishing, mid shot shot reverse shot.

Iconography: Handcuffs, sirens, police badge,

Themes: Justice

Sounds: low getting graduallyn louder builds tempo rock, jazz, fas paced helps set the tone.      

 
 

 

Chosen genre

We have decided to do a detective film for our 2 minute opening.
The name of the film is Sleep on it and the 1st draft of the cast list is:

Detective 1- Henry Inman
Detective 2 - James Quinlan
1st cop on scene - Will Davidson
Murderer- Pete Fawcett
Victim - Jonny Knibbs  

Our pitch

our pitch

Gangster pitch feed back

After recording my pitch the feedback I was given was:

Where would I film it

Could I make it look good

However overall sir and my group thought it was a good pitch.
After disscussing it with my group we decided to go with our detective idea for the film opening because locations are easily accesable i.e the woods. Also Its easy to make our idea look good with the people and equipment at our disposal.  

Poster explanation

The reason I made the poster was to help in the pitch and also to add to the selling point and treat as a proper film. I also feel the use of a tag line "In business you can make a real killing" makes the film stick in your head and make you want to see it.

Gangster film poster

Gangster pitch expanded

I've come up with a name for the film: Unforeseen Circumstances. It links to the fact the Mafia didn't know the victim had a gun.

The target audience for the film would be 15-16 years and up.

The unique selling point of the film is that I'm blending classic gangster with modern action. There'll be aspects of the stereotypical Mafia boss but also modern action scenes.
An example of this is I'm giving the film a non linear sequence and hope to show glimpses of the shoot out between the gangsters and the victim.  

The Godfather opening

 This isn't an analysis I posted the video as it shows the vibe I want for our opening.


For example the lighting, Its very dark and low key however when we see the Godfather he's in high key lighting to show his dominance. Also the setting ideally I'd do the filming in a dark office but use the same lighting as you see in the Godfather.

Analysis of film openings - Reservoir Dogs

     Analysis of Film openings- Reservoir dogs


Mise-en-scene: Costume- Suits and sunglasses, trendy business like.



Lighting - Daytime, high key, natural light

Actors- Serious facial expressions, focused, ready to work, use of enigma, makes you think why are they so serious.

Props - Sunglasses, table, money, car.

Setting- a cafe, a street then finally a car.





Editing: Fast cuts, jump cuts invisible editing. Adds to tempo





Camera: Mid shots, close ups and tracking shots all help establish who the characters are.



Sound: Diagetic- dialogue, car driving.

Non diagetic - music helps to establish that these are trendy yet also serious people

Analysis of AS1011 It's too Late

 Analysis of its too late


In class we were told to analysis film openings made by last year's media students here is my analysis of Its too late.



Mise-en-scene: Costume- Sixth form dress code, trendy yet also smart and respectable, to me this tells us the age of the characters. 16-18

Actors- Actors are seen in photos so facial expressions vary.

Make up- Can't tell due to black and white picture and still images.

Props- Rucksacks, highlighters, newspapers

Setting- No real setting as It's mainly credits and still images.



Editing: fast cuts, invisible editing adds to suspense, marker drawings edited in later. An aspect of enigma as because the shots are so fast it keeps you guessing.


Camera: Black and white, picture, I feel this is to show elements of film noire and it grabs the audience's attention as black and white is a rarity. close up of credits embedded in newspapers.

Sound: Only sound is non diagetic music.



I like the use of enigma as there's no dialogue, its 2 minutes of still images it and the music used all help build suspense and make you wonder whats going to happen next, the music also adds to this 

Gangster film opening pitch

Im going to pitch the film plot then later in the group if we choose this decide what to keep.

A man who hires a crime boss enters the Don's office and sees the man he asked the mafia to beat tied to a chair with a pillowcase over his head. After some dialogue the man removes the pillowcase to find the victim is dead, because he started shooting at the gangsters. Because of this the Don asks for more money after some arguing the Don offers an ultimatium, 72 hours to get the money or the mafia will hunt him down and kill him.

Cast list
Don- Henry Inman
gangster heavy- James Quinlan
Man who hired Mafia- Pete Fawcett
Victim- Johnny Knibbs  

Pitch brainstorm

In todays lesson we continued my group continued talking about what we would do for are film opening and we narrowed it down to 3 ideas these are:
Gangster
Detective
and spoof horror.

we then decided that each of us would put 1 pitch idea on our blog.
I'm pitching gangster

The Lion King - opening scene

   analysis of fim opening- the lion king


Mise-en-scene: costume- there animals no costume

actors- happy facial expression, lots of hugging and bowing

make up- animated animals, no make up

props- the fruit used to christen Simba

setting- daytime African savannah



Editing: fast cuts, invisible editing, I feel this shows how frantic the animal kingdom is.



lighting- animated daytime

Camera: establishing shots, mixed with close ups and extreme close ups to add to the scale of the event and shows the variety of animals there.

Sound- non diagetic: music

diagetic: various animal noises

Ideas

For my group's film opening we have disscussed 2 genres: gangster and action/horror

Personally I'd prefer to do gangster as I feel we can make it look good with whats at our disposal also I'm a big fan of the genre    

Enigma

Enigma is a convention of film openings. Enigma is an unanswered question for example:
In Goodfellas the enigma is whose in the boot of the car and then killed in the opening scene. Its used in film openings I feel to help build suspense and engage the audience

Conventions of film openings

these are:
titles/credit
   
establishing shots
music
setting the tone

film makers logo e.g warner brothers
Enigma

Titles/Credits e.g
Name of the film
Director
Main actors
Producer

I feel one of the best examples is the 1989 version of Batman

intro to my group

My group consists of:
Myself
Pete Fawcett
Jonny Knibbs
and James Quinlan

Brief

Video.
The main task is to create the titles and opening of a new fiction film to last a maximum of 2 minutes.