Final Group Thriller

West hatch high school - 16807

Tyler Osman - 9359

I also worked alongside:

Mikaeel Khaliq - 9348

Rough Cut - Miss Georgiou

Audience feedback is imprortant to a production as you can find out what others think of the

production utself, therefore finding out its advantages and strong points, but also its negatives

and flaws which can now be improved upon as they have been made aware by others,

ultamately enabling for a better final production due to the suggested changes that could

potentially be made.

We recieved feedback from our target audience by showing the rough cut of the production in

class, and after the audiene watched it they gave back feedback on the positives of our production, but also improvements which could be made as they stated flaws with the production and what could improve it overall. We were given oral feedback by a number of people in refference to the realism of te production, the use of cinematography and mise-en-scene, and also how well the production flows as a whole, and other general pieces of feedback and comments in regards to the opening sequence.  We also conducted a questionaire before the creation of the production to find out what the target audience wanted to see within the opening sequence. It was taken out by 40 people, in which they answered a set of questions in relation as to what they want and would expect to see within thriller films. The feedback given by the target audience assisted towards the creation of the final production, as we were aware as to what they expect to see and what they want, from knowing such we altered aspects of the opening sequence to cater it towards the target audience.

Feedback would benefit my production as we would then be able to act upon the feedback given so we know what is good within the production and does not require any further work, but also what needs improving and what those improvements are. By complying with the feedback given by the target audience, it would provide for a better experience for them, which should please them and make them prefer the production itself, and what final product that would come as a result would be more realistic. Recieving feedback would help the production has as my group I have been made aware as to wether or not the target audience are happy with the film in its current stage, in which after the rough cut stage changes can be made to alter this to the final product.

Feedback would also help the film industy as recieving feedback and comments from the general public and the audiences of a film will enable the creators to get an insight into the overall popularity and general feeling towards the production. From recieving feedback, anything that is stated on several occasions as being good or liked by the audience will indicate to the producers and creators of said films to continue following that trend with future films, preventing them from changing something that the target audience has mentioned as being favoured and liked, making the creators/ producers aware to this so no changes are made in regard to that. If there is a sequel or prequel to this particular film, or if it in a chain of several films or a franchise, recieving feedback from the target audience will enable the creators and producers to take out and alter things in future films, finding out the negatives of the previous films and working on changing them to please the target audience and fans of that partiular chain or franchise.

A positive comment we were given during the feedback showing was that the music within the opening sequence is conventional to the thriller genre and fits the settings and surrounding well. I personally believe that the music is very good and is conventional to the thriller genre, fits the nature of the narrative and the visuals, as the music progressively builds up throughout the duration of the opening sequence, so as the narrative progresses, the music gardually builds up as long side the visuals. The music going alongside the visuals makes for a more realistic experience for the viewer, and makes it more appealing for the target audience as it makes the production look and feel similar to that of real life equivilents.

Another positive comment we were given during the feedback of the showing was that it looked realistic to real life equivilents, and that it looked like an opening sequence, as the narrative flowed within the opening sequence. I believe this is the case due to the use of cinematography and camera shots used, which made the production look more proffessional and realistic due to the constant change in visuals, making it easier to engage with for the audience and making it more conventional to the thriller genre due to the affects created through the use of cinematography.

Another positive comment given was that the use of cinematography was very good, as a variational of shots were used, making the visuals more appealing as the same shots werent repeated and multiple different ones were used during different segments. While creating the production, I aimed to include as many different varitations of shots and angles while filming, enabling the visuals to be more appealing and to look more realistic, which can be seen through the feedback given. By including different variations of cinematography and shots, it makes the production more appealing for the target audience as the visuals are engaging by doing so.

A constructive comment made during the showing of the opening sequence was that some segments could be either removed and placed during other segments of the production, so that the narrative is clearer and easier to understand. This was a fair comment however, if my group were to remove certain parts which were recomended, the duration of the sequence would be unnessasiry shorter, as we believe the segments recommended didnt need changing, as they were the foundations of the production and altering them would cause unnessasiry hassel which could easily be avoided. The changes were not into relation to the editing or wether or not the particular segments were conventional or not, therefore it was not needed to change anything with moving or removing major segments, as if we wanted to replace them we would need to gather more footage which was not possible. The only changes which could be made would be minors ones due to time restrictions, not ones that alter the entire production.

Another constructive comment made was that

Another constructive comment made

We have made a number of changes to the production after recieving feedback from the target audience. Originally within the rough cut, segments were speed up and were faster than others within the opening sequence, which we were told make it look taccy and unrealistic due to this, so instead of speeding up longer segments which was what we originally done within the opening sequence, we cut down parts to make them shorter, so that the audience dont lose interest in the visuals. Also, to make a specific segment seem shorter and more engaging, for the opening shot (zoom out of the location), half way through the shot we have edited in a black screen, in which a signifcant credit is shown, by doing so drawing attention towards the title of the film and seperating the segment into two pieces, making it more engaging.

Opening Scene Narration - Miss Miller

The opening sequence shall start with the use of an extreme long shot/ establishing shot, in which the surrounding settings of a isolated car park will consist of low key lighting, as the couple of the narrative argue (dialogue) about there relationship issues. The couple are wearing casual clothing and the girl is wearing some makeup. During the argument, the camera will go from a long shot and zoom into a mid shot of the couple (two shot) to show the angry and upset facial expression of the girl, also during the argument, an over the shoulder shot shall be used behind the girl, after which the boy walks away from the girl to signify the end of the relationship. As he drives off away, the camera shall zoom out away into a long shot. No iconography is present during the argument segment. Straight cuts shall be used to transition from one shot to another.

When the girl is left alone, a mid shot shall be used to film her, the lighting in the scene staying low key throughout. An over the shoulder shot shall be used to show the antagonist creeping behind the girl, in which a straight cut will focus on the girl getting her phone out.  Eerie music is playing throughout. The camera at this point will stay as over the shoulder until it straight cuts once again into a close up of the phone. At this point non - diegetic sound of her heartbeat shall be edited in, as the camera zooms into the next shot. The iconography present at this stage is of a hoodie and a phone.

A shot reverse shot is used to show the figure of the antagonist, as it switches to the scared facial expression of the girl while she is holding her phone which has no signal in her hand, as she has realised the other persons presense. The lighting in this segment remains to be low key, as eerie music continues to play in the background. A straight cut will be used to go to an over the should shot of the girl walking down a long alleyway, away from the stalker (before he takes chase). A POV/handheld will be used after that point to further show her walking down the alleyway, until she shortly realises that she is being followed, in which she starts to run.  The iconography present at this time remains to be a hoodie and a phone.

A straight cut shall be used to go to a close up of a scared facial expression of the girl as she is now panicking and in chase, as non diegetic sound of the girls heartbeat will be heard. The lighting in the scene has remained as low key. A reaction shot will be used to transition to panning of the chase between the antagonist and the girl down the long alleyway, as instrumental eerie music plays in the background. A straight cut will go to two shot of both the antagonist and girl in frame, in which he is slowly lagging behind her in chase. A straight will be used once again to a POV of the girl, in which she is entering the forest attempting to escape from the antagonist, diegetic sound of her footsteps and the antagonist can be heard also. The iconography present at this point is a hoodie.

A mid shot shall be used to show the girl in the forest, as she has attempted to escape from the antagonist however he trails closely behind. The antagonist in frame is holding a knife (iconography), in which a heartbeat of the girl (non diegetic sound) will be heard. The lighting in the final segment will remain to be low key. A straight cut will be used to once again go to a panning shot of the chase between the antagonist and the girl, during which it continues to pan the segment until the girl trips over leaving herself vulnerable to attack , during which part screams of the girl can be heard (diegetic sound). A straight cut will be used to go to the final shot, in which the antagonist manages to grab the girl, as eerie music plays in the background and the girl continues to scream, in which the signalling of the end of the sequence will come with a fade as he has her in his grasp, threatening her with a knife. The iconography present in the final segment is a knife and a hoodie.

Filming scedule - Miss Georgiou

A filming scedule is important to have as you can record all of the times you have gone out to film, so you can look back and see how proctuctivly you have spent your time and how you have done a group. It is also helpful as you can prepare for meetings beforehand, by doing so making everyone aware as to what time we are going to film, where and what, avoiding any confusion if it wasnt prepared beforehand.

We did not follow our filming scedule be every individual detail, as there were complications on certain days when trying to film, and on some occansions we did not get much filmed due to complications beforehand which we should have estabilished, making us have to make changes to certain dates due to issues with timing with certain people, as other group members were unable to film on certain days as they were busy with other things.

Shot	Date & Time	Location	Content/ Action	Shot type & Duration	Costume/ hair/ make-up	Iconography	Personnel	Equipment
1	29/11/14	Loughton, alley ways	Chase between the victim and antagonist	Long shot/ panning Duration – 25 seconds	Regular clothing for victim, black attire (hoodie) for antagonist		Actors – Samantha Apperley, Tyler Osman Cameraman – Mikaeel Khaliq	Camera, tripod, batteries, Memory card,
2	2/12/14	Loughton, forest	Chase between victim and antagonist	POV, handheld, panning, long shot Duration –  seconds	Regular clothing for victim, black attire (hoodie) for antagonist	Knife	Actors – Samantha Apperley, Tyler Osman Cameraman – Mikaeel Khaliq	Camera, tripod, batteries, Memory card,
3	8/12/14	Loughton, forest	Chase between victim and antagonist	High angle, handheld, POV	Regular clothing for victim, black attire (hoodie) for antagonist	Knife	Actors – Samantha Apperley, Tyler Osman Cameraman- Mikaeel Khaliq	Camera, tripod, batteries, Memory card,

Risk Assessment - Miss Georgiou

It is important to conisder risks beforehand as that way it makes us aware of the potential risks that we could face during filming, that we we can make sure we take precautions and are careful when doing so, making sure the well being of my group and I isnt in jeperdy, enabling the filming stage to run smoothly with less issues.

The risk assesssment will assist me with filming as I can consider whats scene we intend on filming, and consider potential risks and hazards. If any of which are iddentified before hand, we can alter sequences slightly if needed, so that are health and well being of those taking part in the scene is met.
The risk assessment also helps as we can do so and clearly view the issues that could be connected with multiple scenes, therefore before when we go out to film we are aware of the issues beforehand and can work around them.

Production roles - Miss Miller

People need to be allocated specific roles when creating a film as it enables every member of the production to contribute especially towards one area, making every member of the production team to have a significant role in production. As individuals we have qualities better than the other group members, as the same applies for them therefore focusing on specific areas can result in more profession production. The main roles that are necessary for creating a film consists of;

- Producers
- Directors
- Actors
- Director of photography
- Music producers
- Screenplay writer
- Editor

We decided upon who was going to do what by allocating people to roles based upon what there best qualities are and how well they would contribute towards the group when taking upon that role. The main actor of the sequence is Samantha Apperley as she studies drama as is the most significant character in the narrative, Mikaeel  Khaliq and myself still have acting roles within the sequence.

The editor of the production is myself as I edited the preliminary task my group and I produced, and I have prior experience using editing software programs and editing clips. My role of editor will consist of cropping clips which we have filmed and collating them together onto the film timeline within final cut pro (chosen editing software used), during which I also have to add low key filters to the film and have to do others things, such as speeding and decreasing the speed of the clip so that the visuals fitted with what we intended to film. Throughout my role I also had to add in additions sounds gathered by the music producers of the group, in doing so having to spending up the speed of certain sounds once again so that they fitted the norms of the genre, making the audio conventional to the thriller genre, contributing further towards the realism of the product produced. My role as editor assisted with the filming, as rather than having to repeat certain shots doing actions such as screaming , crying or anything along the lines, it can be edited in at a later stage (diegetic) rather than having to put a strain on the actors. It also helps with filming also as factors such as the time of day and lighting and trying to achieve the perfect lighting which fits the narrative and the common conventions of the thriller genre could simply be achieved by editing in filters and such, therefore taking a strain off the group as a whole. As when editing you can chose and crop between clips, it enabled us to film certain clips and scenes as many times and possibly and we could pick and decide which ones to edit in after woulds, making it easier for the actors within said scenes as one of the clips chosen will be appropriate and can be improved upon at a later stage, by that editing the sound within, the lighting on individual visuals such a focusing on certain parts in the scene for example (shallow focus). I done well with my job as editor as editing was finished within the time given, and the final product produced was of a good quality, as the effects used, the timing of clips and additional sounds added in alongside the visuals on screen fit very nicely and the overall product has come out very well after the editing period. Beforehand, my group and I were worried as the clips we had produced did not look very conventional to a thriller film while they were raw clips however, once they were edited everything fell into place nicely. The editing done allowed for the final product to follow the conventions of the thriller genre easier and contributed towards the realism of the film in general.  I could have done better in my role of the editor if I didn't have to get assistance on certain features on the editing software and done everything independently, as the editing was finished near the very later end of the time allocated, which would have been the case if I was better with the program itself. I could have improved upon how efficient I was with the time given also, as I did manage to complete things within the time given, however I could have completed it quicker and used my time is class better and taken a strain off one of my other group members who assisted me with some parts of the editing due to this (in return I played a big role with assisting with the photography).

The music producers are Mikaeel Khaliq and Samantha Apperley, as gathering audio and editing will take place during lesson time, therefore it is more logical for them to find sounds for the production while I edit, fully utilising the time available to us. There roles will consist of looking online for various different types of music which would be suitable for a thriller sequence, including examples such as heartbeats, heavy breathing, dark eerie music and such. This will make filming easier as sounds such as heavy breathing and screams can be found online and edited in at a later stage, taking a strain off the actors as they wouldn't have to do multiple shots while doing things such as screaming, as it can simply be edited in at a later stage. This helps with editing as those in charge of finding the sounds can send it to me to incorporate into the sequence, rather than myself having to find the sounds also, fully utilising time and making the editing process quicker and easier. I did well in there roles, as the final product wouldn't be the same without the addition music added in afterwards, making it the film that it is. They found very good pieces of sounds that are conventional with the thriller genre, an example being heart beats for the victim of the film, and heathy breathing for the antagonist. All sounds needed were gathered and were later added in during the editing process, making the editing easier as the sounds were easily accessible and for the editor, speaking up the process and enabling to me finish such within the time given. As they were the ones that found the sound, my other group member assisted me in adding the sounds onto the film timeline while I took part in completed other tasks, which was helpful as they gathered the audio therefore they had a better mental image as to where the particular sounds would fit in and to what affect, from helping with the editing also took the strain off everyone as individuals as I would have a look on various different websites in the search for other sounds to potentially add into the sequence, contributing further towards the final product. They could have done better within there role by gathering the sounds quicker and being more efficient with time, as some lessons were spent gathering one or two sounds at most, which resulted in our group being put on a tight schedule, slowing down the editing process and putting some strain on the editor at times, possibly affecting the final product as some segments within the film were rushed because of this. Although they did find good sounds, apart from the background audio found (which plays throughout the entire sequence as the music progresses at the same time as the narrative), therefore they had to be edited faster so that they sound more realistic as to what the audience would expect in a thriller sequence of our nature, therefore stretching the editing process even further and not fully utilising sound, although changes would have most probably been made regardless as to what sounds were found, to fully fit the sequence and to make it more conventional to the thriller genre.

The director of photography (cameraman) will be Mikaeel Khaliq. This is because he is the member in the group which has the least amount of screen time, only being seen in the opening part of the sequence during the argument segment. His role consists of telling the actors within the scene what to do and where they should be placed, as he will proceed to film the scene. This will make it easier to film as he is the hub of the filming process, as he has to organise everything accordingly, making it easier for the actors as we will get directed as to what to do, establishing what location filming should take place in and where objects within the frame should be placed. This assisted with the editing period, as organising what ways the shots are going to be and the placement of characters and things within the frame enables the editor to not have to add anything thing after woulds, an example being rather than having to edited in a zoom in affect, this will already be done with the raw film, in which we did do and incorporate into the final piece, rather than editing it in. He also done well in choosing the locations in which we would film in, as he found locations which fit with the narrative, therefore making the film look more conventional to the thriller genre as the locations follow that of typical thriller films. What he could have done better in his role however is to control his role and give firm instructions 100% of the time throughout the filming period, as I had to assist a lot of the time when it came to what shots we were going to film, essentially informing him what type of shot I believe will suit the scene, at times causing confusion as the role was essentially split between each other. Because of this, so every group member felt as if they were contributing equally towards the production, he assisted me in editing because of my part in terms of assisting with the photography.

Evaluation

Each group member for the most part done well in each of our individual allocated roles. On some occasions certain roles were not done to a suitable standard, an example being the producer roles as when we went to film, they did not always take charge of preceding and there was complications when filming on certain days due to not establishing what we intended to film before doing so. Not much could have been done differently apart from minor things within the individuals roles, and the producers knowing what we intend to film beforehand. Overall, I believe the roles were taken upon to a good standard. Filming overall did not go too badly, nor did it go particularly well either, due to complications mentioned previously into relation as to the other group members being unaware as to what we were going to film. We did not gather many back up clips and only filmed shots a maximum of 2-3 times and had to settle for which ones came out best, resulting in some clips not being of a quality that I and my group would have liked. Although, saying this the final product produced does look conventional to the thriller genre and seems reasonably realistic, as after editing everything feel into place nicely. At time things went well and at others not so much, often due to confusion, lack of communication or due to people not doing there role very well however, as we are all reasonably happy with the final product, not much would be changed if were given the opportunity to film again, apart from improving the quality of clips because of improved camera skills, and minor changes to certain scenes. In hindsight, we would allocate different roles to different people, or allocate roles in which two members work on it together, as during the period in which we completed the production, we established who was best at what, an example of which being Mikaeel being a good editor and myself being a good head of photography (cameraman), so officially changing members roles (as we did not always follow this precisely at times) could have result in individuals receiving credit for what job that actually passed out.

Group Storyboard - Miss Miller

The purpose of a group storyboard is to incorporate the best elements from every group members individual storyboards and collated them into one piece, demonstrating every group members understanding of the narrative and in depth as to what is going to occur in every scene.

We have created a group storyboard so while we are together as a group producing such, we can communicate to each other and get a better understanding as to the narrative and what we intend to film during the filming process.

We have incorporated the idea of using a handheld/ POV to film a segment in which the girl is running away from the antagonist into the group storyboard.  We took this example specifically from one of the group members individual storyboards, in which they got the inspiration from the film  "Nightmare on elm street", during a scene in the film in which the victim of the narrative is filmed being chased through the use of a handheld camera. In our group storyboard, a handheld/POV is used in a similar instance, during the segment in which the girl is being chased by the stalker through the alleyway. 

We have incorporated the idea of using a close up shot to film the segment in which the girl looks at her phone shortly after she has been abdandoned and has just witness the stalker, only to be shown that she has no signal. We took this example specifically from one of the group members individual storyboard, in which the inspiration originated from the film (                   )

We have incorporated the idea of using a panning shot to show the chase segment between the girl and the antagonist, taking place down the long alleyway near the end of the narrative. We took this example specifically from one of the group members individual storyboards, the inspiration from such coming from the film (                             )

I think the storyboard we have produced is reflective of what we intend to film, and is an accurate representation of a conventional thriller sequence and has been created well. We have managed to incorporate each others ideas into the group storyboard, as when we were creating the storyboard we each created a slide each (containing 4 shots) based upon the different ideas proposed by every group members individual ideas, as we were communicating with each other while creating it during class, commenting on each others slides and stating what we should and shouldn't add into it. We had to compromise on neglecting to using many elements from my own storyboard, as it differed in ending to that of my other group members, therefore only the beginning of the group storyboard is loosely based upon my individual storyboards ideas and the rest mainly consists of that of the other members in my groups ideas.