Title Research(A Nightmare on Elm Street)

There are six titles displayed during the opening sequence to this film. The images that are prioritized in the opening include a table with a knife, gloves, and other tools such as a hammer. Next you can see an image of a hand that has blades to replace fingers. You can tell that this is the antagonist in the film. A women is shown running for the majority of the introduction and towards the end she gasps because she is found. The genre is reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset by the terrifying score along with the special effects and dark lighting. The film establishes an enigma because the audience is curious to if the victim escapes or if the villain is successful. The strategies that are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience are the slow transitions that speed up, there is no bright lighting, the costumes are visually appealing, and the music leaves them on edge. Technology has been used effectively to create the camera movement presented, to change the speed of each scene/transition, add the score and titles, and to modify the product to ensure it meets the expectations for this film genre.

Title Research (The Shining)

There is six titles displayed during the opening sequence of this film. The images that are prioritized in the opening sequence include mountains, evergreen trees, and reflective water. These images paired with the score carry a fearful connotation. Over the images, the title sequence is printed in a blue basic font in order to not distract the audience. The genre is reinforced through technical codes from the outset by slowing down each clip and including transitions that match the overall product. The film establishes an enigma from the outset because the audience has many questions that they want answered at the start of the film and this leads to them finishing the film. The strategies that are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience are the soundtrack, the editing is slow, and establishing the location. Technology has been used effectively to create the titles and their transitions , add the score, film the camera angles/movements, and to successfully create the opening sequence of the film that catches the viewers attention. 

Title Research (Rosemary’s Baby)

During the opening sequence of the film, there are nine titles displayed. The images that are prioritized in the opening sequence are of tall buildings in a city. The connotation that the images carry are uplifting surprisingly, since the view is shown from high above even though the film belongs to the horror genre. The font color of the titles is hot pink, which represents femininity and the state of being delicate. The genre is reinforced through symbolic and technical codes by the score that is included and the editing that is slowed down. This film does not have any special effects, and this can make it scarier to viewers since the scenes more realistic. The shots in the opening are all of New York City and they paint the city as a lonely place. The film establishes an enigma from the outset by the creepy music and the contrast between the title colors and the shots that were used. To ensure the film appeals to the target audience the perfect score is included along with the connotation that is behind the images that the producers incorporated. The technology has been used effectively by the transitions that are used, the slow editing, music, title font/color, and lastly the camera angles/shots themselves.

Title Research(Great Expectations)

In this title sequence there are seventeen titles included. The images that are prioritized in the opening sequence are of a patterned butterfly that turns black during the title, mysterious wedding dress, and an object that looks like a wooden boat. The images carry a dark connotation and they leave the audience feeling uneasy and curious as to what will happen leading up to the end. The genre is reinforced through symbolic and technical codes by the editing and the pictures included. The lighting is not bright whatsoever and throughout the whole opening sequence the viewer gets a sense of intrigue at the same time that they are on the edge of their seat. The film establishes an enigma from the outset by the score that is included along with the images that tell a story on their own. The audience begins to wonder what the purpose of including dark images with the soft music is. Many strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience such as including a corrupting image of a butterfly, modifying the film through editing techniques that made the haunting scenes full of darkness. Technology has been used effectively to ensure that the camera angles in the introduction meet the requirements that they were hoping for. The transitions in this sequence add on to the desired feeling of the film. The editing techniques used contribute majorly to the audiences choice of whether or not they should continue watching.

Title Research: Watch the Titles Website

I am looking at this site for the same reason I used the other one, I plan to use the examples that I find   as a guideline to create my very own product. This website was similar to the first one that I viewed and both of them provided a variety of examples to watch of opening sequences. The videos focus mainly on the titles that are included and the visuals that are presented. I wanted to be inspired by the different common themes that are included in each of the introductions. I saw that there are many different types of media such as tv shows, video games, student projects, and feature films. Both of the websites present the same amount of film types, however, they include examples that differ from each other. I researched the horror genre on this website as well since that is the type of film that I plan to make. I learned that you must be specific when searching a genre because not only movies pop up. This is important because for this task we are only required to research opening sequences to movies. I also found that the first website has more of a selection than the one I am looking at currently. When I searched up the horror genre for movies specifically no examples came up at all. This makes conducting research on my genre choice difficult. I learned that you get better results from clicking feature films rather than trying to use the search bar for specific examples. I believe that both websites can be useful and I plan to utilize both of them to begin my own work. I will definitely use the Art of the Title Website more frequently but I believe both of them will be beneficial.

Title Research: Art of the Title Website

At this time, I am currently researching titles for the project that I am in the process of. As I was searching for different examples I stumbled upon two websites that are credible and useful. The first website that I found is known as “www.artofthetitle.com”. More specifically, I decided to conduct some research because I plan to create my own opening sequence and this website can provide ideas and techniques for my product. When you search this website, the first thing that comes up is the homepage with a mini selection of title sequences from the past year. You have the option to select whatever genre and movie you want through the search bar. The website allows you to choose from either title sequences and designers/studios. I researched the horror genre on here, since this is the genre I picked for my own product. When I searched the genre up a variety of suggestions popped up and there were many films to choose from. On the bottom of each film, the type of media is shown to distinguish each of them. This is useful since we are only allowed to use movie examples and this website provides other film types. The website has a mix of interviews and summary’s especially for the genre that I have chosen. I have learned that editing is a major role for film and it has the ability to intrigue the audience during the start of the film. I have also learned that titles can be placed towards the end of the movie rather than at the beginning. I look forward to researching further by utilizing the other website that I found.

Genre Research(The Babadook)

To start off, a medium shot is included in this film of an empty room to create a feeling that there is something that is about to occur within the room. A birds eye view is shown of a mother and child in bed at a vertical angle allowing the audience to see their facial expressions easily. Another angle in “The Babadook” is an extreme close up of the boys eye while the doctor is examining it which draws the viewer closer to the characters. Due to this film being situated mainly inside their house, the character’s costumes are considered to be normal clothing. The lighting for the movie consisted of black and white lights. Many shadows and fading lights were included adding onto the overall mood of the film. The body language and facial expressions throughout each scene gives the audience a clue as to how the characters are feeling in the moment. Makeup is used to a small extent in this film other than a few circumstances. The main villain wore makeup to resemble the drawing and to represent who he was. Two props that were major to the film are the book and a knife.  The book was very important since that was the object that started the conflict and released the creature that began all of the events. As mentioned earlier, the setting was located in the family’s home and briefly at the doctors office. Diegetic sounds are used in the form of loud noises, dialogue, and screaming throughout the film. The dialogue of the creature has a much deeper and slower voice than the other characters making the viewers feel uncomfortable. Non diegetic music is also included when they turn the pages of the book and the chiming of a drone. The colors in this film have been de-saturated through editing so that any bright colors are seen as pale/dull creating a dark and dramatic atmosphere. This film uses elements to create an uneasy visual atmosphere and the editing of this film intensified each scene correctly. I liked how they edited the colors of the film to match the mood that they wanted to set for the movie in general. No elements that were included failed to appeal me during the research of this film.

Genre Research(Insidious)

An establishing shot is including to set the scene and to show where the horror is about to occur. The establishing shot shows that the characters live in a big suburban house in a nice neighborhood and the ordinary lives that they originally had. An eyeline shot is used which puts the audience in the position of the protagonist, and this gives the audience an unsettling feeling that makes them question why the camera is focused on the specific angle. The use of an extreme high and low angle shot is also shown to make the mother’s character appear to be small and insignificant compared to the vast staircase towering over her. A slow zoom is included towards the clock to give the illusion of someone walking in the same direction as the camera. This makes the audience feel disoriented and forces them to focus on the object. The parents wear normal everyday clothes showing the simplicity of the family. The demons/ghosts wear older clothing for their costumes since they are from the 19th century. When the film shows the normal world, the lighting is slightly yellow and when they are in the further there is a grey/blue filter so the audience can differentiate between the two. The parents in this film represent a man with a good job and a woman being left at the house during the day. Makeup played a key role in the making of this movie, mostly to create the scary look of the antagonists. A main prop that is included in this film is the drawing of the villain. This creates suspense because the only way to see how he looks is through the blurred drawing. A gas mask is also another prop that was used to add onto the horror theme. Just like other horror films, there is a limited amount of settings. The main settings in this film are the family house and the hospital. Most of the scenes are in their house to show what is happening in their place of comfort and security. In this film, there was a minimal amount of music that was only used during intense scenes. Most of the music is non-diegetic but there is one scene near the beginning of the film in which the mother plays the piano. This film is edited with quick cuts partnered with added titles. The editing speeds up towards the end to provoke the feeling of chaos. Insidious included editing that fastened in speed, creepy sound effects, a limited amount of locations, and many other techniques. I enjoyed the amount of intensity that was included but I would have included the score more frequently.

Genre Research(Paranormal Activity)

This film is presented as the style of found footage of the couple after the incident. A popular camera angle that is used in this film genre is the handheld angle also known as point of view. This technique is used in the movie and allows the audience to feel more involved in the action. In Paranormal Activity, most of the camera shots are long shots to allow the audience to view the entire room and all of the strange things that take place, for example if something moves by itself. The costumes in this film are not out of the ordinary and the characters wear simple colored outfits. This draws less attention to them specifically and more to the plot that is taking place. Most of the scenes in this film are really dark and have hardly any lighting besides the light bulb in the house that flickers throughout the scenes. This movie is also based off of a true story, and the actors are representing the frantic family. Natural makeup is shown all through the film and this factor doesn’t change. The candles and fire used can create a mysterious effect for the audience along with tension. Another prop  was included, a lighter that was shaped like a gun, misleading the audience and building more tension. The setting of this film was shown mostly through a camera in the corner of the room as a wide shot. The set design was made to ensure the special effects were possible by keeping the baby crib close to the door for the dragging scene. The opening scene doesn’t have music, but towards the end there is quiet background music. In the beginning you can hear white noise which can leave the viewer afraid. Regarding editing, a print screen is included during the edited transitions between each scene. This is another way to build tension and can create excitement for the audience. These transitions that are less than a second make the film come across a lot more scarier. They made this film like a documentary to show how realistic the scenario is. This film including many elements such as ominous sounds, point of view, special effects, etc. I personally enjoyed how the camera angles allowed the audience to relate to the situation, however I was not a fan of how the setting was mostly just in one location.

Genre Research(The Conjuring)

In the conjuring, there are many techniques that are used to show creepiness of an evil force that is present. An extreme long shot is used as the establishing shot of a stereotypical haunted house. Another shot that was shown is a close up shot of a family photo in the house to emphasize that they lived there. This gives the audience a sense of sympathy as well as keeping them up to speed with the characters. A low angle shot is used to look up at the house showing its power and authority. Another long shot is presented of a female laying on a bed and suddenly an invisible force dragged her off the bed. The character’s costumes in this film were old fashioned and country style due to the film being located on the countryside in 1971. The lighting in “The Conjuring” is dull/dark which creates an atmosphere for the audience. The protagonists in this film are Ed and Lorriane Warren, and they drive the plot forward along with attempting to combat the main antagonist. The makeup on most of the characters is natural, however, during the scene when Carolyn gets possessed she is made up to look very scary just like the spirit. The major props shown in this film include the camera equipment used to film their cases, the piano, clock, and other household items. The beginning shows a normal family setting to mislead the audience into believing the film isn’t as scary as they thought initially. This movie starts with a series of sounds to intrigue the audience at an early start. Dialogue begins following a piano playing in the cellar and then a child’s giggle. A calm score is used while a woman claims “there’s something horrible happening in my house”. In addition, there is many loud smashing sounds and screaming. There are no voice overs in this film to emphasize that it is based off of true events. At the start of the film, there is a company production logo that is modified to be a greyscale theme to portray the ideas of evil and darkness. The transitions between shots are quick and clean cut. The pace of the editing in this film starts slowish but speeds up very quickly. I observed that the faster the music and sounds became the faster the editing and transitions got. Special effects were used for scenes such as props falling off of walls or children getting pulled from a bed. The elements of this film are the many strange noises that are featured and the past that is haunting the characters as well as the insidious theme. I like how the message behind the film allows the audience to relate to what the actors are feeling. The movie began in a normal calm setting to convince the reader to believe that the film wasn’t as scary as they anticipated, this element doesn’t not appeal to me since I believe the beginning of the movie decides whether or not the audience wants to continue watching.

Genre Choice

I decided to stick with creating an introduction to a horror genre film. I chose to do this for my opening sequence mainly because I have a lot of experience with watching horror films. I have pinpointed many techniques throughout these films that enhance the audience’s interests and keep them on the edge of their seat. I think that this genre is unique compared to others because the audience is seeking out for thrilling entertainment rather than something typical that has been done many times before. The horror genre has a specific theme that is shown throughout a variety of films. I was considering choosing the action genre, but then I realized that this may be difficult since they move at a rapid pace and filming a confusing introduction is a possibility. Overall, the horror genre seems the most appealing to film for an opening sequence and I believe that I can make a successful product with my choice.

Genre Research

      I decided to research the film genre by the name of action. Common camera angles in this genre are typically fast paced shots including close ups to show emotion. Establishing shots are also frequently seen in most films in a variety of genres to establish where the action is taking place. Another type of shot that we see in these type of films include tracking shots in cases where there are chase scenes to capture the moment and make the audience feel like they are apart of it. In this film genre, costumes can vary, however the hero tends to dress from a clean suit to rough fight clothes. The villain usually wears clothes that are similar, however they tend to be darker shaded outfits. In an action film the lighting is mostly natural due to most of them being locating outside. Although, the villain is sometimes shown with a darker background/lighting to enhance the mood of the scene. Characters in action can typically have a stern facial expression representing dominance with their body language. They will have the ability to communicate with others as well as giving a helping hand, but they also can have an aggressive side to them. The villain’s facial expressions are always evil and menacing. In action films makeup may be natural in the beginning but towards the climax make-up can look bruised and bloody. Regarding props, a range of objects are common starting from guns to fast cars and jewelry. The setting of these films are usually in big cities and places that are associated with conflict. Editing in action movies consists of cutting frames out all together instead of just slowing them down to create a scene that is more intense. Common sound in this genre refers to sound effects like gunshots or car horns, and dialogue to clear up the conflict that is rising. Elements of this genre usually include a story that revolves around a hero that has a goal, but is facing incredible odds to obtain it. The film also has continuous action and motion. I enjoy the inspiration behind the hero and their situation, however personally I believe that these types of movies can move too rapidly.
      The second genre that I decided to research is romantic comedy. Common camera angles for this genre include close ups, two shots, long shots, and medium shots. Costumes of characters in this genre really just depend on the setting that they are in. For example, if they are in the work place their clothes would look more sophisticated than if the film was about two teenagers located at their high school. Romantic comedies specifically can have a twist on their costumes to add a comedic touch. Regarding lighting, in this film genre it is usually bright to demonstrate warmth and love on the contrary to shadows that represent shyness and intrigue. Body language is key for actors in this genre when it comes to figuring out their character. Their facial expressions can give us a clue as to what they are feeling and all of their emotions throughout the film. Makeup is also a key factor in romantic comedies, and it can vary from natural to a glam look. This all depends on what the movie is trying to portray. Some props that are frequently seen in this genre are flowers, boxes of chocolate, and jewelry. The setting of these films are usually set in an urban setting such as the beach or a local diner. The pace of these movies are not as fast as one of an action movie. Cross cuts and fade outs are very common to give a sense of continuity in the film. Split screen is also popular in romcoms to show different characters performing different activities at the same time. Common sound in romantic comedies are shown based off of the mood of the movie. If the movie is sad the score will tend to include music with one instrument to symbolize loneliness, however, if the film is uplifting the music will be upbeat. Elements of this genre include polar opposites coming as one, happy endings, unexpected love, and of course a comedic spin. I like how these films always end off on a good note, but I do find that it is difficult to present an even amount of romance and comedy in these films.

Generic Genre Research

 

For this project, we had to create a powerpoint regarding a film genre that we randomly picked and we had to include information about its conventions along with other elements. The genre my group was assigned is known as EPIC. We described the lighting, angles, sound, and common features relating to this genre. Some examples of films under this genre include Titanic, Avatar, and Forrest Gump. These movies typically have a long duration and a deep meaning behind them. We also had to talk about the elements that we liked and disliked. I mentioned how this genre typically has a spectacular setting that I enjoy and this therefore causes them to be the most expensive films to produce.

Deception

      I started off with three pitches that I had chosen originally. I decided to choose from my first two pitches instead of going through with my third one. The last idea was about a kidnapping incident where the girl named Jane escapes with useful information.  My first pitch describes two friends who stumble upon a rubik’s cube and then they discover that completing a side of the square allows you to travel to a different location. My second pitch is a woman decides to move in with a roommate only to realize she is not who she claims to be. I believe that this is a good idea overall regarding films, however, incorporating scenes that intrigue the audience may be difficult since I am only capturing the introduction of the movie. My second pitch is good for this assignment because it is placed in the horror genre. The genre’s conventions are similar in each of these films and they have a tendency to keep the audience at the edge of their seat. My third pitch was a decent idea except I can imagine that many people are creating a similar product. With my second idea, I can include my own twist to enhance the scenes as well as the elements needed in the first two minutes of the film.
      My first pitch was very close when deciding which idea I was going to follow through with. This has never been done before to my knowledge, and I would consider viewing the movie personally if it was. Although , I do believe that shooting the introduction for this would be challenging in order to get my message across. Some movies tend to drag along or pick up the pace towards the middle to end of the film. This can make creating an introduction difficult when coming up with complex storylines. Not to mention, if movies showed their best scenes during the beginning a selection of people would become disinterested shortly after. This option is not impossible to accomplish, however I have decided that there are better options to choose from. By utilizing the techniques I have gathered, completing my second pitch is my current goal. There are many reasons that I have chosen this idea. Starting with the mood or feeling of the movie genre.
      I have chose my second pitch for the project that I am doing since I am able to use many camera angles, movements, and shots. Also the lighting and music will be major when completing my final product. I have watched many horror movies as well, an I have been inspired to create my own for people to enjoy watching. I believe that this option is also the most realistic out of the three of my pitches which is also a valid reason to stick with this one. Both of the other ideas also aren’t as simple which puts them at a disadvantage. Not only do I have experience with watching scary movies, I have also had experience with filming a few scenes of my own many years ago. Creating a movie that is visually appealing to the audience is very important because they are the main reason why the films are made. I have a general idea of how I am going to start the introduction and how I am going to organize the credits in my film. I decided to name my movie Deception since Jenny’s roommate deceives her into believing she is someone that she is not. I will begin to create a storyboard/blueprint of the scenes that I plan to include this following week.
     

Starting the Final Task

      My name is Amanda, and I am currently in my sophomore year of high school. I enjoy listening to music when I have the time, along with discovering new places that I’ve never been before. I have always thought of the beach as my second home. Everyday I prepare to learn something new and try to better myself in some way, shape, or form. My favorite time of the year is summer because there are less rainy days and more opportunities to spend my time doing what I love. Drawing has started to make a larger impact on me, and it allows me to let my creativity flow. I have many favorite movies, but if I had to choose one it would be Inception. I enjoyed this movie since it explored REM sleep and how the mind works which is very interesting to me. This school year has been going at a rapid speed and I have learned many new things in various backgrounds. For this project, I am working with myself to complete the introduction to my very own movie.
      In particular, I have learned a large amount of useful information in my Media Studies class. I have learned how to define camera angles, shots, and movements as well as how to incorporate them into my own product. Not only this, but I have also learned about Mis En Scene, storyboarding, and the different types of sound found in a film. I learned about the editing process and how to enhance each scene by adding adjustments. This is what I am most talented at since I have taken three technology classes in my past and I’m familiar with all different kinds of software. I want to pursue photography in the near future, and this class has also opened me up to how to capture the perfect shot. Each of these things are important to include in a film especially when seeking for a visually appealing product. Another concept that I learned, is how to assess questions regarding an excerpt. I can successfully apply the techniques I have obtained to create an original project that attracts the audience. Most recently, I have learned how to define a pitch along with coming up with my own.
      A pitch is a Hollywood term to describe an idea where a film is encapsulated in 25 words or less. In simpler terms, this describes an idea for a film created to give a general description and a guideline to follow. The first pitch that I came up with is two friends stumble upon a rubik’s cube and discover that completing a side of the square allows you to travel to a different location. This was just a start and an option to choose from. Our next pitch describes a woman named Jenny who decides to move in with a roommate only to realize she is not who she claims to be. This idea would be categorized in the horror genre of film making. Our final pitch is a girl by the name of Jane is kidnapped by a prison escapee and escapes successfully with useful information. I believe that this is not a bad idea, however it may be difficult to make an introduction that attracts the reader without spoiling major parts of the film.