Research into target audience - Miss Miller

My research was carried out so I could get an idea as to what types of aspects of thrillers the general public prefer, giving myself a wider output as to what conventions  I and my group should include into our opening sequence. I asked 40 people as having a larger sample of people answering the questions gives me a bigger insight into what aspects people would expect in thriller films. I will use the results to alter my opening sequence as I will cater the opening sequence to the most popular aspects mentioned.

The questionnaire -

1) Please specify your gender:

Male   

Female           

2) What is your age?

11-14            

15-17

18+

                       

3) Do you like the thriller genre?

Yes                 

No                  

Sometimes    

4) What type of thriller do you enjoy?

Psychological

Action            

Crime             

Other             

5) What type of settings/ environment do you prefer to see in a thriller film?

Forest

Deserted house/warehouse

Abandoned outside area, for example car park

Other

6) What gender protagonist do you prefer?

Male

Female

7) What type of weapons do you like to be seen & WHY?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

8) What type of soundtrack do you like to hear in thriller sequences and WHY?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

9) Do you like to see gore when watching thriller films?

Yes

No

Sometimes

10) Do you prefer your antagonist to have a hidden identity or to be seen throughout the film and WHY?

Hidden identity

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Seen throughout

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Pie chart analyse

Question 1

The results shown for question one states that I questioned more females to that of males (43% males, 57%). Although both males and females were questioned, with only a minor difference between the number of those asked in both gender groups,  more females were questions. Due to this I need to consider how this affects the later questions and results given, as the results given may cater slightly more towards female viewers, therefore the results may differ to that of if the more males were questioned to that of females. Both question 1 and 2s purpose is to establish who the questions are being asked to, in which I intend to gather results from both males and females, and focus mainly upon those aged between 15-17, which I believe has been achieved (refer to segment below). 

Question 2

The results I gathered for question 2 state that the majority of those questions come under the age category of 15-17. This should make the results for the later questions more representative to what I am trying to investigate as the age certificate my group and I have decided upon is 15; therefore we are gathering feedback from those in the target audience we intend to cater the sequence towards. By knowing this, we can incorporate aspects into our opening sequence which are present within films that have a BBFC rating of 15, making it so there is fewer that we can't actually include, possibly resulting in the final product seeming more realistic and conventional to the thriller genre as we can include things such as violence that will make that happen.  

Question 3

The result for question 3 show that the majority of those questioned either answered yes or sometimes (80%) to if they like the thriller genre. Because of this, the majority of the results shall be applicable to what I am trying to investigate as the most of the peopled questioned do like the thriller genre. If the participants majority of the participants responded back saying that they don't like the thriller genre, the results gained would be irrelevant as to what we are trying to investigate with the questionnaire itself. However, as 33% f those questions like thrillers "sometimes" and are not full out thriller fans, I must consider this when it comes to analyzing the answer given to following questions, as if I am going to alter anything due to the answers given they not be representative as to what is trying to be investigated, making them not  "fully" representative, further by the fact that 20% of those don't like thrillers at all.

Question 4

The results for question 4 show that the most popular sub genre of  thriller is psychological. This is good as the opening sequence my group and I intend to create will have psychological elements to it, therefore there is no need to alter or change any ideas or concepts we intended to include as it is the most popular sub genre given within the answers.  The second favorite genre which is specified is action, which is also helpful as we also intend to have action elements to the sequence also; incorporating the two most favored types of sub genre specified (Psychological and action). As the target audience that we are catering the opening sequence towards is for those 15 and over, the BBFC age certificate shall be 15, allowing for action filled segments in, in which there isn't much that can't be included because anything which would surpass such a rating, we would not be capable of filming/ producing regardless. For the psychological aspect in relation to the age certificate, it will enable my group and I to incorporate mentally frightening/puzzling things that the audience want, as establish with the results shown. 

Question 5

The results for question 5 show that the majority of those questions prefer a deserted house/warehouse as the setting in there thriller films, followed by abandoned area and forest. As this is so, we shall incorporate all of these locations into the opening sequence, therefore it caters towards the target audience intended. The location which we originally planned on using was a deserted area, rather than being specific to a house/warehouse, therefore as it is the 2nd most popular option and complies with what is already planned we shall continue with the original plan. As both top options are very similar, yet one is specific to two places, it doesn't matter in the grande scene of things which one I chosen,  as the question was multiple choice, those that answered the both questions essentially prefers locations which are quiet/deserted, therefore as long as the final location chosen complies with this, being specific towards a warehouse/house in not an issue. The locations most commonly given are conventional to the thriller genre also, therefore incorporating them  

Question 6

 The results of question 6 shows  that the majority of those questioned prefer there protagonist to be a male.  Although, the results of this question may not be applicable when it goes to filming the opening sequence, due to the narrative itself, which is also influenced by the number of those within a group, therefore they may not in fact be a protagonist within the opening sequence due to there only being an antagonist and victim. The narrative is influenced by how many characters within and how many people can take part in the production, Although if that is not the case and the narrative chosen does have a protagonist within, a male shall be used to follow the request of the target audience, also following the conventions within the thriller genre. 

Question 7

The results of question 7 show that the most popular type of weapon  chosen by those questioned was a gun, followed shortly by a knife. This is most probably as both of which are common iconography in thriller films, by knowing such we shall have both types of weapon present during the sequence to please the target audience and to follow common thriller conventions. If my group and I were to incorporate a gun into our narrative, it would not be possible to film with an actual firearm, therefore we would have to use a replica, to which it could degrade the authenticity of the production unless it was an extremely believable and good replica. To avoid the production from having a tacky feel or appearance, the best option for my group and I to go for shall be a knife, as there is little difference between the results given by those in the target audience, it remains to be conventional to the thriller genre, and a real one can be used, therefore adding towards the realism of the production, making the opening sequence be visually appealing for the audience in regards to listening to there feedback onto what they want to see, and it will add towards the realism factor as mentioned previously. 

Question 8

The results of question 8 show that the most popular type of sound track is of a fast paced action variation, slowly followed by a slow paced tense type, then a dark eerie type. This follows the trend of the answers given previously that the most popular sub genres of thriller were psychological and action; matching with the soundtrack of slow paced tension (psychological impact) and faced paced action (action sequences). From knowing this, we shall incorporates aspects of both elements mentioned into our the opening sequence, therefore following the feedback from the target audience and providing a opening sequence that caters towards them. As the results obtained from question 8 follow the trends of previous questions asked, it reinforces the idea that the results of the questionnaire are representative as to what I am trying to investigate; finding out what the target audience specified for my opening sequence and what they expect to see within, by doing so making it seem more realistic to that of real thriller sequences. As there is little variation between answers given, an exception of fast paced action music being the highest result obtained, all types of music shall be incorporated into the sequence at some stage to accompany the themes mentioned previously however, as the most popular option was fast paced action, that particular variation will be the most present throughout, having the longest amount of film time. 

Question 9

The results of question 9 show that the majority of those questioned stated that they either like there to be gore, or they do sometimes (1/4 of those don't). Before gathering results from those questioned, my group and I didn't intend to include to much gore so that the opening sequence follows the requirements for a 15 certificate; however both can be achieve by having short segments in which gore is shown, therefore still catering towards the target audience through the results given. As a large portion of those questioned did say that they either like gore sometimes or that they do, to comply with what the target audience wants as well as following the other guild lines (such as the BBFC rating), we will try to incorporate some aspect of gore within the opening sequence, by doing so  utilizing the benefits of having a target audience aged 15 and over, incorporating gore aspects that are conventional to the thriller genre, making the opening sequence more visually appealing for the audience, by doing so adding towards the realism aspect. As 25% of the target audience do not wish to see gore within thrillers, the parts in the segment in which we will try to incorporate gore will only be reasonably short segments. However, the results of this question may not be applicable as we may not be able to incorporate gore into the sequence, due to possible complications when editing, although this wont be known until we start the production. 

Question 10

The results given at question 10 state that slightly more people prefer the antagonist of the sequence to not have a hidden identity. However, as the difference in response shown is not significant enough to alter anything already planned in the narrative/sequence, therefore we shall still give our antagonist a hidden identify as the results given do not make me question not doing otherwise. Although, as the results given in the final question asked do not have an out right amount, the results of this question show that it is dependent on personal taste, rather than following a popular trend. However, as within the opening sequence the aim is to follow the feedback given by the target audience, while doing so making the opening sequence follow the conventions of thriller films. Due to this, I will most probably make the antagonist of the narrative have a hidden identity due to not receiving and outright response by the target audience, and it is conventional to the thriller genre, and the enigma created will assist with adding a dark, eerie feel to the opening sequence. 

Vox plots

Here are the 3 box plots I recorded of volunteers taking part in answering the questions provided in the questionnaire. The purpose of the vox plots is so that there is video evidence of volunteers answering the provided questions, rather then having no evidence of doing such.

(Vox plot 1, 2 and 3)

Conclusion 

I have found the research that I have conducted useful as I now have a better perception as to what the target audience want to see in the sequence, what they would expect to see, and what they wish to see; be doing so enabling me to alter things to co-inside with the feedback given. By following the feedback of the target audience, making the sequence more visually appealing, it will add towards the realism factor of the production.  As mentioned in the pie chart analyse, I shall incorporate the results of the such into our thriller sequence by adding/removing aspects which received the most amount of feedback via the volunteers responses.  If I was to carry out the research again, I would change some of the questions so they are more specific as to elements which I intend to be in our sequence, rather than just thrillers in general, as it would provide with more concise results. 

Research into conventions - miss Miller

Conventions are aspects within the film that are often present throughout and are common throughout a particular type of film or genre.  In the thriller genre, there are various number of conventions which are present in all most all films that fit that genre. The purpose of this is to create shock, surprise, tension and suspense for the viewer. I am going to analyse a clip from the 1991 thriller "Silence of the lambs" cops deaths scene
URL link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEaxwyBjTwU

Typical examples of thriller conventions include;

- Tense music                                   - Shadows
- Diegetic and non diegetic sound   - protagonist/antagonist
- Killers/victims                               - handheld/POV camera
- Chase scenes                                 - Black and white shots
- Varying angle shots                       - Unknown/eerie locations
- Mise-en-scene                               - Iconography
- Enigma (often the narrative can revolve around it)


The music in the scene, which is provided by the record player (an example of on screen and diegetic sound) plays throughout the scene (excluding the fighting sequence), and is of a orchestra type (piano). As the scene is in a prison setting, the sound is contrapuntal because it does not match with what is happening on screen. However, as the fighting scene starts, the background music (non- diegetic) instantly changes to a faster paced thriller like track, drastically increasing the pace of the scene for the audience. The contrast created between the relaxed music and the fast paced music creates surprise for the audience, as the atmosphere changes from relaxed to fast paced action. This creates a relationship between the viewer and characters, as the viewer creates a connection between the relaxed music with the police officers as they represent law and order whereas with the antagonist they associate him with the fast paced music experienced during the part in which he attacks the officers. This is conventional to the thriller genre as the setting in which the scene takes place is common of that of the thriller genre (prison/trapped environment). The music in the scene is conventional to the thriller genre also as the contrast in the pace and type of sound alongside the visuals and narrative create surprise for the audience, which is a common attribute towards thriller films.

There are various references to different types of iconography during this segment. The camera zooms into the eye spray and batons which the officers are holding, quickly zooming into a close up shot before focusing on them briefly. The use of focusing the screen on the weapons could connote to the audience that the following scene will contain an element of violence, as they dedicate screen time towards it, drawing particular attention to the items. Showing the officers with the weapons, with the context of the scene (which is of a psychotic killer) could make them build a connection between the police officers and having to prevent violence caused due to the antagonist, as this is a common association with them in films (and the real world) that they are the borders between bad and good.  Due to this, the viewer can create a relationship between the  officers and there weapons as representing law and order. The audience may foreshadow the actions of the following part of the scene because of the reference to violence mentioned previously. This is conventional to the thriller genre as the iconography focused upon is present within other thriller films, and are commonly associated with each other. Creating a connection between a piece of miss-en scene and characters could potentially allow the audience to identify scenes of violence before they occur on screen, by doing so allowing the producer to create suspense and tension as the audience is aware as to what is going to happen, but during the period before this, the scenes will be very tense and suspenseful.

Slow editing is used during the majority of the sequence, particularly during the part in which the door is being opened into the cell, in which beforehand particular attention is payed to towards the iconography in which the police officers possessed (weapons and such). This is done to build up tension for the audience as they are aware (as mentioned previously) that something is about to occur, and the use of slow editing builds tension and suspense as the scene is running at a slow pace, but as soon as something occurs it drastically increases, creating surprise for the audience from the contrast in atmosphere created from visuals and sound. This enables the audience to create a connection between the use of slow editing with anticipation and suspense, as the audience becomes aware as to something is going to happen due to the slow build up before hand, but has a slow build up before the action occurs. This is convention to the thriller genre as slow editing is present in essentially every film categorised in the thriller genre, as the result of which creates and enables the presence of main thriller concepts (surprise and build up in suspense).

This research was helpful in advancing my understanding of the conventions within the thriller genre, for a number go reasons. Looking and analysing more clips the better, as I can compare the use of common conventions within the thriller genre and see its use and purpose within this context, by doing so allowing me to establish what conventions I should include within my own opening sequence as I can see what would be suitable in that context. It was also helpful in improving my understanding as I could identify all of the conventions within rather than having to focus upon one individual aspect of media, as demonstrated in previous planning posts, so this analyse has enabled me to combine my knowledge gained from previous analyses and apply it as a whole. This particular clip is also helpful also as it is different to that of many thriller clips, as it does not always follow the typical conventions of thriller films in the same way to that of others, such through the use of contrupantal sound, as within a film of this nature it would be expected to have dark eerie music and low key lighting due to the nature of the clip however, it still creates feelings, tension and suspense for the viewer regardless, through the use of different conventions, expanding my knowledge upon how to create certain feelings for the viewer through the use of different conventions within a different context.  I have taken inspiration from this research within this clip and I intend to incorporate aspects into my own opening sequence. Particular examples of which is that I intend to incorporate slow editing into my sequence, as the feelings created will enable the viewer to be keep on the edge of there seat due to the tension and suspense build up, and as my opening sequence will be of a similar nature as to this clip, slow editing will contribute towards having a eerie and unsettling atmosphere. I have also taken inspiration with this clip to incorporate weapons as iconography within my sequence, as my the antagonist within my narrative shall be welding one during the majority of segments in which he is on screen, at time having the weapon (knife) as the focus of the shot, drawing attention to such to the same effect demonstrated within this clip.

Inspirations - Miss Georgiou

Inspirations 

Inspiration is required before we create anything, in this case a thriller sequence, as inspiration is the foundation behind all great creations and ideas. The starting process of anything is always the hardest part, when we are inspired to start/create something it enables us to continue on from that starting point. We can take inspiration from anywhere, be that from things that already exist, or it can come out of the least likely things, and our own experiences. New film ideas will most likely not come from nothing, rather come from taking/incorporating elements from previous films, and altering them into different style of film. This accompanied by fresh ideas can be the inspiration of new film titles. I have taken inspiration from various different thriller titles from different sub genres, by doing so comparing the use of thriller conventions and to what affect they are used within such sub genres.

I have taken inspiration from the film nightmare on elm street, as I have watched many sequences from the film and identified various different types of cinematography and have analyse to what affect, therefore enabling me to consider how I might be able to incorporate this into my own opening sequence. An example of cinematography use that I intend on using in my own opening sequence is the use of a handheld during a chase scene in my narrative, as this is done during the middle segment of "nightmare on elm street". This is as during a scene in the film in which the victim of the narrative is being chased, a handheld camera is used to follow her movements.  This is done to create urgency for the viewer, emphasizing that she is being chased by the jerky movements caused by the use of the handheld, further adding to the urgency. This makes the viewer feel on edge, and feel the same sense of urgency that the character is portrayed as having. I shall follow the same format of using a handheld in my opening sequence, to the affect mentioned, however I shall alter it to make it my own by including it in a longer segment in my opening sequence, creating a more intense feeling of tension from emphasising the urgency, as during "nightmare on elm street" a handheld is only used briefly for less than 5 seconds.

I took inspiration from the film "Inception", as I have watched the film on multiple occasions and have analysed the use of sound throughout the zero gravity fight scene in the film. The sound used throughout the film is conventional to that of thriller films, and uses many different aspects to the affect of creating the main thriller conventions for the audience (suspense, tension, surprise and shock). At the end of opening sequence of my group and Is narrative, after the chase has occured and the girl has escaped unharmed the scene will go completely silent, which is similar to that of "Inception" during the zero gravity scene. At the very end of the scene in which the driver of the van quickly recovers from the fall and drives off, the audio goes completely silent (silence) apart from the noise of rain and the windscreen wipers. This is done to signify to the viewer that it is the end of all of the madness and hectic scenes before this point, and to completely slow the pace of the scene down and to allow the viewer to access what they have just witnessed, and the sound of the rain and windscreen wipers is included to denote to the viewer that the atmosphere and surroundings has changed. I took inspiration from this and intend to incorporate silence at the end of my sequence to the same effect of signalling the end of the hectic scenes beforehand and to show the change in scenery which will occur in the following scene.  However, I will make the idea my own as inception is a different type of thriller and the scene has a high degree of tension and is action orientated, whereas the narrative of my group and I's opening sequence is orientated around an eerie, dark atmosphere, therefore the use of silence after the climax will differ to that of "Inception".

Another film in which I have taken inspiration from is "Se7en", as I analysed a scene from the film when researching the various different mise-en-scene elements throughout thriller films. The narrative of the film has a dark element to it, similar to that of the narrative my group and I have produced, therefore the conventions used throughout should be relevant to use/incorporate into the opening sequence. In my narrative, the majority of the scenes will consist of low key lighting and back light, as it creates an eerie atmosphere which complements the theme of the film. During the sloth death scene in "Se7en",  the entire sequence in which this takes place has a eerie atmosphere due to the only lights coming from the back light from the curtains later on in the scene. This connotes to the reader that someone thing is about to happen, an example for foreshadowing as something bad did happen. In my opening sequence, the lighting in the scene will be low key as soon as the girl has been ditched by her boyfriend. The change in lighting when she gets ditched will connote to the viewer that something bad is about to her, as to the same affect as "Se7en".

Another film in which I have taken inspirations from is "Silence of the lambs" as I researched upon the film and analysed clips from within, looking at  the various different types of conventions , by doing so incorporating all the research on individual convention aspects, showing my understanding of all throughout a segment of the film. The scene follows Torodovs theory, the same theory which my group and I's opening sequence and narrative follows, in which the beginning starts off with an equilibrium, in which everything is calm and under control, emphasized by the background music in the background, which continues to play once the disequilibrium comes, in which the sound becomes contrapuntal. In the sequence, I intend to incorporate however the use iconography, and the focus upon it due to the use of the camera focusing upon it. There are various references to different types of iconography during the segment within the film. The camera zooms into the eye spray and batons which the officers are holding, quickly zooming into a close up shot before focusing on them briefly. The use of focusing the screen on the weapons could connote to the audience that the following scene will contain an element of violence, as they dedicate screen time towards it, drawing particular attention to the items. Showing the officers with the weapons, with the context of the scene (which is of a psychotic killer) could make them build a connection between the police officers and having to prevent violence caused due to the antagonist, as this is a common association with them in films (and the real world) that they are the borders between bad and good.  Due to this, the viewer can create a relationship between the officers and there weapons as representing law and order.   The audience may foreshadow the actions of the following part of the scene because of the reference to violence mentioned previously. This is conventional to the thriller genre as the iconography focused upon is present within other thriller films, and are commonly associated with each other. Creating a connection between a piece of miss-en scene and characters could potentially allow the audience to identify scenes of violence before they occur on screen, by doing so allowing the producer to create suspense and tension as the audience is aware as to what is going to happen, but during the period before this, the scenes will be very tense and suspenseful. Within my opening sequence, the use of a extreme close up and close up will be used while the antagonist of the narrative is just about to get into chase with the victim,  drawing attention towards the iconography within the sequence, to the same effect as in "Silence of the lambs", as both narratives have a dark nature to which and follow the same theory. 

Evaluation 

The research which I have conducted has been very helpful in getting ideas for my narrative as analyzing various different scenes from multiple different sub genres of thrillers, identifying the main thriller conventions throughout and elements throughout the scenes has given me multiple ideas which I can incorporate into my own opening sequence. The various inspirations have made my sequence better as I am going to base the elements used within my opening sequence to that of real thriller films, by do so creating the main thriller elements (shock, surprise, tension and shock) and making it a more realistic feeling opening sequence for the viewer. 

Opening sequence analyse

What is the purpose to an opening sequence?

An opening sequence of a thriller film should give the viewer a brief insight into what time/era the film is based/taking place and to give a brief idea as to the narrative and plot, creating suspense while doing so through the use of different types of editing and conventions. Thriller openings often have an enigma also, making the viewer question what is going to happen in future scenes. I am going to analyse the opening scene in the 1978 thriller film Halloween as it contains an opening scene which is includes the majority of the above.

Cinematography

At the very end of the scene in which the antagonist (Michael) has murdered his victim and runs away to the front of the house, the camera zooms out to a high angle from the original POV (originally showing his perspective for the whole sequence) until it reaches an extreme long shot of all of the characters and settings in one shot. The use of a high angle shot, looking down on the antagonist is to emphasis to the viewer that he is only a child, which creates shock and surprise as the enigma which is created from not allowing the viewer to see the antagonist until this point allows the producer to create such. This makes the audience feel confused as they are unaware as to what has taken part in the opening scene due to the enigma. This is conventional for a thriller sequence as the use of filming builds tension and suspense (convention to thriller sequences), and makes the viewer question the identity and motive of the killer, creating the enigma which then provides the sequence with shock and surprise, which is always present in thriller sequences.

Editing

During the middle part of the segment, slow editing is used while the antagonist is walking up the stairs; also a reaction shot is used as the boy (antagonist) takes his mask off at the very end of the scene. The use of slow editing while walking up the stairs creates tension and suspense for the audience, as slowing the pace of the scene in a thriller film connotes to the viewer that something is about to occur, by doing so it keeps the audience on edge, allowing for surprise. The use of a reaction shot creates shock for the audience;  and portrays the shock of the parents as they discover that the antagonist is simply just a child, by doing so this makes the audience feel confused as they just witness a killing, in which a child murders a young woman. This also makes the audience question the stability and personality of the antagonist (Michael). This is conventional to the thriller sequence as editing in thriller sequences is often contrasting, either having fast transitions in which there is a cutaway from one subject to another, or slow editing in which the pace of the scene slows drastically. Both examples are present in this opening, and both are used to make the audience feel as sense of tension, surprise, shock and surprise, which is essential to producing a thrilling scene.

Soundtrack

There are various examples of the use of the soundtrack in Halloween; off screen sound is present in the beginning of the scene in which the sounds of children can be heard,  the music in the scene goes completely silent while the antagonist is looking through the window, and diegetic/parallel sound can be heard as the sister is being killed. dietetic sound of the clock can be heard also. The sound of children at the beginning connotes to the audience the age of the killer, possibly foreshadowing his identity to the audience early on in the opening scene. The silence when the antagonist is looking through the window (at the potential victim) could be used to show the audience that the antagonist is trying to prevent being noticed/caught, by doing so creating tension and suspense from the contrast in sound from the previous scene (noises of children trick or treating) as nothing can be heard other than the couple speaking. The sound of the clock ticking (diegetic sound) could signify to the audience that time is running out for the girl, which could be an example of foreshadowing as she gets killed shortly afterwards, in which the sound of the girl being murdered can be heard, which creates surprise and shock for the audience. This opening sequence is conventional to thriller films as the sound complements what is being seen on screen, by doing so creating thriller elements for the audience (of shock, tension, surprise and suspense).

Conventions 

Low key lighting is used  as the antagonist is walking around the house, along with the colours in the scene which consist of black shadows. Iconography is present as the woman is the victim and the antagonist is wearing an identity hiding mask (the scene is POV regardless). The use of low key lighting as the antagonist is walking around makes the audience feel suspense as the contrast in light and shadows creates an eerie atmosphere, connecting to the context (antagonist inside an unknown persons house), along with the background music creates further tension. The use of a young female character connotes to the audience that she is vulnerable and a target, by showing such it could potentially foreshadow her death the instant she comes on scene due to the build up in tension and suspense beforehand. This scene is conventional to thriller films as the lighting in the scene is very dark (as the scene is being filmed at night), which instantly connects the title and theme of the film, through the conventions of the opening sequence. Having a young, attractive woman as the unknown victim in the scene is very convention to thriller films as they are always the victims of the antagonists actions.

Characters

The identity of the characters in unknown till the very end of the scene, and even at that point it is only vague. This done by showing the audience the POV of the antagonist throughout the entire sequence. Also, the victim in the sequence is a young, attractive woman. Showing only the point of view throughout could be done to achieve an enigma for the audience, as they are unaware as to who's perspective they are witnessing, and what actions are occurring on screen. The use of a young attractive woman as the victim is common iconography for thriller films as they are often ported as being weak and vulnerable (damsel in distress). This is conventional to thriller films as the creation of an enigma (as they audience is unaware as to the characters identities) makes the audience question the characters identities and reasons for there actions, and the use of typical iconography links towards common conventions of thriller films.

Narrative

The film Halloween, as expected is based on a Halloween night, during which a murder takes place in the sequence; including all of the main thriller elements including shock, surprise, suspense and tension. The murder early on makes the audience feel confused and creates suspense (from the point in which she gets murdered) for them as they are unaware as to the victim, and the motive as to which they got killed. A murder of an unknown character (young female woman) is also conventional as it creates of an enigma. The creation of a enigma in the opening sequence is convention in thriller openings, as is the effect it has on the audience. The setting is conventional to the thriller genre as Halloween is often associated with evil, costumes and such which alone sets a tense and frightening atmosphere for the audience.

Conclusion + Summary

The Halloween opening sequence informs the audience of the various thriller conventions during the short 2 minute segment, as it contain all of the main conventions in the opening scene alone. By doing so, this prepares the audience to what is to come later in the film, along with the enigma of the opening sets the standard for a thriller experience. This will assist me when I go to create my own thriller sequence in a number of ways. In my sequence, I intend to include as many thriller conventions as possible, and a prime example of this in the film industry is Halloween as it manages to fit the majority of conventions into the opening sequence alone.

Research into sound - Miss Miller

Sound in the thriller genre

Sound is an essential part of any thriller film (or anything visual for that matter) as it can have a number of affects on how the visuals are perceived, can affect how the viewer feels, and can create a number of different emotions and atmospheres as I will show through the analyse of a scene from inception.  URL link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvDba2nMv_U  (zero gravity fight scene)

At the very beginning of the sequence, the only sound that can be heard is of the world shaking (in all of the individual dream worlds), which is an example of non- diegetic sound as the first few seconds in the segment are edited (both visuals and audio) after filming as the screen is shown shaking which implies that the audio has been edited in after filming as well. It is also an example of offscreen sound as it can't be seen as to where the sound is coming from (as it has been edited in).  This is most probably done at the start of the scene to add to the surreal atmosphere which is allready present though out the film, and it would be incredibly costly and unnecessary to make the sound diegetic, as it adds a mystery element to the sequence. It also establishes what is about to occur in the following scenes (thrilling sequences) as this is the only audio that can be heard, establishing the atmosphere.  This is convectional to a thriller as the audio at the beginning of the sequence alerts the viewer as to what to expect in the following scenes, and the noise heard is of a violent nature which is suited as the scenes to follow contain fighting segments.

As soon as an unknown person comes into frame just as he walks past in the elevator, the background music (non-digetic and offscreen sound) picks ups instantly. The drastic change in music could be used to connote to the viewer that the unknown man is a threat. This scene creates suspense as the up come to the encounter is through a long empty corridor which could also connote that he is about to be attacked. This is supported by the fact that the unknown man is shown behind the other man, which shows that he is possibly vulnerable to such an attack. This is conventional in thriller films as it creates high levels of suspense for the viewer as the visuals on scene suggest that something is about to happen, accompanied by the suspenseful music makes a deadly combo in creating atmosphere suitable for a thriller sequence.

During the scenes in which the motorcyclist is shooting at the van, gun shots (diegetic and on screen sound) are fired at the vehicle. The music in the background is very slow paced and dramatic which could be a possible example of contrapuntal sound as in other action sequences in different films, faster paced background music would be used, as the one in this sequence would be often featured in different types of scenes. The background music does however stay consistent throughout the sequence and builds up gradually. This could be done to accompany the ever changing pace in visuals as the parts in the scene go from full out action to slow paced scenes. Having a constant climatic back ground music can be applicable to both different types of scenes, by doing so connecting the two types of scenes together.  By not changing the type of music it  does not lessen the suspense which could be possibly done by changing the music. This is conventional for the thriller genre as the gradual increase in speed with the music adds tension and suspense to an already climatic scene, creating a ammersive thriller atmosphere. 

At the very end of the scene in which the driver of the van quickly recovers from the fall and drives off, the audio goes completely silent (silence) apart from the noise of rain and the windscreen wipers. This could be done to signify to the viewer that it is the end of all of the madness and hectic scenes before this point, and to completely slow the pace of the scene down and to allow the viewer to access what they have just witnessed, and the sound of the rain and windscreen wipers is included to denote to the viewer that the atmosphere and surroundings has changed. This is intact not conventional to thriller sequences as a silent pause or lack of music is often used to create suspense however, as inception is an offbeat psychological thriller, the use of sound does not necessary have to be applicable to other films in its genre as it is a stand out film, one of the reasons for its huge success is because of how it doesn't follow the norms of the genre. 

This research will assist me when I go to create my own thriller sequence as I am now aware as to what different types of sound there are, there use when it comes to creating thriller conventions, and examples of such types of music with real thriller sequences. Analysing a thriller sequence in which these conventions are used will enable me know in what instances what type of sound should go with what visuals, and to what affect this will have to the viewer and film itself. I have taken many inspirations from this sequence, and the examples I intend to incorparate into my own thriller sequence is the use of silence at the end of the opening sequence, by doing so indicating to the audience that the end of the chaotic scenes have ended. Another type of sound I want to incorporate is the use of diegetic, off screen music of a instrumental, intense variation to build up tension and suspense within the opening sequence.

Research into editing styles - Miss Georgiou

Editing styles

Editing is essential in thriller movies and sequences as all the different forms of editing can effect a sequence in film in different ways, as I will demonstrate in my analysis of the movie human centipede, as it contains many of the main editing types.  URL of clip - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-sonVtBtv8

The Human centipede, editing analyse 

During the very opening part of the segment, in which both of the girls are on the operating table, a shot reverse shot is used to go from showing them individually on screen, one of them to the other. This is done so that the viewer can see the facial expression of both of the women on the operating table individually, emphasising each of there faces as showing there sad and frightened facial expression enables the viewer to feel sympathy for them and there situation. Showing the girls in this light is typical to that of the thriller genre, as they are often portrayed as being vulnerable and in danger, as they are at the mercy of the antagonist. This is convectional to the thriller genre as creating a relationship between the characters and viewer when the characters in the film are in a bad situation creates a sympathetic atmosphere, in which the viewer wants them to get out of there situation unharmed, by doing so keeping the viewer on edge, creating suspense and tension, allowing for the producer to create surprising moments for the viewer.

Figure 1: scared expression of one of the girls mentioned

Slow editing is used while the girl is running away from the doctor, shortly after she broke out of the operating table near the middle part of the clip. During this segment, very little editing is used in comparison to moments previously; this contrast in editing creates a tense atmosphere, creating suspense for the viewer. By having a song segment in which not much editing is present, it builds tension and suspense for the viewer as slowing the pace of editing creates tension for the viewer as they are unaware as to what is going to occur next. This is convectional to the thriller genre as the atmosphere created from the build up in tension and suspense keeps the viewer on edge, keeping them engaged with the situation. As the viewer is now engaged, it is easier for the producer to surprise the viewer as they are paying full attention as to what is happening in the current scene, enabling for jump scares and tense moments due to the situation the characters on screen are facing as the viewer has created a relationship with the characters on screen and feels empathy for the girls.

Figure 2: Running away from the doctor

Linking shots are used at the beginning of the segment, in which the camera goes from filming one girl to the other in which one is shown escaping from the operating table, and the other is being abused by the doctor. This could be done so that the situation/perspective of both girls are shown (including there facial expressions once again), in doing so it adds an emotional impact of sympathy to a scene which allready has a unpleasant atmosphere due to what is occurring on screen and the theme of the film. This is because focusing on the scared facial expression of both of the victim girls makes the audience feel sympathy for them as they have no resistance for the antagonist, as they are portrayed as being vulnerable due to them being overpowered by the antagonist, being unable to resist his actions. This is conventional to the thriller genre as by using this editing technique creates a connection between the viewer and character at the beginning of the scene, which enables the producer to include a tense follow up scene (similar to that in this film), creating surprise and suspense for the viewer.

Figure 3: showing the situation of the other woman,
as well as the other (refer to figure 1) 

Linking of a section is used near the end of the segment. This is during the shots in which the girls is running away from the doctor and hides in the room (figure 2 showing her entering the room), which then it skips to the doctor walking slowly down the corridor, swiftly after it shows the doctor shaking the handle on the door aggressively, as the girl backs away from the door.  This could be done to create tension and surprise as the pace of the scene increases drastically, during the same scene the music goes silent while the doctor is shaking on the door, which adds to the tension/suspense of the scene. As previous parts of the scene before use slow editing, the contrast in pace as to what is on screen emphases the severity of the girls situation, further adding towards the tension and suspense being exposed for the viewer. This is conventional to the thriller genre as the use of editing in this segment puts the viewer on edge, as the unpleasant situation of the character emphasised and the main thriller conventions of tension and suspense are created by doing so.

Figue 4: door handle being
shaking 

Conclusion

The research I have conducted will help me when I go to create my own thriller sequence because editing styles are essential to creating a good thriller sequence. By researching on all the various difference types and examples from real films, it will enable me to decide which types of editing I will use with my own sequence. When I go to create the opening sequence, I intend to include slow editing and shot reverse shots. Shot reverse shots shall be used during segments which have dialogue, in which the camera will go from showing one character to an other so that more significance is brought towards the characters individually as the opening sequence will only consist of a small number of people present in the production, therefore it will be essential to draw significance towards them individually. I intend to use slow editing during long segments in which the victim is in a position of danger, as it is a common convention used within thriller sequences, to the effect of building tension and suspense; two main thriller conventions. 

Figure 5: The doctor shown standing
near the end of the corridor, before
the scene swap