Planning cinematograhphy - Miss Miller

Introduction

The importance of cinematography within films consists of a number of things. It allows for the creation of film elements (examples of which being the 5 main thriller conventions), through the creation of such adding considerably to the enjoyment factor of the film itself. Planning is required in order to produce excellent sequences as without any preparation, once it comes to the filming stage of the project, time which is allocated to do so will be wasted as decisions will have to be made there and then as to what is going to be done; preparing beforehand enables you to have an clear insight as to what you intend to have in the sequence.  (Why chosen, what will they portray, why its conventional to the thriller genre, relationship built between the viewer)

Planning sheet which my group and I produced
 for the cinematography in the sequence

High angle shot

The use of a high angle shot shall be used shortly after the couple have an argument and the girl is left alone, just before she gets attacked by the antagonist. This shall be done so it portrays the girl of the narrative as being small and vulnerable, connoting to the audience that she is in danger and is about to be attacked. This makes the viewer feel sympathy for the character as they are made aware that something bad is about to happen to them; through this relationship it builds suspense and tension as they are aware that something is about to happen but they don't want it to happen as they have connected with the character. This is conventional to the thriller genre as the use of high angle shots is frequent in thriller films to the same affect as our narrative, as the audience is made aware of what is to follow (foreshadowing the upcoming events).

POV

The POV (point of view) of the antagonist will be shown during the sequence in which he is chasing after her. This will be done so an enigma is created as at this point the identity of the antagonist is unknown. This is conventional to the thriller genre as the use of the POV of the antagonist, creating an enigma is common in the opening sequence in thriller films as it makes the audience question the identity and motive of the antagonist in the narrative. Through implementing this convention into our opening sequence, it makes it more realistic to that of the thriller genre and thriller films. The only relationship created between character and viewer at this stage is the association of mystery/violence when the camera shows the perspective of the unknown character of the antagonist, as no other connection can be made as the viewer is unaware as to the characters persona.

Eye level

When filming the girl of the narrative, the camera will stay eye level with her for the most part, apart from scenes which are filmed using high angle and extreme long shots for example. This shall be done as keeping the character eye level with character keeps the audience engaged with that character and there facial expression, which is an important aspect of filming as the character will be shown as having a scared expression throughout the sequence as she is often in a position of vulnerability. This is convention to the thriller genre as the audience create a relationship between the character as they are looking into the eyes on screen, from creating such a relationship it enables the audience to feel sympathy for the character, creating tension and suspense (typical conventions in thriller films) as when they are in a position of danger the audience will want her to get out of it unharmed.

Handheld

During the chase scene in which the antagonist is chasing the girl, a handheld camera will be used when showing the chase scene (through the perspective of the antagonist). This shall be done to further express the panic of the situation to the audience, through the rapid jerky camera movements seen on screen. This is conventional to the thriller genre as emphasising the panic of the chase creates further suspense and surprise for the audience (main thriller conventions). The use of a handheld creates a relationship between the character and the audience as the viewer will be shown the fear that the character is experiencing on screen, making the audience feel sympathy for the girl as it is as if they are witnessing it happen there and then.

Canted angle

A canted angle will be used to film the segment in the narrative just before the couple are arguing, once they confront each other. This shall be done to show the instability in the couples relationship, connoting that they are about to break out/ get into a conflict. This is conventional to the thriller genre as the use of a canted angle is present in many thriller sequences to show instability, weather that be the mental stability which is the case with the couple in the narrative, or for the literally purpose. The audience associate mental instability with the characters in frame with the use of a canted angle, connoting to the viewer that they have not stable mindset, therefore whenever it is used in the sequence it makes the viewer automatically make this connection.

Extreme long shot

A extreme long shot shall be used on a few occasions,  a significant example being when the antagonist is chasing the victim down a long stretch of alleyway. This shall be done to emphasis the surroundings/settings, expressing to the audience that she is alone on her own with no quick escape in sight; furthering showing her vulnerability. This is conventional to the thriller genre as emphasising the convention locational a deserted area, alongside the victim of the narrative being a girl being portrayed in a vulnerable manner; further express through the use of an extreme long shot will make for the scene to look realistic to that of opening thriller sequences, as it will follow the conventions mentioned. The audience will create a relationship between the type of shot used (extreme long shot) and associate it with a lonely/abandoned atmosphere as every extreme long shot used will be done to such affect.


Conclusion 

I think that my groups sequence will be more effective in creating certain emotions and reactions through the use of cinematography as varying camera angles and the way in which the scene is filmed/ portrayed changes the way the audience perceives what is being seen on screen, creating affects and changing the audiences mood and feelings. The cinematography we intend to include in the sequence is conventional to the thriller genres as all of the examples above are consistently presence in thriller films, and the affect created from using such creates shock, surprise, tension and suspense (main thriller conventions). I have found the planning helpful in preparation for filming as my group and I now have a good idea as to what types of shots I intend to do once it comes to the filming stage, and I am also aware as to what affect is created from filming in such a way.