Lesson 3 on our own horror movie opening.

           We decided on a film title and film institution title during lesson 3;
Film title:
The crucifixion .
Film institution title:
La Sangrienta pictures. (Bloody pictures)
  We also began deciding on a rough plan for the running order of the opening, our next element to decide on is a final storyboard and script.

As it is:

• Credits begin (white type writter font on black background)
• Voice over of news report fades in describing a crucifixion style murder of a young girl.
• Panning shot of a police line being dragged across.
• Throughout credits and voice over images and movie clips flash up of the girl being murdered and chased through a wooded area.
• News broadcast ends with a polaroid picture of the girl (victim) prior to the murder. 
• A shot is shown afterwards of the girl on the cross after the murder has taken place.
• A desk is shown in a darkened room and a mans hands are shown sticking an image of the girl into a scrap book and crossing through the picture with a red marker pen.
• The scene ends with the book being closed to reveal its title "The crucifixion".

Editing in movies.

What does editing do?
          Editing helps to structure a piece of moving image, the narrative's order and story is brought together through editing. Without editing, the soundtrack/ score could not be put into the movie, scenes are cut to a desired length and the score is added later. Editing is also important for the use of credits and other overlaying text which is added during the editing process.

How does it work?
          A particular scene may be shot several times taken from different angles, from different point of view's or from a different distance away. It is the editor's job to form all of this raw material into some kind of order which works best to create the desired atmosphere. Editor's not only have to order this material but they must choose which clips work best (with guidance from the director) as they cannot all be shown at one time. They must add credits and use cross-cutting, they also need to add the final score into the right position to create the desired atmosphere (for example, in horror they need to build tension at exactly the right moment).

A description of the following terms:

• Cut: The most basic way of switching from one shot/ scene to the next. A cut is to simply replace one shot with another very quickly for a continuous feel.
• Dissolve: The second most commonly used scene/shot transition is called the fade, whereby one  shot fades out while another fades in. This causes both shots to be visible without cross-cutting, this gives a more summarising often used to show a change in location.
• Fade: This transition shows a shot fade out completely to black, this symbolises the end of a section (or an end of a chapter) and gives the audience time to make an understanding of the scene they've just watched/ time to reflect.
• Jump cut: A jump cut is, in the simplest terms, a cut from one shot to another in which a continuity error is made obvious to the viewer. Where, for example, a character is shown from one angle wearing a hat, but when the shot cuts to a different angle the character is no longer wearing the hat. The jump cut is often not noticed on set.

How does the shot reverse shot help the narrative generate meaning?
          It helps put emphasis on a certain character and the line/s they are saying to pin point important facts about the story. Close ups can also be used in this way to show a character's reaction perhaps which is particularly important to the story.

Why is the 180 degree rule important?
          The 180 degree rule is extremely important in continuity editing, without it there would be obvious errors in terms of direction characters are looking for example. It is very noticeable when the rule is broken but is just taken as effortless realism when the rule is taken into consideration.

How and why is the point of view shot used?
          The point of view shot (or p.o.v shot) is used to show what the character sees, helping the audience empathise and build up a kind of connection the the particular character. The shot is normally formed from a stationary camera position where the character it supposed to be in the scene helping the audience see what he/she sees. The point of view shot can also be used to show the character's reaction to something.
          Alternatively, the point of view shot can be formed/generated with a mobile camera held by the character showing realistic hand shaking and natural movement with the character. This stylistic use of the camera is especially effective in a chase scene in perhaps a horror or thriller, it has great effect in that the scare factor works well, making the audience feel as if they're actually running away. Or that perhaps this could happen in reality, frightening them more so.

What is parallel or cross-cut editing?
          Cross-cut editing is basically two or more different actions taking place in different locations, the two or more separate actions are shown alternately one after another until perhaps they meet or one of the actions is completed. This is also commonly used in chase scenes to create suspense and build tension in the horror/thriller genre.

What editing techniques are used to create suspense?
          The use of some kind of sound track or music is extremely important in creating suspense and building tension. Music is always added during the editing process, timing is vital in order for the music to fit into the scene building tension and excitement in exactly the right moments. However, asynchronous music can also be extremely helpful in creating suspense, happy diegetic music played in a horror film for example can almost seem too normal, forcing the audience to become suspicious of what may happen.
          Cross-cutting, as mentioned earlier, is also important in creating suspense. Switching between the villain and the victim for example can be used effectively to see each characters reaction to a screeching floorboard for instance. The use of cross-cutting can be used to show the potential victims anticipation in waiting for something to happen, and the villains slow moving approach to the victim.
          P.o.v. shots can also be used in chase scenes to create suspense forcing the audience to anticipate the inevitable catch.

The mouse sequence in 'The Sandman - Paul Berry' - creating suspense
          The main element that makes the sequence tension building is the long, sustained, low pitched note in the score. This drone allows us to concentrate fully on the film itself while still managing to create a dark atmosphere. Sharp movements by the boy also help create tension. The large room with the small bed helps to emphasise his vulnerability along with the high angle shot also emphasising this makes us anticipate the entry of the villain.
         The image of the moon from a p.o.v. shot switching to the face of the villain makes the audience think about his possible entry more so. When the covers move (shown to us from a p.o.v shot) we expect something sinister and wait for this assumption to become reality. The way the time between movement becomes longer builds tension also, almost as if it's in slow motion.  The final element of tension building is the fact the boys head (when it is peering under the bed) is shown from the p.o.v. of whatever is watching him proving our suspisions that he is not the only being in his room.

Why is timing important in editing?
          In creating suspense, timing is critical. The climax of what the scene is building up to can't be too late on, otherwise the audience could begin to lose interest, but can't be too early otherwise the climax will not have the desired effect. The score must also be timed perfectly in tension building scenes to create the desired atmosphere; a loud crash/bang can be vital in simbolising the climax and creating the jumpy feel vital in most horror films.
          In terms of the continuity system the timing must be perfect in order to allow the plot to be followed with minimal error. Error's are extremely noticable in film so the timing from scene to scene/ shot to shot must be perfect.

The continuity system
          Continuity editing is the main term associated with making a scene appear continuous and just shown from different angles. The continuity system means every detail within the scene must be exactly the same as in the previous shot in order to eliminate visible errors. These responsibilties are normally put to the on set team rather than the editors, the script supervisor and director must be constantly on the look out for possibilities that there may be an error in the final scene as editing can only take place once the scene is finished.

Why does editing strive to be invisible?
          Editing must be invisible so as not to distract the audience from the story, the amount of different camera angles in one scene is normally very high so these must be subtle enough to appear realistic and keep the audience focused on the story. Changes in camera angle's and scene changes can be masked by music (diegetic and non-diegetic) and dialogue. Masking these changes can move the audience's concentration from picking out visual errors to listening to the music/ what's being said.
         The main focus of the audience should always be on the story (with the exception of a stylistic film) so editing should be kept minimal and subtle, following the rules of the continuity system.

Lesson 2 on our own horror movie opening.

          Again we used a brainstorming in our groups to spark up new creative idea's in regards to our opening. We decided on a voice over from the beginning during the credits of a woman/man reading other unrelated news. Then, following on from the credits, we decided to move straight to the news report on the actual murder. We think the news report should end with a polaroid picture of the victim in her living state, then we think the image should fade into a graphic image of her after the murder has taken place.
          We also had an idea of the killer planning to right a new 'bible' according to his very psychopathic views; We might show this by switching to a shot of him making a scrap book of his intended victims and the one girl he has already killed (perhaps crossing through a polaroid photo in a dark red pen, the polaroid is a similar medium to the news report showing life and death).
          We are unsure as to what the title of his new bible should be, and the name of the film should be.

Lesson 1 on our own horror movie opening.

          In the first lesson in our groups for the horror movie opening we mainly brainstormed ideas, and tried to come to some kind of agreement as to the main plot and themes to our horror opening. We decided on a religious, crucifixion style killing by one person in contrast to a group or organization killer. We think a news report on the murder would be very effective in creating a serious and very dark atmosphere from the start. Also we felt there should be a photo of the murder victim shown to emphasise the brutality of the murder itself.

In depth analysis of Thir13en ghosts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_gt8ZAUk20

Columbia pictures (film institution) research.

         
          Columbia pictures is a sub-film industry within the film industry 'sony pictures' (once a production company in its own right) founded in Los Angeles, California in 1919 named C.B.C. film and was later renamed Columbia pictures in 1924. Founded  by brothers Jack and Harry Cohn and Joe Brandt, Columbia pictures released its first feature film in the August of 1922. The company released its first full length motion picture (Pal o'mine) in March, 1924. During the mid 90's Columbia pictures produced many blockbusters such as A man for all seasons, Lawrence of Arabia and Anatomy of a murder.
          In 1982 Coco cola purchased a large share in the film industry and in 1989 Sony bought the company. After Harry Cohn's death in 1958 the company went downhill financially and in the early 1970s were at a point close to bankruptcy. In order to become financially stable, in 1972, Columbia pictures and Warner Bros formed an alliance called 'The Burbank Studios' and both companies shared Warner Bros studio in Burbank.
          Columbia pictures purchased a share of 81% in The Walter Reade Organization in 1981, they later went on to completely buy out the remaining 19% of the organization in 1985. After huge success in the box office for popular films such as Stir Crazy, The Blue Lagoon, and Stripes, Columbia pictures was back to complete financial stability.

          In 1989 the empire was sold to Sony for no less than $3.4 billion. The company then reached its peak in 2006 by finishing the year with the largest profit $1.711 billion to be exact. Columbia pictures' most recent releases include Salt, The smurfs, Cemetery Junction, Grown Ups and The Karate kid. And currently based in Culver city, California some of its future releases include Men in Black III, That's my boy and Total recall. 
           Columbia pictures seems to generally produce large budget motion pictures and so would probably not be suitable for the purpose that our small project would require if we were to produce the full version. Apart from the fact that our project is small, the budget we would need to produce it full length would be relatively small in comparison to other films due to our realistic setting and lack of many special effects that would be necessary. (We will be limited to what is available to us in terms of location and editing facilities).

Brief analysis of film openings.

Film title.	Genre.	Conventions (sound/info/action).	Info. In credits.	Narrative/storyline of film.
Pulp Fiction	Action - themes of robbery. Guns used.	Fast tempo popular music and lots of swearing, setting of a typical American café sets the scene well.	Mentions: Film makers, starring actors, Director and the title of the film.	First  impression  of a crime and robbery based fast paced  action film  with and  element of comedy.
The dark knight	Action/ adventure - destruction shown from start.	Tension is built through music, screaming and murder. Masked robbers forcing entry. Part of the batman series.	Mentions: Film makers with logo’s.	Villain and superhero,  based in one town.
Final destination 3	Horror/ thriller- Old fashioned fair ground rides with haunting music and clowns.	Screaming Teenagers highlighted as main group of characters, vulnerability comes with youth suggesting they are the main victims.	Mentions: Film makers, title of the film, starring actors, director, editor, producer and co-producers.	There is focus  put on the taro cards which  could suggest  an element of mystery and  fate. Death  at the fair  ground  perhaps?
Pretty woman	Romance	Conversation between a man and a woman on the telephone - possible love interest? Obvious setting - Hollywood. Stereotypes - big houses and flash cars.	Mentions: Director, film makers, starring actors and producers. Classy font used.	Conflict  between a  couple.  Complete contrast  between  working and upper class.
Music and lyrics	Romantic comedy - song title “pop goes my heart”	80s typical cheesy music video shown while credits role. Voice over - “battle of the 80s has beens” - realism.	Mentions: Starring actors, Producer, director and film makers.	“battle of the  80s has beens” - suggests an  artists struggle to continue his more serious music  career. To follow  his former band members  secondary success.
The happening	Horror	Time lapse photography used. Low angle shots used to emphasise vulnerability, also point of view shot used to show her shaking. Close ups on the face used to show reaction well. Multiple deaths. Haunting music with sky turning gradually darker. Screaming heard creating a sinister atmosphere.	Mentions: Starring actors, film makers/ institutions, producers, film title, casting director, costume designer, co-producers, production designer, creative producer, director. Screaming heard and music gradually speeds up with the sky getting darker throughout credits.	People  involuntarily  committing suicide. Psychological  themes. A greater  being causing death perhaps? Maybe the woman shown in the beginning becomes a stronger character  as she is the only  one not being  affected.
De ja vu	Action - busy atmosphere, fast paced.	Up beat popular music switching to more haunting non-diegetic sound. Girl cries out when her doll falls from the boat suggesting dark themes. Music stops when the bomb goes off. Some survivors. Very asynchronous.	Mentions: Starring actors, film makers, casting director, editor, production designer, executive producer, writer. All credits in a typewriter font - quite sinister yet very matter of fact.	Boat party, very realistic until the  bomb goes off. Speculations as  to who might be behind it. Juxtaposition  with the scene splitting.  Suggestions  of time travel  through the use  of people taking pictures looking at memory. And time travel also  suggested through  the use of slow  motion changing  the timing.
I am legend	Action - close ups of face, flash forward, Arial view.	Theme of medicine. Normally thriving city is shown to be desolate (ghost town). Obvious setting of New York. Last human on earth perhaps. The feeling that the deer have taken over the city shown from the stampede.	Mentions: Film makers. Then straight into a voice over of the sport section of a radio station. Switches to a news room giving the hook of someone has found a cure for cancer. Sets the atmosphere.	Cure for  cancer is  found and appears to  have wiped  out the entire population.