Research into similar films

Research into similar films

The stalker element of our film links it to many films across the board and allows us to implement ideas into our film from other to help us improve and develop our film.
One film which i think has a real stalker element and other elements that link to our film is:

The Stalker

This film is similar to ours in the way that it is about someone coming after a certain person for a reason they cannot explain until further on into the film. There are many scenes throughout this film where it could be seen as horrifying but also it could clever. We are going to input this sort of stuff into our film so that we can make a twist in the film.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvK-cK60wWY  

This link reviews the whole film and shows most of the film.

Analysis of a Title Sequence:Skyfall

Skyfall

In the title sequence of Skyfall the main character James Bond (Daniel Craig) is plunged into water at the start of it. This introduces the main character to the audience so they are familiarised with the character and can see the predicament that he is in as he has just been shot. After this the main focus is to introduce the characters names involved in the film so the audience can have an understanding of who is in the film.
Special effects are added to the background to show the constant falling of James Bond whilst names of other characters are placed on screen. This allows the audience to track the progress of James bond. After this the theme of guns and knives is shown due to this being a big part in the action of the film and also the main scene of the film includes these weapons.

Similarly the title sequence shows Chinese dragons and hints of the Skyfall house. These are settings during the film as the ending is situated at the house and before that James Bond travels to China on a mission.  These are where the main points in the film are and the dark filter and colours on the knives show that there is death and darkness used by the knives.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pGXMq78IXQ

Researched into Title Sequences

Research into title sequences

We need to make the title sequence to our film very interesting to draw the audience into the start of the film. This can have a big impact on what the audience think and feel about our film at the start and maybe all the way through the film.
 There are many things which are known as common throughout most of title sequences across every type of film.
Usually we get to see and be introduced to some of the main characters. Maybe if its just a glimpse of them, or a whole shot of them. Most title sequences do show the main characters, just to give the audience a feel for the film as it is starting. As we can see in this picture of Billy Elliot. We can see that it shows the main character as the title sequence is on. And we also get the idea of what he does, and we can see he is very active (dancer).

Usually the main setting is also included in the title sequence so we can see and get a feel for where the movie is set. This can be used to make the audience feel more a part of the film. In the picture below we can see the setting of a film in the title sequence and it lets us know what feeling or theme it will have.

Also we see a lot of animation in most title sequences which can make the title sequence have a twist and it allows the producer to be able to input a wide range of settings and animations into the title sequence.

Potential Audience Research

Potential Audience

Dramas have many sub genres which can have many different age ratings for each different type of the genre. For example a Drama thriller might be a 15 while a Romance Drama may be a 12. We have decided that our film will be a 12 or a 12A rated film. This is because of the content we have included in the film. 

So our potential audience will be aimed at a young teenager to a mature adult. (12-25 years old), this will allow us to have a wide range of merchandise and content that will be suitable for most age groups. Also there may be older people who watch the film as the age rating doesn't limit the age, it is just a recommendation. But we shall be sending out a questionnaire that will help us decide on our target audience. 

Research into Title Sequences

Title Sequences

Title sequences is the main part in which the film presents there title, main characters and main production of the film. Sound is usually used in these to add effect and that the audience can familiarise themselves with the title sequences sound. Effects are used to show different characters and different parts in the sequence. They may fade out, dissolve or fade in between the sequence on order to keep the speed of the title up. Due to many films being different, title sequences can either be in chronological order or non- chronological.

Chronological title sequences follow the set story of the film with the events happening in the right order. On the other hand title sequences that are non-chronological will usually start with the main focus points of the film at the start and then tell a story of how that even came about.

Usually characters names are included in the title sequences through effects. this allows the audience to see who is in the film and introduce the characters so that the audience understands who they are. This may happen with a back drop of the main set of the film.

  

Research into possible distributors of our film

Possible distributors

Nova Home Entertainment

This would be a good distributor to use for our film because it is very local and would make it easy for us to distribute our film around the local area when we first release it. They are located in doncaster which is not far at all for us to get to. It is about 10.55 miles from Barnsley. This local company have always had a good reputation for distributing local films. They have a good reputation for the wide range of short films.
They are located on:

62 Ascot Avenue, Doncaster, DN4 6HE

Potential Audience

Potential Audience

Since a drama is a broad genre there are many sub genres inside drama. The audience for a drama would usually be the young mature and also the older audience of both male and female genders. This is because drama is usually based on a real life situation that the audience could relate too. The target audience for our film of the sub genre of a crime drama/ thriller would be the younger generation from the ages of 12-25 however some older people may want to watch this film due to the suspense and thrill included in the film.

Since the film is based on students the overall audience maybe students as they can relate to some of the actions in the film and may find some of the characteristics of the characters in themselves. This may also attract the slightly older audience due to the way in which other films with a similar storyline have been popular. Although the film is rated a 12A the action that takes place in the film maybe a bit mature for the younger audience of 12-14 as they may not understand the context of the film.

Make up and props

Throughout our film there are going to be many props that we will use, these will be used in many ways to make the film seem more realistic. Facial make-up will be used to portray beatings that will happen to the main character. We will try to do the make up ourselves, as we know exactly what we need it to look like and also if we were to get someone to do it it may cost us some money.

Some examples of the makeup we are going to be using throughout our film:


Bruised eye

This is a bruised eye style of make-up which will come in handy for us as we will be using some scenes which will require our characters to have been beaten and hurt.

Cuts                
  This is a cut in the skin which is made to look realistic by the many uses of a lot of make-up. This could be useful as again we could use it in scenes where we are going to be using violence or where we are going to be showing someone beaten.

Props

There are many Props that we can be using throughout the process of our film, we can use weapons such as hammers or knifes which can symbolise how dangerous the man is who is causing all of the trouble through the film. We could also use a car which i have got which would be good for us to add something into a scene and make the film more complexed in a sense.

Possible distributors

Dazzle

Dazzle films are an independent film label that deals with short 90 second films to masterpieces. They deal with the distribution, exhibition and sales of the films and they have won many UK and international awards. As they are based in London, Uk so this makes it accessible for us as it is a train journey away and can contact them easily across the phone. Also they promote films on their social network sites which would help boost the profile of the film as more people will spread the word about it as they see it.


Future Shorts

Future Shorts are a rapidly increasing company that deal with the distribution of short films. Founded in 2003 and based in London ,Future shorts hold a monthly short film festival. They give short film makers the chance to present their ideas and films to the world and on the worlds biggest platform. These are also based in London and the deal with companies around the globe. this would be a good platform for our idea due to the company being vastly recognised in the UK and also other countries. They also have special events at other big festivals such as Glastonbury and The Big Chill. As they promote films at these events our idea would be able to be promoted to the public and spread the word and popularity of our short film.

Research of Certificate

Research into Certificate

Due to our film containing suspense and frightening scenes the film could be considered either a 12 or a 12A. A 12a would only allow a parent or guardian to be with a a child under 12 years old and may be better for the film as some parts may be frightening and some children may find disturbing or become scared.

the film would not be rated a 15 as it does not contain any sexual scenes,  excessive strong language or moderate violence. Similarly there is no discrimination that takes places in the film and the violence would not be dwelled on in the film to disturb younger children.

It would be suited to a 12A due to the horror elements of the film not being sustained for a long time so that the children maybe scared and also the parents can decide if their children are allowed to go as depending on the strictness of the parents may decide if the children can go and see the film

Individual Genre Research of a Drama (Iconography and settings)

Iconography and Props

Real life issues and problems are iconographic of the drama genre because it is something that the audience can relate to and understand. This makes the audience always be able to understand the story line of the film as they can relate to what is happening and be sympathetic towards the protagonist. The Story line of drama films are often told like a journey. The classic everything is okay then something goes wrong which results in the disturbance in the film and the the equilibrium of the film where everything is resolved and leads to a happy ending. A happy ending is used in almost every drama film. This is because the audience believe the story more and understand that real life issues can be overcome. Otherwise the audience would not be satisfied with the ending if the protagonist did not resolve his problem in the film. Therefore a happy ending is essential to the drama genre and is why happy endings are used in almost all drama films. Sound exaggerated is often exaggerated in drama films. This is so the sounds of movement or a person sighing is heard and understood by the audience. This is because drama as a genre is very dramatic and therefore the sound in a drama film needs to be so that the audience or spectator knows how to feel.

Settings

There are many settings that can be placed in any typical drama or crime drama. All the following settings are examples of what can be seen in a drama:

• A Mansion
• Backstreets                                   
• A big city
• Someones house
• An estate 
• An office

Every one of these would be used in a drama, this is because dramas are all what we can relate to, no matter how bizarre or weird the drama is they will always have something involved that the audience can relate to. 

Iconography/Props and Settings of a Drama

Settings

In a typical drama or crime drama film you would usually see the main setting to be in one of the following:

• An estate
• Someones house
• A big city
• Backstreets
• An office
• A mansion

These would all typically be associated with a crime drama as criminals  would usually own big mansions due to their profits from crime and operate on the backstreets of big city's usually selling drugs or using weapons to threaten victims. Also the way in which pathetic fallacy can be used can determine the atmosphere in which the characters are set. For example if it was a dark, rainy night the atmosphere would be dark and mysterious with danger about.

Iconography and Props 

Typically in a crime drama/thriller there would be a obscure or natural setting that has an edge to it. It would be the main setting in which the main drama is set and most of the action would take place here. Usually in a drama there are a 'victim' and sometimes a 'villain'. Real life problems can sometimes be used in dramas so that the audience can relate and understand the storyline and can create emotions towards certain characters either through sympathy or hatred. Exaggerated sounds are normally used in dramas to emphasise the sound in order to create an atmosphere. These would usually be a scream, sigh, or cough in order for the audience to understand that that is a key point in the film. Props in a drama may be any real life object that someone would use like a car, gun or phone.

Similar Films

Taken

Taken is a similar film to the first idea that we have because it has the same kind of storyline. The dad is very protective over his daughter as he knows the dangers out in the world. But then as soon as he lets his daughter out of his sight, she gets taken, kidnapped by a bunch of sex trade dealers. He goes on a hunt tracking down the kidnappers. Throughout the story he conquers and seeks his goal which is to find his daughter. This is just like our film. It links with the fact that the dad in our film and the dad in taken have the same idea, they have the same goal and they are both ambitious and motivated to reach the goal they have set. In the end of both our film and taken they overcome the kidnappers and they take their children back. Both of the films are thrillers, they have action and drama involved in them, all the way through, from the start all the way to the end.


Hot Fuzz

Hot Fuzz links the the comedy storyline that we have created in many ways. This is because its about two best friends who are police officers together and one of them doesn't take it seriously and keeps messing up the job. This doesn't get the fired like in our film but it does lead to cause several  problems in the working environment. Throughout the film they make a lot of funny remarks and this really links to what i would love to do in our film, make people laugh. The film is weird but extremely funny at the same time and could be related to a community in todays time. This film has action throughout but action that is                                                                                     truly based on making the audience laugh.

Genres for my Ideas

Drama

A drama film includes lots of tension and dramatic scenes in the films. The suspense created by the film puts the audience on the edge of their seats and keeps them interested in the film so more people will watch it. Films can include conflict which puts some characters as the main focus of the film and it would interest the audience how they may get out of or struggle to fight the conflict. A drama would usually change in pace during the movie when the pace may quickly change and include fast paced scenes including action and conflict. These types of films may also include twists and challenges that a character might face during the film which makes the film full of action and a good viewing for the audience.

Thriller 

The main purpose of the film is to create suspense and excitement for the audience which will keep them on the edge of their seats. In a thriller there is usually an end goal in which a certain character or group of characters have to achieve in a certain time limit or before something happens. Crime may be a key element in these films as it puts the audience on edge and adds a degree of edge to the film as crime is involved. This is usually done by a character been put into a uncomfortable situation or a situation that may be risky to solve.

My Story Ideas

Ideas for Short film

 Crime Drama

A teenager owes money to drug dealer after not paying the money up front. The dealer keeps sending threats and violent text messages to him telling him that he needs to pay up. After a few days of not replying to these messages the teenager sees the dealer in public walking down the street in which he hides from him so he doesn’t see him. He gets a text later that day saying that he is currently being followed and he now knows where he lives.The characters involved will be one teenager and a rich drug dealer.A similar film to this is The Wolf of Wall Street where the main character Jordan Belfort is reliant on drugs and is part of a crime business frauding the law and the public

Thriller

A student is having a few friends round whilst his parents are away and he starts getting phone calls every 5 minutes with a silence when he picks up the phone. He then hears tapping on the windows and people knocking on the door but with no one there once he opens it. The next day he comes home to see that his home has been broken into and he is left notes where he can find his valuables. The criminal has broken into his house due to the actions of the student against him on a night out He then goes in search of his stuff.The characters will be a student and his friends and a criminal.

A similar film to this is Cellular where a women calls up a house to claim they have kidnapped a member of there family and then continues stalking them as the women then tries and kidnapping the other members of the family. Another similar film is Abduction where a student us on the run from a mass man hunt from criminals due to a private document that the students father stole from the criminal

Genres similar to our film

Thrillers 

Thriller is a genre of literature, film, and television programming that uses suspense, tension, and excitement as its main elements. Thrillers heavily stimulate the viewer's moods, giving them a high level of anticipation, ultra-heightened expectation, uncertainty, surprise, anxiety and terror. Films of this genre tend to be adrenaline-rushing, gritty, rousing and fast-paced. A thriller provides the sudden rush of emotions, excitement, and exhilaration that drive the narrative, sometimes subtly with peaks and lulls, sometimes at a constant, breakneck pace. It keeps the audience on the "edge of their seats", akin to a sensation of hanging from a cliff, as the plot builds towards a climax. Literary devices such as red herrings, plot twists, and cliffhangers are used extensively. A thriller is usually a villain-driven plot, whereby he or she presents obstacles that the protagonist must overcome.Common subgenres are psychological thrillers, crime thrillers, erotic thrillers and mystery thrillers. Another common subgenre of thriller is the spy genre which deals with fictional espionage. Successful examples of thrillers are the films of Alfred Hitchcock. The horror and action genres often overlap with the thriller. Thrillers tend to be psychological, threatening, mysterious and at times involve larger-scale villainy such as espionage, terrorism and conspiracy.

Comedy

Comedy in the contemporary meaning of the term, is any discourse or work generally intended to be humorous or to amuse by inducing laughter, especially in theatre, television, film and stand-up comedy. This sense of the term must be carefully distinguished from its academic one, namely the comic theatre, whose Western origins are found in Ancient Greece. In the Athenian democracy, the public opinion of voters was influenced by the political satire performed by the comic poets at the theaters. The theatrical genre can be simply described as a dramatic performance which pits two societies against each other in an amusing agon or conflict. Northrop Frye famously depicted these two opposing sides as a "Society of Youth" and a "Society of the Old", but this dichotomy is seldom described as an entirely satisfactory explanation. A later view characterizes the essential agon of comedy as a struggle between a relatively powerless youth and the societal conventions that pose obstacles to his hopes. In this struggle, the youth is understood to be constrained by his lack of social authority, and is left with little choice but to take recourse in ruses which engender very dramatic irony which provokes laughter.

2 Story Ideas

2 Story ideas for a short film

Drama/Thriller
Man and Son, walking home at night. Son stays outside the shop whilst dad calls into the shop to get something. whilst the dad is in the shop. the young boy goes missing and is taken by an older individual. This results in the dad going on a mission to find his son, but there is a twist. The kidnapper sets tasks for the dad to complete in order to find his son, and sets time limits. After the dad following several steps that the kidnapper is telling him to do, the dad decides to trick the kidnapper and make him look a fool.

Son - Young boy (teens)
Dad - Older (after can be teen)
Kidnapper - Older individual

Drama/Thriller
A guy is on his way home from work and whilst he is on his way home, he encounters someone who has been beaten and seriously hurt. He decides to help the man, trying to stop the bleeding and cleaning him up. He decides to let the man stay at his house for the night as he is in need of help and is suffering. Only to find out that the man was never really hurt. he made himself look hurt and seem hurt to get sympathy from the man and let him come into his house. The 'hurt' guy turns out to be a creep/robber.

Creep - Middle aged man
Worker - Young man