g321 booklet 2015 16
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1
AS MEDIA STUDIES UNIT G321 FOUNDATION PRODUCTION 7th September 2015 ndash 21 March 2016
BRIEF FOR VIDEO PRODUCTIONS
PRELIMINARY TASK Continuity exercise requiring students to produce a
brief film reflecting 3 continuity principles
MAIN TASK THE OPENING SEQUENCE OF A NEW THRILLER FILM INCLUDING TITLES AND SOUND TO A MAXIMUM OF TWO MINUTES
All video and audio material must be original produced by the candidate(s)
with the exception of music or audio effects from a copyright-free source
The Bridge 2013 (TV thriller DenmarkSweden) Broadchurch 2014 TV thriller BBC(BBC)
ldquo Happy Valleyrdquo controversial TV thriller BBC (2014)
Research amp Planning Uploaded onto student blogs
Individually marked with case studies posted on studentrsquos blogs
Research in the form of case studies into real thriller films and TV crimethriller dramas
20 marks
Construction Group work
Short continuity editing task
The opening to a new thriller film to include sound and titles
Marks awarded for quality and commitment to differentiate between individual students 60 marks
Evaluation Uploaded onto student blogs Students respond to 7 compulsory questions about research planning and evaluating their opening to a new thriller film 20 marks
2
CNS Media Student Poster Kill Bill Vol 2 (USA) Animal Kingdom (Australia 2010)
CONTENTS Page Number
Title Page 1 Contents 2
Continuity Exercise Preliminary Task 3
Three principals of Continuity Exercise 4
Important advice for main task 5
Definition of a thriller film 6
Planning opening to a thriller feature film (Main Task) 7
Construction The Shoot 8
Construction The Edit 9
Research into aspects of the thriller genre
Task 1 Definitions of Noir Thriller and Femme Fatale
10
Task 1 continued Research into the thriller genre hero anti-hero generic locations 11
Research into the thriller genre Task 2 Case Studies 12
Research into the thriller genre Task 3 Extended Task 13
How to improve analysis 14
Blog entries Advice on presentation 15
Evaluation Questions 1 16
Evaluation Questions 2 17
Evaluation Question 2 continued 18
Evaluation Question 3 19
Evaluation Question 4 20
Evaluation Question 5 21
Evaluation Questions 6 amp 7 22
Health Warning how marks are awarded re written and practical components of course work 23
Advisable working structure in lessons and homework 24
Deadlines 25 Course book OCR Media Studies for AS Third Edition by Julian McDougall Published by Hodder Education ISBN No 978-0-340-95898-8
ldquoThe Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Fordrdquo 2007 Winterrsquos Bone (2010)
3
Unit G321 Preliminary Task Continuity Exercise Deadline Week beginning 5 October 2015
The preliminary task requires students to produce a short piece of film in which contains the following continuity of
action
A character opens a door
Walks across a room
Sits down in a chair opposite another character
Exchanges two sentences of conversation which will become dramatic
You must show herhim in their everyday situation
Representation must be achieved by a range of elements
Appearance
Costume
Performance
Location
Dialogue Lighting
Props
Music
Voice-over (optional)
Before filming you will require
1) Storyboard - It is essential that you storyboard
the film The story board allows you to
conceptualise the flow of the action and to work
through the important practical details The
storyboard will be in chronological in relation to
how the narrative will unfold for the viewer
Your storyboard should illustrate your
understanding of shot types (close up extreme
close-up long shot mid shot) and any
movement (pan zoom tilt track etc)
2) Shooting script ndash This is arranged in order of filming which is rarely chronological The shooting script also lists
equipment and actors crew needed for each shoot
3)
4
There are three continuity principles to observe in this exercise
Match on action - Means to cut from one shot to another view that matches the action and
pace of the first shot to create an impression of continuity This creates a visual bridge which
can disguise the cut from one to the other
Shot
reverse
shot ndash is a
film
technique
where one
character
is shown
looking at
another
character
and then
the other
character is shown looking back at the first character Since the characters are shown facing in
opposite directions the viewer assumes that
they are looking at each other
180 degree rule - The180deg rule is a basic guideline in film making that states that two characters (or other
elements) in the same scene should always have the same leftright relationship to each other If the camera
passes over the imaginary axis connecting the two subjects it is called crossing the line and can confuse the
viewers Think about filming a football match where the 180 degree rule is important so that viewers
understand where the teamsrsquo goals are
5
IMPORTANT ADVICE for MAIN TASK Opening to a new thriller film
Keep to deadlines if there are problems inform course tutors immediately Persistent
problems with meeting deadlines can result in students being encouraged to leave the course
Parents and the Sixth Form Management Team are informed if students do not keep up with
their work
Marks are deducted pro rata if students consistently let down their group during the planning
shooting and editing process Marks are awarded not only for quality but also individual
commitment to the project
Research and planning is individually marked Though specific planning may be result of
group decisions nevertheless ALL students must post all elements of planning onto their
blogs
Avoid chopping and changing ideas
Keep ideas simple plausible and possible
Avoid over ambitious far- fetched complicated plots and reliance on dialogue Particularly
avoid plots which represent characters and action which are unfamiliar to you The most
successful productions are those which communicate suspense with specific camera angles
appropriate lighting and integrated diegetic and non diegetic sound
It is strongly advisable to begin editing raw footage even before a shoot is complete
Remember you are shooting the OPENING to a thriller film thus you will want to hook
the audience you are NOT shooting a whole story
THE SOUND TRACK
The musical soundtrack is a vital part of the production it sets the
atmosphere and may connote aspects of a particular character and place Once the narrative is
storyboarded and all elements of mise-en-scene are planned (characters locations and
costumes etc) begin looking for appropriate music for soundtrack
It is an OCR requirement that any soundtrack must be copyright free It must therefore be
over 50 years old or released under a Creative Commons licence So research is a timely
business
Useful websites include mobygratiscom ccmixterorg and freesoundorg (for sound effects)
All require free accounts Students can also use jazz classical music or any popular music
written before 1961
Students may compose their own soundtrack
Students who use music from unsigned artists must email artists and ask permission
CREDITS AND TITLES
The website wwwdafontcom is a useful source for designing appropriate titles and credits
Students need to research various fonts used in the title sequences of real productions
THE SHOOT
You may find that shooting some sequences with two cameras positioned at different angles
will help you achieve an interesting variety of shot movements and angles
The media department has two digital SLR cameras These are only for
students who want to play with depth of field focus etc If you want to
borrow one please see Mr Rootham
6
DEFINITION OF A THRILLER FILM 1940rsquos thrillers usually low budget thus modest locations focus on lighting script soundtrack camera angles and
movement performances and edit
Thriller and Suspense Films The primary moods of classic film noir were
melancholy alienation bleakness disillusionment disenchantment pessimism ambiguity moral corruption evil guilt desperation and paranoia
Noir Thrillers are types of films known to promote intense excitement suspense a high level of anticipation
ultra-heightened expectation uncertainty anxiety and nerve-wracking tension menacedanger If the genre
is to be defined strictly a genuine thriller is a film that relentlessly pursues a single-minded goal ndash to provide
thrills and keep the audience cliff-hanging at the lsquoedge of their seatsrsquo as the plot builds towards a climax
The tension usually arises when the main character(s) is placed in a menacing situation or mystery or an escape or dangerous mission from which escape seems impossible Life itself is threatened usually because the principal character is unsuspecting or unknowingly involved in a dangerous or potentially deadly situation Plots of thrillers involve characters which come into conflict with each other or with outside forces ndash the menace is sometimes abstract or shadowy
Generic Characters in Thriller films Characters in thrillers include convicts criminals stalkers assassins down-on-their-luck losers innocent victims (often on the run) prison inmates menaced women characters with dark pasts psychotic individuals terrorists cops and escaped cons hit menwomen fugitives private eyes drifters duplicitous individuals people involved in twisted relationships world-weary men and women femme fatales (dangerous and or deviant women) psycho-fiends drug addicts and more The themes of thrillers frequently include greed envy jealousy terrorism political conspiracy pursuit or romantic triangles leading to murder
Generic locations in Thriller films Dimly lit often wet narrow urban streets or alleyways lifts staircases basements large featureless exteriors (reflecting moral vacuum of central characters No Country for Old Men) shower cubicles toilets phone booths bank safes interior of cars top of a skyscraper shores with tide coming in or muddy river bankscanals scrap yards derelict factories tunnels and many more
The purpose of a thriller is to put their (audiencesrsquo) toe in the cold water of fear to see what itrsquos likerdquo Alfred Hitchcock
1) Dance With a StrangerHit men Vince and Jules (Pulp Fiction Tarantino 1994) 2) Post war racketeer Harry Lime trapped in the Viennese sewers (The Third Man Carol Reed 1949) 3) Gilda classic femme fatale (Gilda Charles Vidor (1946)
1 2 3 4
7
PLANNING Main Task Opening to a thriller feature film
Planning (so that shoot can go ahead) deadline week beginning 16 Nov 2015 Note planning must be agreed as fit for purpose before shoot starts Please note that understanding aspects of the thriller genre and individual research into thriller films should be
reflected in all aspects of planning Each studentrsquos blog should include the following
Construct initial concepts of how you want the film to look Placing images of character
types locations costumes props objects are a useful way in This can be done on a large sheet
of sugar paper or on a power pointslide show on your blog
A brief synopsis of the plot No more than 100 words
Story boards that are readable and contain image colour camera positionsshot types any
dialogue and soundtrack
Planning edit For higher marks students should include details of transitions from one shot to
the other so that editing is planned For example jump cut tohellip or fade to blackhellip or cross
dissolve etc
Locations Annotated photographssketches of locations are important Decisions need to be
justified and relate to genre conventions if students challenge the thriller generic blue print then
they need to explain this
Costumes props and objects All ideas illustrated with examples from research from real
thriller filmsTV dramas
Characters Brief details of characterrsquos backstories Characters can have names that may give
a clue to their personalities or their fate For example Jo Dacre (surname indicating darkness)
also referencing William Blakes ldquoChimney Sweeper Song ldquoTherersquos little John Dacre who criedhelliprdquo
Casting of characters ndash brief explanations of casting decisions Some student hold auditions
for roles and include pics or notes related to auditions Avoid casting 6th formers who are
meant to be hardened gangsters otherwise the film will be unconvincing Casting should
be discussed with course tutors KEEP CAST DOWN TO A MINIMUM OF 2 OR 3
CHARACTERS A larger cast leads to complications when arranging shooting your film
Soundtrack Ideas for soundtrack which must be evaluated Explain purpose of final choice
and likely influence on atmosphere and style within mise-en-scene Students can upload ideas
for soundtrack onto their blogs
Shooting schedule and Equipment Organisation of time (dates when going to shoot) to
include locations names of actors required equipment required (camera tripods lights
microphones)
Evidence of the individual contribution to the planning and individual responsibilities during
the shoot and edit
Typeface ndash Ideas proposals for the font you will use Pick a font that is appropriate to your
subgenre and creates connotations that fit with your film opening (visit dafontcom for fonts and
inspiration)
Inter textual references Studentrsquos ideas need to be explained
1) Reasons for choice of ideas
2) Source of ideas with explicit or implicit references to thrillers you have researched This
could be through location costume character action shot type soundtrack
Important Identify the type of thriller being planned Example A psychological thriller like
ldquoSixth Senserdquo gangster thriller Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels Essex Boys Mafia thriller
The Godfather comic thriller Snatch or incorporating elements of a futuristicaction thriller Blade
Runner The Matrix film noir thriller such as LA Confidential Jackie Brown Memento
8
CONSTRUCTION The Shoot
DEADLINE Week beginning 18 January 2016
Equipment Lending Policy (cameras) To borrow a school camera or other school equipment students MUST BOOK AT
LEAST ONE DAY IN ADVANCE Cameras and tripods are booked through and collected from the
Technical Support Office Responsibility with borrowed equipment Students must check the camera in
every two days even if more time is needed for the shoot Students who flout these rules will be denied access
to school equipment on future occasions Students will be charged for any equipment which is damaged or
lost
SD Card You will need to put a deposit down (pound750) for an SD card for camera in CNS Finance Office You
can then save all of your video work to this SD card
Students must inform course work tutor prior to going out on location to shoot their films
Equipment available includes camcorders stills cameras tripods various microphones and torch lighting
If you return equipment late you will lose ONE
mark per day per person from your final
coursework grade
Using time effectively Students will be given
media lesson time to shoot and edit their films
During the shoot and edit students can only use
the lessons for construction run by tutors teaching
course work No other media or other subject
lessons are allowed for the shoot and edit
Students will also be expected to shoot during
free periods and after school
Guidelines for shooting film School cameras
only Shooting the action Students are strongly advised to
o Take multiple shots of the same action so the most effective shots can be selected for the
final cut
o Hold your shots do not take a few seconds of film because this makes editing very difficult
It is easier to cut footage than to add it
o Remember you can use 2 cameras to improve camera angles amp positioning
o Hold shots steady where appropriate
o Frame shots carefully including and excluding elements as appropriate
o Shoot material that is appropriate to an opening to a thriller film
o Use a variety of shot distances appropriately
o Carefully select mise-en-scene thinking about colour figure lighting positioning of objects
and setting
Camera angles Students are advised to use an appropriate variety of camera angles and movement
in order to add to the appeal of the film Take important shots from different angles then you can
select the most suitablestylish during the edit
Close up shots Students are often reluctant to use close ups but these shot types are most effective
in drawing your audience into the action Think close ups and angles
Lighting Some student productions are too dark and are thus unreadable Though you may wish to
achieve noir lighting effect make sure the action is decipherable professional directors use non
ambient lighting to achieve noir or chiaroscuro effects Therefore make sure that your action is well
lit when looking at the rushesraw footage and the lighting is too dark then students must re shoot
the clip
Revisions to original ideas If students shoot action which is different from the original planning
(story boards character etc) any revisions can be briefly redrafted and explained on the blog
Raw Footage Students should have at least 9-10 minutes of raw footage to allow for cutting during
the edit
Do not put health and safety at risk do not use pretend weapons in public
ldquoTo Have and Have Notrdquo 1944
9
CONSTRUCTION The Edit DEADLINE Week beginning 22 February 2016
Always check with course work tutors that your allotted computer is available
Each group is allotted a computer for the edit
ALWAYS USE THE SAME COMPUTER
Downloading raw footage Once the shoot is
complete you need to remove the SD card and
return the camera to the Library Then use an
SD card reader (your teacher has these) to
download to your grouprsquos folder (eg
EYear12BThrillerfootage) Download the
video footage into your folder on your
allocated computer Keep the footage backed
up on your SD card just in case something
goes wrong Or on a memory stick
It is wise to download no more than about 8-
10 minutes of your best footage which then
has to be edited to approximately 2 minutes of
film Further technical information on editing will be given to you on a separate sheet
Selecting what shots to keep Once students have raw footage make an editing list of what
shots you want to keep and where in the narrative your selected shots are appropriate
Soundtrack When students have chosen the sound track it must be down loaded and saved on
your computer
Do not erase diegeticwild sound when editing The most effectiveconvincing productions
include a mixture of diegetic and non diegetic sound
Using post production time effectively Editing can be done in course tutor media studies
lessons during free periods and after school
Edit so that meaning is apparent to the viewer
Use varied shot transitions and any other effects selectively and
appropriately for example jump cuts cross dissolve fade to black
slow motion alteration of colour
Titles Need to be planned carefully using the website
wwwdafontcom Students need to research titles systematically
and post this element of research onto their blogs
Editing must be completed in school Students who want to use
their own editing software on a laptop must bring their laptop into
school and edit under the supervision of their course tutor
Film title also needs to be researched and link to the action
theme or characters
Eyes without a Face (1960)
Alfred Hitchcock
10
RESEARCH INTO THE THRILLER GENRE
Task 1 Independent Research Definitions of aspects of the thriller genre should be
included on your Blog for example the definition of
Noir thrillers
Double Indemnity 1944 The Night of the Hunter 1955 Brighton Rock 1947 Mildred Pierce 1945
Definition of a femme fatale
Femme Fatale (classic period 1940rsquo1950rsquos) Traditional representations of deviant woman who is
subdued by domesticity marriage punishedexiled or killed off
Gilda 1946 Lauren Bacall ldquoTo Have and Have Notrdquo Barbara Stanwyck Janet Leigh as Marion 1944 ldquo Double Indemnityrdquo 1944 Crane ldquoPsychordquo 1960
Contemporary representations of strong women in thrillers (who are flaweddeviantheroic) These characters mirror
more progressive attitudes to women who are independent and prepared to fight back and survive
Jackie Brown The Bridge (DenamrkSweden) Trinity ldquoThe Matrixrdquo Lisbeth Salender ldquoThe Girl With the
1997 2011 1999 Dragon Tattoordquo 2009
Thelma amp Louise 1991 Mia ldquoPulp Fictionrdquo Nicole Kidman ldquoTo Die Forrdquo Alex Drake ldquoAshes to Ashesrdquo
1994 1995 2008-2009
11
The flawedambiguous anti-hero
ldquoChinatown ldquo 1974 Once Upon a Time in Americardquo ldquo Double Indemnity ldquo ldquoLife on Marsrdquo Gene
Jack Nicholson as J Gittes Robert De Niro as Noodles Fred McMurray as Walter Neff Hunt amp Sam Tyler 1984 1944 2006-2007
Villains with charm
Harry Lime ldquoThe Third Manrdquo Leon in ldquoLeonrdquo 1994 Brad Pitt as Jesse James in ldquoThe Assassination
of Jessie James by the Coward Robert Fordrdquo
Generic locations amp Lighting Design
12
RESEARCH INTO THE THRILLER GENRE continued
Task 2
All students are expected to construct a minimum of 5 case studies consisting of annotated notes
and graphics
All students are expected to engage in independent research into thriller films
1 Film clips viewed in class
2 Independent research into the thriller genre focusing on analysing how directors utilise the
conventions of the thriller genre
3 For those who which to strengthen research you could include in one of your case studies how
representation is constructed in one of your case studies ie sexuality age culturalregional
identity region disability
Specific aspects of mise-en-scene (characters costumes make up props objects locations
colour saturation lighting (diegetic non diegetic chiaroscuro) purpose of intertextual
references to similar filmsTV dramas and narrative structure (narrative structure linear circular
flash back complex with loops between past and present or sequences seen from the point of view
of more than one character Explain how the narrative structure strengthens or weakens the appeal
of the film)
Camera shots angles movement and composition (connotes significance of character or
object or place)
Editing (sets pace and can heighten suspense or fear)
Sound (heightens mood can connote aspects of character adds to sense of drama)
The Third Man 1946 Heavenly Creatures 1994 Essex Boys 2000
Tarantinorsquos anti Nazi thriller ldquoInglourious Basterdsrdquo 2009 Casino Royale 2006
13
Task 3) Extended Task A case study presented on either power point video diary audio discussion or other electronic form to
include imbedded images and moving footage This task will improve your coursework mark
All points must be supported by written or visual references to research
Suggested topics ( students may come up with their own ideas)
The representation of women in British or Hollywood or World Cinema Thrillers (Think about
comparing the deviant female character with a blameless or brave female character)
The appeal of the femme fatale in the thriller genre
How location and lighting in thrillers reflects the characterrsquos emotional landscape Or ndash How
location lighting and colour add to the element of suspense (or fear) in the thriller genre
How directors use claustrophobic spaces to increase menace in thriller films
How costume suggests character and genre
The representation of the hero (or anti hero) in the thriller genre
The representation of the villain in the thriller genre (Think about whether the villain is
stereotyped for example from an ethnic minority or disfigured or very old or a teenager or a
deviant woman thus reinforcing negative stereotypes about particular social groups)
A comparison of Jackie Brown and Melanie in Tarantinorsquos ldquoJackie Brownrdquo or A comparison of
Mia (Pulp Fiction) and Jackie Brown (Jackie Brown) (Think about Jackie as the assertive middle
aged street wise black independent woman who subverts stereotypes contrasting with the white
dependent and passive woman who whose existence is dependent on her rich husband
Remember both women are deviant but in different ways Which is the most appealing to
audiences and why You could do some independent research here)
The appeal of the thriller genre ndash focusing on audience research
How racial minorities are represented in thriller films (think about the tendency to represent
black males as deviantlow life)
The representation of children in thriller films (Think about films such as ldquoLeonrdquo ldquoTaxi
Driverrdquo ldquoWitnessrdquo ldquoSixth Senserdquo)
Taxi Driver 1976 Leonrdquo Luc Bresson 1994 Witnessrdquo Peter Weir 1985
Spiral Laura Berthaud (2005-2014) France Sarah Lund The Killing(2012)Denmark Wallender (Sweden) 2005-2013)
14
How to improve your analysis Structure your writing with an introduction and then a different paragraph on each technical aspect concept idea All points must be supported by detailed references to research Point evidence explain
Analysis of the sewer scene from The Third Man
The sense of claustrophobia created by the sewer
setting with the low ceiling and the cold concrete brick
walls seeks to enhance the audiencersquos sense of tension
and impending doom there is an anxiety and
discomfort brought on by the setting The setting
provides a visual metaphor for the world closing in on
Harry Lime This is exemplified in the shots of Harry
running down the tunnels of the sewer towards the light
(fig 1) the image connotes Harryrsquos attempt to escape
to find lsquothe light at the end of the tunnel but this his
escape is at once enclosed within the confines of the cold
sewer The characterrsquos movement from left to right as he
runs leads the audiencersquos eye towards the right and into
the distance Furthermore the composition (using the rule of thirds with the sewer wall
firmly on the right) leads our eye in this direction encouraging the reader to search for
Harry just as the characters are doing You should seek to examine the films in terms of Codesforms amp Conventions of the thriller genre What conventions does the film use Analyse the effects of cinematography mise-en-scene editing and sound Examine the narrative the genre and intertextuality Ensure you comment on the connotations and effects Higher marks are awarded to students who explain the purpose and effect of elements of mise-en-scene
Annotated notes and drawingsdiagrams are evidence of understanding technical aspects of mise-en-scene (film language) to include purpose and effect of the following camera angles and movement lighting sound (diegetic and non-diegetic) soundtrack special effectsCGIrsquos) location character types costume make-up props objects
Genre Notes on how genre is utilised
Inter-textual references to other thriller films and if appropriate references to aspects of mise-en-scene from appropriate crimecopspy thriller television programmes Students need to explain the purpose of these references
Narrative structure linear circular flash back complex with loops between past and present or sequences seen from the point of view of more than one character Explain how the narrative structure strengthens or weakens the appeal of the film
Representation Identify any issues regarding representation of particular social groups (women ethnic minorities social class disability age) cultures ideology (what messages and values are being communicated by the film) use of stereotypes or subversion of stereotypes Again discussion of purpose and effect very important Language and Terminology To Use
Mise-en-scene Lighting (key fill backlight ambient naturalistic artificial low key chiaroscuro) colour location setting set design props costume make-up
Sound diegetic non-diegetic Dialogue Voiceover Ambient sound Soundtrack
Editing Pace Juxtaposition Cross cutting Transitions (fade cut wipes) long short take
Camera work cinematography Low angle High angle Eye LevelTilt Canted angle ECU CU MS LS POV Two shot Pan Track Tilt Dolly Crane Steadicam Handheld Zoom
Composition Framing Rule of thirds Use of diagonals Deep and shallow focus Representation ideology dominant subordinate reinforce perpetuate subvert challenge Narrative linear non-linear parallel interweaving circular flashback flashforward equilibrium disequilibrium binary opposition engima
Intertextuality Explicit or implicit references to other texts
Setting and Fig 1 Harry
running in sewer tunnel
15
What should your research blog entries look like
Here are some successful screenshots of research by past students Notice how theyrsquove
embedded video images and annotations
Work by Amy Nolan httpamynolanmediablogspotcom Tom Kail httptkailblogspotcom Helen Blyth httphelensthrillerishblogblogspotcom
EV
16
Evaluation
DEADLINE FOR FINAL SUBMISSION week beginning 21 March 2016
Assessment is on an individual basis and completed on your blog
It is important that engagement and enthusiasm are evident in your evaluation You need
to reference particular features of your film to illustrate your points Do not repeat a point
you have already made
You must use a variety of presentational techniques in your evaluation For example
text and image embedded videos screen shots from your own production power points
prezies audio or film interviews video diaries
You will be given power points during this period for extra support on structuring your
answers Questions
1 In what ways does your media product use develop or challenge forms and
conventions of real media products
This question asks how your research into specific thriller texts has informed your
production Think about generic costume location soundtrack camera angles character
types narrative structure lighting soundtrack plot title transitions You canrsquot discuss
all these but identify the most profound influences It is important that you include
appropriate screen shotsimages from researched filmsTV dramasextracts from crime
and so with screen shots from your film with explanation
This questions also relates to the conventions of the opening to a film for
example including titles soundtrack cliff hanger etc
Olivia Thomasrsquo Thriller ldquoEve Crawfordrdquo Mildred Pierce Velda kills her lover
Josh Moorersquos thriller ldquoDead Handrdquo ldquoReservoir Dogsrdquo (Quentin Tarantino
17
2 How does your media product represent particular social groups
You could begin by explaining how you have represented gender Think about
whether your male or female characters represent stereotypes generic archetypes
or contemporaryrealisticprogressive representations of gender Then move onto
explaining how you have represented ethnicity age disability or social class in as
traditional representations or representations that challenge stereotypes
Think about
Masculinity is it in crisis meaning is the male in your film emasculated dominated
by female heroic a villain or hero stereotype or yobbish stereotyped hoodie
Femininity Stereotype passive compliant female victim or deviant (bad and mad
which are misogynist representations including the femme fatale or manipulative
controlling women) Or is your representation of femininity authentic and
progressive
Sexual ambiguity is the gender of your characters androgynous
DOES YOUR FILM CHALLENGE GENDER STEREOTYPES
Representation of ethnicity
How is ethnicity represented Does your film focus on indigenous white British
ethnic groups who feed on themselves or prey upon themselves
How are ethnic minorities represented As victims As realistic That ethnicity of
the character is irrevant
Representation of statussocial class
Representation of those who live on the margins This is because one group has
made a film about a homeless man Only reference if relevant
Representation of upper class Only discuss if relevant to your film
Representation of youthagecontemporary Britain
Representation of young people What does your film communicate about what itrsquos
like for young people living in contemporary Britain
Think about how the sense of insecurity re living in austerity Britain where jobs are
difficult for young people to get jobs pay university fees find somewhere to live
Read if relevant to your film httpwwwbbccouknewsbusiness-16158913
ldquoYoung and Joblessrdquo
Think about how your film (like film noir in the 1949rsquos) is a product of a sense of
despair hopelessness and thus ldquoconveys dark feelings of disillusionment pessimism
and cynicismrdquo The Philosophy of Film Noir
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
18
Question 2 continued (examples of representations gender ethnicity and youth in studentsrsquo film
productions)
Death at No 52
Homeless
Deceit
Skate
19
3 What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and
why You must justify all choices
Consider which film distribution company is most likely to distribute your film Refer to
your work on the Film Industry exam unit Would your film suit the European independent
film market targeted by StudioCanal or the independent British market via FilmFour Or is it
more in the style of films distributed by a mainstream global distributor like Universal
Justify your ideas by referring to other films they have distributed Remember
StudioCanal and FilmFour distribute films but Working Title Warp are film production
companies This question asks about distribution but you can refer to production companies
to help explain your decisions
httpwwwindependentfilmcompanycom Independent
httpwarpfilmscom
Working Title httpswwwworkingtitlefilmscom
1 NBC Universal Which cinemas would be most likely to exhibit your film Would your film appeal more
to a mainstream audience of a multiplex cinema (eg Vue) or more to an art-house or
independent cinema audience (eg Cinema City) Justify your answer by reference to
other films that are exhibited at these cinemas Straight on to DVD is also a possibility if
your film would not target cinema audiences
How could digital technologies offer new distribution opportunities Consider YouTube
social network sites mp4 players games consoles Video-On-Demand services like
LoveFilm and Mubi
Would your status as a student film-maker offer opportunities for distribution
Consider first-film competitions and student film competitions
20
4 Who would be the audience for your media product
Students need to reference audience research and justify in detail why a particular
demographic would identify with specific aspects of your film
Explain the demographic of your potential target audience age gender ethnicity
lifestyle aspirations engagement with popular culture media interests
Think about what real thriller films or TV crimepolice dramas your potential
audience would watch
Students have the option of constructing a visual profile of their target audience with
either visual or written references to aspects of the way they consume popular
culture
21
5 How did you attractaddress your audience
Rave the opening of a thriller film by Chiony Harvey (2014)
httpchionehardymediablogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20Productions
It is also important that you can identify specifically strong elements of mise-en-scene
which have appeal For example any of the following
locations
Costumes or objects
lighting design
camera angles and movement
character types (do your characters subvert or challenge stereotypes)
actionsuspense
sound track diegetic and non diegetic sound ie a sound bridge
Inter-textual references
Editing effects
transitions
narrative structure
colour alternation
cliff hanger
enigma
A topical theme
Titles
Students may wish to reference any audience feedback during the editing process Students may include a filmed interview with a potential viewer
22
6 What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this
Product
It is advisable that you identify specific technologies and explain how they offered you creative
opportunities that revolutionisedenhanced transformed aspects of your research Think about
technologies that assisted you in your ability to
File coursework onto your blog using different forms of presentation creatively
Upload case studies including film clips and screen shots onto your blog
Research and plan your preliminary task and your opening to a new thriller film
Shoot and edit using credits sound and editing effects appropriately and creatively
Record these processes onto your blog CREATIVELY either through prezi power points
uploaded film clips or screen shots recording aspects of your work on video
Collaborate
Communicate
All points must reference specific examples
7 Looking back at your preliminary task what do you feel you have learnt in the
progression from it to the full product
Students need to consider how their preliminary task introduced technical and conceptual
knowledge to embark on their thriller production
Think about the skills you used in your preliminary task and how they became more
sophisticated when researching and constructing your thriller Ideas to consider
The 180 degree rule match on action shot reverse shot Explain how you developed these
skills in your thriller to include using titles and sound
Experimenting with lighting and camera angles and movement
Working within the blueprint of generic conventions for the main task (your thriller film)
Working to a specific brief and to a specific deadline and reinforcing generic conventions
Evaluating audience feedback
Prime Evil (Stuart McCrum)
httpstuartmccrumblogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20productions
23
ldquoThe Birdsrdquo Alfred Hitchcock Kill Bill Volume 2 Quentin Tarantino
Health Warning
Course tutors will be monitoring all written and practical components
Students are marked individually for written work
Any student not contributing adequately to planning shooting and editing their
production will have marks deducted Irregular attendance will also be
penalised in the assessment process
If students encounter problems with deadlines they must seek tutor support
immediately
If there are problems within a group please seek tutor advice without delay so
that problems can be quickly solved These matters can be discussed with a
media tutor in confidence
Remember your coursework makes up 50 of your marks for AS media studies
Robert DeNiro in Scorcesersquos ldquo King of Comedyrdquo (1983) Clint Eastwood in ldquoThe Gran Torinordquo 2007
24
Advisable working structure for course work
2015 Lesson time Homework free periods
September to
6 October
Continuity task Practising camera
shots and movement storyboarding
shooting and editing Continuity
Task
Commencing coursework on blogs
Posting all elements of planning
under label ldquoContinuity Taskrdquo to
include camera shots amp angles
Embed moving image clips from
research into match on action shot
reverse shot and the 180 degree
rule
Short Evaluation
October ndash November Analysis of thriller films in class
Collaborative planning of
thriller film
Tutor monitoring of individual
student progress
Independent research into
thriller films through case
studies
Planning film (individual
storyboards etc) all to be
posted on student blogs
November ndash December Shooting thriller film
Commence editing thriller film
Tutor monitoring and support of
individual students and group
work during production process
Independently researching
thriller films and TV
crimethriller dramas
Shooting thriller film in lesson
and own time
Editing film in lessons free
periods and own time
2016
January ndash February
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production process
addressing 7 specific questions
set out by OCR Examination
Board
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production
process as a ldquodirectorrsquos
commentaryrdquo -addressing 7
specific questions set out by
OCR Examination Board
Revising research elements
(into the thriller genre) in
response to tutor advice
24 March 2016
final deadline for
uploading any
coursework onto blogs
Completing Evaluation
Completing all elements of blog
Working on revising
Evaluation
Completing all elements of
blog in preparation for
internal moderation process
25
YEAR 12 DEADLINES FOR ALL ELEMENTS OF COURSEWORK
AUTUMN TERM 2015 Week beginning
Details of work
14 September 2015 Submission of summer task to blogs
5 October 2015
Complete planning shooting editing and evaluation of preliminary task
16 November 2015
All elements of planning opening to thriller film are in place for shoot to go ahead
SPRING TERM 2016 Week beginning
18 January 2016
Completing the shooting of thriller film
February Half Term February 2015
Week beginning 22 February 2014
Completing the edit of new thriller film (maximum 2 minutes) to include sound and titles
Monday 21 March 2016 Evaluation Final draft of response to 7 compulsory questions set by OCR posted onto blog
Thursday 24 March 2016
All practical and written elements of coursework completed
Administrative details checked ready for submission of all coursework for internal and external moderation
No further blog entries for Unit G321
The 65+ thriller films and television crimepolice dramas referenced in this booklet are suitable choices for case studies Elements of camera angles lighting costume location amp soundtrack offer inspiration for planning your film
2
CNS Media Student Poster Kill Bill Vol 2 (USA) Animal Kingdom (Australia 2010)
CONTENTS Page Number
Title Page 1 Contents 2
Continuity Exercise Preliminary Task 3
Three principals of Continuity Exercise 4
Important advice for main task 5
Definition of a thriller film 6
Planning opening to a thriller feature film (Main Task) 7
Construction The Shoot 8
Construction The Edit 9
Research into aspects of the thriller genre
Task 1 Definitions of Noir Thriller and Femme Fatale
10
Task 1 continued Research into the thriller genre hero anti-hero generic locations 11
Research into the thriller genre Task 2 Case Studies 12
Research into the thriller genre Task 3 Extended Task 13
How to improve analysis 14
Blog entries Advice on presentation 15
Evaluation Questions 1 16
Evaluation Questions 2 17
Evaluation Question 2 continued 18
Evaluation Question 3 19
Evaluation Question 4 20
Evaluation Question 5 21
Evaluation Questions 6 amp 7 22
Health Warning how marks are awarded re written and practical components of course work 23
Advisable working structure in lessons and homework 24
Deadlines 25 Course book OCR Media Studies for AS Third Edition by Julian McDougall Published by Hodder Education ISBN No 978-0-340-95898-8
ldquoThe Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Fordrdquo 2007 Winterrsquos Bone (2010)
3
Unit G321 Preliminary Task Continuity Exercise Deadline Week beginning 5 October 2015
The preliminary task requires students to produce a short piece of film in which contains the following continuity of
action
A character opens a door
Walks across a room
Sits down in a chair opposite another character
Exchanges two sentences of conversation which will become dramatic
You must show herhim in their everyday situation
Representation must be achieved by a range of elements
Appearance
Costume
Performance
Location
Dialogue Lighting
Props
Music
Voice-over (optional)
Before filming you will require
1) Storyboard - It is essential that you storyboard
the film The story board allows you to
conceptualise the flow of the action and to work
through the important practical details The
storyboard will be in chronological in relation to
how the narrative will unfold for the viewer
Your storyboard should illustrate your
understanding of shot types (close up extreme
close-up long shot mid shot) and any
movement (pan zoom tilt track etc)
2) Shooting script ndash This is arranged in order of filming which is rarely chronological The shooting script also lists
equipment and actors crew needed for each shoot
3)
4
There are three continuity principles to observe in this exercise
Match on action - Means to cut from one shot to another view that matches the action and
pace of the first shot to create an impression of continuity This creates a visual bridge which
can disguise the cut from one to the other
Shot
reverse
shot ndash is a
film
technique
where one
character
is shown
looking at
another
character
and then
the other
character is shown looking back at the first character Since the characters are shown facing in
opposite directions the viewer assumes that
they are looking at each other
180 degree rule - The180deg rule is a basic guideline in film making that states that two characters (or other
elements) in the same scene should always have the same leftright relationship to each other If the camera
passes over the imaginary axis connecting the two subjects it is called crossing the line and can confuse the
viewers Think about filming a football match where the 180 degree rule is important so that viewers
understand where the teamsrsquo goals are
5
IMPORTANT ADVICE for MAIN TASK Opening to a new thriller film
Keep to deadlines if there are problems inform course tutors immediately Persistent
problems with meeting deadlines can result in students being encouraged to leave the course
Parents and the Sixth Form Management Team are informed if students do not keep up with
their work
Marks are deducted pro rata if students consistently let down their group during the planning
shooting and editing process Marks are awarded not only for quality but also individual
commitment to the project
Research and planning is individually marked Though specific planning may be result of
group decisions nevertheless ALL students must post all elements of planning onto their
blogs
Avoid chopping and changing ideas
Keep ideas simple plausible and possible
Avoid over ambitious far- fetched complicated plots and reliance on dialogue Particularly
avoid plots which represent characters and action which are unfamiliar to you The most
successful productions are those which communicate suspense with specific camera angles
appropriate lighting and integrated diegetic and non diegetic sound
It is strongly advisable to begin editing raw footage even before a shoot is complete
Remember you are shooting the OPENING to a thriller film thus you will want to hook
the audience you are NOT shooting a whole story
THE SOUND TRACK
The musical soundtrack is a vital part of the production it sets the
atmosphere and may connote aspects of a particular character and place Once the narrative is
storyboarded and all elements of mise-en-scene are planned (characters locations and
costumes etc) begin looking for appropriate music for soundtrack
It is an OCR requirement that any soundtrack must be copyright free It must therefore be
over 50 years old or released under a Creative Commons licence So research is a timely
business
Useful websites include mobygratiscom ccmixterorg and freesoundorg (for sound effects)
All require free accounts Students can also use jazz classical music or any popular music
written before 1961
Students may compose their own soundtrack
Students who use music from unsigned artists must email artists and ask permission
CREDITS AND TITLES
The website wwwdafontcom is a useful source for designing appropriate titles and credits
Students need to research various fonts used in the title sequences of real productions
THE SHOOT
You may find that shooting some sequences with two cameras positioned at different angles
will help you achieve an interesting variety of shot movements and angles
The media department has two digital SLR cameras These are only for
students who want to play with depth of field focus etc If you want to
borrow one please see Mr Rootham
6
DEFINITION OF A THRILLER FILM 1940rsquos thrillers usually low budget thus modest locations focus on lighting script soundtrack camera angles and
movement performances and edit
Thriller and Suspense Films The primary moods of classic film noir were
melancholy alienation bleakness disillusionment disenchantment pessimism ambiguity moral corruption evil guilt desperation and paranoia
Noir Thrillers are types of films known to promote intense excitement suspense a high level of anticipation
ultra-heightened expectation uncertainty anxiety and nerve-wracking tension menacedanger If the genre
is to be defined strictly a genuine thriller is a film that relentlessly pursues a single-minded goal ndash to provide
thrills and keep the audience cliff-hanging at the lsquoedge of their seatsrsquo as the plot builds towards a climax
The tension usually arises when the main character(s) is placed in a menacing situation or mystery or an escape or dangerous mission from which escape seems impossible Life itself is threatened usually because the principal character is unsuspecting or unknowingly involved in a dangerous or potentially deadly situation Plots of thrillers involve characters which come into conflict with each other or with outside forces ndash the menace is sometimes abstract or shadowy
Generic Characters in Thriller films Characters in thrillers include convicts criminals stalkers assassins down-on-their-luck losers innocent victims (often on the run) prison inmates menaced women characters with dark pasts psychotic individuals terrorists cops and escaped cons hit menwomen fugitives private eyes drifters duplicitous individuals people involved in twisted relationships world-weary men and women femme fatales (dangerous and or deviant women) psycho-fiends drug addicts and more The themes of thrillers frequently include greed envy jealousy terrorism political conspiracy pursuit or romantic triangles leading to murder
Generic locations in Thriller films Dimly lit often wet narrow urban streets or alleyways lifts staircases basements large featureless exteriors (reflecting moral vacuum of central characters No Country for Old Men) shower cubicles toilets phone booths bank safes interior of cars top of a skyscraper shores with tide coming in or muddy river bankscanals scrap yards derelict factories tunnels and many more
The purpose of a thriller is to put their (audiencesrsquo) toe in the cold water of fear to see what itrsquos likerdquo Alfred Hitchcock
1) Dance With a StrangerHit men Vince and Jules (Pulp Fiction Tarantino 1994) 2) Post war racketeer Harry Lime trapped in the Viennese sewers (The Third Man Carol Reed 1949) 3) Gilda classic femme fatale (Gilda Charles Vidor (1946)
1 2 3 4
7
PLANNING Main Task Opening to a thriller feature film
Planning (so that shoot can go ahead) deadline week beginning 16 Nov 2015 Note planning must be agreed as fit for purpose before shoot starts Please note that understanding aspects of the thriller genre and individual research into thriller films should be
reflected in all aspects of planning Each studentrsquos blog should include the following
Construct initial concepts of how you want the film to look Placing images of character
types locations costumes props objects are a useful way in This can be done on a large sheet
of sugar paper or on a power pointslide show on your blog
A brief synopsis of the plot No more than 100 words
Story boards that are readable and contain image colour camera positionsshot types any
dialogue and soundtrack
Planning edit For higher marks students should include details of transitions from one shot to
the other so that editing is planned For example jump cut tohellip or fade to blackhellip or cross
dissolve etc
Locations Annotated photographssketches of locations are important Decisions need to be
justified and relate to genre conventions if students challenge the thriller generic blue print then
they need to explain this
Costumes props and objects All ideas illustrated with examples from research from real
thriller filmsTV dramas
Characters Brief details of characterrsquos backstories Characters can have names that may give
a clue to their personalities or their fate For example Jo Dacre (surname indicating darkness)
also referencing William Blakes ldquoChimney Sweeper Song ldquoTherersquos little John Dacre who criedhelliprdquo
Casting of characters ndash brief explanations of casting decisions Some student hold auditions
for roles and include pics or notes related to auditions Avoid casting 6th formers who are
meant to be hardened gangsters otherwise the film will be unconvincing Casting should
be discussed with course tutors KEEP CAST DOWN TO A MINIMUM OF 2 OR 3
CHARACTERS A larger cast leads to complications when arranging shooting your film
Soundtrack Ideas for soundtrack which must be evaluated Explain purpose of final choice
and likely influence on atmosphere and style within mise-en-scene Students can upload ideas
for soundtrack onto their blogs
Shooting schedule and Equipment Organisation of time (dates when going to shoot) to
include locations names of actors required equipment required (camera tripods lights
microphones)
Evidence of the individual contribution to the planning and individual responsibilities during
the shoot and edit
Typeface ndash Ideas proposals for the font you will use Pick a font that is appropriate to your
subgenre and creates connotations that fit with your film opening (visit dafontcom for fonts and
inspiration)
Inter textual references Studentrsquos ideas need to be explained
1) Reasons for choice of ideas
2) Source of ideas with explicit or implicit references to thrillers you have researched This
could be through location costume character action shot type soundtrack
Important Identify the type of thriller being planned Example A psychological thriller like
ldquoSixth Senserdquo gangster thriller Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels Essex Boys Mafia thriller
The Godfather comic thriller Snatch or incorporating elements of a futuristicaction thriller Blade
Runner The Matrix film noir thriller such as LA Confidential Jackie Brown Memento
8
CONSTRUCTION The Shoot
DEADLINE Week beginning 18 January 2016
Equipment Lending Policy (cameras) To borrow a school camera or other school equipment students MUST BOOK AT
LEAST ONE DAY IN ADVANCE Cameras and tripods are booked through and collected from the
Technical Support Office Responsibility with borrowed equipment Students must check the camera in
every two days even if more time is needed for the shoot Students who flout these rules will be denied access
to school equipment on future occasions Students will be charged for any equipment which is damaged or
lost
SD Card You will need to put a deposit down (pound750) for an SD card for camera in CNS Finance Office You
can then save all of your video work to this SD card
Students must inform course work tutor prior to going out on location to shoot their films
Equipment available includes camcorders stills cameras tripods various microphones and torch lighting
If you return equipment late you will lose ONE
mark per day per person from your final
coursework grade
Using time effectively Students will be given
media lesson time to shoot and edit their films
During the shoot and edit students can only use
the lessons for construction run by tutors teaching
course work No other media or other subject
lessons are allowed for the shoot and edit
Students will also be expected to shoot during
free periods and after school
Guidelines for shooting film School cameras
only Shooting the action Students are strongly advised to
o Take multiple shots of the same action so the most effective shots can be selected for the
final cut
o Hold your shots do not take a few seconds of film because this makes editing very difficult
It is easier to cut footage than to add it
o Remember you can use 2 cameras to improve camera angles amp positioning
o Hold shots steady where appropriate
o Frame shots carefully including and excluding elements as appropriate
o Shoot material that is appropriate to an opening to a thriller film
o Use a variety of shot distances appropriately
o Carefully select mise-en-scene thinking about colour figure lighting positioning of objects
and setting
Camera angles Students are advised to use an appropriate variety of camera angles and movement
in order to add to the appeal of the film Take important shots from different angles then you can
select the most suitablestylish during the edit
Close up shots Students are often reluctant to use close ups but these shot types are most effective
in drawing your audience into the action Think close ups and angles
Lighting Some student productions are too dark and are thus unreadable Though you may wish to
achieve noir lighting effect make sure the action is decipherable professional directors use non
ambient lighting to achieve noir or chiaroscuro effects Therefore make sure that your action is well
lit when looking at the rushesraw footage and the lighting is too dark then students must re shoot
the clip
Revisions to original ideas If students shoot action which is different from the original planning
(story boards character etc) any revisions can be briefly redrafted and explained on the blog
Raw Footage Students should have at least 9-10 minutes of raw footage to allow for cutting during
the edit
Do not put health and safety at risk do not use pretend weapons in public
ldquoTo Have and Have Notrdquo 1944
9
CONSTRUCTION The Edit DEADLINE Week beginning 22 February 2016
Always check with course work tutors that your allotted computer is available
Each group is allotted a computer for the edit
ALWAYS USE THE SAME COMPUTER
Downloading raw footage Once the shoot is
complete you need to remove the SD card and
return the camera to the Library Then use an
SD card reader (your teacher has these) to
download to your grouprsquos folder (eg
EYear12BThrillerfootage) Download the
video footage into your folder on your
allocated computer Keep the footage backed
up on your SD card just in case something
goes wrong Or on a memory stick
It is wise to download no more than about 8-
10 minutes of your best footage which then
has to be edited to approximately 2 minutes of
film Further technical information on editing will be given to you on a separate sheet
Selecting what shots to keep Once students have raw footage make an editing list of what
shots you want to keep and where in the narrative your selected shots are appropriate
Soundtrack When students have chosen the sound track it must be down loaded and saved on
your computer
Do not erase diegeticwild sound when editing The most effectiveconvincing productions
include a mixture of diegetic and non diegetic sound
Using post production time effectively Editing can be done in course tutor media studies
lessons during free periods and after school
Edit so that meaning is apparent to the viewer
Use varied shot transitions and any other effects selectively and
appropriately for example jump cuts cross dissolve fade to black
slow motion alteration of colour
Titles Need to be planned carefully using the website
wwwdafontcom Students need to research titles systematically
and post this element of research onto their blogs
Editing must be completed in school Students who want to use
their own editing software on a laptop must bring their laptop into
school and edit under the supervision of their course tutor
Film title also needs to be researched and link to the action
theme or characters
Eyes without a Face (1960)
Alfred Hitchcock
10
RESEARCH INTO THE THRILLER GENRE
Task 1 Independent Research Definitions of aspects of the thriller genre should be
included on your Blog for example the definition of
Noir thrillers
Double Indemnity 1944 The Night of the Hunter 1955 Brighton Rock 1947 Mildred Pierce 1945
Definition of a femme fatale
Femme Fatale (classic period 1940rsquo1950rsquos) Traditional representations of deviant woman who is
subdued by domesticity marriage punishedexiled or killed off
Gilda 1946 Lauren Bacall ldquoTo Have and Have Notrdquo Barbara Stanwyck Janet Leigh as Marion 1944 ldquo Double Indemnityrdquo 1944 Crane ldquoPsychordquo 1960
Contemporary representations of strong women in thrillers (who are flaweddeviantheroic) These characters mirror
more progressive attitudes to women who are independent and prepared to fight back and survive
Jackie Brown The Bridge (DenamrkSweden) Trinity ldquoThe Matrixrdquo Lisbeth Salender ldquoThe Girl With the
1997 2011 1999 Dragon Tattoordquo 2009
Thelma amp Louise 1991 Mia ldquoPulp Fictionrdquo Nicole Kidman ldquoTo Die Forrdquo Alex Drake ldquoAshes to Ashesrdquo
1994 1995 2008-2009
11
The flawedambiguous anti-hero
ldquoChinatown ldquo 1974 Once Upon a Time in Americardquo ldquo Double Indemnity ldquo ldquoLife on Marsrdquo Gene
Jack Nicholson as J Gittes Robert De Niro as Noodles Fred McMurray as Walter Neff Hunt amp Sam Tyler 1984 1944 2006-2007
Villains with charm
Harry Lime ldquoThe Third Manrdquo Leon in ldquoLeonrdquo 1994 Brad Pitt as Jesse James in ldquoThe Assassination
of Jessie James by the Coward Robert Fordrdquo
Generic locations amp Lighting Design
12
RESEARCH INTO THE THRILLER GENRE continued
Task 2
All students are expected to construct a minimum of 5 case studies consisting of annotated notes
and graphics
All students are expected to engage in independent research into thriller films
1 Film clips viewed in class
2 Independent research into the thriller genre focusing on analysing how directors utilise the
conventions of the thriller genre
3 For those who which to strengthen research you could include in one of your case studies how
representation is constructed in one of your case studies ie sexuality age culturalregional
identity region disability
Specific aspects of mise-en-scene (characters costumes make up props objects locations
colour saturation lighting (diegetic non diegetic chiaroscuro) purpose of intertextual
references to similar filmsTV dramas and narrative structure (narrative structure linear circular
flash back complex with loops between past and present or sequences seen from the point of view
of more than one character Explain how the narrative structure strengthens or weakens the appeal
of the film)
Camera shots angles movement and composition (connotes significance of character or
object or place)
Editing (sets pace and can heighten suspense or fear)
Sound (heightens mood can connote aspects of character adds to sense of drama)
The Third Man 1946 Heavenly Creatures 1994 Essex Boys 2000
Tarantinorsquos anti Nazi thriller ldquoInglourious Basterdsrdquo 2009 Casino Royale 2006
13
Task 3) Extended Task A case study presented on either power point video diary audio discussion or other electronic form to
include imbedded images and moving footage This task will improve your coursework mark
All points must be supported by written or visual references to research
Suggested topics ( students may come up with their own ideas)
The representation of women in British or Hollywood or World Cinema Thrillers (Think about
comparing the deviant female character with a blameless or brave female character)
The appeal of the femme fatale in the thriller genre
How location and lighting in thrillers reflects the characterrsquos emotional landscape Or ndash How
location lighting and colour add to the element of suspense (or fear) in the thriller genre
How directors use claustrophobic spaces to increase menace in thriller films
How costume suggests character and genre
The representation of the hero (or anti hero) in the thriller genre
The representation of the villain in the thriller genre (Think about whether the villain is
stereotyped for example from an ethnic minority or disfigured or very old or a teenager or a
deviant woman thus reinforcing negative stereotypes about particular social groups)
A comparison of Jackie Brown and Melanie in Tarantinorsquos ldquoJackie Brownrdquo or A comparison of
Mia (Pulp Fiction) and Jackie Brown (Jackie Brown) (Think about Jackie as the assertive middle
aged street wise black independent woman who subverts stereotypes contrasting with the white
dependent and passive woman who whose existence is dependent on her rich husband
Remember both women are deviant but in different ways Which is the most appealing to
audiences and why You could do some independent research here)
The appeal of the thriller genre ndash focusing on audience research
How racial minorities are represented in thriller films (think about the tendency to represent
black males as deviantlow life)
The representation of children in thriller films (Think about films such as ldquoLeonrdquo ldquoTaxi
Driverrdquo ldquoWitnessrdquo ldquoSixth Senserdquo)
Taxi Driver 1976 Leonrdquo Luc Bresson 1994 Witnessrdquo Peter Weir 1985
Spiral Laura Berthaud (2005-2014) France Sarah Lund The Killing(2012)Denmark Wallender (Sweden) 2005-2013)
14
How to improve your analysis Structure your writing with an introduction and then a different paragraph on each technical aspect concept idea All points must be supported by detailed references to research Point evidence explain
Analysis of the sewer scene from The Third Man
The sense of claustrophobia created by the sewer
setting with the low ceiling and the cold concrete brick
walls seeks to enhance the audiencersquos sense of tension
and impending doom there is an anxiety and
discomfort brought on by the setting The setting
provides a visual metaphor for the world closing in on
Harry Lime This is exemplified in the shots of Harry
running down the tunnels of the sewer towards the light
(fig 1) the image connotes Harryrsquos attempt to escape
to find lsquothe light at the end of the tunnel but this his
escape is at once enclosed within the confines of the cold
sewer The characterrsquos movement from left to right as he
runs leads the audiencersquos eye towards the right and into
the distance Furthermore the composition (using the rule of thirds with the sewer wall
firmly on the right) leads our eye in this direction encouraging the reader to search for
Harry just as the characters are doing You should seek to examine the films in terms of Codesforms amp Conventions of the thriller genre What conventions does the film use Analyse the effects of cinematography mise-en-scene editing and sound Examine the narrative the genre and intertextuality Ensure you comment on the connotations and effects Higher marks are awarded to students who explain the purpose and effect of elements of mise-en-scene
Annotated notes and drawingsdiagrams are evidence of understanding technical aspects of mise-en-scene (film language) to include purpose and effect of the following camera angles and movement lighting sound (diegetic and non-diegetic) soundtrack special effectsCGIrsquos) location character types costume make-up props objects
Genre Notes on how genre is utilised
Inter-textual references to other thriller films and if appropriate references to aspects of mise-en-scene from appropriate crimecopspy thriller television programmes Students need to explain the purpose of these references
Narrative structure linear circular flash back complex with loops between past and present or sequences seen from the point of view of more than one character Explain how the narrative structure strengthens or weakens the appeal of the film
Representation Identify any issues regarding representation of particular social groups (women ethnic minorities social class disability age) cultures ideology (what messages and values are being communicated by the film) use of stereotypes or subversion of stereotypes Again discussion of purpose and effect very important Language and Terminology To Use
Mise-en-scene Lighting (key fill backlight ambient naturalistic artificial low key chiaroscuro) colour location setting set design props costume make-up
Sound diegetic non-diegetic Dialogue Voiceover Ambient sound Soundtrack
Editing Pace Juxtaposition Cross cutting Transitions (fade cut wipes) long short take
Camera work cinematography Low angle High angle Eye LevelTilt Canted angle ECU CU MS LS POV Two shot Pan Track Tilt Dolly Crane Steadicam Handheld Zoom
Composition Framing Rule of thirds Use of diagonals Deep and shallow focus Representation ideology dominant subordinate reinforce perpetuate subvert challenge Narrative linear non-linear parallel interweaving circular flashback flashforward equilibrium disequilibrium binary opposition engima
Intertextuality Explicit or implicit references to other texts
Setting and Fig 1 Harry
running in sewer tunnel
15
What should your research blog entries look like
Here are some successful screenshots of research by past students Notice how theyrsquove
embedded video images and annotations
Work by Amy Nolan httpamynolanmediablogspotcom Tom Kail httptkailblogspotcom Helen Blyth httphelensthrillerishblogblogspotcom
EV
16
Evaluation
DEADLINE FOR FINAL SUBMISSION week beginning 21 March 2016
Assessment is on an individual basis and completed on your blog
It is important that engagement and enthusiasm are evident in your evaluation You need
to reference particular features of your film to illustrate your points Do not repeat a point
you have already made
You must use a variety of presentational techniques in your evaluation For example
text and image embedded videos screen shots from your own production power points
prezies audio or film interviews video diaries
You will be given power points during this period for extra support on structuring your
answers Questions
1 In what ways does your media product use develop or challenge forms and
conventions of real media products
This question asks how your research into specific thriller texts has informed your
production Think about generic costume location soundtrack camera angles character
types narrative structure lighting soundtrack plot title transitions You canrsquot discuss
all these but identify the most profound influences It is important that you include
appropriate screen shotsimages from researched filmsTV dramasextracts from crime
and so with screen shots from your film with explanation
This questions also relates to the conventions of the opening to a film for
example including titles soundtrack cliff hanger etc
Olivia Thomasrsquo Thriller ldquoEve Crawfordrdquo Mildred Pierce Velda kills her lover
Josh Moorersquos thriller ldquoDead Handrdquo ldquoReservoir Dogsrdquo (Quentin Tarantino
17
2 How does your media product represent particular social groups
You could begin by explaining how you have represented gender Think about
whether your male or female characters represent stereotypes generic archetypes
or contemporaryrealisticprogressive representations of gender Then move onto
explaining how you have represented ethnicity age disability or social class in as
traditional representations or representations that challenge stereotypes
Think about
Masculinity is it in crisis meaning is the male in your film emasculated dominated
by female heroic a villain or hero stereotype or yobbish stereotyped hoodie
Femininity Stereotype passive compliant female victim or deviant (bad and mad
which are misogynist representations including the femme fatale or manipulative
controlling women) Or is your representation of femininity authentic and
progressive
Sexual ambiguity is the gender of your characters androgynous
DOES YOUR FILM CHALLENGE GENDER STEREOTYPES
Representation of ethnicity
How is ethnicity represented Does your film focus on indigenous white British
ethnic groups who feed on themselves or prey upon themselves
How are ethnic minorities represented As victims As realistic That ethnicity of
the character is irrevant
Representation of statussocial class
Representation of those who live on the margins This is because one group has
made a film about a homeless man Only reference if relevant
Representation of upper class Only discuss if relevant to your film
Representation of youthagecontemporary Britain
Representation of young people What does your film communicate about what itrsquos
like for young people living in contemporary Britain
Think about how the sense of insecurity re living in austerity Britain where jobs are
difficult for young people to get jobs pay university fees find somewhere to live
Read if relevant to your film httpwwwbbccouknewsbusiness-16158913
ldquoYoung and Joblessrdquo
Think about how your film (like film noir in the 1949rsquos) is a product of a sense of
despair hopelessness and thus ldquoconveys dark feelings of disillusionment pessimism
and cynicismrdquo The Philosophy of Film Noir
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
18
Question 2 continued (examples of representations gender ethnicity and youth in studentsrsquo film
productions)
Death at No 52
Homeless
Deceit
Skate
19
3 What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and
why You must justify all choices
Consider which film distribution company is most likely to distribute your film Refer to
your work on the Film Industry exam unit Would your film suit the European independent
film market targeted by StudioCanal or the independent British market via FilmFour Or is it
more in the style of films distributed by a mainstream global distributor like Universal
Justify your ideas by referring to other films they have distributed Remember
StudioCanal and FilmFour distribute films but Working Title Warp are film production
companies This question asks about distribution but you can refer to production companies
to help explain your decisions
httpwwwindependentfilmcompanycom Independent
httpwarpfilmscom
Working Title httpswwwworkingtitlefilmscom
1 NBC Universal Which cinemas would be most likely to exhibit your film Would your film appeal more
to a mainstream audience of a multiplex cinema (eg Vue) or more to an art-house or
independent cinema audience (eg Cinema City) Justify your answer by reference to
other films that are exhibited at these cinemas Straight on to DVD is also a possibility if
your film would not target cinema audiences
How could digital technologies offer new distribution opportunities Consider YouTube
social network sites mp4 players games consoles Video-On-Demand services like
LoveFilm and Mubi
Would your status as a student film-maker offer opportunities for distribution
Consider first-film competitions and student film competitions
20
4 Who would be the audience for your media product
Students need to reference audience research and justify in detail why a particular
demographic would identify with specific aspects of your film
Explain the demographic of your potential target audience age gender ethnicity
lifestyle aspirations engagement with popular culture media interests
Think about what real thriller films or TV crimepolice dramas your potential
audience would watch
Students have the option of constructing a visual profile of their target audience with
either visual or written references to aspects of the way they consume popular
culture
21
5 How did you attractaddress your audience
Rave the opening of a thriller film by Chiony Harvey (2014)
httpchionehardymediablogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20Productions
It is also important that you can identify specifically strong elements of mise-en-scene
which have appeal For example any of the following
locations
Costumes or objects
lighting design
camera angles and movement
character types (do your characters subvert or challenge stereotypes)
actionsuspense
sound track diegetic and non diegetic sound ie a sound bridge
Inter-textual references
Editing effects
transitions
narrative structure
colour alternation
cliff hanger
enigma
A topical theme
Titles
Students may wish to reference any audience feedback during the editing process Students may include a filmed interview with a potential viewer
22
6 What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this
Product
It is advisable that you identify specific technologies and explain how they offered you creative
opportunities that revolutionisedenhanced transformed aspects of your research Think about
technologies that assisted you in your ability to
File coursework onto your blog using different forms of presentation creatively
Upload case studies including film clips and screen shots onto your blog
Research and plan your preliminary task and your opening to a new thriller film
Shoot and edit using credits sound and editing effects appropriately and creatively
Record these processes onto your blog CREATIVELY either through prezi power points
uploaded film clips or screen shots recording aspects of your work on video
Collaborate
Communicate
All points must reference specific examples
7 Looking back at your preliminary task what do you feel you have learnt in the
progression from it to the full product
Students need to consider how their preliminary task introduced technical and conceptual
knowledge to embark on their thriller production
Think about the skills you used in your preliminary task and how they became more
sophisticated when researching and constructing your thriller Ideas to consider
The 180 degree rule match on action shot reverse shot Explain how you developed these
skills in your thriller to include using titles and sound
Experimenting with lighting and camera angles and movement
Working within the blueprint of generic conventions for the main task (your thriller film)
Working to a specific brief and to a specific deadline and reinforcing generic conventions
Evaluating audience feedback
Prime Evil (Stuart McCrum)
httpstuartmccrumblogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20productions
23
ldquoThe Birdsrdquo Alfred Hitchcock Kill Bill Volume 2 Quentin Tarantino
Health Warning
Course tutors will be monitoring all written and practical components
Students are marked individually for written work
Any student not contributing adequately to planning shooting and editing their
production will have marks deducted Irregular attendance will also be
penalised in the assessment process
If students encounter problems with deadlines they must seek tutor support
immediately
If there are problems within a group please seek tutor advice without delay so
that problems can be quickly solved These matters can be discussed with a
media tutor in confidence
Remember your coursework makes up 50 of your marks for AS media studies
Robert DeNiro in Scorcesersquos ldquo King of Comedyrdquo (1983) Clint Eastwood in ldquoThe Gran Torinordquo 2007
24
Advisable working structure for course work
2015 Lesson time Homework free periods
September to
6 October
Continuity task Practising camera
shots and movement storyboarding
shooting and editing Continuity
Task
Commencing coursework on blogs
Posting all elements of planning
under label ldquoContinuity Taskrdquo to
include camera shots amp angles
Embed moving image clips from
research into match on action shot
reverse shot and the 180 degree
rule
Short Evaluation
October ndash November Analysis of thriller films in class
Collaborative planning of
thriller film
Tutor monitoring of individual
student progress
Independent research into
thriller films through case
studies
Planning film (individual
storyboards etc) all to be
posted on student blogs
November ndash December Shooting thriller film
Commence editing thriller film
Tutor monitoring and support of
individual students and group
work during production process
Independently researching
thriller films and TV
crimethriller dramas
Shooting thriller film in lesson
and own time
Editing film in lessons free
periods and own time
2016
January ndash February
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production process
addressing 7 specific questions
set out by OCR Examination
Board
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production
process as a ldquodirectorrsquos
commentaryrdquo -addressing 7
specific questions set out by
OCR Examination Board
Revising research elements
(into the thriller genre) in
response to tutor advice
24 March 2016
final deadline for
uploading any
coursework onto blogs
Completing Evaluation
Completing all elements of blog
Working on revising
Evaluation
Completing all elements of
blog in preparation for
internal moderation process
25
YEAR 12 DEADLINES FOR ALL ELEMENTS OF COURSEWORK
AUTUMN TERM 2015 Week beginning
Details of work
14 September 2015 Submission of summer task to blogs
5 October 2015
Complete planning shooting editing and evaluation of preliminary task
16 November 2015
All elements of planning opening to thriller film are in place for shoot to go ahead
SPRING TERM 2016 Week beginning
18 January 2016
Completing the shooting of thriller film
February Half Term February 2015
Week beginning 22 February 2014
Completing the edit of new thriller film (maximum 2 minutes) to include sound and titles
Monday 21 March 2016 Evaluation Final draft of response to 7 compulsory questions set by OCR posted onto blog
Thursday 24 March 2016
All practical and written elements of coursework completed
Administrative details checked ready for submission of all coursework for internal and external moderation
No further blog entries for Unit G321
The 65+ thriller films and television crimepolice dramas referenced in this booklet are suitable choices for case studies Elements of camera angles lighting costume location amp soundtrack offer inspiration for planning your film
3
Unit G321 Preliminary Task Continuity Exercise Deadline Week beginning 5 October 2015
The preliminary task requires students to produce a short piece of film in which contains the following continuity of
action
A character opens a door
Walks across a room
Sits down in a chair opposite another character
Exchanges two sentences of conversation which will become dramatic
You must show herhim in their everyday situation
Representation must be achieved by a range of elements
Appearance
Costume
Performance
Location
Dialogue Lighting
Props
Music
Voice-over (optional)
Before filming you will require
1) Storyboard - It is essential that you storyboard
the film The story board allows you to
conceptualise the flow of the action and to work
through the important practical details The
storyboard will be in chronological in relation to
how the narrative will unfold for the viewer
Your storyboard should illustrate your
understanding of shot types (close up extreme
close-up long shot mid shot) and any
movement (pan zoom tilt track etc)
2) Shooting script ndash This is arranged in order of filming which is rarely chronological The shooting script also lists
equipment and actors crew needed for each shoot
3)
4
There are three continuity principles to observe in this exercise
Match on action - Means to cut from one shot to another view that matches the action and
pace of the first shot to create an impression of continuity This creates a visual bridge which
can disguise the cut from one to the other
Shot
reverse
shot ndash is a
film
technique
where one
character
is shown
looking at
another
character
and then
the other
character is shown looking back at the first character Since the characters are shown facing in
opposite directions the viewer assumes that
they are looking at each other
180 degree rule - The180deg rule is a basic guideline in film making that states that two characters (or other
elements) in the same scene should always have the same leftright relationship to each other If the camera
passes over the imaginary axis connecting the two subjects it is called crossing the line and can confuse the
viewers Think about filming a football match where the 180 degree rule is important so that viewers
understand where the teamsrsquo goals are
5
IMPORTANT ADVICE for MAIN TASK Opening to a new thriller film
Keep to deadlines if there are problems inform course tutors immediately Persistent
problems with meeting deadlines can result in students being encouraged to leave the course
Parents and the Sixth Form Management Team are informed if students do not keep up with
their work
Marks are deducted pro rata if students consistently let down their group during the planning
shooting and editing process Marks are awarded not only for quality but also individual
commitment to the project
Research and planning is individually marked Though specific planning may be result of
group decisions nevertheless ALL students must post all elements of planning onto their
blogs
Avoid chopping and changing ideas
Keep ideas simple plausible and possible
Avoid over ambitious far- fetched complicated plots and reliance on dialogue Particularly
avoid plots which represent characters and action which are unfamiliar to you The most
successful productions are those which communicate suspense with specific camera angles
appropriate lighting and integrated diegetic and non diegetic sound
It is strongly advisable to begin editing raw footage even before a shoot is complete
Remember you are shooting the OPENING to a thriller film thus you will want to hook
the audience you are NOT shooting a whole story
THE SOUND TRACK
The musical soundtrack is a vital part of the production it sets the
atmosphere and may connote aspects of a particular character and place Once the narrative is
storyboarded and all elements of mise-en-scene are planned (characters locations and
costumes etc) begin looking for appropriate music for soundtrack
It is an OCR requirement that any soundtrack must be copyright free It must therefore be
over 50 years old or released under a Creative Commons licence So research is a timely
business
Useful websites include mobygratiscom ccmixterorg and freesoundorg (for sound effects)
All require free accounts Students can also use jazz classical music or any popular music
written before 1961
Students may compose their own soundtrack
Students who use music from unsigned artists must email artists and ask permission
CREDITS AND TITLES
The website wwwdafontcom is a useful source for designing appropriate titles and credits
Students need to research various fonts used in the title sequences of real productions
THE SHOOT
You may find that shooting some sequences with two cameras positioned at different angles
will help you achieve an interesting variety of shot movements and angles
The media department has two digital SLR cameras These are only for
students who want to play with depth of field focus etc If you want to
borrow one please see Mr Rootham
6
DEFINITION OF A THRILLER FILM 1940rsquos thrillers usually low budget thus modest locations focus on lighting script soundtrack camera angles and
movement performances and edit
Thriller and Suspense Films The primary moods of classic film noir were
melancholy alienation bleakness disillusionment disenchantment pessimism ambiguity moral corruption evil guilt desperation and paranoia
Noir Thrillers are types of films known to promote intense excitement suspense a high level of anticipation
ultra-heightened expectation uncertainty anxiety and nerve-wracking tension menacedanger If the genre
is to be defined strictly a genuine thriller is a film that relentlessly pursues a single-minded goal ndash to provide
thrills and keep the audience cliff-hanging at the lsquoedge of their seatsrsquo as the plot builds towards a climax
The tension usually arises when the main character(s) is placed in a menacing situation or mystery or an escape or dangerous mission from which escape seems impossible Life itself is threatened usually because the principal character is unsuspecting or unknowingly involved in a dangerous or potentially deadly situation Plots of thrillers involve characters which come into conflict with each other or with outside forces ndash the menace is sometimes abstract or shadowy
Generic Characters in Thriller films Characters in thrillers include convicts criminals stalkers assassins down-on-their-luck losers innocent victims (often on the run) prison inmates menaced women characters with dark pasts psychotic individuals terrorists cops and escaped cons hit menwomen fugitives private eyes drifters duplicitous individuals people involved in twisted relationships world-weary men and women femme fatales (dangerous and or deviant women) psycho-fiends drug addicts and more The themes of thrillers frequently include greed envy jealousy terrorism political conspiracy pursuit or romantic triangles leading to murder
Generic locations in Thriller films Dimly lit often wet narrow urban streets or alleyways lifts staircases basements large featureless exteriors (reflecting moral vacuum of central characters No Country for Old Men) shower cubicles toilets phone booths bank safes interior of cars top of a skyscraper shores with tide coming in or muddy river bankscanals scrap yards derelict factories tunnels and many more
The purpose of a thriller is to put their (audiencesrsquo) toe in the cold water of fear to see what itrsquos likerdquo Alfred Hitchcock
1) Dance With a StrangerHit men Vince and Jules (Pulp Fiction Tarantino 1994) 2) Post war racketeer Harry Lime trapped in the Viennese sewers (The Third Man Carol Reed 1949) 3) Gilda classic femme fatale (Gilda Charles Vidor (1946)
1 2 3 4
7
PLANNING Main Task Opening to a thriller feature film
Planning (so that shoot can go ahead) deadline week beginning 16 Nov 2015 Note planning must be agreed as fit for purpose before shoot starts Please note that understanding aspects of the thriller genre and individual research into thriller films should be
reflected in all aspects of planning Each studentrsquos blog should include the following
Construct initial concepts of how you want the film to look Placing images of character
types locations costumes props objects are a useful way in This can be done on a large sheet
of sugar paper or on a power pointslide show on your blog
A brief synopsis of the plot No more than 100 words
Story boards that are readable and contain image colour camera positionsshot types any
dialogue and soundtrack
Planning edit For higher marks students should include details of transitions from one shot to
the other so that editing is planned For example jump cut tohellip or fade to blackhellip or cross
dissolve etc
Locations Annotated photographssketches of locations are important Decisions need to be
justified and relate to genre conventions if students challenge the thriller generic blue print then
they need to explain this
Costumes props and objects All ideas illustrated with examples from research from real
thriller filmsTV dramas
Characters Brief details of characterrsquos backstories Characters can have names that may give
a clue to their personalities or their fate For example Jo Dacre (surname indicating darkness)
also referencing William Blakes ldquoChimney Sweeper Song ldquoTherersquos little John Dacre who criedhelliprdquo
Casting of characters ndash brief explanations of casting decisions Some student hold auditions
for roles and include pics or notes related to auditions Avoid casting 6th formers who are
meant to be hardened gangsters otherwise the film will be unconvincing Casting should
be discussed with course tutors KEEP CAST DOWN TO A MINIMUM OF 2 OR 3
CHARACTERS A larger cast leads to complications when arranging shooting your film
Soundtrack Ideas for soundtrack which must be evaluated Explain purpose of final choice
and likely influence on atmosphere and style within mise-en-scene Students can upload ideas
for soundtrack onto their blogs
Shooting schedule and Equipment Organisation of time (dates when going to shoot) to
include locations names of actors required equipment required (camera tripods lights
microphones)
Evidence of the individual contribution to the planning and individual responsibilities during
the shoot and edit
Typeface ndash Ideas proposals for the font you will use Pick a font that is appropriate to your
subgenre and creates connotations that fit with your film opening (visit dafontcom for fonts and
inspiration)
Inter textual references Studentrsquos ideas need to be explained
1) Reasons for choice of ideas
2) Source of ideas with explicit or implicit references to thrillers you have researched This
could be through location costume character action shot type soundtrack
Important Identify the type of thriller being planned Example A psychological thriller like
ldquoSixth Senserdquo gangster thriller Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels Essex Boys Mafia thriller
The Godfather comic thriller Snatch or incorporating elements of a futuristicaction thriller Blade
Runner The Matrix film noir thriller such as LA Confidential Jackie Brown Memento
8
CONSTRUCTION The Shoot
DEADLINE Week beginning 18 January 2016
Equipment Lending Policy (cameras) To borrow a school camera or other school equipment students MUST BOOK AT
LEAST ONE DAY IN ADVANCE Cameras and tripods are booked through and collected from the
Technical Support Office Responsibility with borrowed equipment Students must check the camera in
every two days even if more time is needed for the shoot Students who flout these rules will be denied access
to school equipment on future occasions Students will be charged for any equipment which is damaged or
lost
SD Card You will need to put a deposit down (pound750) for an SD card for camera in CNS Finance Office You
can then save all of your video work to this SD card
Students must inform course work tutor prior to going out on location to shoot their films
Equipment available includes camcorders stills cameras tripods various microphones and torch lighting
If you return equipment late you will lose ONE
mark per day per person from your final
coursework grade
Using time effectively Students will be given
media lesson time to shoot and edit their films
During the shoot and edit students can only use
the lessons for construction run by tutors teaching
course work No other media or other subject
lessons are allowed for the shoot and edit
Students will also be expected to shoot during
free periods and after school
Guidelines for shooting film School cameras
only Shooting the action Students are strongly advised to
o Take multiple shots of the same action so the most effective shots can be selected for the
final cut
o Hold your shots do not take a few seconds of film because this makes editing very difficult
It is easier to cut footage than to add it
o Remember you can use 2 cameras to improve camera angles amp positioning
o Hold shots steady where appropriate
o Frame shots carefully including and excluding elements as appropriate
o Shoot material that is appropriate to an opening to a thriller film
o Use a variety of shot distances appropriately
o Carefully select mise-en-scene thinking about colour figure lighting positioning of objects
and setting
Camera angles Students are advised to use an appropriate variety of camera angles and movement
in order to add to the appeal of the film Take important shots from different angles then you can
select the most suitablestylish during the edit
Close up shots Students are often reluctant to use close ups but these shot types are most effective
in drawing your audience into the action Think close ups and angles
Lighting Some student productions are too dark and are thus unreadable Though you may wish to
achieve noir lighting effect make sure the action is decipherable professional directors use non
ambient lighting to achieve noir or chiaroscuro effects Therefore make sure that your action is well
lit when looking at the rushesraw footage and the lighting is too dark then students must re shoot
the clip
Revisions to original ideas If students shoot action which is different from the original planning
(story boards character etc) any revisions can be briefly redrafted and explained on the blog
Raw Footage Students should have at least 9-10 minutes of raw footage to allow for cutting during
the edit
Do not put health and safety at risk do not use pretend weapons in public
ldquoTo Have and Have Notrdquo 1944
9
CONSTRUCTION The Edit DEADLINE Week beginning 22 February 2016
Always check with course work tutors that your allotted computer is available
Each group is allotted a computer for the edit
ALWAYS USE THE SAME COMPUTER
Downloading raw footage Once the shoot is
complete you need to remove the SD card and
return the camera to the Library Then use an
SD card reader (your teacher has these) to
download to your grouprsquos folder (eg
EYear12BThrillerfootage) Download the
video footage into your folder on your
allocated computer Keep the footage backed
up on your SD card just in case something
goes wrong Or on a memory stick
It is wise to download no more than about 8-
10 minutes of your best footage which then
has to be edited to approximately 2 minutes of
film Further technical information on editing will be given to you on a separate sheet
Selecting what shots to keep Once students have raw footage make an editing list of what
shots you want to keep and where in the narrative your selected shots are appropriate
Soundtrack When students have chosen the sound track it must be down loaded and saved on
your computer
Do not erase diegeticwild sound when editing The most effectiveconvincing productions
include a mixture of diegetic and non diegetic sound
Using post production time effectively Editing can be done in course tutor media studies
lessons during free periods and after school
Edit so that meaning is apparent to the viewer
Use varied shot transitions and any other effects selectively and
appropriately for example jump cuts cross dissolve fade to black
slow motion alteration of colour
Titles Need to be planned carefully using the website
wwwdafontcom Students need to research titles systematically
and post this element of research onto their blogs
Editing must be completed in school Students who want to use
their own editing software on a laptop must bring their laptop into
school and edit under the supervision of their course tutor
Film title also needs to be researched and link to the action
theme or characters
Eyes without a Face (1960)
Alfred Hitchcock
10
RESEARCH INTO THE THRILLER GENRE
Task 1 Independent Research Definitions of aspects of the thriller genre should be
included on your Blog for example the definition of
Noir thrillers
Double Indemnity 1944 The Night of the Hunter 1955 Brighton Rock 1947 Mildred Pierce 1945
Definition of a femme fatale
Femme Fatale (classic period 1940rsquo1950rsquos) Traditional representations of deviant woman who is
subdued by domesticity marriage punishedexiled or killed off
Gilda 1946 Lauren Bacall ldquoTo Have and Have Notrdquo Barbara Stanwyck Janet Leigh as Marion 1944 ldquo Double Indemnityrdquo 1944 Crane ldquoPsychordquo 1960
Contemporary representations of strong women in thrillers (who are flaweddeviantheroic) These characters mirror
more progressive attitudes to women who are independent and prepared to fight back and survive
Jackie Brown The Bridge (DenamrkSweden) Trinity ldquoThe Matrixrdquo Lisbeth Salender ldquoThe Girl With the
1997 2011 1999 Dragon Tattoordquo 2009
Thelma amp Louise 1991 Mia ldquoPulp Fictionrdquo Nicole Kidman ldquoTo Die Forrdquo Alex Drake ldquoAshes to Ashesrdquo
1994 1995 2008-2009
11
The flawedambiguous anti-hero
ldquoChinatown ldquo 1974 Once Upon a Time in Americardquo ldquo Double Indemnity ldquo ldquoLife on Marsrdquo Gene
Jack Nicholson as J Gittes Robert De Niro as Noodles Fred McMurray as Walter Neff Hunt amp Sam Tyler 1984 1944 2006-2007
Villains with charm
Harry Lime ldquoThe Third Manrdquo Leon in ldquoLeonrdquo 1994 Brad Pitt as Jesse James in ldquoThe Assassination
of Jessie James by the Coward Robert Fordrdquo
Generic locations amp Lighting Design
12
RESEARCH INTO THE THRILLER GENRE continued
Task 2
All students are expected to construct a minimum of 5 case studies consisting of annotated notes
and graphics
All students are expected to engage in independent research into thriller films
1 Film clips viewed in class
2 Independent research into the thriller genre focusing on analysing how directors utilise the
conventions of the thriller genre
3 For those who which to strengthen research you could include in one of your case studies how
representation is constructed in one of your case studies ie sexuality age culturalregional
identity region disability
Specific aspects of mise-en-scene (characters costumes make up props objects locations
colour saturation lighting (diegetic non diegetic chiaroscuro) purpose of intertextual
references to similar filmsTV dramas and narrative structure (narrative structure linear circular
flash back complex with loops between past and present or sequences seen from the point of view
of more than one character Explain how the narrative structure strengthens or weakens the appeal
of the film)
Camera shots angles movement and composition (connotes significance of character or
object or place)
Editing (sets pace and can heighten suspense or fear)
Sound (heightens mood can connote aspects of character adds to sense of drama)
The Third Man 1946 Heavenly Creatures 1994 Essex Boys 2000
Tarantinorsquos anti Nazi thriller ldquoInglourious Basterdsrdquo 2009 Casino Royale 2006
13
Task 3) Extended Task A case study presented on either power point video diary audio discussion or other electronic form to
include imbedded images and moving footage This task will improve your coursework mark
All points must be supported by written or visual references to research
Suggested topics ( students may come up with their own ideas)
The representation of women in British or Hollywood or World Cinema Thrillers (Think about
comparing the deviant female character with a blameless or brave female character)
The appeal of the femme fatale in the thriller genre
How location and lighting in thrillers reflects the characterrsquos emotional landscape Or ndash How
location lighting and colour add to the element of suspense (or fear) in the thriller genre
How directors use claustrophobic spaces to increase menace in thriller films
How costume suggests character and genre
The representation of the hero (or anti hero) in the thriller genre
The representation of the villain in the thriller genre (Think about whether the villain is
stereotyped for example from an ethnic minority or disfigured or very old or a teenager or a
deviant woman thus reinforcing negative stereotypes about particular social groups)
A comparison of Jackie Brown and Melanie in Tarantinorsquos ldquoJackie Brownrdquo or A comparison of
Mia (Pulp Fiction) and Jackie Brown (Jackie Brown) (Think about Jackie as the assertive middle
aged street wise black independent woman who subverts stereotypes contrasting with the white
dependent and passive woman who whose existence is dependent on her rich husband
Remember both women are deviant but in different ways Which is the most appealing to
audiences and why You could do some independent research here)
The appeal of the thriller genre ndash focusing on audience research
How racial minorities are represented in thriller films (think about the tendency to represent
black males as deviantlow life)
The representation of children in thriller films (Think about films such as ldquoLeonrdquo ldquoTaxi
Driverrdquo ldquoWitnessrdquo ldquoSixth Senserdquo)
Taxi Driver 1976 Leonrdquo Luc Bresson 1994 Witnessrdquo Peter Weir 1985
Spiral Laura Berthaud (2005-2014) France Sarah Lund The Killing(2012)Denmark Wallender (Sweden) 2005-2013)
14
How to improve your analysis Structure your writing with an introduction and then a different paragraph on each technical aspect concept idea All points must be supported by detailed references to research Point evidence explain
Analysis of the sewer scene from The Third Man
The sense of claustrophobia created by the sewer
setting with the low ceiling and the cold concrete brick
walls seeks to enhance the audiencersquos sense of tension
and impending doom there is an anxiety and
discomfort brought on by the setting The setting
provides a visual metaphor for the world closing in on
Harry Lime This is exemplified in the shots of Harry
running down the tunnels of the sewer towards the light
(fig 1) the image connotes Harryrsquos attempt to escape
to find lsquothe light at the end of the tunnel but this his
escape is at once enclosed within the confines of the cold
sewer The characterrsquos movement from left to right as he
runs leads the audiencersquos eye towards the right and into
the distance Furthermore the composition (using the rule of thirds with the sewer wall
firmly on the right) leads our eye in this direction encouraging the reader to search for
Harry just as the characters are doing You should seek to examine the films in terms of Codesforms amp Conventions of the thriller genre What conventions does the film use Analyse the effects of cinematography mise-en-scene editing and sound Examine the narrative the genre and intertextuality Ensure you comment on the connotations and effects Higher marks are awarded to students who explain the purpose and effect of elements of mise-en-scene
Annotated notes and drawingsdiagrams are evidence of understanding technical aspects of mise-en-scene (film language) to include purpose and effect of the following camera angles and movement lighting sound (diegetic and non-diegetic) soundtrack special effectsCGIrsquos) location character types costume make-up props objects
Genre Notes on how genre is utilised
Inter-textual references to other thriller films and if appropriate references to aspects of mise-en-scene from appropriate crimecopspy thriller television programmes Students need to explain the purpose of these references
Narrative structure linear circular flash back complex with loops between past and present or sequences seen from the point of view of more than one character Explain how the narrative structure strengthens or weakens the appeal of the film
Representation Identify any issues regarding representation of particular social groups (women ethnic minorities social class disability age) cultures ideology (what messages and values are being communicated by the film) use of stereotypes or subversion of stereotypes Again discussion of purpose and effect very important Language and Terminology To Use
Mise-en-scene Lighting (key fill backlight ambient naturalistic artificial low key chiaroscuro) colour location setting set design props costume make-up
Sound diegetic non-diegetic Dialogue Voiceover Ambient sound Soundtrack
Editing Pace Juxtaposition Cross cutting Transitions (fade cut wipes) long short take
Camera work cinematography Low angle High angle Eye LevelTilt Canted angle ECU CU MS LS POV Two shot Pan Track Tilt Dolly Crane Steadicam Handheld Zoom
Composition Framing Rule of thirds Use of diagonals Deep and shallow focus Representation ideology dominant subordinate reinforce perpetuate subvert challenge Narrative linear non-linear parallel interweaving circular flashback flashforward equilibrium disequilibrium binary opposition engima
Intertextuality Explicit or implicit references to other texts
Setting and Fig 1 Harry
running in sewer tunnel
15
What should your research blog entries look like
Here are some successful screenshots of research by past students Notice how theyrsquove
embedded video images and annotations
Work by Amy Nolan httpamynolanmediablogspotcom Tom Kail httptkailblogspotcom Helen Blyth httphelensthrillerishblogblogspotcom
EV
16
Evaluation
DEADLINE FOR FINAL SUBMISSION week beginning 21 March 2016
Assessment is on an individual basis and completed on your blog
It is important that engagement and enthusiasm are evident in your evaluation You need
to reference particular features of your film to illustrate your points Do not repeat a point
you have already made
You must use a variety of presentational techniques in your evaluation For example
text and image embedded videos screen shots from your own production power points
prezies audio or film interviews video diaries
You will be given power points during this period for extra support on structuring your
answers Questions
1 In what ways does your media product use develop or challenge forms and
conventions of real media products
This question asks how your research into specific thriller texts has informed your
production Think about generic costume location soundtrack camera angles character
types narrative structure lighting soundtrack plot title transitions You canrsquot discuss
all these but identify the most profound influences It is important that you include
appropriate screen shotsimages from researched filmsTV dramasextracts from crime
and so with screen shots from your film with explanation
This questions also relates to the conventions of the opening to a film for
example including titles soundtrack cliff hanger etc
Olivia Thomasrsquo Thriller ldquoEve Crawfordrdquo Mildred Pierce Velda kills her lover
Josh Moorersquos thriller ldquoDead Handrdquo ldquoReservoir Dogsrdquo (Quentin Tarantino
17
2 How does your media product represent particular social groups
You could begin by explaining how you have represented gender Think about
whether your male or female characters represent stereotypes generic archetypes
or contemporaryrealisticprogressive representations of gender Then move onto
explaining how you have represented ethnicity age disability or social class in as
traditional representations or representations that challenge stereotypes
Think about
Masculinity is it in crisis meaning is the male in your film emasculated dominated
by female heroic a villain or hero stereotype or yobbish stereotyped hoodie
Femininity Stereotype passive compliant female victim or deviant (bad and mad
which are misogynist representations including the femme fatale or manipulative
controlling women) Or is your representation of femininity authentic and
progressive
Sexual ambiguity is the gender of your characters androgynous
DOES YOUR FILM CHALLENGE GENDER STEREOTYPES
Representation of ethnicity
How is ethnicity represented Does your film focus on indigenous white British
ethnic groups who feed on themselves or prey upon themselves
How are ethnic minorities represented As victims As realistic That ethnicity of
the character is irrevant
Representation of statussocial class
Representation of those who live on the margins This is because one group has
made a film about a homeless man Only reference if relevant
Representation of upper class Only discuss if relevant to your film
Representation of youthagecontemporary Britain
Representation of young people What does your film communicate about what itrsquos
like for young people living in contemporary Britain
Think about how the sense of insecurity re living in austerity Britain where jobs are
difficult for young people to get jobs pay university fees find somewhere to live
Read if relevant to your film httpwwwbbccouknewsbusiness-16158913
ldquoYoung and Joblessrdquo
Think about how your film (like film noir in the 1949rsquos) is a product of a sense of
despair hopelessness and thus ldquoconveys dark feelings of disillusionment pessimism
and cynicismrdquo The Philosophy of Film Noir
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
18
Question 2 continued (examples of representations gender ethnicity and youth in studentsrsquo film
productions)
Death at No 52
Homeless
Deceit
Skate
19
3 What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and
why You must justify all choices
Consider which film distribution company is most likely to distribute your film Refer to
your work on the Film Industry exam unit Would your film suit the European independent
film market targeted by StudioCanal or the independent British market via FilmFour Or is it
more in the style of films distributed by a mainstream global distributor like Universal
Justify your ideas by referring to other films they have distributed Remember
StudioCanal and FilmFour distribute films but Working Title Warp are film production
companies This question asks about distribution but you can refer to production companies
to help explain your decisions
httpwwwindependentfilmcompanycom Independent
httpwarpfilmscom
Working Title httpswwwworkingtitlefilmscom
1 NBC Universal Which cinemas would be most likely to exhibit your film Would your film appeal more
to a mainstream audience of a multiplex cinema (eg Vue) or more to an art-house or
independent cinema audience (eg Cinema City) Justify your answer by reference to
other films that are exhibited at these cinemas Straight on to DVD is also a possibility if
your film would not target cinema audiences
How could digital technologies offer new distribution opportunities Consider YouTube
social network sites mp4 players games consoles Video-On-Demand services like
LoveFilm and Mubi
Would your status as a student film-maker offer opportunities for distribution
Consider first-film competitions and student film competitions
20
4 Who would be the audience for your media product
Students need to reference audience research and justify in detail why a particular
demographic would identify with specific aspects of your film
Explain the demographic of your potential target audience age gender ethnicity
lifestyle aspirations engagement with popular culture media interests
Think about what real thriller films or TV crimepolice dramas your potential
audience would watch
Students have the option of constructing a visual profile of their target audience with
either visual or written references to aspects of the way they consume popular
culture
21
5 How did you attractaddress your audience
Rave the opening of a thriller film by Chiony Harvey (2014)
httpchionehardymediablogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20Productions
It is also important that you can identify specifically strong elements of mise-en-scene
which have appeal For example any of the following
locations
Costumes or objects
lighting design
camera angles and movement
character types (do your characters subvert or challenge stereotypes)
actionsuspense
sound track diegetic and non diegetic sound ie a sound bridge
Inter-textual references
Editing effects
transitions
narrative structure
colour alternation
cliff hanger
enigma
A topical theme
Titles
Students may wish to reference any audience feedback during the editing process Students may include a filmed interview with a potential viewer
22
6 What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this
Product
It is advisable that you identify specific technologies and explain how they offered you creative
opportunities that revolutionisedenhanced transformed aspects of your research Think about
technologies that assisted you in your ability to
File coursework onto your blog using different forms of presentation creatively
Upload case studies including film clips and screen shots onto your blog
Research and plan your preliminary task and your opening to a new thriller film
Shoot and edit using credits sound and editing effects appropriately and creatively
Record these processes onto your blog CREATIVELY either through prezi power points
uploaded film clips or screen shots recording aspects of your work on video
Collaborate
Communicate
All points must reference specific examples
7 Looking back at your preliminary task what do you feel you have learnt in the
progression from it to the full product
Students need to consider how their preliminary task introduced technical and conceptual
knowledge to embark on their thriller production
Think about the skills you used in your preliminary task and how they became more
sophisticated when researching and constructing your thriller Ideas to consider
The 180 degree rule match on action shot reverse shot Explain how you developed these
skills in your thriller to include using titles and sound
Experimenting with lighting and camera angles and movement
Working within the blueprint of generic conventions for the main task (your thriller film)
Working to a specific brief and to a specific deadline and reinforcing generic conventions
Evaluating audience feedback
Prime Evil (Stuart McCrum)
httpstuartmccrumblogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20productions
23
ldquoThe Birdsrdquo Alfred Hitchcock Kill Bill Volume 2 Quentin Tarantino
Health Warning
Course tutors will be monitoring all written and practical components
Students are marked individually for written work
Any student not contributing adequately to planning shooting and editing their
production will have marks deducted Irregular attendance will also be
penalised in the assessment process
If students encounter problems with deadlines they must seek tutor support
immediately
If there are problems within a group please seek tutor advice without delay so
that problems can be quickly solved These matters can be discussed with a
media tutor in confidence
Remember your coursework makes up 50 of your marks for AS media studies
Robert DeNiro in Scorcesersquos ldquo King of Comedyrdquo (1983) Clint Eastwood in ldquoThe Gran Torinordquo 2007
24
Advisable working structure for course work
2015 Lesson time Homework free periods
September to
6 October
Continuity task Practising camera
shots and movement storyboarding
shooting and editing Continuity
Task
Commencing coursework on blogs
Posting all elements of planning
under label ldquoContinuity Taskrdquo to
include camera shots amp angles
Embed moving image clips from
research into match on action shot
reverse shot and the 180 degree
rule
Short Evaluation
October ndash November Analysis of thriller films in class
Collaborative planning of
thriller film
Tutor monitoring of individual
student progress
Independent research into
thriller films through case
studies
Planning film (individual
storyboards etc) all to be
posted on student blogs
November ndash December Shooting thriller film
Commence editing thriller film
Tutor monitoring and support of
individual students and group
work during production process
Independently researching
thriller films and TV
crimethriller dramas
Shooting thriller film in lesson
and own time
Editing film in lessons free
periods and own time
2016
January ndash February
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production process
addressing 7 specific questions
set out by OCR Examination
Board
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production
process as a ldquodirectorrsquos
commentaryrdquo -addressing 7
specific questions set out by
OCR Examination Board
Revising research elements
(into the thriller genre) in
response to tutor advice
24 March 2016
final deadline for
uploading any
coursework onto blogs
Completing Evaluation
Completing all elements of blog
Working on revising
Evaluation
Completing all elements of
blog in preparation for
internal moderation process
25
YEAR 12 DEADLINES FOR ALL ELEMENTS OF COURSEWORK
AUTUMN TERM 2015 Week beginning
Details of work
14 September 2015 Submission of summer task to blogs
5 October 2015
Complete planning shooting editing and evaluation of preliminary task
16 November 2015
All elements of planning opening to thriller film are in place for shoot to go ahead
SPRING TERM 2016 Week beginning
18 January 2016
Completing the shooting of thriller film
February Half Term February 2015
Week beginning 22 February 2014
Completing the edit of new thriller film (maximum 2 minutes) to include sound and titles
Monday 21 March 2016 Evaluation Final draft of response to 7 compulsory questions set by OCR posted onto blog
Thursday 24 March 2016
All practical and written elements of coursework completed
Administrative details checked ready for submission of all coursework for internal and external moderation
No further blog entries for Unit G321
The 65+ thriller films and television crimepolice dramas referenced in this booklet are suitable choices for case studies Elements of camera angles lighting costume location amp soundtrack offer inspiration for planning your film
4
There are three continuity principles to observe in this exercise
Match on action - Means to cut from one shot to another view that matches the action and
pace of the first shot to create an impression of continuity This creates a visual bridge which
can disguise the cut from one to the other
Shot
reverse
shot ndash is a
film
technique
where one
character
is shown
looking at
another
character
and then
the other
character is shown looking back at the first character Since the characters are shown facing in
opposite directions the viewer assumes that
they are looking at each other
180 degree rule - The180deg rule is a basic guideline in film making that states that two characters (or other
elements) in the same scene should always have the same leftright relationship to each other If the camera
passes over the imaginary axis connecting the two subjects it is called crossing the line and can confuse the
viewers Think about filming a football match where the 180 degree rule is important so that viewers
understand where the teamsrsquo goals are
5
IMPORTANT ADVICE for MAIN TASK Opening to a new thriller film
Keep to deadlines if there are problems inform course tutors immediately Persistent
problems with meeting deadlines can result in students being encouraged to leave the course
Parents and the Sixth Form Management Team are informed if students do not keep up with
their work
Marks are deducted pro rata if students consistently let down their group during the planning
shooting and editing process Marks are awarded not only for quality but also individual
commitment to the project
Research and planning is individually marked Though specific planning may be result of
group decisions nevertheless ALL students must post all elements of planning onto their
blogs
Avoid chopping and changing ideas
Keep ideas simple plausible and possible
Avoid over ambitious far- fetched complicated plots and reliance on dialogue Particularly
avoid plots which represent characters and action which are unfamiliar to you The most
successful productions are those which communicate suspense with specific camera angles
appropriate lighting and integrated diegetic and non diegetic sound
It is strongly advisable to begin editing raw footage even before a shoot is complete
Remember you are shooting the OPENING to a thriller film thus you will want to hook
the audience you are NOT shooting a whole story
THE SOUND TRACK
The musical soundtrack is a vital part of the production it sets the
atmosphere and may connote aspects of a particular character and place Once the narrative is
storyboarded and all elements of mise-en-scene are planned (characters locations and
costumes etc) begin looking for appropriate music for soundtrack
It is an OCR requirement that any soundtrack must be copyright free It must therefore be
over 50 years old or released under a Creative Commons licence So research is a timely
business
Useful websites include mobygratiscom ccmixterorg and freesoundorg (for sound effects)
All require free accounts Students can also use jazz classical music or any popular music
written before 1961
Students may compose their own soundtrack
Students who use music from unsigned artists must email artists and ask permission
CREDITS AND TITLES
The website wwwdafontcom is a useful source for designing appropriate titles and credits
Students need to research various fonts used in the title sequences of real productions
THE SHOOT
You may find that shooting some sequences with two cameras positioned at different angles
will help you achieve an interesting variety of shot movements and angles
The media department has two digital SLR cameras These are only for
students who want to play with depth of field focus etc If you want to
borrow one please see Mr Rootham
6
DEFINITION OF A THRILLER FILM 1940rsquos thrillers usually low budget thus modest locations focus on lighting script soundtrack camera angles and
movement performances and edit
Thriller and Suspense Films The primary moods of classic film noir were
melancholy alienation bleakness disillusionment disenchantment pessimism ambiguity moral corruption evil guilt desperation and paranoia
Noir Thrillers are types of films known to promote intense excitement suspense a high level of anticipation
ultra-heightened expectation uncertainty anxiety and nerve-wracking tension menacedanger If the genre
is to be defined strictly a genuine thriller is a film that relentlessly pursues a single-minded goal ndash to provide
thrills and keep the audience cliff-hanging at the lsquoedge of their seatsrsquo as the plot builds towards a climax
The tension usually arises when the main character(s) is placed in a menacing situation or mystery or an escape or dangerous mission from which escape seems impossible Life itself is threatened usually because the principal character is unsuspecting or unknowingly involved in a dangerous or potentially deadly situation Plots of thrillers involve characters which come into conflict with each other or with outside forces ndash the menace is sometimes abstract or shadowy
Generic Characters in Thriller films Characters in thrillers include convicts criminals stalkers assassins down-on-their-luck losers innocent victims (often on the run) prison inmates menaced women characters with dark pasts psychotic individuals terrorists cops and escaped cons hit menwomen fugitives private eyes drifters duplicitous individuals people involved in twisted relationships world-weary men and women femme fatales (dangerous and or deviant women) psycho-fiends drug addicts and more The themes of thrillers frequently include greed envy jealousy terrorism political conspiracy pursuit or romantic triangles leading to murder
Generic locations in Thriller films Dimly lit often wet narrow urban streets or alleyways lifts staircases basements large featureless exteriors (reflecting moral vacuum of central characters No Country for Old Men) shower cubicles toilets phone booths bank safes interior of cars top of a skyscraper shores with tide coming in or muddy river bankscanals scrap yards derelict factories tunnels and many more
The purpose of a thriller is to put their (audiencesrsquo) toe in the cold water of fear to see what itrsquos likerdquo Alfred Hitchcock
1) Dance With a StrangerHit men Vince and Jules (Pulp Fiction Tarantino 1994) 2) Post war racketeer Harry Lime trapped in the Viennese sewers (The Third Man Carol Reed 1949) 3) Gilda classic femme fatale (Gilda Charles Vidor (1946)
1 2 3 4
7
PLANNING Main Task Opening to a thriller feature film
Planning (so that shoot can go ahead) deadline week beginning 16 Nov 2015 Note planning must be agreed as fit for purpose before shoot starts Please note that understanding aspects of the thriller genre and individual research into thriller films should be
reflected in all aspects of planning Each studentrsquos blog should include the following
Construct initial concepts of how you want the film to look Placing images of character
types locations costumes props objects are a useful way in This can be done on a large sheet
of sugar paper or on a power pointslide show on your blog
A brief synopsis of the plot No more than 100 words
Story boards that are readable and contain image colour camera positionsshot types any
dialogue and soundtrack
Planning edit For higher marks students should include details of transitions from one shot to
the other so that editing is planned For example jump cut tohellip or fade to blackhellip or cross
dissolve etc
Locations Annotated photographssketches of locations are important Decisions need to be
justified and relate to genre conventions if students challenge the thriller generic blue print then
they need to explain this
Costumes props and objects All ideas illustrated with examples from research from real
thriller filmsTV dramas
Characters Brief details of characterrsquos backstories Characters can have names that may give
a clue to their personalities or their fate For example Jo Dacre (surname indicating darkness)
also referencing William Blakes ldquoChimney Sweeper Song ldquoTherersquos little John Dacre who criedhelliprdquo
Casting of characters ndash brief explanations of casting decisions Some student hold auditions
for roles and include pics or notes related to auditions Avoid casting 6th formers who are
meant to be hardened gangsters otherwise the film will be unconvincing Casting should
be discussed with course tutors KEEP CAST DOWN TO A MINIMUM OF 2 OR 3
CHARACTERS A larger cast leads to complications when arranging shooting your film
Soundtrack Ideas for soundtrack which must be evaluated Explain purpose of final choice
and likely influence on atmosphere and style within mise-en-scene Students can upload ideas
for soundtrack onto their blogs
Shooting schedule and Equipment Organisation of time (dates when going to shoot) to
include locations names of actors required equipment required (camera tripods lights
microphones)
Evidence of the individual contribution to the planning and individual responsibilities during
the shoot and edit
Typeface ndash Ideas proposals for the font you will use Pick a font that is appropriate to your
subgenre and creates connotations that fit with your film opening (visit dafontcom for fonts and
inspiration)
Inter textual references Studentrsquos ideas need to be explained
1) Reasons for choice of ideas
2) Source of ideas with explicit or implicit references to thrillers you have researched This
could be through location costume character action shot type soundtrack
Important Identify the type of thriller being planned Example A psychological thriller like
ldquoSixth Senserdquo gangster thriller Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels Essex Boys Mafia thriller
The Godfather comic thriller Snatch or incorporating elements of a futuristicaction thriller Blade
Runner The Matrix film noir thriller such as LA Confidential Jackie Brown Memento
8
CONSTRUCTION The Shoot
DEADLINE Week beginning 18 January 2016
Equipment Lending Policy (cameras) To borrow a school camera or other school equipment students MUST BOOK AT
LEAST ONE DAY IN ADVANCE Cameras and tripods are booked through and collected from the
Technical Support Office Responsibility with borrowed equipment Students must check the camera in
every two days even if more time is needed for the shoot Students who flout these rules will be denied access
to school equipment on future occasions Students will be charged for any equipment which is damaged or
lost
SD Card You will need to put a deposit down (pound750) for an SD card for camera in CNS Finance Office You
can then save all of your video work to this SD card
Students must inform course work tutor prior to going out on location to shoot their films
Equipment available includes camcorders stills cameras tripods various microphones and torch lighting
If you return equipment late you will lose ONE
mark per day per person from your final
coursework grade
Using time effectively Students will be given
media lesson time to shoot and edit their films
During the shoot and edit students can only use
the lessons for construction run by tutors teaching
course work No other media or other subject
lessons are allowed for the shoot and edit
Students will also be expected to shoot during
free periods and after school
Guidelines for shooting film School cameras
only Shooting the action Students are strongly advised to
o Take multiple shots of the same action so the most effective shots can be selected for the
final cut
o Hold your shots do not take a few seconds of film because this makes editing very difficult
It is easier to cut footage than to add it
o Remember you can use 2 cameras to improve camera angles amp positioning
o Hold shots steady where appropriate
o Frame shots carefully including and excluding elements as appropriate
o Shoot material that is appropriate to an opening to a thriller film
o Use a variety of shot distances appropriately
o Carefully select mise-en-scene thinking about colour figure lighting positioning of objects
and setting
Camera angles Students are advised to use an appropriate variety of camera angles and movement
in order to add to the appeal of the film Take important shots from different angles then you can
select the most suitablestylish during the edit
Close up shots Students are often reluctant to use close ups but these shot types are most effective
in drawing your audience into the action Think close ups and angles
Lighting Some student productions are too dark and are thus unreadable Though you may wish to
achieve noir lighting effect make sure the action is decipherable professional directors use non
ambient lighting to achieve noir or chiaroscuro effects Therefore make sure that your action is well
lit when looking at the rushesraw footage and the lighting is too dark then students must re shoot
the clip
Revisions to original ideas If students shoot action which is different from the original planning
(story boards character etc) any revisions can be briefly redrafted and explained on the blog
Raw Footage Students should have at least 9-10 minutes of raw footage to allow for cutting during
the edit
Do not put health and safety at risk do not use pretend weapons in public
ldquoTo Have and Have Notrdquo 1944
9
CONSTRUCTION The Edit DEADLINE Week beginning 22 February 2016
Always check with course work tutors that your allotted computer is available
Each group is allotted a computer for the edit
ALWAYS USE THE SAME COMPUTER
Downloading raw footage Once the shoot is
complete you need to remove the SD card and
return the camera to the Library Then use an
SD card reader (your teacher has these) to
download to your grouprsquos folder (eg
EYear12BThrillerfootage) Download the
video footage into your folder on your
allocated computer Keep the footage backed
up on your SD card just in case something
goes wrong Or on a memory stick
It is wise to download no more than about 8-
10 minutes of your best footage which then
has to be edited to approximately 2 minutes of
film Further technical information on editing will be given to you on a separate sheet
Selecting what shots to keep Once students have raw footage make an editing list of what
shots you want to keep and where in the narrative your selected shots are appropriate
Soundtrack When students have chosen the sound track it must be down loaded and saved on
your computer
Do not erase diegeticwild sound when editing The most effectiveconvincing productions
include a mixture of diegetic and non diegetic sound
Using post production time effectively Editing can be done in course tutor media studies
lessons during free periods and after school
Edit so that meaning is apparent to the viewer
Use varied shot transitions and any other effects selectively and
appropriately for example jump cuts cross dissolve fade to black
slow motion alteration of colour
Titles Need to be planned carefully using the website
wwwdafontcom Students need to research titles systematically
and post this element of research onto their blogs
Editing must be completed in school Students who want to use
their own editing software on a laptop must bring their laptop into
school and edit under the supervision of their course tutor
Film title also needs to be researched and link to the action
theme or characters
Eyes without a Face (1960)
Alfred Hitchcock
10
RESEARCH INTO THE THRILLER GENRE
Task 1 Independent Research Definitions of aspects of the thriller genre should be
included on your Blog for example the definition of
Noir thrillers
Double Indemnity 1944 The Night of the Hunter 1955 Brighton Rock 1947 Mildred Pierce 1945
Definition of a femme fatale
Femme Fatale (classic period 1940rsquo1950rsquos) Traditional representations of deviant woman who is
subdued by domesticity marriage punishedexiled or killed off
Gilda 1946 Lauren Bacall ldquoTo Have and Have Notrdquo Barbara Stanwyck Janet Leigh as Marion 1944 ldquo Double Indemnityrdquo 1944 Crane ldquoPsychordquo 1960
Contemporary representations of strong women in thrillers (who are flaweddeviantheroic) These characters mirror
more progressive attitudes to women who are independent and prepared to fight back and survive
Jackie Brown The Bridge (DenamrkSweden) Trinity ldquoThe Matrixrdquo Lisbeth Salender ldquoThe Girl With the
1997 2011 1999 Dragon Tattoordquo 2009
Thelma amp Louise 1991 Mia ldquoPulp Fictionrdquo Nicole Kidman ldquoTo Die Forrdquo Alex Drake ldquoAshes to Ashesrdquo
1994 1995 2008-2009
11
The flawedambiguous anti-hero
ldquoChinatown ldquo 1974 Once Upon a Time in Americardquo ldquo Double Indemnity ldquo ldquoLife on Marsrdquo Gene
Jack Nicholson as J Gittes Robert De Niro as Noodles Fred McMurray as Walter Neff Hunt amp Sam Tyler 1984 1944 2006-2007
Villains with charm
Harry Lime ldquoThe Third Manrdquo Leon in ldquoLeonrdquo 1994 Brad Pitt as Jesse James in ldquoThe Assassination
of Jessie James by the Coward Robert Fordrdquo
Generic locations amp Lighting Design
12
RESEARCH INTO THE THRILLER GENRE continued
Task 2
All students are expected to construct a minimum of 5 case studies consisting of annotated notes
and graphics
All students are expected to engage in independent research into thriller films
1 Film clips viewed in class
2 Independent research into the thriller genre focusing on analysing how directors utilise the
conventions of the thriller genre
3 For those who which to strengthen research you could include in one of your case studies how
representation is constructed in one of your case studies ie sexuality age culturalregional
identity region disability
Specific aspects of mise-en-scene (characters costumes make up props objects locations
colour saturation lighting (diegetic non diegetic chiaroscuro) purpose of intertextual
references to similar filmsTV dramas and narrative structure (narrative structure linear circular
flash back complex with loops between past and present or sequences seen from the point of view
of more than one character Explain how the narrative structure strengthens or weakens the appeal
of the film)
Camera shots angles movement and composition (connotes significance of character or
object or place)
Editing (sets pace and can heighten suspense or fear)
Sound (heightens mood can connote aspects of character adds to sense of drama)
The Third Man 1946 Heavenly Creatures 1994 Essex Boys 2000
Tarantinorsquos anti Nazi thriller ldquoInglourious Basterdsrdquo 2009 Casino Royale 2006
13
Task 3) Extended Task A case study presented on either power point video diary audio discussion or other electronic form to
include imbedded images and moving footage This task will improve your coursework mark
All points must be supported by written or visual references to research
Suggested topics ( students may come up with their own ideas)
The representation of women in British or Hollywood or World Cinema Thrillers (Think about
comparing the deviant female character with a blameless or brave female character)
The appeal of the femme fatale in the thriller genre
How location and lighting in thrillers reflects the characterrsquos emotional landscape Or ndash How
location lighting and colour add to the element of suspense (or fear) in the thriller genre
How directors use claustrophobic spaces to increase menace in thriller films
How costume suggests character and genre
The representation of the hero (or anti hero) in the thriller genre
The representation of the villain in the thriller genre (Think about whether the villain is
stereotyped for example from an ethnic minority or disfigured or very old or a teenager or a
deviant woman thus reinforcing negative stereotypes about particular social groups)
A comparison of Jackie Brown and Melanie in Tarantinorsquos ldquoJackie Brownrdquo or A comparison of
Mia (Pulp Fiction) and Jackie Brown (Jackie Brown) (Think about Jackie as the assertive middle
aged street wise black independent woman who subverts stereotypes contrasting with the white
dependent and passive woman who whose existence is dependent on her rich husband
Remember both women are deviant but in different ways Which is the most appealing to
audiences and why You could do some independent research here)
The appeal of the thriller genre ndash focusing on audience research
How racial minorities are represented in thriller films (think about the tendency to represent
black males as deviantlow life)
The representation of children in thriller films (Think about films such as ldquoLeonrdquo ldquoTaxi
Driverrdquo ldquoWitnessrdquo ldquoSixth Senserdquo)
Taxi Driver 1976 Leonrdquo Luc Bresson 1994 Witnessrdquo Peter Weir 1985
Spiral Laura Berthaud (2005-2014) France Sarah Lund The Killing(2012)Denmark Wallender (Sweden) 2005-2013)
14
How to improve your analysis Structure your writing with an introduction and then a different paragraph on each technical aspect concept idea All points must be supported by detailed references to research Point evidence explain
Analysis of the sewer scene from The Third Man
The sense of claustrophobia created by the sewer
setting with the low ceiling and the cold concrete brick
walls seeks to enhance the audiencersquos sense of tension
and impending doom there is an anxiety and
discomfort brought on by the setting The setting
provides a visual metaphor for the world closing in on
Harry Lime This is exemplified in the shots of Harry
running down the tunnels of the sewer towards the light
(fig 1) the image connotes Harryrsquos attempt to escape
to find lsquothe light at the end of the tunnel but this his
escape is at once enclosed within the confines of the cold
sewer The characterrsquos movement from left to right as he
runs leads the audiencersquos eye towards the right and into
the distance Furthermore the composition (using the rule of thirds with the sewer wall
firmly on the right) leads our eye in this direction encouraging the reader to search for
Harry just as the characters are doing You should seek to examine the films in terms of Codesforms amp Conventions of the thriller genre What conventions does the film use Analyse the effects of cinematography mise-en-scene editing and sound Examine the narrative the genre and intertextuality Ensure you comment on the connotations and effects Higher marks are awarded to students who explain the purpose and effect of elements of mise-en-scene
Annotated notes and drawingsdiagrams are evidence of understanding technical aspects of mise-en-scene (film language) to include purpose and effect of the following camera angles and movement lighting sound (diegetic and non-diegetic) soundtrack special effectsCGIrsquos) location character types costume make-up props objects
Genre Notes on how genre is utilised
Inter-textual references to other thriller films and if appropriate references to aspects of mise-en-scene from appropriate crimecopspy thriller television programmes Students need to explain the purpose of these references
Narrative structure linear circular flash back complex with loops between past and present or sequences seen from the point of view of more than one character Explain how the narrative structure strengthens or weakens the appeal of the film
Representation Identify any issues regarding representation of particular social groups (women ethnic minorities social class disability age) cultures ideology (what messages and values are being communicated by the film) use of stereotypes or subversion of stereotypes Again discussion of purpose and effect very important Language and Terminology To Use
Mise-en-scene Lighting (key fill backlight ambient naturalistic artificial low key chiaroscuro) colour location setting set design props costume make-up
Sound diegetic non-diegetic Dialogue Voiceover Ambient sound Soundtrack
Editing Pace Juxtaposition Cross cutting Transitions (fade cut wipes) long short take
Camera work cinematography Low angle High angle Eye LevelTilt Canted angle ECU CU MS LS POV Two shot Pan Track Tilt Dolly Crane Steadicam Handheld Zoom
Composition Framing Rule of thirds Use of diagonals Deep and shallow focus Representation ideology dominant subordinate reinforce perpetuate subvert challenge Narrative linear non-linear parallel interweaving circular flashback flashforward equilibrium disequilibrium binary opposition engima
Intertextuality Explicit or implicit references to other texts
Setting and Fig 1 Harry
running in sewer tunnel
15
What should your research blog entries look like
Here are some successful screenshots of research by past students Notice how theyrsquove
embedded video images and annotations
Work by Amy Nolan httpamynolanmediablogspotcom Tom Kail httptkailblogspotcom Helen Blyth httphelensthrillerishblogblogspotcom
EV
16
Evaluation
DEADLINE FOR FINAL SUBMISSION week beginning 21 March 2016
Assessment is on an individual basis and completed on your blog
It is important that engagement and enthusiasm are evident in your evaluation You need
to reference particular features of your film to illustrate your points Do not repeat a point
you have already made
You must use a variety of presentational techniques in your evaluation For example
text and image embedded videos screen shots from your own production power points
prezies audio or film interviews video diaries
You will be given power points during this period for extra support on structuring your
answers Questions
1 In what ways does your media product use develop or challenge forms and
conventions of real media products
This question asks how your research into specific thriller texts has informed your
production Think about generic costume location soundtrack camera angles character
types narrative structure lighting soundtrack plot title transitions You canrsquot discuss
all these but identify the most profound influences It is important that you include
appropriate screen shotsimages from researched filmsTV dramasextracts from crime
and so with screen shots from your film with explanation
This questions also relates to the conventions of the opening to a film for
example including titles soundtrack cliff hanger etc
Olivia Thomasrsquo Thriller ldquoEve Crawfordrdquo Mildred Pierce Velda kills her lover
Josh Moorersquos thriller ldquoDead Handrdquo ldquoReservoir Dogsrdquo (Quentin Tarantino
17
2 How does your media product represent particular social groups
You could begin by explaining how you have represented gender Think about
whether your male or female characters represent stereotypes generic archetypes
or contemporaryrealisticprogressive representations of gender Then move onto
explaining how you have represented ethnicity age disability or social class in as
traditional representations or representations that challenge stereotypes
Think about
Masculinity is it in crisis meaning is the male in your film emasculated dominated
by female heroic a villain or hero stereotype or yobbish stereotyped hoodie
Femininity Stereotype passive compliant female victim or deviant (bad and mad
which are misogynist representations including the femme fatale or manipulative
controlling women) Or is your representation of femininity authentic and
progressive
Sexual ambiguity is the gender of your characters androgynous
DOES YOUR FILM CHALLENGE GENDER STEREOTYPES
Representation of ethnicity
How is ethnicity represented Does your film focus on indigenous white British
ethnic groups who feed on themselves or prey upon themselves
How are ethnic minorities represented As victims As realistic That ethnicity of
the character is irrevant
Representation of statussocial class
Representation of those who live on the margins This is because one group has
made a film about a homeless man Only reference if relevant
Representation of upper class Only discuss if relevant to your film
Representation of youthagecontemporary Britain
Representation of young people What does your film communicate about what itrsquos
like for young people living in contemporary Britain
Think about how the sense of insecurity re living in austerity Britain where jobs are
difficult for young people to get jobs pay university fees find somewhere to live
Read if relevant to your film httpwwwbbccouknewsbusiness-16158913
ldquoYoung and Joblessrdquo
Think about how your film (like film noir in the 1949rsquos) is a product of a sense of
despair hopelessness and thus ldquoconveys dark feelings of disillusionment pessimism
and cynicismrdquo The Philosophy of Film Noir
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
18
Question 2 continued (examples of representations gender ethnicity and youth in studentsrsquo film
productions)
Death at No 52
Homeless
Deceit
Skate
19
3 What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and
why You must justify all choices
Consider which film distribution company is most likely to distribute your film Refer to
your work on the Film Industry exam unit Would your film suit the European independent
film market targeted by StudioCanal or the independent British market via FilmFour Or is it
more in the style of films distributed by a mainstream global distributor like Universal
Justify your ideas by referring to other films they have distributed Remember
StudioCanal and FilmFour distribute films but Working Title Warp are film production
companies This question asks about distribution but you can refer to production companies
to help explain your decisions
httpwwwindependentfilmcompanycom Independent
httpwarpfilmscom
Working Title httpswwwworkingtitlefilmscom
1 NBC Universal Which cinemas would be most likely to exhibit your film Would your film appeal more
to a mainstream audience of a multiplex cinema (eg Vue) or more to an art-house or
independent cinema audience (eg Cinema City) Justify your answer by reference to
other films that are exhibited at these cinemas Straight on to DVD is also a possibility if
your film would not target cinema audiences
How could digital technologies offer new distribution opportunities Consider YouTube
social network sites mp4 players games consoles Video-On-Demand services like
LoveFilm and Mubi
Would your status as a student film-maker offer opportunities for distribution
Consider first-film competitions and student film competitions
20
4 Who would be the audience for your media product
Students need to reference audience research and justify in detail why a particular
demographic would identify with specific aspects of your film
Explain the demographic of your potential target audience age gender ethnicity
lifestyle aspirations engagement with popular culture media interests
Think about what real thriller films or TV crimepolice dramas your potential
audience would watch
Students have the option of constructing a visual profile of their target audience with
either visual or written references to aspects of the way they consume popular
culture
21
5 How did you attractaddress your audience
Rave the opening of a thriller film by Chiony Harvey (2014)
httpchionehardymediablogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20Productions
It is also important that you can identify specifically strong elements of mise-en-scene
which have appeal For example any of the following
locations
Costumes or objects
lighting design
camera angles and movement
character types (do your characters subvert or challenge stereotypes)
actionsuspense
sound track diegetic and non diegetic sound ie a sound bridge
Inter-textual references
Editing effects
transitions
narrative structure
colour alternation
cliff hanger
enigma
A topical theme
Titles
Students may wish to reference any audience feedback during the editing process Students may include a filmed interview with a potential viewer
22
6 What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this
Product
It is advisable that you identify specific technologies and explain how they offered you creative
opportunities that revolutionisedenhanced transformed aspects of your research Think about
technologies that assisted you in your ability to
File coursework onto your blog using different forms of presentation creatively
Upload case studies including film clips and screen shots onto your blog
Research and plan your preliminary task and your opening to a new thriller film
Shoot and edit using credits sound and editing effects appropriately and creatively
Record these processes onto your blog CREATIVELY either through prezi power points
uploaded film clips or screen shots recording aspects of your work on video
Collaborate
Communicate
All points must reference specific examples
7 Looking back at your preliminary task what do you feel you have learnt in the
progression from it to the full product
Students need to consider how their preliminary task introduced technical and conceptual
knowledge to embark on their thriller production
Think about the skills you used in your preliminary task and how they became more
sophisticated when researching and constructing your thriller Ideas to consider
The 180 degree rule match on action shot reverse shot Explain how you developed these
skills in your thriller to include using titles and sound
Experimenting with lighting and camera angles and movement
Working within the blueprint of generic conventions for the main task (your thriller film)
Working to a specific brief and to a specific deadline and reinforcing generic conventions
Evaluating audience feedback
Prime Evil (Stuart McCrum)
httpstuartmccrumblogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20productions
23
ldquoThe Birdsrdquo Alfred Hitchcock Kill Bill Volume 2 Quentin Tarantino
Health Warning
Course tutors will be monitoring all written and practical components
Students are marked individually for written work
Any student not contributing adequately to planning shooting and editing their
production will have marks deducted Irregular attendance will also be
penalised in the assessment process
If students encounter problems with deadlines they must seek tutor support
immediately
If there are problems within a group please seek tutor advice without delay so
that problems can be quickly solved These matters can be discussed with a
media tutor in confidence
Remember your coursework makes up 50 of your marks for AS media studies
Robert DeNiro in Scorcesersquos ldquo King of Comedyrdquo (1983) Clint Eastwood in ldquoThe Gran Torinordquo 2007
24
Advisable working structure for course work
2015 Lesson time Homework free periods
September to
6 October
Continuity task Practising camera
shots and movement storyboarding
shooting and editing Continuity
Task
Commencing coursework on blogs
Posting all elements of planning
under label ldquoContinuity Taskrdquo to
include camera shots amp angles
Embed moving image clips from
research into match on action shot
reverse shot and the 180 degree
rule
Short Evaluation
October ndash November Analysis of thriller films in class
Collaborative planning of
thriller film
Tutor monitoring of individual
student progress
Independent research into
thriller films through case
studies
Planning film (individual
storyboards etc) all to be
posted on student blogs
November ndash December Shooting thriller film
Commence editing thriller film
Tutor monitoring and support of
individual students and group
work during production process
Independently researching
thriller films and TV
crimethriller dramas
Shooting thriller film in lesson
and own time
Editing film in lessons free
periods and own time
2016
January ndash February
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production process
addressing 7 specific questions
set out by OCR Examination
Board
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production
process as a ldquodirectorrsquos
commentaryrdquo -addressing 7
specific questions set out by
OCR Examination Board
Revising research elements
(into the thriller genre) in
response to tutor advice
24 March 2016
final deadline for
uploading any
coursework onto blogs
Completing Evaluation
Completing all elements of blog
Working on revising
Evaluation
Completing all elements of
blog in preparation for
internal moderation process
25
YEAR 12 DEADLINES FOR ALL ELEMENTS OF COURSEWORK
AUTUMN TERM 2015 Week beginning
Details of work
14 September 2015 Submission of summer task to blogs
5 October 2015
Complete planning shooting editing and evaluation of preliminary task
16 November 2015
All elements of planning opening to thriller film are in place for shoot to go ahead
SPRING TERM 2016 Week beginning
18 January 2016
Completing the shooting of thriller film
February Half Term February 2015
Week beginning 22 February 2014
Completing the edit of new thriller film (maximum 2 minutes) to include sound and titles
Monday 21 March 2016 Evaluation Final draft of response to 7 compulsory questions set by OCR posted onto blog
Thursday 24 March 2016
All practical and written elements of coursework completed
Administrative details checked ready for submission of all coursework for internal and external moderation
No further blog entries for Unit G321
The 65+ thriller films and television crimepolice dramas referenced in this booklet are suitable choices for case studies Elements of camera angles lighting costume location amp soundtrack offer inspiration for planning your film
5
IMPORTANT ADVICE for MAIN TASK Opening to a new thriller film
Keep to deadlines if there are problems inform course tutors immediately Persistent
problems with meeting deadlines can result in students being encouraged to leave the course
Parents and the Sixth Form Management Team are informed if students do not keep up with
their work
Marks are deducted pro rata if students consistently let down their group during the planning
shooting and editing process Marks are awarded not only for quality but also individual
commitment to the project
Research and planning is individually marked Though specific planning may be result of
group decisions nevertheless ALL students must post all elements of planning onto their
blogs
Avoid chopping and changing ideas
Keep ideas simple plausible and possible
Avoid over ambitious far- fetched complicated plots and reliance on dialogue Particularly
avoid plots which represent characters and action which are unfamiliar to you The most
successful productions are those which communicate suspense with specific camera angles
appropriate lighting and integrated diegetic and non diegetic sound
It is strongly advisable to begin editing raw footage even before a shoot is complete
Remember you are shooting the OPENING to a thriller film thus you will want to hook
the audience you are NOT shooting a whole story
THE SOUND TRACK
The musical soundtrack is a vital part of the production it sets the
atmosphere and may connote aspects of a particular character and place Once the narrative is
storyboarded and all elements of mise-en-scene are planned (characters locations and
costumes etc) begin looking for appropriate music for soundtrack
It is an OCR requirement that any soundtrack must be copyright free It must therefore be
over 50 years old or released under a Creative Commons licence So research is a timely
business
Useful websites include mobygratiscom ccmixterorg and freesoundorg (for sound effects)
All require free accounts Students can also use jazz classical music or any popular music
written before 1961
Students may compose their own soundtrack
Students who use music from unsigned artists must email artists and ask permission
CREDITS AND TITLES
The website wwwdafontcom is a useful source for designing appropriate titles and credits
Students need to research various fonts used in the title sequences of real productions
THE SHOOT
You may find that shooting some sequences with two cameras positioned at different angles
will help you achieve an interesting variety of shot movements and angles
The media department has two digital SLR cameras These are only for
students who want to play with depth of field focus etc If you want to
borrow one please see Mr Rootham
6
DEFINITION OF A THRILLER FILM 1940rsquos thrillers usually low budget thus modest locations focus on lighting script soundtrack camera angles and
movement performances and edit
Thriller and Suspense Films The primary moods of classic film noir were
melancholy alienation bleakness disillusionment disenchantment pessimism ambiguity moral corruption evil guilt desperation and paranoia
Noir Thrillers are types of films known to promote intense excitement suspense a high level of anticipation
ultra-heightened expectation uncertainty anxiety and nerve-wracking tension menacedanger If the genre
is to be defined strictly a genuine thriller is a film that relentlessly pursues a single-minded goal ndash to provide
thrills and keep the audience cliff-hanging at the lsquoedge of their seatsrsquo as the plot builds towards a climax
The tension usually arises when the main character(s) is placed in a menacing situation or mystery or an escape or dangerous mission from which escape seems impossible Life itself is threatened usually because the principal character is unsuspecting or unknowingly involved in a dangerous or potentially deadly situation Plots of thrillers involve characters which come into conflict with each other or with outside forces ndash the menace is sometimes abstract or shadowy
Generic Characters in Thriller films Characters in thrillers include convicts criminals stalkers assassins down-on-their-luck losers innocent victims (often on the run) prison inmates menaced women characters with dark pasts psychotic individuals terrorists cops and escaped cons hit menwomen fugitives private eyes drifters duplicitous individuals people involved in twisted relationships world-weary men and women femme fatales (dangerous and or deviant women) psycho-fiends drug addicts and more The themes of thrillers frequently include greed envy jealousy terrorism political conspiracy pursuit or romantic triangles leading to murder
Generic locations in Thriller films Dimly lit often wet narrow urban streets or alleyways lifts staircases basements large featureless exteriors (reflecting moral vacuum of central characters No Country for Old Men) shower cubicles toilets phone booths bank safes interior of cars top of a skyscraper shores with tide coming in or muddy river bankscanals scrap yards derelict factories tunnels and many more
The purpose of a thriller is to put their (audiencesrsquo) toe in the cold water of fear to see what itrsquos likerdquo Alfred Hitchcock
1) Dance With a StrangerHit men Vince and Jules (Pulp Fiction Tarantino 1994) 2) Post war racketeer Harry Lime trapped in the Viennese sewers (The Third Man Carol Reed 1949) 3) Gilda classic femme fatale (Gilda Charles Vidor (1946)
1 2 3 4
7
PLANNING Main Task Opening to a thriller feature film
Planning (so that shoot can go ahead) deadline week beginning 16 Nov 2015 Note planning must be agreed as fit for purpose before shoot starts Please note that understanding aspects of the thriller genre and individual research into thriller films should be
reflected in all aspects of planning Each studentrsquos blog should include the following
Construct initial concepts of how you want the film to look Placing images of character
types locations costumes props objects are a useful way in This can be done on a large sheet
of sugar paper or on a power pointslide show on your blog
A brief synopsis of the plot No more than 100 words
Story boards that are readable and contain image colour camera positionsshot types any
dialogue and soundtrack
Planning edit For higher marks students should include details of transitions from one shot to
the other so that editing is planned For example jump cut tohellip or fade to blackhellip or cross
dissolve etc
Locations Annotated photographssketches of locations are important Decisions need to be
justified and relate to genre conventions if students challenge the thriller generic blue print then
they need to explain this
Costumes props and objects All ideas illustrated with examples from research from real
thriller filmsTV dramas
Characters Brief details of characterrsquos backstories Characters can have names that may give
a clue to their personalities or their fate For example Jo Dacre (surname indicating darkness)
also referencing William Blakes ldquoChimney Sweeper Song ldquoTherersquos little John Dacre who criedhelliprdquo
Casting of characters ndash brief explanations of casting decisions Some student hold auditions
for roles and include pics or notes related to auditions Avoid casting 6th formers who are
meant to be hardened gangsters otherwise the film will be unconvincing Casting should
be discussed with course tutors KEEP CAST DOWN TO A MINIMUM OF 2 OR 3
CHARACTERS A larger cast leads to complications when arranging shooting your film
Soundtrack Ideas for soundtrack which must be evaluated Explain purpose of final choice
and likely influence on atmosphere and style within mise-en-scene Students can upload ideas
for soundtrack onto their blogs
Shooting schedule and Equipment Organisation of time (dates when going to shoot) to
include locations names of actors required equipment required (camera tripods lights
microphones)
Evidence of the individual contribution to the planning and individual responsibilities during
the shoot and edit
Typeface ndash Ideas proposals for the font you will use Pick a font that is appropriate to your
subgenre and creates connotations that fit with your film opening (visit dafontcom for fonts and
inspiration)
Inter textual references Studentrsquos ideas need to be explained
1) Reasons for choice of ideas
2) Source of ideas with explicit or implicit references to thrillers you have researched This
could be through location costume character action shot type soundtrack
Important Identify the type of thriller being planned Example A psychological thriller like
ldquoSixth Senserdquo gangster thriller Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels Essex Boys Mafia thriller
The Godfather comic thriller Snatch or incorporating elements of a futuristicaction thriller Blade
Runner The Matrix film noir thriller such as LA Confidential Jackie Brown Memento
8
CONSTRUCTION The Shoot
DEADLINE Week beginning 18 January 2016
Equipment Lending Policy (cameras) To borrow a school camera or other school equipment students MUST BOOK AT
LEAST ONE DAY IN ADVANCE Cameras and tripods are booked through and collected from the
Technical Support Office Responsibility with borrowed equipment Students must check the camera in
every two days even if more time is needed for the shoot Students who flout these rules will be denied access
to school equipment on future occasions Students will be charged for any equipment which is damaged or
lost
SD Card You will need to put a deposit down (pound750) for an SD card for camera in CNS Finance Office You
can then save all of your video work to this SD card
Students must inform course work tutor prior to going out on location to shoot their films
Equipment available includes camcorders stills cameras tripods various microphones and torch lighting
If you return equipment late you will lose ONE
mark per day per person from your final
coursework grade
Using time effectively Students will be given
media lesson time to shoot and edit their films
During the shoot and edit students can only use
the lessons for construction run by tutors teaching
course work No other media or other subject
lessons are allowed for the shoot and edit
Students will also be expected to shoot during
free periods and after school
Guidelines for shooting film School cameras
only Shooting the action Students are strongly advised to
o Take multiple shots of the same action so the most effective shots can be selected for the
final cut
o Hold your shots do not take a few seconds of film because this makes editing very difficult
It is easier to cut footage than to add it
o Remember you can use 2 cameras to improve camera angles amp positioning
o Hold shots steady where appropriate
o Frame shots carefully including and excluding elements as appropriate
o Shoot material that is appropriate to an opening to a thriller film
o Use a variety of shot distances appropriately
o Carefully select mise-en-scene thinking about colour figure lighting positioning of objects
and setting
Camera angles Students are advised to use an appropriate variety of camera angles and movement
in order to add to the appeal of the film Take important shots from different angles then you can
select the most suitablestylish during the edit
Close up shots Students are often reluctant to use close ups but these shot types are most effective
in drawing your audience into the action Think close ups and angles
Lighting Some student productions are too dark and are thus unreadable Though you may wish to
achieve noir lighting effect make sure the action is decipherable professional directors use non
ambient lighting to achieve noir or chiaroscuro effects Therefore make sure that your action is well
lit when looking at the rushesraw footage and the lighting is too dark then students must re shoot
the clip
Revisions to original ideas If students shoot action which is different from the original planning
(story boards character etc) any revisions can be briefly redrafted and explained on the blog
Raw Footage Students should have at least 9-10 minutes of raw footage to allow for cutting during
the edit
Do not put health and safety at risk do not use pretend weapons in public
ldquoTo Have and Have Notrdquo 1944
9
CONSTRUCTION The Edit DEADLINE Week beginning 22 February 2016
Always check with course work tutors that your allotted computer is available
Each group is allotted a computer for the edit
ALWAYS USE THE SAME COMPUTER
Downloading raw footage Once the shoot is
complete you need to remove the SD card and
return the camera to the Library Then use an
SD card reader (your teacher has these) to
download to your grouprsquos folder (eg
EYear12BThrillerfootage) Download the
video footage into your folder on your
allocated computer Keep the footage backed
up on your SD card just in case something
goes wrong Or on a memory stick
It is wise to download no more than about 8-
10 minutes of your best footage which then
has to be edited to approximately 2 minutes of
film Further technical information on editing will be given to you on a separate sheet
Selecting what shots to keep Once students have raw footage make an editing list of what
shots you want to keep and where in the narrative your selected shots are appropriate
Soundtrack When students have chosen the sound track it must be down loaded and saved on
your computer
Do not erase diegeticwild sound when editing The most effectiveconvincing productions
include a mixture of diegetic and non diegetic sound
Using post production time effectively Editing can be done in course tutor media studies
lessons during free periods and after school
Edit so that meaning is apparent to the viewer
Use varied shot transitions and any other effects selectively and
appropriately for example jump cuts cross dissolve fade to black
slow motion alteration of colour
Titles Need to be planned carefully using the website
wwwdafontcom Students need to research titles systematically
and post this element of research onto their blogs
Editing must be completed in school Students who want to use
their own editing software on a laptop must bring their laptop into
school and edit under the supervision of their course tutor
Film title also needs to be researched and link to the action
theme or characters
Eyes without a Face (1960)
Alfred Hitchcock
10
RESEARCH INTO THE THRILLER GENRE
Task 1 Independent Research Definitions of aspects of the thriller genre should be
included on your Blog for example the definition of
Noir thrillers
Double Indemnity 1944 The Night of the Hunter 1955 Brighton Rock 1947 Mildred Pierce 1945
Definition of a femme fatale
Femme Fatale (classic period 1940rsquo1950rsquos) Traditional representations of deviant woman who is
subdued by domesticity marriage punishedexiled or killed off
Gilda 1946 Lauren Bacall ldquoTo Have and Have Notrdquo Barbara Stanwyck Janet Leigh as Marion 1944 ldquo Double Indemnityrdquo 1944 Crane ldquoPsychordquo 1960
Contemporary representations of strong women in thrillers (who are flaweddeviantheroic) These characters mirror
more progressive attitudes to women who are independent and prepared to fight back and survive
Jackie Brown The Bridge (DenamrkSweden) Trinity ldquoThe Matrixrdquo Lisbeth Salender ldquoThe Girl With the
1997 2011 1999 Dragon Tattoordquo 2009
Thelma amp Louise 1991 Mia ldquoPulp Fictionrdquo Nicole Kidman ldquoTo Die Forrdquo Alex Drake ldquoAshes to Ashesrdquo
1994 1995 2008-2009
11
The flawedambiguous anti-hero
ldquoChinatown ldquo 1974 Once Upon a Time in Americardquo ldquo Double Indemnity ldquo ldquoLife on Marsrdquo Gene
Jack Nicholson as J Gittes Robert De Niro as Noodles Fred McMurray as Walter Neff Hunt amp Sam Tyler 1984 1944 2006-2007
Villains with charm
Harry Lime ldquoThe Third Manrdquo Leon in ldquoLeonrdquo 1994 Brad Pitt as Jesse James in ldquoThe Assassination
of Jessie James by the Coward Robert Fordrdquo
Generic locations amp Lighting Design
12
RESEARCH INTO THE THRILLER GENRE continued
Task 2
All students are expected to construct a minimum of 5 case studies consisting of annotated notes
and graphics
All students are expected to engage in independent research into thriller films
1 Film clips viewed in class
2 Independent research into the thriller genre focusing on analysing how directors utilise the
conventions of the thriller genre
3 For those who which to strengthen research you could include in one of your case studies how
representation is constructed in one of your case studies ie sexuality age culturalregional
identity region disability
Specific aspects of mise-en-scene (characters costumes make up props objects locations
colour saturation lighting (diegetic non diegetic chiaroscuro) purpose of intertextual
references to similar filmsTV dramas and narrative structure (narrative structure linear circular
flash back complex with loops between past and present or sequences seen from the point of view
of more than one character Explain how the narrative structure strengthens or weakens the appeal
of the film)
Camera shots angles movement and composition (connotes significance of character or
object or place)
Editing (sets pace and can heighten suspense or fear)
Sound (heightens mood can connote aspects of character adds to sense of drama)
The Third Man 1946 Heavenly Creatures 1994 Essex Boys 2000
Tarantinorsquos anti Nazi thriller ldquoInglourious Basterdsrdquo 2009 Casino Royale 2006
13
Task 3) Extended Task A case study presented on either power point video diary audio discussion or other electronic form to
include imbedded images and moving footage This task will improve your coursework mark
All points must be supported by written or visual references to research
Suggested topics ( students may come up with their own ideas)
The representation of women in British or Hollywood or World Cinema Thrillers (Think about
comparing the deviant female character with a blameless or brave female character)
The appeal of the femme fatale in the thriller genre
How location and lighting in thrillers reflects the characterrsquos emotional landscape Or ndash How
location lighting and colour add to the element of suspense (or fear) in the thriller genre
How directors use claustrophobic spaces to increase menace in thriller films
How costume suggests character and genre
The representation of the hero (or anti hero) in the thriller genre
The representation of the villain in the thriller genre (Think about whether the villain is
stereotyped for example from an ethnic minority or disfigured or very old or a teenager or a
deviant woman thus reinforcing negative stereotypes about particular social groups)
A comparison of Jackie Brown and Melanie in Tarantinorsquos ldquoJackie Brownrdquo or A comparison of
Mia (Pulp Fiction) and Jackie Brown (Jackie Brown) (Think about Jackie as the assertive middle
aged street wise black independent woman who subverts stereotypes contrasting with the white
dependent and passive woman who whose existence is dependent on her rich husband
Remember both women are deviant but in different ways Which is the most appealing to
audiences and why You could do some independent research here)
The appeal of the thriller genre ndash focusing on audience research
How racial minorities are represented in thriller films (think about the tendency to represent
black males as deviantlow life)
The representation of children in thriller films (Think about films such as ldquoLeonrdquo ldquoTaxi
Driverrdquo ldquoWitnessrdquo ldquoSixth Senserdquo)
Taxi Driver 1976 Leonrdquo Luc Bresson 1994 Witnessrdquo Peter Weir 1985
Spiral Laura Berthaud (2005-2014) France Sarah Lund The Killing(2012)Denmark Wallender (Sweden) 2005-2013)
14
How to improve your analysis Structure your writing with an introduction and then a different paragraph on each technical aspect concept idea All points must be supported by detailed references to research Point evidence explain
Analysis of the sewer scene from The Third Man
The sense of claustrophobia created by the sewer
setting with the low ceiling and the cold concrete brick
walls seeks to enhance the audiencersquos sense of tension
and impending doom there is an anxiety and
discomfort brought on by the setting The setting
provides a visual metaphor for the world closing in on
Harry Lime This is exemplified in the shots of Harry
running down the tunnels of the sewer towards the light
(fig 1) the image connotes Harryrsquos attempt to escape
to find lsquothe light at the end of the tunnel but this his
escape is at once enclosed within the confines of the cold
sewer The characterrsquos movement from left to right as he
runs leads the audiencersquos eye towards the right and into
the distance Furthermore the composition (using the rule of thirds with the sewer wall
firmly on the right) leads our eye in this direction encouraging the reader to search for
Harry just as the characters are doing You should seek to examine the films in terms of Codesforms amp Conventions of the thriller genre What conventions does the film use Analyse the effects of cinematography mise-en-scene editing and sound Examine the narrative the genre and intertextuality Ensure you comment on the connotations and effects Higher marks are awarded to students who explain the purpose and effect of elements of mise-en-scene
Annotated notes and drawingsdiagrams are evidence of understanding technical aspects of mise-en-scene (film language) to include purpose and effect of the following camera angles and movement lighting sound (diegetic and non-diegetic) soundtrack special effectsCGIrsquos) location character types costume make-up props objects
Genre Notes on how genre is utilised
Inter-textual references to other thriller films and if appropriate references to aspects of mise-en-scene from appropriate crimecopspy thriller television programmes Students need to explain the purpose of these references
Narrative structure linear circular flash back complex with loops between past and present or sequences seen from the point of view of more than one character Explain how the narrative structure strengthens or weakens the appeal of the film
Representation Identify any issues regarding representation of particular social groups (women ethnic minorities social class disability age) cultures ideology (what messages and values are being communicated by the film) use of stereotypes or subversion of stereotypes Again discussion of purpose and effect very important Language and Terminology To Use
Mise-en-scene Lighting (key fill backlight ambient naturalistic artificial low key chiaroscuro) colour location setting set design props costume make-up
Sound diegetic non-diegetic Dialogue Voiceover Ambient sound Soundtrack
Editing Pace Juxtaposition Cross cutting Transitions (fade cut wipes) long short take
Camera work cinematography Low angle High angle Eye LevelTilt Canted angle ECU CU MS LS POV Two shot Pan Track Tilt Dolly Crane Steadicam Handheld Zoom
Composition Framing Rule of thirds Use of diagonals Deep and shallow focus Representation ideology dominant subordinate reinforce perpetuate subvert challenge Narrative linear non-linear parallel interweaving circular flashback flashforward equilibrium disequilibrium binary opposition engima
Intertextuality Explicit or implicit references to other texts
Setting and Fig 1 Harry
running in sewer tunnel
15
What should your research blog entries look like
Here are some successful screenshots of research by past students Notice how theyrsquove
embedded video images and annotations
Work by Amy Nolan httpamynolanmediablogspotcom Tom Kail httptkailblogspotcom Helen Blyth httphelensthrillerishblogblogspotcom
EV
16
Evaluation
DEADLINE FOR FINAL SUBMISSION week beginning 21 March 2016
Assessment is on an individual basis and completed on your blog
It is important that engagement and enthusiasm are evident in your evaluation You need
to reference particular features of your film to illustrate your points Do not repeat a point
you have already made
You must use a variety of presentational techniques in your evaluation For example
text and image embedded videos screen shots from your own production power points
prezies audio or film interviews video diaries
You will be given power points during this period for extra support on structuring your
answers Questions
1 In what ways does your media product use develop or challenge forms and
conventions of real media products
This question asks how your research into specific thriller texts has informed your
production Think about generic costume location soundtrack camera angles character
types narrative structure lighting soundtrack plot title transitions You canrsquot discuss
all these but identify the most profound influences It is important that you include
appropriate screen shotsimages from researched filmsTV dramasextracts from crime
and so with screen shots from your film with explanation
This questions also relates to the conventions of the opening to a film for
example including titles soundtrack cliff hanger etc
Olivia Thomasrsquo Thriller ldquoEve Crawfordrdquo Mildred Pierce Velda kills her lover
Josh Moorersquos thriller ldquoDead Handrdquo ldquoReservoir Dogsrdquo (Quentin Tarantino
17
2 How does your media product represent particular social groups
You could begin by explaining how you have represented gender Think about
whether your male or female characters represent stereotypes generic archetypes
or contemporaryrealisticprogressive representations of gender Then move onto
explaining how you have represented ethnicity age disability or social class in as
traditional representations or representations that challenge stereotypes
Think about
Masculinity is it in crisis meaning is the male in your film emasculated dominated
by female heroic a villain or hero stereotype or yobbish stereotyped hoodie
Femininity Stereotype passive compliant female victim or deviant (bad and mad
which are misogynist representations including the femme fatale or manipulative
controlling women) Or is your representation of femininity authentic and
progressive
Sexual ambiguity is the gender of your characters androgynous
DOES YOUR FILM CHALLENGE GENDER STEREOTYPES
Representation of ethnicity
How is ethnicity represented Does your film focus on indigenous white British
ethnic groups who feed on themselves or prey upon themselves
How are ethnic minorities represented As victims As realistic That ethnicity of
the character is irrevant
Representation of statussocial class
Representation of those who live on the margins This is because one group has
made a film about a homeless man Only reference if relevant
Representation of upper class Only discuss if relevant to your film
Representation of youthagecontemporary Britain
Representation of young people What does your film communicate about what itrsquos
like for young people living in contemporary Britain
Think about how the sense of insecurity re living in austerity Britain where jobs are
difficult for young people to get jobs pay university fees find somewhere to live
Read if relevant to your film httpwwwbbccouknewsbusiness-16158913
ldquoYoung and Joblessrdquo
Think about how your film (like film noir in the 1949rsquos) is a product of a sense of
despair hopelessness and thus ldquoconveys dark feelings of disillusionment pessimism
and cynicismrdquo The Philosophy of Film Noir
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
18
Question 2 continued (examples of representations gender ethnicity and youth in studentsrsquo film
productions)
Death at No 52
Homeless
Deceit
Skate
19
3 What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and
why You must justify all choices
Consider which film distribution company is most likely to distribute your film Refer to
your work on the Film Industry exam unit Would your film suit the European independent
film market targeted by StudioCanal or the independent British market via FilmFour Or is it
more in the style of films distributed by a mainstream global distributor like Universal
Justify your ideas by referring to other films they have distributed Remember
StudioCanal and FilmFour distribute films but Working Title Warp are film production
companies This question asks about distribution but you can refer to production companies
to help explain your decisions
httpwwwindependentfilmcompanycom Independent
httpwarpfilmscom
Working Title httpswwwworkingtitlefilmscom
1 NBC Universal Which cinemas would be most likely to exhibit your film Would your film appeal more
to a mainstream audience of a multiplex cinema (eg Vue) or more to an art-house or
independent cinema audience (eg Cinema City) Justify your answer by reference to
other films that are exhibited at these cinemas Straight on to DVD is also a possibility if
your film would not target cinema audiences
How could digital technologies offer new distribution opportunities Consider YouTube
social network sites mp4 players games consoles Video-On-Demand services like
LoveFilm and Mubi
Would your status as a student film-maker offer opportunities for distribution
Consider first-film competitions and student film competitions
20
4 Who would be the audience for your media product
Students need to reference audience research and justify in detail why a particular
demographic would identify with specific aspects of your film
Explain the demographic of your potential target audience age gender ethnicity
lifestyle aspirations engagement with popular culture media interests
Think about what real thriller films or TV crimepolice dramas your potential
audience would watch
Students have the option of constructing a visual profile of their target audience with
either visual or written references to aspects of the way they consume popular
culture
21
5 How did you attractaddress your audience
Rave the opening of a thriller film by Chiony Harvey (2014)
httpchionehardymediablogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20Productions
It is also important that you can identify specifically strong elements of mise-en-scene
which have appeal For example any of the following
locations
Costumes or objects
lighting design
camera angles and movement
character types (do your characters subvert or challenge stereotypes)
actionsuspense
sound track diegetic and non diegetic sound ie a sound bridge
Inter-textual references
Editing effects
transitions
narrative structure
colour alternation
cliff hanger
enigma
A topical theme
Titles
Students may wish to reference any audience feedback during the editing process Students may include a filmed interview with a potential viewer
22
6 What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this
Product
It is advisable that you identify specific technologies and explain how they offered you creative
opportunities that revolutionisedenhanced transformed aspects of your research Think about
technologies that assisted you in your ability to
File coursework onto your blog using different forms of presentation creatively
Upload case studies including film clips and screen shots onto your blog
Research and plan your preliminary task and your opening to a new thriller film
Shoot and edit using credits sound and editing effects appropriately and creatively
Record these processes onto your blog CREATIVELY either through prezi power points
uploaded film clips or screen shots recording aspects of your work on video
Collaborate
Communicate
All points must reference specific examples
7 Looking back at your preliminary task what do you feel you have learnt in the
progression from it to the full product
Students need to consider how their preliminary task introduced technical and conceptual
knowledge to embark on their thriller production
Think about the skills you used in your preliminary task and how they became more
sophisticated when researching and constructing your thriller Ideas to consider
The 180 degree rule match on action shot reverse shot Explain how you developed these
skills in your thriller to include using titles and sound
Experimenting with lighting and camera angles and movement
Working within the blueprint of generic conventions for the main task (your thriller film)
Working to a specific brief and to a specific deadline and reinforcing generic conventions
Evaluating audience feedback
Prime Evil (Stuart McCrum)
httpstuartmccrumblogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20productions
23
ldquoThe Birdsrdquo Alfred Hitchcock Kill Bill Volume 2 Quentin Tarantino
Health Warning
Course tutors will be monitoring all written and practical components
Students are marked individually for written work
Any student not contributing adequately to planning shooting and editing their
production will have marks deducted Irregular attendance will also be
penalised in the assessment process
If students encounter problems with deadlines they must seek tutor support
immediately
If there are problems within a group please seek tutor advice without delay so
that problems can be quickly solved These matters can be discussed with a
media tutor in confidence
Remember your coursework makes up 50 of your marks for AS media studies
Robert DeNiro in Scorcesersquos ldquo King of Comedyrdquo (1983) Clint Eastwood in ldquoThe Gran Torinordquo 2007
24
Advisable working structure for course work
2015 Lesson time Homework free periods
September to
6 October
Continuity task Practising camera
shots and movement storyboarding
shooting and editing Continuity
Task
Commencing coursework on blogs
Posting all elements of planning
under label ldquoContinuity Taskrdquo to
include camera shots amp angles
Embed moving image clips from
research into match on action shot
reverse shot and the 180 degree
rule
Short Evaluation
October ndash November Analysis of thriller films in class
Collaborative planning of
thriller film
Tutor monitoring of individual
student progress
Independent research into
thriller films through case
studies
Planning film (individual
storyboards etc) all to be
posted on student blogs
November ndash December Shooting thriller film
Commence editing thriller film
Tutor monitoring and support of
individual students and group
work during production process
Independently researching
thriller films and TV
crimethriller dramas
Shooting thriller film in lesson
and own time
Editing film in lessons free
periods and own time
2016
January ndash February
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production process
addressing 7 specific questions
set out by OCR Examination
Board
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production
process as a ldquodirectorrsquos
commentaryrdquo -addressing 7
specific questions set out by
OCR Examination Board
Revising research elements
(into the thriller genre) in
response to tutor advice
24 March 2016
final deadline for
uploading any
coursework onto blogs
Completing Evaluation
Completing all elements of blog
Working on revising
Evaluation
Completing all elements of
blog in preparation for
internal moderation process
25
YEAR 12 DEADLINES FOR ALL ELEMENTS OF COURSEWORK
AUTUMN TERM 2015 Week beginning
Details of work
14 September 2015 Submission of summer task to blogs
5 October 2015
Complete planning shooting editing and evaluation of preliminary task
16 November 2015
All elements of planning opening to thriller film are in place for shoot to go ahead
SPRING TERM 2016 Week beginning
18 January 2016
Completing the shooting of thriller film
February Half Term February 2015
Week beginning 22 February 2014
Completing the edit of new thriller film (maximum 2 minutes) to include sound and titles
Monday 21 March 2016 Evaluation Final draft of response to 7 compulsory questions set by OCR posted onto blog
Thursday 24 March 2016
All practical and written elements of coursework completed
Administrative details checked ready for submission of all coursework for internal and external moderation
No further blog entries for Unit G321
The 65+ thriller films and television crimepolice dramas referenced in this booklet are suitable choices for case studies Elements of camera angles lighting costume location amp soundtrack offer inspiration for planning your film
6
DEFINITION OF A THRILLER FILM 1940rsquos thrillers usually low budget thus modest locations focus on lighting script soundtrack camera angles and
movement performances and edit
Thriller and Suspense Films The primary moods of classic film noir were
melancholy alienation bleakness disillusionment disenchantment pessimism ambiguity moral corruption evil guilt desperation and paranoia
Noir Thrillers are types of films known to promote intense excitement suspense a high level of anticipation
ultra-heightened expectation uncertainty anxiety and nerve-wracking tension menacedanger If the genre
is to be defined strictly a genuine thriller is a film that relentlessly pursues a single-minded goal ndash to provide
thrills and keep the audience cliff-hanging at the lsquoedge of their seatsrsquo as the plot builds towards a climax
The tension usually arises when the main character(s) is placed in a menacing situation or mystery or an escape or dangerous mission from which escape seems impossible Life itself is threatened usually because the principal character is unsuspecting or unknowingly involved in a dangerous or potentially deadly situation Plots of thrillers involve characters which come into conflict with each other or with outside forces ndash the menace is sometimes abstract or shadowy
Generic Characters in Thriller films Characters in thrillers include convicts criminals stalkers assassins down-on-their-luck losers innocent victims (often on the run) prison inmates menaced women characters with dark pasts psychotic individuals terrorists cops and escaped cons hit menwomen fugitives private eyes drifters duplicitous individuals people involved in twisted relationships world-weary men and women femme fatales (dangerous and or deviant women) psycho-fiends drug addicts and more The themes of thrillers frequently include greed envy jealousy terrorism political conspiracy pursuit or romantic triangles leading to murder
Generic locations in Thriller films Dimly lit often wet narrow urban streets or alleyways lifts staircases basements large featureless exteriors (reflecting moral vacuum of central characters No Country for Old Men) shower cubicles toilets phone booths bank safes interior of cars top of a skyscraper shores with tide coming in or muddy river bankscanals scrap yards derelict factories tunnels and many more
The purpose of a thriller is to put their (audiencesrsquo) toe in the cold water of fear to see what itrsquos likerdquo Alfred Hitchcock
1) Dance With a StrangerHit men Vince and Jules (Pulp Fiction Tarantino 1994) 2) Post war racketeer Harry Lime trapped in the Viennese sewers (The Third Man Carol Reed 1949) 3) Gilda classic femme fatale (Gilda Charles Vidor (1946)
1 2 3 4
7
PLANNING Main Task Opening to a thriller feature film
Planning (so that shoot can go ahead) deadline week beginning 16 Nov 2015 Note planning must be agreed as fit for purpose before shoot starts Please note that understanding aspects of the thriller genre and individual research into thriller films should be
reflected in all aspects of planning Each studentrsquos blog should include the following
Construct initial concepts of how you want the film to look Placing images of character
types locations costumes props objects are a useful way in This can be done on a large sheet
of sugar paper or on a power pointslide show on your blog
A brief synopsis of the plot No more than 100 words
Story boards that are readable and contain image colour camera positionsshot types any
dialogue and soundtrack
Planning edit For higher marks students should include details of transitions from one shot to
the other so that editing is planned For example jump cut tohellip or fade to blackhellip or cross
dissolve etc
Locations Annotated photographssketches of locations are important Decisions need to be
justified and relate to genre conventions if students challenge the thriller generic blue print then
they need to explain this
Costumes props and objects All ideas illustrated with examples from research from real
thriller filmsTV dramas
Characters Brief details of characterrsquos backstories Characters can have names that may give
a clue to their personalities or their fate For example Jo Dacre (surname indicating darkness)
also referencing William Blakes ldquoChimney Sweeper Song ldquoTherersquos little John Dacre who criedhelliprdquo
Casting of characters ndash brief explanations of casting decisions Some student hold auditions
for roles and include pics or notes related to auditions Avoid casting 6th formers who are
meant to be hardened gangsters otherwise the film will be unconvincing Casting should
be discussed with course tutors KEEP CAST DOWN TO A MINIMUM OF 2 OR 3
CHARACTERS A larger cast leads to complications when arranging shooting your film
Soundtrack Ideas for soundtrack which must be evaluated Explain purpose of final choice
and likely influence on atmosphere and style within mise-en-scene Students can upload ideas
for soundtrack onto their blogs
Shooting schedule and Equipment Organisation of time (dates when going to shoot) to
include locations names of actors required equipment required (camera tripods lights
microphones)
Evidence of the individual contribution to the planning and individual responsibilities during
the shoot and edit
Typeface ndash Ideas proposals for the font you will use Pick a font that is appropriate to your
subgenre and creates connotations that fit with your film opening (visit dafontcom for fonts and
inspiration)
Inter textual references Studentrsquos ideas need to be explained
1) Reasons for choice of ideas
2) Source of ideas with explicit or implicit references to thrillers you have researched This
could be through location costume character action shot type soundtrack
Important Identify the type of thriller being planned Example A psychological thriller like
ldquoSixth Senserdquo gangster thriller Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels Essex Boys Mafia thriller
The Godfather comic thriller Snatch or incorporating elements of a futuristicaction thriller Blade
Runner The Matrix film noir thriller such as LA Confidential Jackie Brown Memento
8
CONSTRUCTION The Shoot
DEADLINE Week beginning 18 January 2016
Equipment Lending Policy (cameras) To borrow a school camera or other school equipment students MUST BOOK AT
LEAST ONE DAY IN ADVANCE Cameras and tripods are booked through and collected from the
Technical Support Office Responsibility with borrowed equipment Students must check the camera in
every two days even if more time is needed for the shoot Students who flout these rules will be denied access
to school equipment on future occasions Students will be charged for any equipment which is damaged or
lost
SD Card You will need to put a deposit down (pound750) for an SD card for camera in CNS Finance Office You
can then save all of your video work to this SD card
Students must inform course work tutor prior to going out on location to shoot their films
Equipment available includes camcorders stills cameras tripods various microphones and torch lighting
If you return equipment late you will lose ONE
mark per day per person from your final
coursework grade
Using time effectively Students will be given
media lesson time to shoot and edit their films
During the shoot and edit students can only use
the lessons for construction run by tutors teaching
course work No other media or other subject
lessons are allowed for the shoot and edit
Students will also be expected to shoot during
free periods and after school
Guidelines for shooting film School cameras
only Shooting the action Students are strongly advised to
o Take multiple shots of the same action so the most effective shots can be selected for the
final cut
o Hold your shots do not take a few seconds of film because this makes editing very difficult
It is easier to cut footage than to add it
o Remember you can use 2 cameras to improve camera angles amp positioning
o Hold shots steady where appropriate
o Frame shots carefully including and excluding elements as appropriate
o Shoot material that is appropriate to an opening to a thriller film
o Use a variety of shot distances appropriately
o Carefully select mise-en-scene thinking about colour figure lighting positioning of objects
and setting
Camera angles Students are advised to use an appropriate variety of camera angles and movement
in order to add to the appeal of the film Take important shots from different angles then you can
select the most suitablestylish during the edit
Close up shots Students are often reluctant to use close ups but these shot types are most effective
in drawing your audience into the action Think close ups and angles
Lighting Some student productions are too dark and are thus unreadable Though you may wish to
achieve noir lighting effect make sure the action is decipherable professional directors use non
ambient lighting to achieve noir or chiaroscuro effects Therefore make sure that your action is well
lit when looking at the rushesraw footage and the lighting is too dark then students must re shoot
the clip
Revisions to original ideas If students shoot action which is different from the original planning
(story boards character etc) any revisions can be briefly redrafted and explained on the blog
Raw Footage Students should have at least 9-10 minutes of raw footage to allow for cutting during
the edit
Do not put health and safety at risk do not use pretend weapons in public
ldquoTo Have and Have Notrdquo 1944
9
CONSTRUCTION The Edit DEADLINE Week beginning 22 February 2016
Always check with course work tutors that your allotted computer is available
Each group is allotted a computer for the edit
ALWAYS USE THE SAME COMPUTER
Downloading raw footage Once the shoot is
complete you need to remove the SD card and
return the camera to the Library Then use an
SD card reader (your teacher has these) to
download to your grouprsquos folder (eg
EYear12BThrillerfootage) Download the
video footage into your folder on your
allocated computer Keep the footage backed
up on your SD card just in case something
goes wrong Or on a memory stick
It is wise to download no more than about 8-
10 minutes of your best footage which then
has to be edited to approximately 2 minutes of
film Further technical information on editing will be given to you on a separate sheet
Selecting what shots to keep Once students have raw footage make an editing list of what
shots you want to keep and where in the narrative your selected shots are appropriate
Soundtrack When students have chosen the sound track it must be down loaded and saved on
your computer
Do not erase diegeticwild sound when editing The most effectiveconvincing productions
include a mixture of diegetic and non diegetic sound
Using post production time effectively Editing can be done in course tutor media studies
lessons during free periods and after school
Edit so that meaning is apparent to the viewer
Use varied shot transitions and any other effects selectively and
appropriately for example jump cuts cross dissolve fade to black
slow motion alteration of colour
Titles Need to be planned carefully using the website
wwwdafontcom Students need to research titles systematically
and post this element of research onto their blogs
Editing must be completed in school Students who want to use
their own editing software on a laptop must bring their laptop into
school and edit under the supervision of their course tutor
Film title also needs to be researched and link to the action
theme or characters
Eyes without a Face (1960)
Alfred Hitchcock
10
RESEARCH INTO THE THRILLER GENRE
Task 1 Independent Research Definitions of aspects of the thriller genre should be
included on your Blog for example the definition of
Noir thrillers
Double Indemnity 1944 The Night of the Hunter 1955 Brighton Rock 1947 Mildred Pierce 1945
Definition of a femme fatale
Femme Fatale (classic period 1940rsquo1950rsquos) Traditional representations of deviant woman who is
subdued by domesticity marriage punishedexiled or killed off
Gilda 1946 Lauren Bacall ldquoTo Have and Have Notrdquo Barbara Stanwyck Janet Leigh as Marion 1944 ldquo Double Indemnityrdquo 1944 Crane ldquoPsychordquo 1960
Contemporary representations of strong women in thrillers (who are flaweddeviantheroic) These characters mirror
more progressive attitudes to women who are independent and prepared to fight back and survive
Jackie Brown The Bridge (DenamrkSweden) Trinity ldquoThe Matrixrdquo Lisbeth Salender ldquoThe Girl With the
1997 2011 1999 Dragon Tattoordquo 2009
Thelma amp Louise 1991 Mia ldquoPulp Fictionrdquo Nicole Kidman ldquoTo Die Forrdquo Alex Drake ldquoAshes to Ashesrdquo
1994 1995 2008-2009
11
The flawedambiguous anti-hero
ldquoChinatown ldquo 1974 Once Upon a Time in Americardquo ldquo Double Indemnity ldquo ldquoLife on Marsrdquo Gene
Jack Nicholson as J Gittes Robert De Niro as Noodles Fred McMurray as Walter Neff Hunt amp Sam Tyler 1984 1944 2006-2007
Villains with charm
Harry Lime ldquoThe Third Manrdquo Leon in ldquoLeonrdquo 1994 Brad Pitt as Jesse James in ldquoThe Assassination
of Jessie James by the Coward Robert Fordrdquo
Generic locations amp Lighting Design
12
RESEARCH INTO THE THRILLER GENRE continued
Task 2
All students are expected to construct a minimum of 5 case studies consisting of annotated notes
and graphics
All students are expected to engage in independent research into thriller films
1 Film clips viewed in class
2 Independent research into the thriller genre focusing on analysing how directors utilise the
conventions of the thriller genre
3 For those who which to strengthen research you could include in one of your case studies how
representation is constructed in one of your case studies ie sexuality age culturalregional
identity region disability
Specific aspects of mise-en-scene (characters costumes make up props objects locations
colour saturation lighting (diegetic non diegetic chiaroscuro) purpose of intertextual
references to similar filmsTV dramas and narrative structure (narrative structure linear circular
flash back complex with loops between past and present or sequences seen from the point of view
of more than one character Explain how the narrative structure strengthens or weakens the appeal
of the film)
Camera shots angles movement and composition (connotes significance of character or
object or place)
Editing (sets pace and can heighten suspense or fear)
Sound (heightens mood can connote aspects of character adds to sense of drama)
The Third Man 1946 Heavenly Creatures 1994 Essex Boys 2000
Tarantinorsquos anti Nazi thriller ldquoInglourious Basterdsrdquo 2009 Casino Royale 2006
13
Task 3) Extended Task A case study presented on either power point video diary audio discussion or other electronic form to
include imbedded images and moving footage This task will improve your coursework mark
All points must be supported by written or visual references to research
Suggested topics ( students may come up with their own ideas)
The representation of women in British or Hollywood or World Cinema Thrillers (Think about
comparing the deviant female character with a blameless or brave female character)
The appeal of the femme fatale in the thriller genre
How location and lighting in thrillers reflects the characterrsquos emotional landscape Or ndash How
location lighting and colour add to the element of suspense (or fear) in the thriller genre
How directors use claustrophobic spaces to increase menace in thriller films
How costume suggests character and genre
The representation of the hero (or anti hero) in the thriller genre
The representation of the villain in the thriller genre (Think about whether the villain is
stereotyped for example from an ethnic minority or disfigured or very old or a teenager or a
deviant woman thus reinforcing negative stereotypes about particular social groups)
A comparison of Jackie Brown and Melanie in Tarantinorsquos ldquoJackie Brownrdquo or A comparison of
Mia (Pulp Fiction) and Jackie Brown (Jackie Brown) (Think about Jackie as the assertive middle
aged street wise black independent woman who subverts stereotypes contrasting with the white
dependent and passive woman who whose existence is dependent on her rich husband
Remember both women are deviant but in different ways Which is the most appealing to
audiences and why You could do some independent research here)
The appeal of the thriller genre ndash focusing on audience research
How racial minorities are represented in thriller films (think about the tendency to represent
black males as deviantlow life)
The representation of children in thriller films (Think about films such as ldquoLeonrdquo ldquoTaxi
Driverrdquo ldquoWitnessrdquo ldquoSixth Senserdquo)
Taxi Driver 1976 Leonrdquo Luc Bresson 1994 Witnessrdquo Peter Weir 1985
Spiral Laura Berthaud (2005-2014) France Sarah Lund The Killing(2012)Denmark Wallender (Sweden) 2005-2013)
14
How to improve your analysis Structure your writing with an introduction and then a different paragraph on each technical aspect concept idea All points must be supported by detailed references to research Point evidence explain
Analysis of the sewer scene from The Third Man
The sense of claustrophobia created by the sewer
setting with the low ceiling and the cold concrete brick
walls seeks to enhance the audiencersquos sense of tension
and impending doom there is an anxiety and
discomfort brought on by the setting The setting
provides a visual metaphor for the world closing in on
Harry Lime This is exemplified in the shots of Harry
running down the tunnels of the sewer towards the light
(fig 1) the image connotes Harryrsquos attempt to escape
to find lsquothe light at the end of the tunnel but this his
escape is at once enclosed within the confines of the cold
sewer The characterrsquos movement from left to right as he
runs leads the audiencersquos eye towards the right and into
the distance Furthermore the composition (using the rule of thirds with the sewer wall
firmly on the right) leads our eye in this direction encouraging the reader to search for
Harry just as the characters are doing You should seek to examine the films in terms of Codesforms amp Conventions of the thriller genre What conventions does the film use Analyse the effects of cinematography mise-en-scene editing and sound Examine the narrative the genre and intertextuality Ensure you comment on the connotations and effects Higher marks are awarded to students who explain the purpose and effect of elements of mise-en-scene
Annotated notes and drawingsdiagrams are evidence of understanding technical aspects of mise-en-scene (film language) to include purpose and effect of the following camera angles and movement lighting sound (diegetic and non-diegetic) soundtrack special effectsCGIrsquos) location character types costume make-up props objects
Genre Notes on how genre is utilised
Inter-textual references to other thriller films and if appropriate references to aspects of mise-en-scene from appropriate crimecopspy thriller television programmes Students need to explain the purpose of these references
Narrative structure linear circular flash back complex with loops between past and present or sequences seen from the point of view of more than one character Explain how the narrative structure strengthens or weakens the appeal of the film
Representation Identify any issues regarding representation of particular social groups (women ethnic minorities social class disability age) cultures ideology (what messages and values are being communicated by the film) use of stereotypes or subversion of stereotypes Again discussion of purpose and effect very important Language and Terminology To Use
Mise-en-scene Lighting (key fill backlight ambient naturalistic artificial low key chiaroscuro) colour location setting set design props costume make-up
Sound diegetic non-diegetic Dialogue Voiceover Ambient sound Soundtrack
Editing Pace Juxtaposition Cross cutting Transitions (fade cut wipes) long short take
Camera work cinematography Low angle High angle Eye LevelTilt Canted angle ECU CU MS LS POV Two shot Pan Track Tilt Dolly Crane Steadicam Handheld Zoom
Composition Framing Rule of thirds Use of diagonals Deep and shallow focus Representation ideology dominant subordinate reinforce perpetuate subvert challenge Narrative linear non-linear parallel interweaving circular flashback flashforward equilibrium disequilibrium binary opposition engima
Intertextuality Explicit or implicit references to other texts
Setting and Fig 1 Harry
running in sewer tunnel
15
What should your research blog entries look like
Here are some successful screenshots of research by past students Notice how theyrsquove
embedded video images and annotations
Work by Amy Nolan httpamynolanmediablogspotcom Tom Kail httptkailblogspotcom Helen Blyth httphelensthrillerishblogblogspotcom
EV
16
Evaluation
DEADLINE FOR FINAL SUBMISSION week beginning 21 March 2016
Assessment is on an individual basis and completed on your blog
It is important that engagement and enthusiasm are evident in your evaluation You need
to reference particular features of your film to illustrate your points Do not repeat a point
you have already made
You must use a variety of presentational techniques in your evaluation For example
text and image embedded videos screen shots from your own production power points
prezies audio or film interviews video diaries
You will be given power points during this period for extra support on structuring your
answers Questions
1 In what ways does your media product use develop or challenge forms and
conventions of real media products
This question asks how your research into specific thriller texts has informed your
production Think about generic costume location soundtrack camera angles character
types narrative structure lighting soundtrack plot title transitions You canrsquot discuss
all these but identify the most profound influences It is important that you include
appropriate screen shotsimages from researched filmsTV dramasextracts from crime
and so with screen shots from your film with explanation
This questions also relates to the conventions of the opening to a film for
example including titles soundtrack cliff hanger etc
Olivia Thomasrsquo Thriller ldquoEve Crawfordrdquo Mildred Pierce Velda kills her lover
Josh Moorersquos thriller ldquoDead Handrdquo ldquoReservoir Dogsrdquo (Quentin Tarantino
17
2 How does your media product represent particular social groups
You could begin by explaining how you have represented gender Think about
whether your male or female characters represent stereotypes generic archetypes
or contemporaryrealisticprogressive representations of gender Then move onto
explaining how you have represented ethnicity age disability or social class in as
traditional representations or representations that challenge stereotypes
Think about
Masculinity is it in crisis meaning is the male in your film emasculated dominated
by female heroic a villain or hero stereotype or yobbish stereotyped hoodie
Femininity Stereotype passive compliant female victim or deviant (bad and mad
which are misogynist representations including the femme fatale or manipulative
controlling women) Or is your representation of femininity authentic and
progressive
Sexual ambiguity is the gender of your characters androgynous
DOES YOUR FILM CHALLENGE GENDER STEREOTYPES
Representation of ethnicity
How is ethnicity represented Does your film focus on indigenous white British
ethnic groups who feed on themselves or prey upon themselves
How are ethnic minorities represented As victims As realistic That ethnicity of
the character is irrevant
Representation of statussocial class
Representation of those who live on the margins This is because one group has
made a film about a homeless man Only reference if relevant
Representation of upper class Only discuss if relevant to your film
Representation of youthagecontemporary Britain
Representation of young people What does your film communicate about what itrsquos
like for young people living in contemporary Britain
Think about how the sense of insecurity re living in austerity Britain where jobs are
difficult for young people to get jobs pay university fees find somewhere to live
Read if relevant to your film httpwwwbbccouknewsbusiness-16158913
ldquoYoung and Joblessrdquo
Think about how your film (like film noir in the 1949rsquos) is a product of a sense of
despair hopelessness and thus ldquoconveys dark feelings of disillusionment pessimism
and cynicismrdquo The Philosophy of Film Noir
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
18
Question 2 continued (examples of representations gender ethnicity and youth in studentsrsquo film
productions)
Death at No 52
Homeless
Deceit
Skate
19
3 What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and
why You must justify all choices
Consider which film distribution company is most likely to distribute your film Refer to
your work on the Film Industry exam unit Would your film suit the European independent
film market targeted by StudioCanal or the independent British market via FilmFour Or is it
more in the style of films distributed by a mainstream global distributor like Universal
Justify your ideas by referring to other films they have distributed Remember
StudioCanal and FilmFour distribute films but Working Title Warp are film production
companies This question asks about distribution but you can refer to production companies
to help explain your decisions
httpwwwindependentfilmcompanycom Independent
httpwarpfilmscom
Working Title httpswwwworkingtitlefilmscom
1 NBC Universal Which cinemas would be most likely to exhibit your film Would your film appeal more
to a mainstream audience of a multiplex cinema (eg Vue) or more to an art-house or
independent cinema audience (eg Cinema City) Justify your answer by reference to
other films that are exhibited at these cinemas Straight on to DVD is also a possibility if
your film would not target cinema audiences
How could digital technologies offer new distribution opportunities Consider YouTube
social network sites mp4 players games consoles Video-On-Demand services like
LoveFilm and Mubi
Would your status as a student film-maker offer opportunities for distribution
Consider first-film competitions and student film competitions
20
4 Who would be the audience for your media product
Students need to reference audience research and justify in detail why a particular
demographic would identify with specific aspects of your film
Explain the demographic of your potential target audience age gender ethnicity
lifestyle aspirations engagement with popular culture media interests
Think about what real thriller films or TV crimepolice dramas your potential
audience would watch
Students have the option of constructing a visual profile of their target audience with
either visual or written references to aspects of the way they consume popular
culture
21
5 How did you attractaddress your audience
Rave the opening of a thriller film by Chiony Harvey (2014)
httpchionehardymediablogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20Productions
It is also important that you can identify specifically strong elements of mise-en-scene
which have appeal For example any of the following
locations
Costumes or objects
lighting design
camera angles and movement
character types (do your characters subvert or challenge stereotypes)
actionsuspense
sound track diegetic and non diegetic sound ie a sound bridge
Inter-textual references
Editing effects
transitions
narrative structure
colour alternation
cliff hanger
enigma
A topical theme
Titles
Students may wish to reference any audience feedback during the editing process Students may include a filmed interview with a potential viewer
22
6 What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this
Product
It is advisable that you identify specific technologies and explain how they offered you creative
opportunities that revolutionisedenhanced transformed aspects of your research Think about
technologies that assisted you in your ability to
File coursework onto your blog using different forms of presentation creatively
Upload case studies including film clips and screen shots onto your blog
Research and plan your preliminary task and your opening to a new thriller film
Shoot and edit using credits sound and editing effects appropriately and creatively
Record these processes onto your blog CREATIVELY either through prezi power points
uploaded film clips or screen shots recording aspects of your work on video
Collaborate
Communicate
All points must reference specific examples
7 Looking back at your preliminary task what do you feel you have learnt in the
progression from it to the full product
Students need to consider how their preliminary task introduced technical and conceptual
knowledge to embark on their thriller production
Think about the skills you used in your preliminary task and how they became more
sophisticated when researching and constructing your thriller Ideas to consider
The 180 degree rule match on action shot reverse shot Explain how you developed these
skills in your thriller to include using titles and sound
Experimenting with lighting and camera angles and movement
Working within the blueprint of generic conventions for the main task (your thriller film)
Working to a specific brief and to a specific deadline and reinforcing generic conventions
Evaluating audience feedback
Prime Evil (Stuart McCrum)
httpstuartmccrumblogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20productions
23
ldquoThe Birdsrdquo Alfred Hitchcock Kill Bill Volume 2 Quentin Tarantino
Health Warning
Course tutors will be monitoring all written and practical components
Students are marked individually for written work
Any student not contributing adequately to planning shooting and editing their
production will have marks deducted Irregular attendance will also be
penalised in the assessment process
If students encounter problems with deadlines they must seek tutor support
immediately
If there are problems within a group please seek tutor advice without delay so
that problems can be quickly solved These matters can be discussed with a
media tutor in confidence
Remember your coursework makes up 50 of your marks for AS media studies
Robert DeNiro in Scorcesersquos ldquo King of Comedyrdquo (1983) Clint Eastwood in ldquoThe Gran Torinordquo 2007
24
Advisable working structure for course work
2015 Lesson time Homework free periods
September to
6 October
Continuity task Practising camera
shots and movement storyboarding
shooting and editing Continuity
Task
Commencing coursework on blogs
Posting all elements of planning
under label ldquoContinuity Taskrdquo to
include camera shots amp angles
Embed moving image clips from
research into match on action shot
reverse shot and the 180 degree
rule
Short Evaluation
October ndash November Analysis of thriller films in class
Collaborative planning of
thriller film
Tutor monitoring of individual
student progress
Independent research into
thriller films through case
studies
Planning film (individual
storyboards etc) all to be
posted on student blogs
November ndash December Shooting thriller film
Commence editing thriller film
Tutor monitoring and support of
individual students and group
work during production process
Independently researching
thriller films and TV
crimethriller dramas
Shooting thriller film in lesson
and own time
Editing film in lessons free
periods and own time
2016
January ndash February
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production process
addressing 7 specific questions
set out by OCR Examination
Board
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production
process as a ldquodirectorrsquos
commentaryrdquo -addressing 7
specific questions set out by
OCR Examination Board
Revising research elements
(into the thriller genre) in
response to tutor advice
24 March 2016
final deadline for
uploading any
coursework onto blogs
Completing Evaluation
Completing all elements of blog
Working on revising
Evaluation
Completing all elements of
blog in preparation for
internal moderation process
25
YEAR 12 DEADLINES FOR ALL ELEMENTS OF COURSEWORK
AUTUMN TERM 2015 Week beginning
Details of work
14 September 2015 Submission of summer task to blogs
5 October 2015
Complete planning shooting editing and evaluation of preliminary task
16 November 2015
All elements of planning opening to thriller film are in place for shoot to go ahead
SPRING TERM 2016 Week beginning
18 January 2016
Completing the shooting of thriller film
February Half Term February 2015
Week beginning 22 February 2014
Completing the edit of new thriller film (maximum 2 minutes) to include sound and titles
Monday 21 March 2016 Evaluation Final draft of response to 7 compulsory questions set by OCR posted onto blog
Thursday 24 March 2016
All practical and written elements of coursework completed
Administrative details checked ready for submission of all coursework for internal and external moderation
No further blog entries for Unit G321
The 65+ thriller films and television crimepolice dramas referenced in this booklet are suitable choices for case studies Elements of camera angles lighting costume location amp soundtrack offer inspiration for planning your film
7
PLANNING Main Task Opening to a thriller feature film
Planning (so that shoot can go ahead) deadline week beginning 16 Nov 2015 Note planning must be agreed as fit for purpose before shoot starts Please note that understanding aspects of the thriller genre and individual research into thriller films should be
reflected in all aspects of planning Each studentrsquos blog should include the following
Construct initial concepts of how you want the film to look Placing images of character
types locations costumes props objects are a useful way in This can be done on a large sheet
of sugar paper or on a power pointslide show on your blog
A brief synopsis of the plot No more than 100 words
Story boards that are readable and contain image colour camera positionsshot types any
dialogue and soundtrack
Planning edit For higher marks students should include details of transitions from one shot to
the other so that editing is planned For example jump cut tohellip or fade to blackhellip or cross
dissolve etc
Locations Annotated photographssketches of locations are important Decisions need to be
justified and relate to genre conventions if students challenge the thriller generic blue print then
they need to explain this
Costumes props and objects All ideas illustrated with examples from research from real
thriller filmsTV dramas
Characters Brief details of characterrsquos backstories Characters can have names that may give
a clue to their personalities or their fate For example Jo Dacre (surname indicating darkness)
also referencing William Blakes ldquoChimney Sweeper Song ldquoTherersquos little John Dacre who criedhelliprdquo
Casting of characters ndash brief explanations of casting decisions Some student hold auditions
for roles and include pics or notes related to auditions Avoid casting 6th formers who are
meant to be hardened gangsters otherwise the film will be unconvincing Casting should
be discussed with course tutors KEEP CAST DOWN TO A MINIMUM OF 2 OR 3
CHARACTERS A larger cast leads to complications when arranging shooting your film
Soundtrack Ideas for soundtrack which must be evaluated Explain purpose of final choice
and likely influence on atmosphere and style within mise-en-scene Students can upload ideas
for soundtrack onto their blogs
Shooting schedule and Equipment Organisation of time (dates when going to shoot) to
include locations names of actors required equipment required (camera tripods lights
microphones)
Evidence of the individual contribution to the planning and individual responsibilities during
the shoot and edit
Typeface ndash Ideas proposals for the font you will use Pick a font that is appropriate to your
subgenre and creates connotations that fit with your film opening (visit dafontcom for fonts and
inspiration)
Inter textual references Studentrsquos ideas need to be explained
1) Reasons for choice of ideas
2) Source of ideas with explicit or implicit references to thrillers you have researched This
could be through location costume character action shot type soundtrack
Important Identify the type of thriller being planned Example A psychological thriller like
ldquoSixth Senserdquo gangster thriller Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels Essex Boys Mafia thriller
The Godfather comic thriller Snatch or incorporating elements of a futuristicaction thriller Blade
Runner The Matrix film noir thriller such as LA Confidential Jackie Brown Memento
8
CONSTRUCTION The Shoot
DEADLINE Week beginning 18 January 2016
Equipment Lending Policy (cameras) To borrow a school camera or other school equipment students MUST BOOK AT
LEAST ONE DAY IN ADVANCE Cameras and tripods are booked through and collected from the
Technical Support Office Responsibility with borrowed equipment Students must check the camera in
every two days even if more time is needed for the shoot Students who flout these rules will be denied access
to school equipment on future occasions Students will be charged for any equipment which is damaged or
lost
SD Card You will need to put a deposit down (pound750) for an SD card for camera in CNS Finance Office You
can then save all of your video work to this SD card
Students must inform course work tutor prior to going out on location to shoot their films
Equipment available includes camcorders stills cameras tripods various microphones and torch lighting
If you return equipment late you will lose ONE
mark per day per person from your final
coursework grade
Using time effectively Students will be given
media lesson time to shoot and edit their films
During the shoot and edit students can only use
the lessons for construction run by tutors teaching
course work No other media or other subject
lessons are allowed for the shoot and edit
Students will also be expected to shoot during
free periods and after school
Guidelines for shooting film School cameras
only Shooting the action Students are strongly advised to
o Take multiple shots of the same action so the most effective shots can be selected for the
final cut
o Hold your shots do not take a few seconds of film because this makes editing very difficult
It is easier to cut footage than to add it
o Remember you can use 2 cameras to improve camera angles amp positioning
o Hold shots steady where appropriate
o Frame shots carefully including and excluding elements as appropriate
o Shoot material that is appropriate to an opening to a thriller film
o Use a variety of shot distances appropriately
o Carefully select mise-en-scene thinking about colour figure lighting positioning of objects
and setting
Camera angles Students are advised to use an appropriate variety of camera angles and movement
in order to add to the appeal of the film Take important shots from different angles then you can
select the most suitablestylish during the edit
Close up shots Students are often reluctant to use close ups but these shot types are most effective
in drawing your audience into the action Think close ups and angles
Lighting Some student productions are too dark and are thus unreadable Though you may wish to
achieve noir lighting effect make sure the action is decipherable professional directors use non
ambient lighting to achieve noir or chiaroscuro effects Therefore make sure that your action is well
lit when looking at the rushesraw footage and the lighting is too dark then students must re shoot
the clip
Revisions to original ideas If students shoot action which is different from the original planning
(story boards character etc) any revisions can be briefly redrafted and explained on the blog
Raw Footage Students should have at least 9-10 minutes of raw footage to allow for cutting during
the edit
Do not put health and safety at risk do not use pretend weapons in public
ldquoTo Have and Have Notrdquo 1944
9
CONSTRUCTION The Edit DEADLINE Week beginning 22 February 2016
Always check with course work tutors that your allotted computer is available
Each group is allotted a computer for the edit
ALWAYS USE THE SAME COMPUTER
Downloading raw footage Once the shoot is
complete you need to remove the SD card and
return the camera to the Library Then use an
SD card reader (your teacher has these) to
download to your grouprsquos folder (eg
EYear12BThrillerfootage) Download the
video footage into your folder on your
allocated computer Keep the footage backed
up on your SD card just in case something
goes wrong Or on a memory stick
It is wise to download no more than about 8-
10 minutes of your best footage which then
has to be edited to approximately 2 minutes of
film Further technical information on editing will be given to you on a separate sheet
Selecting what shots to keep Once students have raw footage make an editing list of what
shots you want to keep and where in the narrative your selected shots are appropriate
Soundtrack When students have chosen the sound track it must be down loaded and saved on
your computer
Do not erase diegeticwild sound when editing The most effectiveconvincing productions
include a mixture of diegetic and non diegetic sound
Using post production time effectively Editing can be done in course tutor media studies
lessons during free periods and after school
Edit so that meaning is apparent to the viewer
Use varied shot transitions and any other effects selectively and
appropriately for example jump cuts cross dissolve fade to black
slow motion alteration of colour
Titles Need to be planned carefully using the website
wwwdafontcom Students need to research titles systematically
and post this element of research onto their blogs
Editing must be completed in school Students who want to use
their own editing software on a laptop must bring their laptop into
school and edit under the supervision of their course tutor
Film title also needs to be researched and link to the action
theme or characters
Eyes without a Face (1960)
Alfred Hitchcock
10
RESEARCH INTO THE THRILLER GENRE
Task 1 Independent Research Definitions of aspects of the thriller genre should be
included on your Blog for example the definition of
Noir thrillers
Double Indemnity 1944 The Night of the Hunter 1955 Brighton Rock 1947 Mildred Pierce 1945
Definition of a femme fatale
Femme Fatale (classic period 1940rsquo1950rsquos) Traditional representations of deviant woman who is
subdued by domesticity marriage punishedexiled or killed off
Gilda 1946 Lauren Bacall ldquoTo Have and Have Notrdquo Barbara Stanwyck Janet Leigh as Marion 1944 ldquo Double Indemnityrdquo 1944 Crane ldquoPsychordquo 1960
Contemporary representations of strong women in thrillers (who are flaweddeviantheroic) These characters mirror
more progressive attitudes to women who are independent and prepared to fight back and survive
Jackie Brown The Bridge (DenamrkSweden) Trinity ldquoThe Matrixrdquo Lisbeth Salender ldquoThe Girl With the
1997 2011 1999 Dragon Tattoordquo 2009
Thelma amp Louise 1991 Mia ldquoPulp Fictionrdquo Nicole Kidman ldquoTo Die Forrdquo Alex Drake ldquoAshes to Ashesrdquo
1994 1995 2008-2009
11
The flawedambiguous anti-hero
ldquoChinatown ldquo 1974 Once Upon a Time in Americardquo ldquo Double Indemnity ldquo ldquoLife on Marsrdquo Gene
Jack Nicholson as J Gittes Robert De Niro as Noodles Fred McMurray as Walter Neff Hunt amp Sam Tyler 1984 1944 2006-2007
Villains with charm
Harry Lime ldquoThe Third Manrdquo Leon in ldquoLeonrdquo 1994 Brad Pitt as Jesse James in ldquoThe Assassination
of Jessie James by the Coward Robert Fordrdquo
Generic locations amp Lighting Design
12
RESEARCH INTO THE THRILLER GENRE continued
Task 2
All students are expected to construct a minimum of 5 case studies consisting of annotated notes
and graphics
All students are expected to engage in independent research into thriller films
1 Film clips viewed in class
2 Independent research into the thriller genre focusing on analysing how directors utilise the
conventions of the thriller genre
3 For those who which to strengthen research you could include in one of your case studies how
representation is constructed in one of your case studies ie sexuality age culturalregional
identity region disability
Specific aspects of mise-en-scene (characters costumes make up props objects locations
colour saturation lighting (diegetic non diegetic chiaroscuro) purpose of intertextual
references to similar filmsTV dramas and narrative structure (narrative structure linear circular
flash back complex with loops between past and present or sequences seen from the point of view
of more than one character Explain how the narrative structure strengthens or weakens the appeal
of the film)
Camera shots angles movement and composition (connotes significance of character or
object or place)
Editing (sets pace and can heighten suspense or fear)
Sound (heightens mood can connote aspects of character adds to sense of drama)
The Third Man 1946 Heavenly Creatures 1994 Essex Boys 2000
Tarantinorsquos anti Nazi thriller ldquoInglourious Basterdsrdquo 2009 Casino Royale 2006
13
Task 3) Extended Task A case study presented on either power point video diary audio discussion or other electronic form to
include imbedded images and moving footage This task will improve your coursework mark
All points must be supported by written or visual references to research
Suggested topics ( students may come up with their own ideas)
The representation of women in British or Hollywood or World Cinema Thrillers (Think about
comparing the deviant female character with a blameless or brave female character)
The appeal of the femme fatale in the thriller genre
How location and lighting in thrillers reflects the characterrsquos emotional landscape Or ndash How
location lighting and colour add to the element of suspense (or fear) in the thriller genre
How directors use claustrophobic spaces to increase menace in thriller films
How costume suggests character and genre
The representation of the hero (or anti hero) in the thriller genre
The representation of the villain in the thriller genre (Think about whether the villain is
stereotyped for example from an ethnic minority or disfigured or very old or a teenager or a
deviant woman thus reinforcing negative stereotypes about particular social groups)
A comparison of Jackie Brown and Melanie in Tarantinorsquos ldquoJackie Brownrdquo or A comparison of
Mia (Pulp Fiction) and Jackie Brown (Jackie Brown) (Think about Jackie as the assertive middle
aged street wise black independent woman who subverts stereotypes contrasting with the white
dependent and passive woman who whose existence is dependent on her rich husband
Remember both women are deviant but in different ways Which is the most appealing to
audiences and why You could do some independent research here)
The appeal of the thriller genre ndash focusing on audience research
How racial minorities are represented in thriller films (think about the tendency to represent
black males as deviantlow life)
The representation of children in thriller films (Think about films such as ldquoLeonrdquo ldquoTaxi
Driverrdquo ldquoWitnessrdquo ldquoSixth Senserdquo)
Taxi Driver 1976 Leonrdquo Luc Bresson 1994 Witnessrdquo Peter Weir 1985
Spiral Laura Berthaud (2005-2014) France Sarah Lund The Killing(2012)Denmark Wallender (Sweden) 2005-2013)
14
How to improve your analysis Structure your writing with an introduction and then a different paragraph on each technical aspect concept idea All points must be supported by detailed references to research Point evidence explain
Analysis of the sewer scene from The Third Man
The sense of claustrophobia created by the sewer
setting with the low ceiling and the cold concrete brick
walls seeks to enhance the audiencersquos sense of tension
and impending doom there is an anxiety and
discomfort brought on by the setting The setting
provides a visual metaphor for the world closing in on
Harry Lime This is exemplified in the shots of Harry
running down the tunnels of the sewer towards the light
(fig 1) the image connotes Harryrsquos attempt to escape
to find lsquothe light at the end of the tunnel but this his
escape is at once enclosed within the confines of the cold
sewer The characterrsquos movement from left to right as he
runs leads the audiencersquos eye towards the right and into
the distance Furthermore the composition (using the rule of thirds with the sewer wall
firmly on the right) leads our eye in this direction encouraging the reader to search for
Harry just as the characters are doing You should seek to examine the films in terms of Codesforms amp Conventions of the thriller genre What conventions does the film use Analyse the effects of cinematography mise-en-scene editing and sound Examine the narrative the genre and intertextuality Ensure you comment on the connotations and effects Higher marks are awarded to students who explain the purpose and effect of elements of mise-en-scene
Annotated notes and drawingsdiagrams are evidence of understanding technical aspects of mise-en-scene (film language) to include purpose and effect of the following camera angles and movement lighting sound (diegetic and non-diegetic) soundtrack special effectsCGIrsquos) location character types costume make-up props objects
Genre Notes on how genre is utilised
Inter-textual references to other thriller films and if appropriate references to aspects of mise-en-scene from appropriate crimecopspy thriller television programmes Students need to explain the purpose of these references
Narrative structure linear circular flash back complex with loops between past and present or sequences seen from the point of view of more than one character Explain how the narrative structure strengthens or weakens the appeal of the film
Representation Identify any issues regarding representation of particular social groups (women ethnic minorities social class disability age) cultures ideology (what messages and values are being communicated by the film) use of stereotypes or subversion of stereotypes Again discussion of purpose and effect very important Language and Terminology To Use
Mise-en-scene Lighting (key fill backlight ambient naturalistic artificial low key chiaroscuro) colour location setting set design props costume make-up
Sound diegetic non-diegetic Dialogue Voiceover Ambient sound Soundtrack
Editing Pace Juxtaposition Cross cutting Transitions (fade cut wipes) long short take
Camera work cinematography Low angle High angle Eye LevelTilt Canted angle ECU CU MS LS POV Two shot Pan Track Tilt Dolly Crane Steadicam Handheld Zoom
Composition Framing Rule of thirds Use of diagonals Deep and shallow focus Representation ideology dominant subordinate reinforce perpetuate subvert challenge Narrative linear non-linear parallel interweaving circular flashback flashforward equilibrium disequilibrium binary opposition engima
Intertextuality Explicit or implicit references to other texts
Setting and Fig 1 Harry
running in sewer tunnel
15
What should your research blog entries look like
Here are some successful screenshots of research by past students Notice how theyrsquove
embedded video images and annotations
Work by Amy Nolan httpamynolanmediablogspotcom Tom Kail httptkailblogspotcom Helen Blyth httphelensthrillerishblogblogspotcom
EV
16
Evaluation
DEADLINE FOR FINAL SUBMISSION week beginning 21 March 2016
Assessment is on an individual basis and completed on your blog
It is important that engagement and enthusiasm are evident in your evaluation You need
to reference particular features of your film to illustrate your points Do not repeat a point
you have already made
You must use a variety of presentational techniques in your evaluation For example
text and image embedded videos screen shots from your own production power points
prezies audio or film interviews video diaries
You will be given power points during this period for extra support on structuring your
answers Questions
1 In what ways does your media product use develop or challenge forms and
conventions of real media products
This question asks how your research into specific thriller texts has informed your
production Think about generic costume location soundtrack camera angles character
types narrative structure lighting soundtrack plot title transitions You canrsquot discuss
all these but identify the most profound influences It is important that you include
appropriate screen shotsimages from researched filmsTV dramasextracts from crime
and so with screen shots from your film with explanation
This questions also relates to the conventions of the opening to a film for
example including titles soundtrack cliff hanger etc
Olivia Thomasrsquo Thriller ldquoEve Crawfordrdquo Mildred Pierce Velda kills her lover
Josh Moorersquos thriller ldquoDead Handrdquo ldquoReservoir Dogsrdquo (Quentin Tarantino
17
2 How does your media product represent particular social groups
You could begin by explaining how you have represented gender Think about
whether your male or female characters represent stereotypes generic archetypes
or contemporaryrealisticprogressive representations of gender Then move onto
explaining how you have represented ethnicity age disability or social class in as
traditional representations or representations that challenge stereotypes
Think about
Masculinity is it in crisis meaning is the male in your film emasculated dominated
by female heroic a villain or hero stereotype or yobbish stereotyped hoodie
Femininity Stereotype passive compliant female victim or deviant (bad and mad
which are misogynist representations including the femme fatale or manipulative
controlling women) Or is your representation of femininity authentic and
progressive
Sexual ambiguity is the gender of your characters androgynous
DOES YOUR FILM CHALLENGE GENDER STEREOTYPES
Representation of ethnicity
How is ethnicity represented Does your film focus on indigenous white British
ethnic groups who feed on themselves or prey upon themselves
How are ethnic minorities represented As victims As realistic That ethnicity of
the character is irrevant
Representation of statussocial class
Representation of those who live on the margins This is because one group has
made a film about a homeless man Only reference if relevant
Representation of upper class Only discuss if relevant to your film
Representation of youthagecontemporary Britain
Representation of young people What does your film communicate about what itrsquos
like for young people living in contemporary Britain
Think about how the sense of insecurity re living in austerity Britain where jobs are
difficult for young people to get jobs pay university fees find somewhere to live
Read if relevant to your film httpwwwbbccouknewsbusiness-16158913
ldquoYoung and Joblessrdquo
Think about how your film (like film noir in the 1949rsquos) is a product of a sense of
despair hopelessness and thus ldquoconveys dark feelings of disillusionment pessimism
and cynicismrdquo The Philosophy of Film Noir
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
18
Question 2 continued (examples of representations gender ethnicity and youth in studentsrsquo film
productions)
Death at No 52
Homeless
Deceit
Skate
19
3 What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and
why You must justify all choices
Consider which film distribution company is most likely to distribute your film Refer to
your work on the Film Industry exam unit Would your film suit the European independent
film market targeted by StudioCanal or the independent British market via FilmFour Or is it
more in the style of films distributed by a mainstream global distributor like Universal
Justify your ideas by referring to other films they have distributed Remember
StudioCanal and FilmFour distribute films but Working Title Warp are film production
companies This question asks about distribution but you can refer to production companies
to help explain your decisions
httpwwwindependentfilmcompanycom Independent
httpwarpfilmscom
Working Title httpswwwworkingtitlefilmscom
1 NBC Universal Which cinemas would be most likely to exhibit your film Would your film appeal more
to a mainstream audience of a multiplex cinema (eg Vue) or more to an art-house or
independent cinema audience (eg Cinema City) Justify your answer by reference to
other films that are exhibited at these cinemas Straight on to DVD is also a possibility if
your film would not target cinema audiences
How could digital technologies offer new distribution opportunities Consider YouTube
social network sites mp4 players games consoles Video-On-Demand services like
LoveFilm and Mubi
Would your status as a student film-maker offer opportunities for distribution
Consider first-film competitions and student film competitions
20
4 Who would be the audience for your media product
Students need to reference audience research and justify in detail why a particular
demographic would identify with specific aspects of your film
Explain the demographic of your potential target audience age gender ethnicity
lifestyle aspirations engagement with popular culture media interests
Think about what real thriller films or TV crimepolice dramas your potential
audience would watch
Students have the option of constructing a visual profile of their target audience with
either visual or written references to aspects of the way they consume popular
culture
21
5 How did you attractaddress your audience
Rave the opening of a thriller film by Chiony Harvey (2014)
httpchionehardymediablogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20Productions
It is also important that you can identify specifically strong elements of mise-en-scene
which have appeal For example any of the following
locations
Costumes or objects
lighting design
camera angles and movement
character types (do your characters subvert or challenge stereotypes)
actionsuspense
sound track diegetic and non diegetic sound ie a sound bridge
Inter-textual references
Editing effects
transitions
narrative structure
colour alternation
cliff hanger
enigma
A topical theme
Titles
Students may wish to reference any audience feedback during the editing process Students may include a filmed interview with a potential viewer
22
6 What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this
Product
It is advisable that you identify specific technologies and explain how they offered you creative
opportunities that revolutionisedenhanced transformed aspects of your research Think about
technologies that assisted you in your ability to
File coursework onto your blog using different forms of presentation creatively
Upload case studies including film clips and screen shots onto your blog
Research and plan your preliminary task and your opening to a new thriller film
Shoot and edit using credits sound and editing effects appropriately and creatively
Record these processes onto your blog CREATIVELY either through prezi power points
uploaded film clips or screen shots recording aspects of your work on video
Collaborate
Communicate
All points must reference specific examples
7 Looking back at your preliminary task what do you feel you have learnt in the
progression from it to the full product
Students need to consider how their preliminary task introduced technical and conceptual
knowledge to embark on their thriller production
Think about the skills you used in your preliminary task and how they became more
sophisticated when researching and constructing your thriller Ideas to consider
The 180 degree rule match on action shot reverse shot Explain how you developed these
skills in your thriller to include using titles and sound
Experimenting with lighting and camera angles and movement
Working within the blueprint of generic conventions for the main task (your thriller film)
Working to a specific brief and to a specific deadline and reinforcing generic conventions
Evaluating audience feedback
Prime Evil (Stuart McCrum)
httpstuartmccrumblogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20productions
23
ldquoThe Birdsrdquo Alfred Hitchcock Kill Bill Volume 2 Quentin Tarantino
Health Warning
Course tutors will be monitoring all written and practical components
Students are marked individually for written work
Any student not contributing adequately to planning shooting and editing their
production will have marks deducted Irregular attendance will also be
penalised in the assessment process
If students encounter problems with deadlines they must seek tutor support
immediately
If there are problems within a group please seek tutor advice without delay so
that problems can be quickly solved These matters can be discussed with a
media tutor in confidence
Remember your coursework makes up 50 of your marks for AS media studies
Robert DeNiro in Scorcesersquos ldquo King of Comedyrdquo (1983) Clint Eastwood in ldquoThe Gran Torinordquo 2007
24
Advisable working structure for course work
2015 Lesson time Homework free periods
September to
6 October
Continuity task Practising camera
shots and movement storyboarding
shooting and editing Continuity
Task
Commencing coursework on blogs
Posting all elements of planning
under label ldquoContinuity Taskrdquo to
include camera shots amp angles
Embed moving image clips from
research into match on action shot
reverse shot and the 180 degree
rule
Short Evaluation
October ndash November Analysis of thriller films in class
Collaborative planning of
thriller film
Tutor monitoring of individual
student progress
Independent research into
thriller films through case
studies
Planning film (individual
storyboards etc) all to be
posted on student blogs
November ndash December Shooting thriller film
Commence editing thriller film
Tutor monitoring and support of
individual students and group
work during production process
Independently researching
thriller films and TV
crimethriller dramas
Shooting thriller film in lesson
and own time
Editing film in lessons free
periods and own time
2016
January ndash February
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production process
addressing 7 specific questions
set out by OCR Examination
Board
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production
process as a ldquodirectorrsquos
commentaryrdquo -addressing 7
specific questions set out by
OCR Examination Board
Revising research elements
(into the thriller genre) in
response to tutor advice
24 March 2016
final deadline for
uploading any
coursework onto blogs
Completing Evaluation
Completing all elements of blog
Working on revising
Evaluation
Completing all elements of
blog in preparation for
internal moderation process
25
YEAR 12 DEADLINES FOR ALL ELEMENTS OF COURSEWORK
AUTUMN TERM 2015 Week beginning
Details of work
14 September 2015 Submission of summer task to blogs
5 October 2015
Complete planning shooting editing and evaluation of preliminary task
16 November 2015
All elements of planning opening to thriller film are in place for shoot to go ahead
SPRING TERM 2016 Week beginning
18 January 2016
Completing the shooting of thriller film
February Half Term February 2015
Week beginning 22 February 2014
Completing the edit of new thriller film (maximum 2 minutes) to include sound and titles
Monday 21 March 2016 Evaluation Final draft of response to 7 compulsory questions set by OCR posted onto blog
Thursday 24 March 2016
All practical and written elements of coursework completed
Administrative details checked ready for submission of all coursework for internal and external moderation
No further blog entries for Unit G321
The 65+ thriller films and television crimepolice dramas referenced in this booklet are suitable choices for case studies Elements of camera angles lighting costume location amp soundtrack offer inspiration for planning your film
8
CONSTRUCTION The Shoot
DEADLINE Week beginning 18 January 2016
Equipment Lending Policy (cameras) To borrow a school camera or other school equipment students MUST BOOK AT
LEAST ONE DAY IN ADVANCE Cameras and tripods are booked through and collected from the
Technical Support Office Responsibility with borrowed equipment Students must check the camera in
every two days even if more time is needed for the shoot Students who flout these rules will be denied access
to school equipment on future occasions Students will be charged for any equipment which is damaged or
lost
SD Card You will need to put a deposit down (pound750) for an SD card for camera in CNS Finance Office You
can then save all of your video work to this SD card
Students must inform course work tutor prior to going out on location to shoot their films
Equipment available includes camcorders stills cameras tripods various microphones and torch lighting
If you return equipment late you will lose ONE
mark per day per person from your final
coursework grade
Using time effectively Students will be given
media lesson time to shoot and edit their films
During the shoot and edit students can only use
the lessons for construction run by tutors teaching
course work No other media or other subject
lessons are allowed for the shoot and edit
Students will also be expected to shoot during
free periods and after school
Guidelines for shooting film School cameras
only Shooting the action Students are strongly advised to
o Take multiple shots of the same action so the most effective shots can be selected for the
final cut
o Hold your shots do not take a few seconds of film because this makes editing very difficult
It is easier to cut footage than to add it
o Remember you can use 2 cameras to improve camera angles amp positioning
o Hold shots steady where appropriate
o Frame shots carefully including and excluding elements as appropriate
o Shoot material that is appropriate to an opening to a thriller film
o Use a variety of shot distances appropriately
o Carefully select mise-en-scene thinking about colour figure lighting positioning of objects
and setting
Camera angles Students are advised to use an appropriate variety of camera angles and movement
in order to add to the appeal of the film Take important shots from different angles then you can
select the most suitablestylish during the edit
Close up shots Students are often reluctant to use close ups but these shot types are most effective
in drawing your audience into the action Think close ups and angles
Lighting Some student productions are too dark and are thus unreadable Though you may wish to
achieve noir lighting effect make sure the action is decipherable professional directors use non
ambient lighting to achieve noir or chiaroscuro effects Therefore make sure that your action is well
lit when looking at the rushesraw footage and the lighting is too dark then students must re shoot
the clip
Revisions to original ideas If students shoot action which is different from the original planning
(story boards character etc) any revisions can be briefly redrafted and explained on the blog
Raw Footage Students should have at least 9-10 minutes of raw footage to allow for cutting during
the edit
Do not put health and safety at risk do not use pretend weapons in public
ldquoTo Have and Have Notrdquo 1944
9
CONSTRUCTION The Edit DEADLINE Week beginning 22 February 2016
Always check with course work tutors that your allotted computer is available
Each group is allotted a computer for the edit
ALWAYS USE THE SAME COMPUTER
Downloading raw footage Once the shoot is
complete you need to remove the SD card and
return the camera to the Library Then use an
SD card reader (your teacher has these) to
download to your grouprsquos folder (eg
EYear12BThrillerfootage) Download the
video footage into your folder on your
allocated computer Keep the footage backed
up on your SD card just in case something
goes wrong Or on a memory stick
It is wise to download no more than about 8-
10 minutes of your best footage which then
has to be edited to approximately 2 minutes of
film Further technical information on editing will be given to you on a separate sheet
Selecting what shots to keep Once students have raw footage make an editing list of what
shots you want to keep and where in the narrative your selected shots are appropriate
Soundtrack When students have chosen the sound track it must be down loaded and saved on
your computer
Do not erase diegeticwild sound when editing The most effectiveconvincing productions
include a mixture of diegetic and non diegetic sound
Using post production time effectively Editing can be done in course tutor media studies
lessons during free periods and after school
Edit so that meaning is apparent to the viewer
Use varied shot transitions and any other effects selectively and
appropriately for example jump cuts cross dissolve fade to black
slow motion alteration of colour
Titles Need to be planned carefully using the website
wwwdafontcom Students need to research titles systematically
and post this element of research onto their blogs
Editing must be completed in school Students who want to use
their own editing software on a laptop must bring their laptop into
school and edit under the supervision of their course tutor
Film title also needs to be researched and link to the action
theme or characters
Eyes without a Face (1960)
Alfred Hitchcock
10
RESEARCH INTO THE THRILLER GENRE
Task 1 Independent Research Definitions of aspects of the thriller genre should be
included on your Blog for example the definition of
Noir thrillers
Double Indemnity 1944 The Night of the Hunter 1955 Brighton Rock 1947 Mildred Pierce 1945
Definition of a femme fatale
Femme Fatale (classic period 1940rsquo1950rsquos) Traditional representations of deviant woman who is
subdued by domesticity marriage punishedexiled or killed off
Gilda 1946 Lauren Bacall ldquoTo Have and Have Notrdquo Barbara Stanwyck Janet Leigh as Marion 1944 ldquo Double Indemnityrdquo 1944 Crane ldquoPsychordquo 1960
Contemporary representations of strong women in thrillers (who are flaweddeviantheroic) These characters mirror
more progressive attitudes to women who are independent and prepared to fight back and survive
Jackie Brown The Bridge (DenamrkSweden) Trinity ldquoThe Matrixrdquo Lisbeth Salender ldquoThe Girl With the
1997 2011 1999 Dragon Tattoordquo 2009
Thelma amp Louise 1991 Mia ldquoPulp Fictionrdquo Nicole Kidman ldquoTo Die Forrdquo Alex Drake ldquoAshes to Ashesrdquo
1994 1995 2008-2009
11
The flawedambiguous anti-hero
ldquoChinatown ldquo 1974 Once Upon a Time in Americardquo ldquo Double Indemnity ldquo ldquoLife on Marsrdquo Gene
Jack Nicholson as J Gittes Robert De Niro as Noodles Fred McMurray as Walter Neff Hunt amp Sam Tyler 1984 1944 2006-2007
Villains with charm
Harry Lime ldquoThe Third Manrdquo Leon in ldquoLeonrdquo 1994 Brad Pitt as Jesse James in ldquoThe Assassination
of Jessie James by the Coward Robert Fordrdquo
Generic locations amp Lighting Design
12
RESEARCH INTO THE THRILLER GENRE continued
Task 2
All students are expected to construct a minimum of 5 case studies consisting of annotated notes
and graphics
All students are expected to engage in independent research into thriller films
1 Film clips viewed in class
2 Independent research into the thriller genre focusing on analysing how directors utilise the
conventions of the thriller genre
3 For those who which to strengthen research you could include in one of your case studies how
representation is constructed in one of your case studies ie sexuality age culturalregional
identity region disability
Specific aspects of mise-en-scene (characters costumes make up props objects locations
colour saturation lighting (diegetic non diegetic chiaroscuro) purpose of intertextual
references to similar filmsTV dramas and narrative structure (narrative structure linear circular
flash back complex with loops between past and present or sequences seen from the point of view
of more than one character Explain how the narrative structure strengthens or weakens the appeal
of the film)
Camera shots angles movement and composition (connotes significance of character or
object or place)
Editing (sets pace and can heighten suspense or fear)
Sound (heightens mood can connote aspects of character adds to sense of drama)
The Third Man 1946 Heavenly Creatures 1994 Essex Boys 2000
Tarantinorsquos anti Nazi thriller ldquoInglourious Basterdsrdquo 2009 Casino Royale 2006
13
Task 3) Extended Task A case study presented on either power point video diary audio discussion or other electronic form to
include imbedded images and moving footage This task will improve your coursework mark
All points must be supported by written or visual references to research
Suggested topics ( students may come up with their own ideas)
The representation of women in British or Hollywood or World Cinema Thrillers (Think about
comparing the deviant female character with a blameless or brave female character)
The appeal of the femme fatale in the thriller genre
How location and lighting in thrillers reflects the characterrsquos emotional landscape Or ndash How
location lighting and colour add to the element of suspense (or fear) in the thriller genre
How directors use claustrophobic spaces to increase menace in thriller films
How costume suggests character and genre
The representation of the hero (or anti hero) in the thriller genre
The representation of the villain in the thriller genre (Think about whether the villain is
stereotyped for example from an ethnic minority or disfigured or very old or a teenager or a
deviant woman thus reinforcing negative stereotypes about particular social groups)
A comparison of Jackie Brown and Melanie in Tarantinorsquos ldquoJackie Brownrdquo or A comparison of
Mia (Pulp Fiction) and Jackie Brown (Jackie Brown) (Think about Jackie as the assertive middle
aged street wise black independent woman who subverts stereotypes contrasting with the white
dependent and passive woman who whose existence is dependent on her rich husband
Remember both women are deviant but in different ways Which is the most appealing to
audiences and why You could do some independent research here)
The appeal of the thriller genre ndash focusing on audience research
How racial minorities are represented in thriller films (think about the tendency to represent
black males as deviantlow life)
The representation of children in thriller films (Think about films such as ldquoLeonrdquo ldquoTaxi
Driverrdquo ldquoWitnessrdquo ldquoSixth Senserdquo)
Taxi Driver 1976 Leonrdquo Luc Bresson 1994 Witnessrdquo Peter Weir 1985
Spiral Laura Berthaud (2005-2014) France Sarah Lund The Killing(2012)Denmark Wallender (Sweden) 2005-2013)
14
How to improve your analysis Structure your writing with an introduction and then a different paragraph on each technical aspect concept idea All points must be supported by detailed references to research Point evidence explain
Analysis of the sewer scene from The Third Man
The sense of claustrophobia created by the sewer
setting with the low ceiling and the cold concrete brick
walls seeks to enhance the audiencersquos sense of tension
and impending doom there is an anxiety and
discomfort brought on by the setting The setting
provides a visual metaphor for the world closing in on
Harry Lime This is exemplified in the shots of Harry
running down the tunnels of the sewer towards the light
(fig 1) the image connotes Harryrsquos attempt to escape
to find lsquothe light at the end of the tunnel but this his
escape is at once enclosed within the confines of the cold
sewer The characterrsquos movement from left to right as he
runs leads the audiencersquos eye towards the right and into
the distance Furthermore the composition (using the rule of thirds with the sewer wall
firmly on the right) leads our eye in this direction encouraging the reader to search for
Harry just as the characters are doing You should seek to examine the films in terms of Codesforms amp Conventions of the thriller genre What conventions does the film use Analyse the effects of cinematography mise-en-scene editing and sound Examine the narrative the genre and intertextuality Ensure you comment on the connotations and effects Higher marks are awarded to students who explain the purpose and effect of elements of mise-en-scene
Annotated notes and drawingsdiagrams are evidence of understanding technical aspects of mise-en-scene (film language) to include purpose and effect of the following camera angles and movement lighting sound (diegetic and non-diegetic) soundtrack special effectsCGIrsquos) location character types costume make-up props objects
Genre Notes on how genre is utilised
Inter-textual references to other thriller films and if appropriate references to aspects of mise-en-scene from appropriate crimecopspy thriller television programmes Students need to explain the purpose of these references
Narrative structure linear circular flash back complex with loops between past and present or sequences seen from the point of view of more than one character Explain how the narrative structure strengthens or weakens the appeal of the film
Representation Identify any issues regarding representation of particular social groups (women ethnic minorities social class disability age) cultures ideology (what messages and values are being communicated by the film) use of stereotypes or subversion of stereotypes Again discussion of purpose and effect very important Language and Terminology To Use
Mise-en-scene Lighting (key fill backlight ambient naturalistic artificial low key chiaroscuro) colour location setting set design props costume make-up
Sound diegetic non-diegetic Dialogue Voiceover Ambient sound Soundtrack
Editing Pace Juxtaposition Cross cutting Transitions (fade cut wipes) long short take
Camera work cinematography Low angle High angle Eye LevelTilt Canted angle ECU CU MS LS POV Two shot Pan Track Tilt Dolly Crane Steadicam Handheld Zoom
Composition Framing Rule of thirds Use of diagonals Deep and shallow focus Representation ideology dominant subordinate reinforce perpetuate subvert challenge Narrative linear non-linear parallel interweaving circular flashback flashforward equilibrium disequilibrium binary opposition engima
Intertextuality Explicit or implicit references to other texts
Setting and Fig 1 Harry
running in sewer tunnel
15
What should your research blog entries look like
Here are some successful screenshots of research by past students Notice how theyrsquove
embedded video images and annotations
Work by Amy Nolan httpamynolanmediablogspotcom Tom Kail httptkailblogspotcom Helen Blyth httphelensthrillerishblogblogspotcom
EV
16
Evaluation
DEADLINE FOR FINAL SUBMISSION week beginning 21 March 2016
Assessment is on an individual basis and completed on your blog
It is important that engagement and enthusiasm are evident in your evaluation You need
to reference particular features of your film to illustrate your points Do not repeat a point
you have already made
You must use a variety of presentational techniques in your evaluation For example
text and image embedded videos screen shots from your own production power points
prezies audio or film interviews video diaries
You will be given power points during this period for extra support on structuring your
answers Questions
1 In what ways does your media product use develop or challenge forms and
conventions of real media products
This question asks how your research into specific thriller texts has informed your
production Think about generic costume location soundtrack camera angles character
types narrative structure lighting soundtrack plot title transitions You canrsquot discuss
all these but identify the most profound influences It is important that you include
appropriate screen shotsimages from researched filmsTV dramasextracts from crime
and so with screen shots from your film with explanation
This questions also relates to the conventions of the opening to a film for
example including titles soundtrack cliff hanger etc
Olivia Thomasrsquo Thriller ldquoEve Crawfordrdquo Mildred Pierce Velda kills her lover
Josh Moorersquos thriller ldquoDead Handrdquo ldquoReservoir Dogsrdquo (Quentin Tarantino
17
2 How does your media product represent particular social groups
You could begin by explaining how you have represented gender Think about
whether your male or female characters represent stereotypes generic archetypes
or contemporaryrealisticprogressive representations of gender Then move onto
explaining how you have represented ethnicity age disability or social class in as
traditional representations or representations that challenge stereotypes
Think about
Masculinity is it in crisis meaning is the male in your film emasculated dominated
by female heroic a villain or hero stereotype or yobbish stereotyped hoodie
Femininity Stereotype passive compliant female victim or deviant (bad and mad
which are misogynist representations including the femme fatale or manipulative
controlling women) Or is your representation of femininity authentic and
progressive
Sexual ambiguity is the gender of your characters androgynous
DOES YOUR FILM CHALLENGE GENDER STEREOTYPES
Representation of ethnicity
How is ethnicity represented Does your film focus on indigenous white British
ethnic groups who feed on themselves or prey upon themselves
How are ethnic minorities represented As victims As realistic That ethnicity of
the character is irrevant
Representation of statussocial class
Representation of those who live on the margins This is because one group has
made a film about a homeless man Only reference if relevant
Representation of upper class Only discuss if relevant to your film
Representation of youthagecontemporary Britain
Representation of young people What does your film communicate about what itrsquos
like for young people living in contemporary Britain
Think about how the sense of insecurity re living in austerity Britain where jobs are
difficult for young people to get jobs pay university fees find somewhere to live
Read if relevant to your film httpwwwbbccouknewsbusiness-16158913
ldquoYoung and Joblessrdquo
Think about how your film (like film noir in the 1949rsquos) is a product of a sense of
despair hopelessness and thus ldquoconveys dark feelings of disillusionment pessimism
and cynicismrdquo The Philosophy of Film Noir
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
18
Question 2 continued (examples of representations gender ethnicity and youth in studentsrsquo film
productions)
Death at No 52
Homeless
Deceit
Skate
19
3 What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and
why You must justify all choices
Consider which film distribution company is most likely to distribute your film Refer to
your work on the Film Industry exam unit Would your film suit the European independent
film market targeted by StudioCanal or the independent British market via FilmFour Or is it
more in the style of films distributed by a mainstream global distributor like Universal
Justify your ideas by referring to other films they have distributed Remember
StudioCanal and FilmFour distribute films but Working Title Warp are film production
companies This question asks about distribution but you can refer to production companies
to help explain your decisions
httpwwwindependentfilmcompanycom Independent
httpwarpfilmscom
Working Title httpswwwworkingtitlefilmscom
1 NBC Universal Which cinemas would be most likely to exhibit your film Would your film appeal more
to a mainstream audience of a multiplex cinema (eg Vue) or more to an art-house or
independent cinema audience (eg Cinema City) Justify your answer by reference to
other films that are exhibited at these cinemas Straight on to DVD is also a possibility if
your film would not target cinema audiences
How could digital technologies offer new distribution opportunities Consider YouTube
social network sites mp4 players games consoles Video-On-Demand services like
LoveFilm and Mubi
Would your status as a student film-maker offer opportunities for distribution
Consider first-film competitions and student film competitions
20
4 Who would be the audience for your media product
Students need to reference audience research and justify in detail why a particular
demographic would identify with specific aspects of your film
Explain the demographic of your potential target audience age gender ethnicity
lifestyle aspirations engagement with popular culture media interests
Think about what real thriller films or TV crimepolice dramas your potential
audience would watch
Students have the option of constructing a visual profile of their target audience with
either visual or written references to aspects of the way they consume popular
culture
21
5 How did you attractaddress your audience
Rave the opening of a thriller film by Chiony Harvey (2014)
httpchionehardymediablogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20Productions
It is also important that you can identify specifically strong elements of mise-en-scene
which have appeal For example any of the following
locations
Costumes or objects
lighting design
camera angles and movement
character types (do your characters subvert or challenge stereotypes)
actionsuspense
sound track diegetic and non diegetic sound ie a sound bridge
Inter-textual references
Editing effects
transitions
narrative structure
colour alternation
cliff hanger
enigma
A topical theme
Titles
Students may wish to reference any audience feedback during the editing process Students may include a filmed interview with a potential viewer
22
6 What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this
Product
It is advisable that you identify specific technologies and explain how they offered you creative
opportunities that revolutionisedenhanced transformed aspects of your research Think about
technologies that assisted you in your ability to
File coursework onto your blog using different forms of presentation creatively
Upload case studies including film clips and screen shots onto your blog
Research and plan your preliminary task and your opening to a new thriller film
Shoot and edit using credits sound and editing effects appropriately and creatively
Record these processes onto your blog CREATIVELY either through prezi power points
uploaded film clips or screen shots recording aspects of your work on video
Collaborate
Communicate
All points must reference specific examples
7 Looking back at your preliminary task what do you feel you have learnt in the
progression from it to the full product
Students need to consider how their preliminary task introduced technical and conceptual
knowledge to embark on their thriller production
Think about the skills you used in your preliminary task and how they became more
sophisticated when researching and constructing your thriller Ideas to consider
The 180 degree rule match on action shot reverse shot Explain how you developed these
skills in your thriller to include using titles and sound
Experimenting with lighting and camera angles and movement
Working within the blueprint of generic conventions for the main task (your thriller film)
Working to a specific brief and to a specific deadline and reinforcing generic conventions
Evaluating audience feedback
Prime Evil (Stuart McCrum)
httpstuartmccrumblogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20productions
23
ldquoThe Birdsrdquo Alfred Hitchcock Kill Bill Volume 2 Quentin Tarantino
Health Warning
Course tutors will be monitoring all written and practical components
Students are marked individually for written work
Any student not contributing adequately to planning shooting and editing their
production will have marks deducted Irregular attendance will also be
penalised in the assessment process
If students encounter problems with deadlines they must seek tutor support
immediately
If there are problems within a group please seek tutor advice without delay so
that problems can be quickly solved These matters can be discussed with a
media tutor in confidence
Remember your coursework makes up 50 of your marks for AS media studies
Robert DeNiro in Scorcesersquos ldquo King of Comedyrdquo (1983) Clint Eastwood in ldquoThe Gran Torinordquo 2007
24
Advisable working structure for course work
2015 Lesson time Homework free periods
September to
6 October
Continuity task Practising camera
shots and movement storyboarding
shooting and editing Continuity
Task
Commencing coursework on blogs
Posting all elements of planning
under label ldquoContinuity Taskrdquo to
include camera shots amp angles
Embed moving image clips from
research into match on action shot
reverse shot and the 180 degree
rule
Short Evaluation
October ndash November Analysis of thriller films in class
Collaborative planning of
thriller film
Tutor monitoring of individual
student progress
Independent research into
thriller films through case
studies
Planning film (individual
storyboards etc) all to be
posted on student blogs
November ndash December Shooting thriller film
Commence editing thriller film
Tutor monitoring and support of
individual students and group
work during production process
Independently researching
thriller films and TV
crimethriller dramas
Shooting thriller film in lesson
and own time
Editing film in lessons free
periods and own time
2016
January ndash February
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production process
addressing 7 specific questions
set out by OCR Examination
Board
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production
process as a ldquodirectorrsquos
commentaryrdquo -addressing 7
specific questions set out by
OCR Examination Board
Revising research elements
(into the thriller genre) in
response to tutor advice
24 March 2016
final deadline for
uploading any
coursework onto blogs
Completing Evaluation
Completing all elements of blog
Working on revising
Evaluation
Completing all elements of
blog in preparation for
internal moderation process
25
YEAR 12 DEADLINES FOR ALL ELEMENTS OF COURSEWORK
AUTUMN TERM 2015 Week beginning
Details of work
14 September 2015 Submission of summer task to blogs
5 October 2015
Complete planning shooting editing and evaluation of preliminary task
16 November 2015
All elements of planning opening to thriller film are in place for shoot to go ahead
SPRING TERM 2016 Week beginning
18 January 2016
Completing the shooting of thriller film
February Half Term February 2015
Week beginning 22 February 2014
Completing the edit of new thriller film (maximum 2 minutes) to include sound and titles
Monday 21 March 2016 Evaluation Final draft of response to 7 compulsory questions set by OCR posted onto blog
Thursday 24 March 2016
All practical and written elements of coursework completed
Administrative details checked ready for submission of all coursework for internal and external moderation
No further blog entries for Unit G321
The 65+ thriller films and television crimepolice dramas referenced in this booklet are suitable choices for case studies Elements of camera angles lighting costume location amp soundtrack offer inspiration for planning your film
9
CONSTRUCTION The Edit DEADLINE Week beginning 22 February 2016
Always check with course work tutors that your allotted computer is available
Each group is allotted a computer for the edit
ALWAYS USE THE SAME COMPUTER
Downloading raw footage Once the shoot is
complete you need to remove the SD card and
return the camera to the Library Then use an
SD card reader (your teacher has these) to
download to your grouprsquos folder (eg
EYear12BThrillerfootage) Download the
video footage into your folder on your
allocated computer Keep the footage backed
up on your SD card just in case something
goes wrong Or on a memory stick
It is wise to download no more than about 8-
10 minutes of your best footage which then
has to be edited to approximately 2 minutes of
film Further technical information on editing will be given to you on a separate sheet
Selecting what shots to keep Once students have raw footage make an editing list of what
shots you want to keep and where in the narrative your selected shots are appropriate
Soundtrack When students have chosen the sound track it must be down loaded and saved on
your computer
Do not erase diegeticwild sound when editing The most effectiveconvincing productions
include a mixture of diegetic and non diegetic sound
Using post production time effectively Editing can be done in course tutor media studies
lessons during free periods and after school
Edit so that meaning is apparent to the viewer
Use varied shot transitions and any other effects selectively and
appropriately for example jump cuts cross dissolve fade to black
slow motion alteration of colour
Titles Need to be planned carefully using the website
wwwdafontcom Students need to research titles systematically
and post this element of research onto their blogs
Editing must be completed in school Students who want to use
their own editing software on a laptop must bring their laptop into
school and edit under the supervision of their course tutor
Film title also needs to be researched and link to the action
theme or characters
Eyes without a Face (1960)
Alfred Hitchcock
10
RESEARCH INTO THE THRILLER GENRE
Task 1 Independent Research Definitions of aspects of the thriller genre should be
included on your Blog for example the definition of
Noir thrillers
Double Indemnity 1944 The Night of the Hunter 1955 Brighton Rock 1947 Mildred Pierce 1945
Definition of a femme fatale
Femme Fatale (classic period 1940rsquo1950rsquos) Traditional representations of deviant woman who is
subdued by domesticity marriage punishedexiled or killed off
Gilda 1946 Lauren Bacall ldquoTo Have and Have Notrdquo Barbara Stanwyck Janet Leigh as Marion 1944 ldquo Double Indemnityrdquo 1944 Crane ldquoPsychordquo 1960
Contemporary representations of strong women in thrillers (who are flaweddeviantheroic) These characters mirror
more progressive attitudes to women who are independent and prepared to fight back and survive
Jackie Brown The Bridge (DenamrkSweden) Trinity ldquoThe Matrixrdquo Lisbeth Salender ldquoThe Girl With the
1997 2011 1999 Dragon Tattoordquo 2009
Thelma amp Louise 1991 Mia ldquoPulp Fictionrdquo Nicole Kidman ldquoTo Die Forrdquo Alex Drake ldquoAshes to Ashesrdquo
1994 1995 2008-2009
11
The flawedambiguous anti-hero
ldquoChinatown ldquo 1974 Once Upon a Time in Americardquo ldquo Double Indemnity ldquo ldquoLife on Marsrdquo Gene
Jack Nicholson as J Gittes Robert De Niro as Noodles Fred McMurray as Walter Neff Hunt amp Sam Tyler 1984 1944 2006-2007
Villains with charm
Harry Lime ldquoThe Third Manrdquo Leon in ldquoLeonrdquo 1994 Brad Pitt as Jesse James in ldquoThe Assassination
of Jessie James by the Coward Robert Fordrdquo
Generic locations amp Lighting Design
12
RESEARCH INTO THE THRILLER GENRE continued
Task 2
All students are expected to construct a minimum of 5 case studies consisting of annotated notes
and graphics
All students are expected to engage in independent research into thriller films
1 Film clips viewed in class
2 Independent research into the thriller genre focusing on analysing how directors utilise the
conventions of the thriller genre
3 For those who which to strengthen research you could include in one of your case studies how
representation is constructed in one of your case studies ie sexuality age culturalregional
identity region disability
Specific aspects of mise-en-scene (characters costumes make up props objects locations
colour saturation lighting (diegetic non diegetic chiaroscuro) purpose of intertextual
references to similar filmsTV dramas and narrative structure (narrative structure linear circular
flash back complex with loops between past and present or sequences seen from the point of view
of more than one character Explain how the narrative structure strengthens or weakens the appeal
of the film)
Camera shots angles movement and composition (connotes significance of character or
object or place)
Editing (sets pace and can heighten suspense or fear)
Sound (heightens mood can connote aspects of character adds to sense of drama)
The Third Man 1946 Heavenly Creatures 1994 Essex Boys 2000
Tarantinorsquos anti Nazi thriller ldquoInglourious Basterdsrdquo 2009 Casino Royale 2006
13
Task 3) Extended Task A case study presented on either power point video diary audio discussion or other electronic form to
include imbedded images and moving footage This task will improve your coursework mark
All points must be supported by written or visual references to research
Suggested topics ( students may come up with their own ideas)
The representation of women in British or Hollywood or World Cinema Thrillers (Think about
comparing the deviant female character with a blameless or brave female character)
The appeal of the femme fatale in the thriller genre
How location and lighting in thrillers reflects the characterrsquos emotional landscape Or ndash How
location lighting and colour add to the element of suspense (or fear) in the thriller genre
How directors use claustrophobic spaces to increase menace in thriller films
How costume suggests character and genre
The representation of the hero (or anti hero) in the thriller genre
The representation of the villain in the thriller genre (Think about whether the villain is
stereotyped for example from an ethnic minority or disfigured or very old or a teenager or a
deviant woman thus reinforcing negative stereotypes about particular social groups)
A comparison of Jackie Brown and Melanie in Tarantinorsquos ldquoJackie Brownrdquo or A comparison of
Mia (Pulp Fiction) and Jackie Brown (Jackie Brown) (Think about Jackie as the assertive middle
aged street wise black independent woman who subverts stereotypes contrasting with the white
dependent and passive woman who whose existence is dependent on her rich husband
Remember both women are deviant but in different ways Which is the most appealing to
audiences and why You could do some independent research here)
The appeal of the thriller genre ndash focusing on audience research
How racial minorities are represented in thriller films (think about the tendency to represent
black males as deviantlow life)
The representation of children in thriller films (Think about films such as ldquoLeonrdquo ldquoTaxi
Driverrdquo ldquoWitnessrdquo ldquoSixth Senserdquo)
Taxi Driver 1976 Leonrdquo Luc Bresson 1994 Witnessrdquo Peter Weir 1985
Spiral Laura Berthaud (2005-2014) France Sarah Lund The Killing(2012)Denmark Wallender (Sweden) 2005-2013)
14
How to improve your analysis Structure your writing with an introduction and then a different paragraph on each technical aspect concept idea All points must be supported by detailed references to research Point evidence explain
Analysis of the sewer scene from The Third Man
The sense of claustrophobia created by the sewer
setting with the low ceiling and the cold concrete brick
walls seeks to enhance the audiencersquos sense of tension
and impending doom there is an anxiety and
discomfort brought on by the setting The setting
provides a visual metaphor for the world closing in on
Harry Lime This is exemplified in the shots of Harry
running down the tunnels of the sewer towards the light
(fig 1) the image connotes Harryrsquos attempt to escape
to find lsquothe light at the end of the tunnel but this his
escape is at once enclosed within the confines of the cold
sewer The characterrsquos movement from left to right as he
runs leads the audiencersquos eye towards the right and into
the distance Furthermore the composition (using the rule of thirds with the sewer wall
firmly on the right) leads our eye in this direction encouraging the reader to search for
Harry just as the characters are doing You should seek to examine the films in terms of Codesforms amp Conventions of the thriller genre What conventions does the film use Analyse the effects of cinematography mise-en-scene editing and sound Examine the narrative the genre and intertextuality Ensure you comment on the connotations and effects Higher marks are awarded to students who explain the purpose and effect of elements of mise-en-scene
Annotated notes and drawingsdiagrams are evidence of understanding technical aspects of mise-en-scene (film language) to include purpose and effect of the following camera angles and movement lighting sound (diegetic and non-diegetic) soundtrack special effectsCGIrsquos) location character types costume make-up props objects
Genre Notes on how genre is utilised
Inter-textual references to other thriller films and if appropriate references to aspects of mise-en-scene from appropriate crimecopspy thriller television programmes Students need to explain the purpose of these references
Narrative structure linear circular flash back complex with loops between past and present or sequences seen from the point of view of more than one character Explain how the narrative structure strengthens or weakens the appeal of the film
Representation Identify any issues regarding representation of particular social groups (women ethnic minorities social class disability age) cultures ideology (what messages and values are being communicated by the film) use of stereotypes or subversion of stereotypes Again discussion of purpose and effect very important Language and Terminology To Use
Mise-en-scene Lighting (key fill backlight ambient naturalistic artificial low key chiaroscuro) colour location setting set design props costume make-up
Sound diegetic non-diegetic Dialogue Voiceover Ambient sound Soundtrack
Editing Pace Juxtaposition Cross cutting Transitions (fade cut wipes) long short take
Camera work cinematography Low angle High angle Eye LevelTilt Canted angle ECU CU MS LS POV Two shot Pan Track Tilt Dolly Crane Steadicam Handheld Zoom
Composition Framing Rule of thirds Use of diagonals Deep and shallow focus Representation ideology dominant subordinate reinforce perpetuate subvert challenge Narrative linear non-linear parallel interweaving circular flashback flashforward equilibrium disequilibrium binary opposition engima
Intertextuality Explicit or implicit references to other texts
Setting and Fig 1 Harry
running in sewer tunnel
15
What should your research blog entries look like
Here are some successful screenshots of research by past students Notice how theyrsquove
embedded video images and annotations
Work by Amy Nolan httpamynolanmediablogspotcom Tom Kail httptkailblogspotcom Helen Blyth httphelensthrillerishblogblogspotcom
EV
16
Evaluation
DEADLINE FOR FINAL SUBMISSION week beginning 21 March 2016
Assessment is on an individual basis and completed on your blog
It is important that engagement and enthusiasm are evident in your evaluation You need
to reference particular features of your film to illustrate your points Do not repeat a point
you have already made
You must use a variety of presentational techniques in your evaluation For example
text and image embedded videos screen shots from your own production power points
prezies audio or film interviews video diaries
You will be given power points during this period for extra support on structuring your
answers Questions
1 In what ways does your media product use develop or challenge forms and
conventions of real media products
This question asks how your research into specific thriller texts has informed your
production Think about generic costume location soundtrack camera angles character
types narrative structure lighting soundtrack plot title transitions You canrsquot discuss
all these but identify the most profound influences It is important that you include
appropriate screen shotsimages from researched filmsTV dramasextracts from crime
and so with screen shots from your film with explanation
This questions also relates to the conventions of the opening to a film for
example including titles soundtrack cliff hanger etc
Olivia Thomasrsquo Thriller ldquoEve Crawfordrdquo Mildred Pierce Velda kills her lover
Josh Moorersquos thriller ldquoDead Handrdquo ldquoReservoir Dogsrdquo (Quentin Tarantino
17
2 How does your media product represent particular social groups
You could begin by explaining how you have represented gender Think about
whether your male or female characters represent stereotypes generic archetypes
or contemporaryrealisticprogressive representations of gender Then move onto
explaining how you have represented ethnicity age disability or social class in as
traditional representations or representations that challenge stereotypes
Think about
Masculinity is it in crisis meaning is the male in your film emasculated dominated
by female heroic a villain or hero stereotype or yobbish stereotyped hoodie
Femininity Stereotype passive compliant female victim or deviant (bad and mad
which are misogynist representations including the femme fatale or manipulative
controlling women) Or is your representation of femininity authentic and
progressive
Sexual ambiguity is the gender of your characters androgynous
DOES YOUR FILM CHALLENGE GENDER STEREOTYPES
Representation of ethnicity
How is ethnicity represented Does your film focus on indigenous white British
ethnic groups who feed on themselves or prey upon themselves
How are ethnic minorities represented As victims As realistic That ethnicity of
the character is irrevant
Representation of statussocial class
Representation of those who live on the margins This is because one group has
made a film about a homeless man Only reference if relevant
Representation of upper class Only discuss if relevant to your film
Representation of youthagecontemporary Britain
Representation of young people What does your film communicate about what itrsquos
like for young people living in contemporary Britain
Think about how the sense of insecurity re living in austerity Britain where jobs are
difficult for young people to get jobs pay university fees find somewhere to live
Read if relevant to your film httpwwwbbccouknewsbusiness-16158913
ldquoYoung and Joblessrdquo
Think about how your film (like film noir in the 1949rsquos) is a product of a sense of
despair hopelessness and thus ldquoconveys dark feelings of disillusionment pessimism
and cynicismrdquo The Philosophy of Film Noir
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
18
Question 2 continued (examples of representations gender ethnicity and youth in studentsrsquo film
productions)
Death at No 52
Homeless
Deceit
Skate
19
3 What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and
why You must justify all choices
Consider which film distribution company is most likely to distribute your film Refer to
your work on the Film Industry exam unit Would your film suit the European independent
film market targeted by StudioCanal or the independent British market via FilmFour Or is it
more in the style of films distributed by a mainstream global distributor like Universal
Justify your ideas by referring to other films they have distributed Remember
StudioCanal and FilmFour distribute films but Working Title Warp are film production
companies This question asks about distribution but you can refer to production companies
to help explain your decisions
httpwwwindependentfilmcompanycom Independent
httpwarpfilmscom
Working Title httpswwwworkingtitlefilmscom
1 NBC Universal Which cinemas would be most likely to exhibit your film Would your film appeal more
to a mainstream audience of a multiplex cinema (eg Vue) or more to an art-house or
independent cinema audience (eg Cinema City) Justify your answer by reference to
other films that are exhibited at these cinemas Straight on to DVD is also a possibility if
your film would not target cinema audiences
How could digital technologies offer new distribution opportunities Consider YouTube
social network sites mp4 players games consoles Video-On-Demand services like
LoveFilm and Mubi
Would your status as a student film-maker offer opportunities for distribution
Consider first-film competitions and student film competitions
20
4 Who would be the audience for your media product
Students need to reference audience research and justify in detail why a particular
demographic would identify with specific aspects of your film
Explain the demographic of your potential target audience age gender ethnicity
lifestyle aspirations engagement with popular culture media interests
Think about what real thriller films or TV crimepolice dramas your potential
audience would watch
Students have the option of constructing a visual profile of their target audience with
either visual or written references to aspects of the way they consume popular
culture
21
5 How did you attractaddress your audience
Rave the opening of a thriller film by Chiony Harvey (2014)
httpchionehardymediablogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20Productions
It is also important that you can identify specifically strong elements of mise-en-scene
which have appeal For example any of the following
locations
Costumes or objects
lighting design
camera angles and movement
character types (do your characters subvert or challenge stereotypes)
actionsuspense
sound track diegetic and non diegetic sound ie a sound bridge
Inter-textual references
Editing effects
transitions
narrative structure
colour alternation
cliff hanger
enigma
A topical theme
Titles
Students may wish to reference any audience feedback during the editing process Students may include a filmed interview with a potential viewer
22
6 What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this
Product
It is advisable that you identify specific technologies and explain how they offered you creative
opportunities that revolutionisedenhanced transformed aspects of your research Think about
technologies that assisted you in your ability to
File coursework onto your blog using different forms of presentation creatively
Upload case studies including film clips and screen shots onto your blog
Research and plan your preliminary task and your opening to a new thriller film
Shoot and edit using credits sound and editing effects appropriately and creatively
Record these processes onto your blog CREATIVELY either through prezi power points
uploaded film clips or screen shots recording aspects of your work on video
Collaborate
Communicate
All points must reference specific examples
7 Looking back at your preliminary task what do you feel you have learnt in the
progression from it to the full product
Students need to consider how their preliminary task introduced technical and conceptual
knowledge to embark on their thriller production
Think about the skills you used in your preliminary task and how they became more
sophisticated when researching and constructing your thriller Ideas to consider
The 180 degree rule match on action shot reverse shot Explain how you developed these
skills in your thriller to include using titles and sound
Experimenting with lighting and camera angles and movement
Working within the blueprint of generic conventions for the main task (your thriller film)
Working to a specific brief and to a specific deadline and reinforcing generic conventions
Evaluating audience feedback
Prime Evil (Stuart McCrum)
httpstuartmccrumblogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20productions
23
ldquoThe Birdsrdquo Alfred Hitchcock Kill Bill Volume 2 Quentin Tarantino
Health Warning
Course tutors will be monitoring all written and practical components
Students are marked individually for written work
Any student not contributing adequately to planning shooting and editing their
production will have marks deducted Irregular attendance will also be
penalised in the assessment process
If students encounter problems with deadlines they must seek tutor support
immediately
If there are problems within a group please seek tutor advice without delay so
that problems can be quickly solved These matters can be discussed with a
media tutor in confidence
Remember your coursework makes up 50 of your marks for AS media studies
Robert DeNiro in Scorcesersquos ldquo King of Comedyrdquo (1983) Clint Eastwood in ldquoThe Gran Torinordquo 2007
24
Advisable working structure for course work
2015 Lesson time Homework free periods
September to
6 October
Continuity task Practising camera
shots and movement storyboarding
shooting and editing Continuity
Task
Commencing coursework on blogs
Posting all elements of planning
under label ldquoContinuity Taskrdquo to
include camera shots amp angles
Embed moving image clips from
research into match on action shot
reverse shot and the 180 degree
rule
Short Evaluation
October ndash November Analysis of thriller films in class
Collaborative planning of
thriller film
Tutor monitoring of individual
student progress
Independent research into
thriller films through case
studies
Planning film (individual
storyboards etc) all to be
posted on student blogs
November ndash December Shooting thriller film
Commence editing thriller film
Tutor monitoring and support of
individual students and group
work during production process
Independently researching
thriller films and TV
crimethriller dramas
Shooting thriller film in lesson
and own time
Editing film in lessons free
periods and own time
2016
January ndash February
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production process
addressing 7 specific questions
set out by OCR Examination
Board
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production
process as a ldquodirectorrsquos
commentaryrdquo -addressing 7
specific questions set out by
OCR Examination Board
Revising research elements
(into the thriller genre) in
response to tutor advice
24 March 2016
final deadline for
uploading any
coursework onto blogs
Completing Evaluation
Completing all elements of blog
Working on revising
Evaluation
Completing all elements of
blog in preparation for
internal moderation process
25
YEAR 12 DEADLINES FOR ALL ELEMENTS OF COURSEWORK
AUTUMN TERM 2015 Week beginning
Details of work
14 September 2015 Submission of summer task to blogs
5 October 2015
Complete planning shooting editing and evaluation of preliminary task
16 November 2015
All elements of planning opening to thriller film are in place for shoot to go ahead
SPRING TERM 2016 Week beginning
18 January 2016
Completing the shooting of thriller film
February Half Term February 2015
Week beginning 22 February 2014
Completing the edit of new thriller film (maximum 2 minutes) to include sound and titles
Monday 21 March 2016 Evaluation Final draft of response to 7 compulsory questions set by OCR posted onto blog
Thursday 24 March 2016
All practical and written elements of coursework completed
Administrative details checked ready for submission of all coursework for internal and external moderation
No further blog entries for Unit G321
The 65+ thriller films and television crimepolice dramas referenced in this booklet are suitable choices for case studies Elements of camera angles lighting costume location amp soundtrack offer inspiration for planning your film
10
RESEARCH INTO THE THRILLER GENRE
Task 1 Independent Research Definitions of aspects of the thriller genre should be
included on your Blog for example the definition of
Noir thrillers
Double Indemnity 1944 The Night of the Hunter 1955 Brighton Rock 1947 Mildred Pierce 1945
Definition of a femme fatale
Femme Fatale (classic period 1940rsquo1950rsquos) Traditional representations of deviant woman who is
subdued by domesticity marriage punishedexiled or killed off
Gilda 1946 Lauren Bacall ldquoTo Have and Have Notrdquo Barbara Stanwyck Janet Leigh as Marion 1944 ldquo Double Indemnityrdquo 1944 Crane ldquoPsychordquo 1960
Contemporary representations of strong women in thrillers (who are flaweddeviantheroic) These characters mirror
more progressive attitudes to women who are independent and prepared to fight back and survive
Jackie Brown The Bridge (DenamrkSweden) Trinity ldquoThe Matrixrdquo Lisbeth Salender ldquoThe Girl With the
1997 2011 1999 Dragon Tattoordquo 2009
Thelma amp Louise 1991 Mia ldquoPulp Fictionrdquo Nicole Kidman ldquoTo Die Forrdquo Alex Drake ldquoAshes to Ashesrdquo
1994 1995 2008-2009
11
The flawedambiguous anti-hero
ldquoChinatown ldquo 1974 Once Upon a Time in Americardquo ldquo Double Indemnity ldquo ldquoLife on Marsrdquo Gene
Jack Nicholson as J Gittes Robert De Niro as Noodles Fred McMurray as Walter Neff Hunt amp Sam Tyler 1984 1944 2006-2007
Villains with charm
Harry Lime ldquoThe Third Manrdquo Leon in ldquoLeonrdquo 1994 Brad Pitt as Jesse James in ldquoThe Assassination
of Jessie James by the Coward Robert Fordrdquo
Generic locations amp Lighting Design
12
RESEARCH INTO THE THRILLER GENRE continued
Task 2
All students are expected to construct a minimum of 5 case studies consisting of annotated notes
and graphics
All students are expected to engage in independent research into thriller films
1 Film clips viewed in class
2 Independent research into the thriller genre focusing on analysing how directors utilise the
conventions of the thriller genre
3 For those who which to strengthen research you could include in one of your case studies how
representation is constructed in one of your case studies ie sexuality age culturalregional
identity region disability
Specific aspects of mise-en-scene (characters costumes make up props objects locations
colour saturation lighting (diegetic non diegetic chiaroscuro) purpose of intertextual
references to similar filmsTV dramas and narrative structure (narrative structure linear circular
flash back complex with loops between past and present or sequences seen from the point of view
of more than one character Explain how the narrative structure strengthens or weakens the appeal
of the film)
Camera shots angles movement and composition (connotes significance of character or
object or place)
Editing (sets pace and can heighten suspense or fear)
Sound (heightens mood can connote aspects of character adds to sense of drama)
The Third Man 1946 Heavenly Creatures 1994 Essex Boys 2000
Tarantinorsquos anti Nazi thriller ldquoInglourious Basterdsrdquo 2009 Casino Royale 2006
13
Task 3) Extended Task A case study presented on either power point video diary audio discussion or other electronic form to
include imbedded images and moving footage This task will improve your coursework mark
All points must be supported by written or visual references to research
Suggested topics ( students may come up with their own ideas)
The representation of women in British or Hollywood or World Cinema Thrillers (Think about
comparing the deviant female character with a blameless or brave female character)
The appeal of the femme fatale in the thriller genre
How location and lighting in thrillers reflects the characterrsquos emotional landscape Or ndash How
location lighting and colour add to the element of suspense (or fear) in the thriller genre
How directors use claustrophobic spaces to increase menace in thriller films
How costume suggests character and genre
The representation of the hero (or anti hero) in the thriller genre
The representation of the villain in the thriller genre (Think about whether the villain is
stereotyped for example from an ethnic minority or disfigured or very old or a teenager or a
deviant woman thus reinforcing negative stereotypes about particular social groups)
A comparison of Jackie Brown and Melanie in Tarantinorsquos ldquoJackie Brownrdquo or A comparison of
Mia (Pulp Fiction) and Jackie Brown (Jackie Brown) (Think about Jackie as the assertive middle
aged street wise black independent woman who subverts stereotypes contrasting with the white
dependent and passive woman who whose existence is dependent on her rich husband
Remember both women are deviant but in different ways Which is the most appealing to
audiences and why You could do some independent research here)
The appeal of the thriller genre ndash focusing on audience research
How racial minorities are represented in thriller films (think about the tendency to represent
black males as deviantlow life)
The representation of children in thriller films (Think about films such as ldquoLeonrdquo ldquoTaxi
Driverrdquo ldquoWitnessrdquo ldquoSixth Senserdquo)
Taxi Driver 1976 Leonrdquo Luc Bresson 1994 Witnessrdquo Peter Weir 1985
Spiral Laura Berthaud (2005-2014) France Sarah Lund The Killing(2012)Denmark Wallender (Sweden) 2005-2013)
14
How to improve your analysis Structure your writing with an introduction and then a different paragraph on each technical aspect concept idea All points must be supported by detailed references to research Point evidence explain
Analysis of the sewer scene from The Third Man
The sense of claustrophobia created by the sewer
setting with the low ceiling and the cold concrete brick
walls seeks to enhance the audiencersquos sense of tension
and impending doom there is an anxiety and
discomfort brought on by the setting The setting
provides a visual metaphor for the world closing in on
Harry Lime This is exemplified in the shots of Harry
running down the tunnels of the sewer towards the light
(fig 1) the image connotes Harryrsquos attempt to escape
to find lsquothe light at the end of the tunnel but this his
escape is at once enclosed within the confines of the cold
sewer The characterrsquos movement from left to right as he
runs leads the audiencersquos eye towards the right and into
the distance Furthermore the composition (using the rule of thirds with the sewer wall
firmly on the right) leads our eye in this direction encouraging the reader to search for
Harry just as the characters are doing You should seek to examine the films in terms of Codesforms amp Conventions of the thriller genre What conventions does the film use Analyse the effects of cinematography mise-en-scene editing and sound Examine the narrative the genre and intertextuality Ensure you comment on the connotations and effects Higher marks are awarded to students who explain the purpose and effect of elements of mise-en-scene
Annotated notes and drawingsdiagrams are evidence of understanding technical aspects of mise-en-scene (film language) to include purpose and effect of the following camera angles and movement lighting sound (diegetic and non-diegetic) soundtrack special effectsCGIrsquos) location character types costume make-up props objects
Genre Notes on how genre is utilised
Inter-textual references to other thriller films and if appropriate references to aspects of mise-en-scene from appropriate crimecopspy thriller television programmes Students need to explain the purpose of these references
Narrative structure linear circular flash back complex with loops between past and present or sequences seen from the point of view of more than one character Explain how the narrative structure strengthens or weakens the appeal of the film
Representation Identify any issues regarding representation of particular social groups (women ethnic minorities social class disability age) cultures ideology (what messages and values are being communicated by the film) use of stereotypes or subversion of stereotypes Again discussion of purpose and effect very important Language and Terminology To Use
Mise-en-scene Lighting (key fill backlight ambient naturalistic artificial low key chiaroscuro) colour location setting set design props costume make-up
Sound diegetic non-diegetic Dialogue Voiceover Ambient sound Soundtrack
Editing Pace Juxtaposition Cross cutting Transitions (fade cut wipes) long short take
Camera work cinematography Low angle High angle Eye LevelTilt Canted angle ECU CU MS LS POV Two shot Pan Track Tilt Dolly Crane Steadicam Handheld Zoom
Composition Framing Rule of thirds Use of diagonals Deep and shallow focus Representation ideology dominant subordinate reinforce perpetuate subvert challenge Narrative linear non-linear parallel interweaving circular flashback flashforward equilibrium disequilibrium binary opposition engima
Intertextuality Explicit or implicit references to other texts
Setting and Fig 1 Harry
running in sewer tunnel
15
What should your research blog entries look like
Here are some successful screenshots of research by past students Notice how theyrsquove
embedded video images and annotations
Work by Amy Nolan httpamynolanmediablogspotcom Tom Kail httptkailblogspotcom Helen Blyth httphelensthrillerishblogblogspotcom
EV
16
Evaluation
DEADLINE FOR FINAL SUBMISSION week beginning 21 March 2016
Assessment is on an individual basis and completed on your blog
It is important that engagement and enthusiasm are evident in your evaluation You need
to reference particular features of your film to illustrate your points Do not repeat a point
you have already made
You must use a variety of presentational techniques in your evaluation For example
text and image embedded videos screen shots from your own production power points
prezies audio or film interviews video diaries
You will be given power points during this period for extra support on structuring your
answers Questions
1 In what ways does your media product use develop or challenge forms and
conventions of real media products
This question asks how your research into specific thriller texts has informed your
production Think about generic costume location soundtrack camera angles character
types narrative structure lighting soundtrack plot title transitions You canrsquot discuss
all these but identify the most profound influences It is important that you include
appropriate screen shotsimages from researched filmsTV dramasextracts from crime
and so with screen shots from your film with explanation
This questions also relates to the conventions of the opening to a film for
example including titles soundtrack cliff hanger etc
Olivia Thomasrsquo Thriller ldquoEve Crawfordrdquo Mildred Pierce Velda kills her lover
Josh Moorersquos thriller ldquoDead Handrdquo ldquoReservoir Dogsrdquo (Quentin Tarantino
17
2 How does your media product represent particular social groups
You could begin by explaining how you have represented gender Think about
whether your male or female characters represent stereotypes generic archetypes
or contemporaryrealisticprogressive representations of gender Then move onto
explaining how you have represented ethnicity age disability or social class in as
traditional representations or representations that challenge stereotypes
Think about
Masculinity is it in crisis meaning is the male in your film emasculated dominated
by female heroic a villain or hero stereotype or yobbish stereotyped hoodie
Femininity Stereotype passive compliant female victim or deviant (bad and mad
which are misogynist representations including the femme fatale or manipulative
controlling women) Or is your representation of femininity authentic and
progressive
Sexual ambiguity is the gender of your characters androgynous
DOES YOUR FILM CHALLENGE GENDER STEREOTYPES
Representation of ethnicity
How is ethnicity represented Does your film focus on indigenous white British
ethnic groups who feed on themselves or prey upon themselves
How are ethnic minorities represented As victims As realistic That ethnicity of
the character is irrevant
Representation of statussocial class
Representation of those who live on the margins This is because one group has
made a film about a homeless man Only reference if relevant
Representation of upper class Only discuss if relevant to your film
Representation of youthagecontemporary Britain
Representation of young people What does your film communicate about what itrsquos
like for young people living in contemporary Britain
Think about how the sense of insecurity re living in austerity Britain where jobs are
difficult for young people to get jobs pay university fees find somewhere to live
Read if relevant to your film httpwwwbbccouknewsbusiness-16158913
ldquoYoung and Joblessrdquo
Think about how your film (like film noir in the 1949rsquos) is a product of a sense of
despair hopelessness and thus ldquoconveys dark feelings of disillusionment pessimism
and cynicismrdquo The Philosophy of Film Noir
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
18
Question 2 continued (examples of representations gender ethnicity and youth in studentsrsquo film
productions)
Death at No 52
Homeless
Deceit
Skate
19
3 What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and
why You must justify all choices
Consider which film distribution company is most likely to distribute your film Refer to
your work on the Film Industry exam unit Would your film suit the European independent
film market targeted by StudioCanal or the independent British market via FilmFour Or is it
more in the style of films distributed by a mainstream global distributor like Universal
Justify your ideas by referring to other films they have distributed Remember
StudioCanal and FilmFour distribute films but Working Title Warp are film production
companies This question asks about distribution but you can refer to production companies
to help explain your decisions
httpwwwindependentfilmcompanycom Independent
httpwarpfilmscom
Working Title httpswwwworkingtitlefilmscom
1 NBC Universal Which cinemas would be most likely to exhibit your film Would your film appeal more
to a mainstream audience of a multiplex cinema (eg Vue) or more to an art-house or
independent cinema audience (eg Cinema City) Justify your answer by reference to
other films that are exhibited at these cinemas Straight on to DVD is also a possibility if
your film would not target cinema audiences
How could digital technologies offer new distribution opportunities Consider YouTube
social network sites mp4 players games consoles Video-On-Demand services like
LoveFilm and Mubi
Would your status as a student film-maker offer opportunities for distribution
Consider first-film competitions and student film competitions
20
4 Who would be the audience for your media product
Students need to reference audience research and justify in detail why a particular
demographic would identify with specific aspects of your film
Explain the demographic of your potential target audience age gender ethnicity
lifestyle aspirations engagement with popular culture media interests
Think about what real thriller films or TV crimepolice dramas your potential
audience would watch
Students have the option of constructing a visual profile of their target audience with
either visual or written references to aspects of the way they consume popular
culture
21
5 How did you attractaddress your audience
Rave the opening of a thriller film by Chiony Harvey (2014)
httpchionehardymediablogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20Productions
It is also important that you can identify specifically strong elements of mise-en-scene
which have appeal For example any of the following
locations
Costumes or objects
lighting design
camera angles and movement
character types (do your characters subvert or challenge stereotypes)
actionsuspense
sound track diegetic and non diegetic sound ie a sound bridge
Inter-textual references
Editing effects
transitions
narrative structure
colour alternation
cliff hanger
enigma
A topical theme
Titles
Students may wish to reference any audience feedback during the editing process Students may include a filmed interview with a potential viewer
22
6 What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this
Product
It is advisable that you identify specific technologies and explain how they offered you creative
opportunities that revolutionisedenhanced transformed aspects of your research Think about
technologies that assisted you in your ability to
File coursework onto your blog using different forms of presentation creatively
Upload case studies including film clips and screen shots onto your blog
Research and plan your preliminary task and your opening to a new thriller film
Shoot and edit using credits sound and editing effects appropriately and creatively
Record these processes onto your blog CREATIVELY either through prezi power points
uploaded film clips or screen shots recording aspects of your work on video
Collaborate
Communicate
All points must reference specific examples
7 Looking back at your preliminary task what do you feel you have learnt in the
progression from it to the full product
Students need to consider how their preliminary task introduced technical and conceptual
knowledge to embark on their thriller production
Think about the skills you used in your preliminary task and how they became more
sophisticated when researching and constructing your thriller Ideas to consider
The 180 degree rule match on action shot reverse shot Explain how you developed these
skills in your thriller to include using titles and sound
Experimenting with lighting and camera angles and movement
Working within the blueprint of generic conventions for the main task (your thriller film)
Working to a specific brief and to a specific deadline and reinforcing generic conventions
Evaluating audience feedback
Prime Evil (Stuart McCrum)
httpstuartmccrumblogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20productions
23
ldquoThe Birdsrdquo Alfred Hitchcock Kill Bill Volume 2 Quentin Tarantino
Health Warning
Course tutors will be monitoring all written and practical components
Students are marked individually for written work
Any student not contributing adequately to planning shooting and editing their
production will have marks deducted Irregular attendance will also be
penalised in the assessment process
If students encounter problems with deadlines they must seek tutor support
immediately
If there are problems within a group please seek tutor advice without delay so
that problems can be quickly solved These matters can be discussed with a
media tutor in confidence
Remember your coursework makes up 50 of your marks for AS media studies
Robert DeNiro in Scorcesersquos ldquo King of Comedyrdquo (1983) Clint Eastwood in ldquoThe Gran Torinordquo 2007
24
Advisable working structure for course work
2015 Lesson time Homework free periods
September to
6 October
Continuity task Practising camera
shots and movement storyboarding
shooting and editing Continuity
Task
Commencing coursework on blogs
Posting all elements of planning
under label ldquoContinuity Taskrdquo to
include camera shots amp angles
Embed moving image clips from
research into match on action shot
reverse shot and the 180 degree
rule
Short Evaluation
October ndash November Analysis of thriller films in class
Collaborative planning of
thriller film
Tutor monitoring of individual
student progress
Independent research into
thriller films through case
studies
Planning film (individual
storyboards etc) all to be
posted on student blogs
November ndash December Shooting thriller film
Commence editing thriller film
Tutor monitoring and support of
individual students and group
work during production process
Independently researching
thriller films and TV
crimethriller dramas
Shooting thriller film in lesson
and own time
Editing film in lessons free
periods and own time
2016
January ndash February
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production process
addressing 7 specific questions
set out by OCR Examination
Board
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production
process as a ldquodirectorrsquos
commentaryrdquo -addressing 7
specific questions set out by
OCR Examination Board
Revising research elements
(into the thriller genre) in
response to tutor advice
24 March 2016
final deadline for
uploading any
coursework onto blogs
Completing Evaluation
Completing all elements of blog
Working on revising
Evaluation
Completing all elements of
blog in preparation for
internal moderation process
25
YEAR 12 DEADLINES FOR ALL ELEMENTS OF COURSEWORK
AUTUMN TERM 2015 Week beginning
Details of work
14 September 2015 Submission of summer task to blogs
5 October 2015
Complete planning shooting editing and evaluation of preliminary task
16 November 2015
All elements of planning opening to thriller film are in place for shoot to go ahead
SPRING TERM 2016 Week beginning
18 January 2016
Completing the shooting of thriller film
February Half Term February 2015
Week beginning 22 February 2014
Completing the edit of new thriller film (maximum 2 minutes) to include sound and titles
Monday 21 March 2016 Evaluation Final draft of response to 7 compulsory questions set by OCR posted onto blog
Thursday 24 March 2016
All practical and written elements of coursework completed
Administrative details checked ready for submission of all coursework for internal and external moderation
No further blog entries for Unit G321
The 65+ thriller films and television crimepolice dramas referenced in this booklet are suitable choices for case studies Elements of camera angles lighting costume location amp soundtrack offer inspiration for planning your film
11
The flawedambiguous anti-hero
ldquoChinatown ldquo 1974 Once Upon a Time in Americardquo ldquo Double Indemnity ldquo ldquoLife on Marsrdquo Gene
Jack Nicholson as J Gittes Robert De Niro as Noodles Fred McMurray as Walter Neff Hunt amp Sam Tyler 1984 1944 2006-2007
Villains with charm
Harry Lime ldquoThe Third Manrdquo Leon in ldquoLeonrdquo 1994 Brad Pitt as Jesse James in ldquoThe Assassination
of Jessie James by the Coward Robert Fordrdquo
Generic locations amp Lighting Design
12
RESEARCH INTO THE THRILLER GENRE continued
Task 2
All students are expected to construct a minimum of 5 case studies consisting of annotated notes
and graphics
All students are expected to engage in independent research into thriller films
1 Film clips viewed in class
2 Independent research into the thriller genre focusing on analysing how directors utilise the
conventions of the thriller genre
3 For those who which to strengthen research you could include in one of your case studies how
representation is constructed in one of your case studies ie sexuality age culturalregional
identity region disability
Specific aspects of mise-en-scene (characters costumes make up props objects locations
colour saturation lighting (diegetic non diegetic chiaroscuro) purpose of intertextual
references to similar filmsTV dramas and narrative structure (narrative structure linear circular
flash back complex with loops between past and present or sequences seen from the point of view
of more than one character Explain how the narrative structure strengthens or weakens the appeal
of the film)
Camera shots angles movement and composition (connotes significance of character or
object or place)
Editing (sets pace and can heighten suspense or fear)
Sound (heightens mood can connote aspects of character adds to sense of drama)
The Third Man 1946 Heavenly Creatures 1994 Essex Boys 2000
Tarantinorsquos anti Nazi thriller ldquoInglourious Basterdsrdquo 2009 Casino Royale 2006
13
Task 3) Extended Task A case study presented on either power point video diary audio discussion or other electronic form to
include imbedded images and moving footage This task will improve your coursework mark
All points must be supported by written or visual references to research
Suggested topics ( students may come up with their own ideas)
The representation of women in British or Hollywood or World Cinema Thrillers (Think about
comparing the deviant female character with a blameless or brave female character)
The appeal of the femme fatale in the thriller genre
How location and lighting in thrillers reflects the characterrsquos emotional landscape Or ndash How
location lighting and colour add to the element of suspense (or fear) in the thriller genre
How directors use claustrophobic spaces to increase menace in thriller films
How costume suggests character and genre
The representation of the hero (or anti hero) in the thriller genre
The representation of the villain in the thriller genre (Think about whether the villain is
stereotyped for example from an ethnic minority or disfigured or very old or a teenager or a
deviant woman thus reinforcing negative stereotypes about particular social groups)
A comparison of Jackie Brown and Melanie in Tarantinorsquos ldquoJackie Brownrdquo or A comparison of
Mia (Pulp Fiction) and Jackie Brown (Jackie Brown) (Think about Jackie as the assertive middle
aged street wise black independent woman who subverts stereotypes contrasting with the white
dependent and passive woman who whose existence is dependent on her rich husband
Remember both women are deviant but in different ways Which is the most appealing to
audiences and why You could do some independent research here)
The appeal of the thriller genre ndash focusing on audience research
How racial minorities are represented in thriller films (think about the tendency to represent
black males as deviantlow life)
The representation of children in thriller films (Think about films such as ldquoLeonrdquo ldquoTaxi
Driverrdquo ldquoWitnessrdquo ldquoSixth Senserdquo)
Taxi Driver 1976 Leonrdquo Luc Bresson 1994 Witnessrdquo Peter Weir 1985
Spiral Laura Berthaud (2005-2014) France Sarah Lund The Killing(2012)Denmark Wallender (Sweden) 2005-2013)
14
How to improve your analysis Structure your writing with an introduction and then a different paragraph on each technical aspect concept idea All points must be supported by detailed references to research Point evidence explain
Analysis of the sewer scene from The Third Man
The sense of claustrophobia created by the sewer
setting with the low ceiling and the cold concrete brick
walls seeks to enhance the audiencersquos sense of tension
and impending doom there is an anxiety and
discomfort brought on by the setting The setting
provides a visual metaphor for the world closing in on
Harry Lime This is exemplified in the shots of Harry
running down the tunnels of the sewer towards the light
(fig 1) the image connotes Harryrsquos attempt to escape
to find lsquothe light at the end of the tunnel but this his
escape is at once enclosed within the confines of the cold
sewer The characterrsquos movement from left to right as he
runs leads the audiencersquos eye towards the right and into
the distance Furthermore the composition (using the rule of thirds with the sewer wall
firmly on the right) leads our eye in this direction encouraging the reader to search for
Harry just as the characters are doing You should seek to examine the films in terms of Codesforms amp Conventions of the thriller genre What conventions does the film use Analyse the effects of cinematography mise-en-scene editing and sound Examine the narrative the genre and intertextuality Ensure you comment on the connotations and effects Higher marks are awarded to students who explain the purpose and effect of elements of mise-en-scene
Annotated notes and drawingsdiagrams are evidence of understanding technical aspects of mise-en-scene (film language) to include purpose and effect of the following camera angles and movement lighting sound (diegetic and non-diegetic) soundtrack special effectsCGIrsquos) location character types costume make-up props objects
Genre Notes on how genre is utilised
Inter-textual references to other thriller films and if appropriate references to aspects of mise-en-scene from appropriate crimecopspy thriller television programmes Students need to explain the purpose of these references
Narrative structure linear circular flash back complex with loops between past and present or sequences seen from the point of view of more than one character Explain how the narrative structure strengthens or weakens the appeal of the film
Representation Identify any issues regarding representation of particular social groups (women ethnic minorities social class disability age) cultures ideology (what messages and values are being communicated by the film) use of stereotypes or subversion of stereotypes Again discussion of purpose and effect very important Language and Terminology To Use
Mise-en-scene Lighting (key fill backlight ambient naturalistic artificial low key chiaroscuro) colour location setting set design props costume make-up
Sound diegetic non-diegetic Dialogue Voiceover Ambient sound Soundtrack
Editing Pace Juxtaposition Cross cutting Transitions (fade cut wipes) long short take
Camera work cinematography Low angle High angle Eye LevelTilt Canted angle ECU CU MS LS POV Two shot Pan Track Tilt Dolly Crane Steadicam Handheld Zoom
Composition Framing Rule of thirds Use of diagonals Deep and shallow focus Representation ideology dominant subordinate reinforce perpetuate subvert challenge Narrative linear non-linear parallel interweaving circular flashback flashforward equilibrium disequilibrium binary opposition engima
Intertextuality Explicit or implicit references to other texts
Setting and Fig 1 Harry
running in sewer tunnel
15
What should your research blog entries look like
Here are some successful screenshots of research by past students Notice how theyrsquove
embedded video images and annotations
Work by Amy Nolan httpamynolanmediablogspotcom Tom Kail httptkailblogspotcom Helen Blyth httphelensthrillerishblogblogspotcom
EV
16
Evaluation
DEADLINE FOR FINAL SUBMISSION week beginning 21 March 2016
Assessment is on an individual basis and completed on your blog
It is important that engagement and enthusiasm are evident in your evaluation You need
to reference particular features of your film to illustrate your points Do not repeat a point
you have already made
You must use a variety of presentational techniques in your evaluation For example
text and image embedded videos screen shots from your own production power points
prezies audio or film interviews video diaries
You will be given power points during this period for extra support on structuring your
answers Questions
1 In what ways does your media product use develop or challenge forms and
conventions of real media products
This question asks how your research into specific thriller texts has informed your
production Think about generic costume location soundtrack camera angles character
types narrative structure lighting soundtrack plot title transitions You canrsquot discuss
all these but identify the most profound influences It is important that you include
appropriate screen shotsimages from researched filmsTV dramasextracts from crime
and so with screen shots from your film with explanation
This questions also relates to the conventions of the opening to a film for
example including titles soundtrack cliff hanger etc
Olivia Thomasrsquo Thriller ldquoEve Crawfordrdquo Mildred Pierce Velda kills her lover
Josh Moorersquos thriller ldquoDead Handrdquo ldquoReservoir Dogsrdquo (Quentin Tarantino
17
2 How does your media product represent particular social groups
You could begin by explaining how you have represented gender Think about
whether your male or female characters represent stereotypes generic archetypes
or contemporaryrealisticprogressive representations of gender Then move onto
explaining how you have represented ethnicity age disability or social class in as
traditional representations or representations that challenge stereotypes
Think about
Masculinity is it in crisis meaning is the male in your film emasculated dominated
by female heroic a villain or hero stereotype or yobbish stereotyped hoodie
Femininity Stereotype passive compliant female victim or deviant (bad and mad
which are misogynist representations including the femme fatale or manipulative
controlling women) Or is your representation of femininity authentic and
progressive
Sexual ambiguity is the gender of your characters androgynous
DOES YOUR FILM CHALLENGE GENDER STEREOTYPES
Representation of ethnicity
How is ethnicity represented Does your film focus on indigenous white British
ethnic groups who feed on themselves or prey upon themselves
How are ethnic minorities represented As victims As realistic That ethnicity of
the character is irrevant
Representation of statussocial class
Representation of those who live on the margins This is because one group has
made a film about a homeless man Only reference if relevant
Representation of upper class Only discuss if relevant to your film
Representation of youthagecontemporary Britain
Representation of young people What does your film communicate about what itrsquos
like for young people living in contemporary Britain
Think about how the sense of insecurity re living in austerity Britain where jobs are
difficult for young people to get jobs pay university fees find somewhere to live
Read if relevant to your film httpwwwbbccouknewsbusiness-16158913
ldquoYoung and Joblessrdquo
Think about how your film (like film noir in the 1949rsquos) is a product of a sense of
despair hopelessness and thus ldquoconveys dark feelings of disillusionment pessimism
and cynicismrdquo The Philosophy of Film Noir
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
18
Question 2 continued (examples of representations gender ethnicity and youth in studentsrsquo film
productions)
Death at No 52
Homeless
Deceit
Skate
19
3 What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and
why You must justify all choices
Consider which film distribution company is most likely to distribute your film Refer to
your work on the Film Industry exam unit Would your film suit the European independent
film market targeted by StudioCanal or the independent British market via FilmFour Or is it
more in the style of films distributed by a mainstream global distributor like Universal
Justify your ideas by referring to other films they have distributed Remember
StudioCanal and FilmFour distribute films but Working Title Warp are film production
companies This question asks about distribution but you can refer to production companies
to help explain your decisions
httpwwwindependentfilmcompanycom Independent
httpwarpfilmscom
Working Title httpswwwworkingtitlefilmscom
1 NBC Universal Which cinemas would be most likely to exhibit your film Would your film appeal more
to a mainstream audience of a multiplex cinema (eg Vue) or more to an art-house or
independent cinema audience (eg Cinema City) Justify your answer by reference to
other films that are exhibited at these cinemas Straight on to DVD is also a possibility if
your film would not target cinema audiences
How could digital technologies offer new distribution opportunities Consider YouTube
social network sites mp4 players games consoles Video-On-Demand services like
LoveFilm and Mubi
Would your status as a student film-maker offer opportunities for distribution
Consider first-film competitions and student film competitions
20
4 Who would be the audience for your media product
Students need to reference audience research and justify in detail why a particular
demographic would identify with specific aspects of your film
Explain the demographic of your potential target audience age gender ethnicity
lifestyle aspirations engagement with popular culture media interests
Think about what real thriller films or TV crimepolice dramas your potential
audience would watch
Students have the option of constructing a visual profile of their target audience with
either visual or written references to aspects of the way they consume popular
culture
21
5 How did you attractaddress your audience
Rave the opening of a thriller film by Chiony Harvey (2014)
httpchionehardymediablogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20Productions
It is also important that you can identify specifically strong elements of mise-en-scene
which have appeal For example any of the following
locations
Costumes or objects
lighting design
camera angles and movement
character types (do your characters subvert or challenge stereotypes)
actionsuspense
sound track diegetic and non diegetic sound ie a sound bridge
Inter-textual references
Editing effects
transitions
narrative structure
colour alternation
cliff hanger
enigma
A topical theme
Titles
Students may wish to reference any audience feedback during the editing process Students may include a filmed interview with a potential viewer
22
6 What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this
Product
It is advisable that you identify specific technologies and explain how they offered you creative
opportunities that revolutionisedenhanced transformed aspects of your research Think about
technologies that assisted you in your ability to
File coursework onto your blog using different forms of presentation creatively
Upload case studies including film clips and screen shots onto your blog
Research and plan your preliminary task and your opening to a new thriller film
Shoot and edit using credits sound and editing effects appropriately and creatively
Record these processes onto your blog CREATIVELY either through prezi power points
uploaded film clips or screen shots recording aspects of your work on video
Collaborate
Communicate
All points must reference specific examples
7 Looking back at your preliminary task what do you feel you have learnt in the
progression from it to the full product
Students need to consider how their preliminary task introduced technical and conceptual
knowledge to embark on their thriller production
Think about the skills you used in your preliminary task and how they became more
sophisticated when researching and constructing your thriller Ideas to consider
The 180 degree rule match on action shot reverse shot Explain how you developed these
skills in your thriller to include using titles and sound
Experimenting with lighting and camera angles and movement
Working within the blueprint of generic conventions for the main task (your thriller film)
Working to a specific brief and to a specific deadline and reinforcing generic conventions
Evaluating audience feedback
Prime Evil (Stuart McCrum)
httpstuartmccrumblogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20productions
23
ldquoThe Birdsrdquo Alfred Hitchcock Kill Bill Volume 2 Quentin Tarantino
Health Warning
Course tutors will be monitoring all written and practical components
Students are marked individually for written work
Any student not contributing adequately to planning shooting and editing their
production will have marks deducted Irregular attendance will also be
penalised in the assessment process
If students encounter problems with deadlines they must seek tutor support
immediately
If there are problems within a group please seek tutor advice without delay so
that problems can be quickly solved These matters can be discussed with a
media tutor in confidence
Remember your coursework makes up 50 of your marks for AS media studies
Robert DeNiro in Scorcesersquos ldquo King of Comedyrdquo (1983) Clint Eastwood in ldquoThe Gran Torinordquo 2007
24
Advisable working structure for course work
2015 Lesson time Homework free periods
September to
6 October
Continuity task Practising camera
shots and movement storyboarding
shooting and editing Continuity
Task
Commencing coursework on blogs
Posting all elements of planning
under label ldquoContinuity Taskrdquo to
include camera shots amp angles
Embed moving image clips from
research into match on action shot
reverse shot and the 180 degree
rule
Short Evaluation
October ndash November Analysis of thriller films in class
Collaborative planning of
thriller film
Tutor monitoring of individual
student progress
Independent research into
thriller films through case
studies
Planning film (individual
storyboards etc) all to be
posted on student blogs
November ndash December Shooting thriller film
Commence editing thriller film
Tutor monitoring and support of
individual students and group
work during production process
Independently researching
thriller films and TV
crimethriller dramas
Shooting thriller film in lesson
and own time
Editing film in lessons free
periods and own time
2016
January ndash February
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production process
addressing 7 specific questions
set out by OCR Examination
Board
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production
process as a ldquodirectorrsquos
commentaryrdquo -addressing 7
specific questions set out by
OCR Examination Board
Revising research elements
(into the thriller genre) in
response to tutor advice
24 March 2016
final deadline for
uploading any
coursework onto blogs
Completing Evaluation
Completing all elements of blog
Working on revising
Evaluation
Completing all elements of
blog in preparation for
internal moderation process
25
YEAR 12 DEADLINES FOR ALL ELEMENTS OF COURSEWORK
AUTUMN TERM 2015 Week beginning
Details of work
14 September 2015 Submission of summer task to blogs
5 October 2015
Complete planning shooting editing and evaluation of preliminary task
16 November 2015
All elements of planning opening to thriller film are in place for shoot to go ahead
SPRING TERM 2016 Week beginning
18 January 2016
Completing the shooting of thriller film
February Half Term February 2015
Week beginning 22 February 2014
Completing the edit of new thriller film (maximum 2 minutes) to include sound and titles
Monday 21 March 2016 Evaluation Final draft of response to 7 compulsory questions set by OCR posted onto blog
Thursday 24 March 2016
All practical and written elements of coursework completed
Administrative details checked ready for submission of all coursework for internal and external moderation
No further blog entries for Unit G321
The 65+ thriller films and television crimepolice dramas referenced in this booklet are suitable choices for case studies Elements of camera angles lighting costume location amp soundtrack offer inspiration for planning your film
12
RESEARCH INTO THE THRILLER GENRE continued
Task 2
All students are expected to construct a minimum of 5 case studies consisting of annotated notes
and graphics
All students are expected to engage in independent research into thriller films
1 Film clips viewed in class
2 Independent research into the thriller genre focusing on analysing how directors utilise the
conventions of the thriller genre
3 For those who which to strengthen research you could include in one of your case studies how
representation is constructed in one of your case studies ie sexuality age culturalregional
identity region disability
Specific aspects of mise-en-scene (characters costumes make up props objects locations
colour saturation lighting (diegetic non diegetic chiaroscuro) purpose of intertextual
references to similar filmsTV dramas and narrative structure (narrative structure linear circular
flash back complex with loops between past and present or sequences seen from the point of view
of more than one character Explain how the narrative structure strengthens or weakens the appeal
of the film)
Camera shots angles movement and composition (connotes significance of character or
object or place)
Editing (sets pace and can heighten suspense or fear)
Sound (heightens mood can connote aspects of character adds to sense of drama)
The Third Man 1946 Heavenly Creatures 1994 Essex Boys 2000
Tarantinorsquos anti Nazi thriller ldquoInglourious Basterdsrdquo 2009 Casino Royale 2006
13
Task 3) Extended Task A case study presented on either power point video diary audio discussion or other electronic form to
include imbedded images and moving footage This task will improve your coursework mark
All points must be supported by written or visual references to research
Suggested topics ( students may come up with their own ideas)
The representation of women in British or Hollywood or World Cinema Thrillers (Think about
comparing the deviant female character with a blameless or brave female character)
The appeal of the femme fatale in the thriller genre
How location and lighting in thrillers reflects the characterrsquos emotional landscape Or ndash How
location lighting and colour add to the element of suspense (or fear) in the thriller genre
How directors use claustrophobic spaces to increase menace in thriller films
How costume suggests character and genre
The representation of the hero (or anti hero) in the thriller genre
The representation of the villain in the thriller genre (Think about whether the villain is
stereotyped for example from an ethnic minority or disfigured or very old or a teenager or a
deviant woman thus reinforcing negative stereotypes about particular social groups)
A comparison of Jackie Brown and Melanie in Tarantinorsquos ldquoJackie Brownrdquo or A comparison of
Mia (Pulp Fiction) and Jackie Brown (Jackie Brown) (Think about Jackie as the assertive middle
aged street wise black independent woman who subverts stereotypes contrasting with the white
dependent and passive woman who whose existence is dependent on her rich husband
Remember both women are deviant but in different ways Which is the most appealing to
audiences and why You could do some independent research here)
The appeal of the thriller genre ndash focusing on audience research
How racial minorities are represented in thriller films (think about the tendency to represent
black males as deviantlow life)
The representation of children in thriller films (Think about films such as ldquoLeonrdquo ldquoTaxi
Driverrdquo ldquoWitnessrdquo ldquoSixth Senserdquo)
Taxi Driver 1976 Leonrdquo Luc Bresson 1994 Witnessrdquo Peter Weir 1985
Spiral Laura Berthaud (2005-2014) France Sarah Lund The Killing(2012)Denmark Wallender (Sweden) 2005-2013)
14
How to improve your analysis Structure your writing with an introduction and then a different paragraph on each technical aspect concept idea All points must be supported by detailed references to research Point evidence explain
Analysis of the sewer scene from The Third Man
The sense of claustrophobia created by the sewer
setting with the low ceiling and the cold concrete brick
walls seeks to enhance the audiencersquos sense of tension
and impending doom there is an anxiety and
discomfort brought on by the setting The setting
provides a visual metaphor for the world closing in on
Harry Lime This is exemplified in the shots of Harry
running down the tunnels of the sewer towards the light
(fig 1) the image connotes Harryrsquos attempt to escape
to find lsquothe light at the end of the tunnel but this his
escape is at once enclosed within the confines of the cold
sewer The characterrsquos movement from left to right as he
runs leads the audiencersquos eye towards the right and into
the distance Furthermore the composition (using the rule of thirds with the sewer wall
firmly on the right) leads our eye in this direction encouraging the reader to search for
Harry just as the characters are doing You should seek to examine the films in terms of Codesforms amp Conventions of the thriller genre What conventions does the film use Analyse the effects of cinematography mise-en-scene editing and sound Examine the narrative the genre and intertextuality Ensure you comment on the connotations and effects Higher marks are awarded to students who explain the purpose and effect of elements of mise-en-scene
Annotated notes and drawingsdiagrams are evidence of understanding technical aspects of mise-en-scene (film language) to include purpose and effect of the following camera angles and movement lighting sound (diegetic and non-diegetic) soundtrack special effectsCGIrsquos) location character types costume make-up props objects
Genre Notes on how genre is utilised
Inter-textual references to other thriller films and if appropriate references to aspects of mise-en-scene from appropriate crimecopspy thriller television programmes Students need to explain the purpose of these references
Narrative structure linear circular flash back complex with loops between past and present or sequences seen from the point of view of more than one character Explain how the narrative structure strengthens or weakens the appeal of the film
Representation Identify any issues regarding representation of particular social groups (women ethnic minorities social class disability age) cultures ideology (what messages and values are being communicated by the film) use of stereotypes or subversion of stereotypes Again discussion of purpose and effect very important Language and Terminology To Use
Mise-en-scene Lighting (key fill backlight ambient naturalistic artificial low key chiaroscuro) colour location setting set design props costume make-up
Sound diegetic non-diegetic Dialogue Voiceover Ambient sound Soundtrack
Editing Pace Juxtaposition Cross cutting Transitions (fade cut wipes) long short take
Camera work cinematography Low angle High angle Eye LevelTilt Canted angle ECU CU MS LS POV Two shot Pan Track Tilt Dolly Crane Steadicam Handheld Zoom
Composition Framing Rule of thirds Use of diagonals Deep and shallow focus Representation ideology dominant subordinate reinforce perpetuate subvert challenge Narrative linear non-linear parallel interweaving circular flashback flashforward equilibrium disequilibrium binary opposition engima
Intertextuality Explicit or implicit references to other texts
Setting and Fig 1 Harry
running in sewer tunnel
15
What should your research blog entries look like
Here are some successful screenshots of research by past students Notice how theyrsquove
embedded video images and annotations
Work by Amy Nolan httpamynolanmediablogspotcom Tom Kail httptkailblogspotcom Helen Blyth httphelensthrillerishblogblogspotcom
EV
16
Evaluation
DEADLINE FOR FINAL SUBMISSION week beginning 21 March 2016
Assessment is on an individual basis and completed on your blog
It is important that engagement and enthusiasm are evident in your evaluation You need
to reference particular features of your film to illustrate your points Do not repeat a point
you have already made
You must use a variety of presentational techniques in your evaluation For example
text and image embedded videos screen shots from your own production power points
prezies audio or film interviews video diaries
You will be given power points during this period for extra support on structuring your
answers Questions
1 In what ways does your media product use develop or challenge forms and
conventions of real media products
This question asks how your research into specific thriller texts has informed your
production Think about generic costume location soundtrack camera angles character
types narrative structure lighting soundtrack plot title transitions You canrsquot discuss
all these but identify the most profound influences It is important that you include
appropriate screen shotsimages from researched filmsTV dramasextracts from crime
and so with screen shots from your film with explanation
This questions also relates to the conventions of the opening to a film for
example including titles soundtrack cliff hanger etc
Olivia Thomasrsquo Thriller ldquoEve Crawfordrdquo Mildred Pierce Velda kills her lover
Josh Moorersquos thriller ldquoDead Handrdquo ldquoReservoir Dogsrdquo (Quentin Tarantino
17
2 How does your media product represent particular social groups
You could begin by explaining how you have represented gender Think about
whether your male or female characters represent stereotypes generic archetypes
or contemporaryrealisticprogressive representations of gender Then move onto
explaining how you have represented ethnicity age disability or social class in as
traditional representations or representations that challenge stereotypes
Think about
Masculinity is it in crisis meaning is the male in your film emasculated dominated
by female heroic a villain or hero stereotype or yobbish stereotyped hoodie
Femininity Stereotype passive compliant female victim or deviant (bad and mad
which are misogynist representations including the femme fatale or manipulative
controlling women) Or is your representation of femininity authentic and
progressive
Sexual ambiguity is the gender of your characters androgynous
DOES YOUR FILM CHALLENGE GENDER STEREOTYPES
Representation of ethnicity
How is ethnicity represented Does your film focus on indigenous white British
ethnic groups who feed on themselves or prey upon themselves
How are ethnic minorities represented As victims As realistic That ethnicity of
the character is irrevant
Representation of statussocial class
Representation of those who live on the margins This is because one group has
made a film about a homeless man Only reference if relevant
Representation of upper class Only discuss if relevant to your film
Representation of youthagecontemporary Britain
Representation of young people What does your film communicate about what itrsquos
like for young people living in contemporary Britain
Think about how the sense of insecurity re living in austerity Britain where jobs are
difficult for young people to get jobs pay university fees find somewhere to live
Read if relevant to your film httpwwwbbccouknewsbusiness-16158913
ldquoYoung and Joblessrdquo
Think about how your film (like film noir in the 1949rsquos) is a product of a sense of
despair hopelessness and thus ldquoconveys dark feelings of disillusionment pessimism
and cynicismrdquo The Philosophy of Film Noir
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
18
Question 2 continued (examples of representations gender ethnicity and youth in studentsrsquo film
productions)
Death at No 52
Homeless
Deceit
Skate
19
3 What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and
why You must justify all choices
Consider which film distribution company is most likely to distribute your film Refer to
your work on the Film Industry exam unit Would your film suit the European independent
film market targeted by StudioCanal or the independent British market via FilmFour Or is it
more in the style of films distributed by a mainstream global distributor like Universal
Justify your ideas by referring to other films they have distributed Remember
StudioCanal and FilmFour distribute films but Working Title Warp are film production
companies This question asks about distribution but you can refer to production companies
to help explain your decisions
httpwwwindependentfilmcompanycom Independent
httpwarpfilmscom
Working Title httpswwwworkingtitlefilmscom
1 NBC Universal Which cinemas would be most likely to exhibit your film Would your film appeal more
to a mainstream audience of a multiplex cinema (eg Vue) or more to an art-house or
independent cinema audience (eg Cinema City) Justify your answer by reference to
other films that are exhibited at these cinemas Straight on to DVD is also a possibility if
your film would not target cinema audiences
How could digital technologies offer new distribution opportunities Consider YouTube
social network sites mp4 players games consoles Video-On-Demand services like
LoveFilm and Mubi
Would your status as a student film-maker offer opportunities for distribution
Consider first-film competitions and student film competitions
20
4 Who would be the audience for your media product
Students need to reference audience research and justify in detail why a particular
demographic would identify with specific aspects of your film
Explain the demographic of your potential target audience age gender ethnicity
lifestyle aspirations engagement with popular culture media interests
Think about what real thriller films or TV crimepolice dramas your potential
audience would watch
Students have the option of constructing a visual profile of their target audience with
either visual or written references to aspects of the way they consume popular
culture
21
5 How did you attractaddress your audience
Rave the opening of a thriller film by Chiony Harvey (2014)
httpchionehardymediablogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20Productions
It is also important that you can identify specifically strong elements of mise-en-scene
which have appeal For example any of the following
locations
Costumes or objects
lighting design
camera angles and movement
character types (do your characters subvert or challenge stereotypes)
actionsuspense
sound track diegetic and non diegetic sound ie a sound bridge
Inter-textual references
Editing effects
transitions
narrative structure
colour alternation
cliff hanger
enigma
A topical theme
Titles
Students may wish to reference any audience feedback during the editing process Students may include a filmed interview with a potential viewer
22
6 What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this
Product
It is advisable that you identify specific technologies and explain how they offered you creative
opportunities that revolutionisedenhanced transformed aspects of your research Think about
technologies that assisted you in your ability to
File coursework onto your blog using different forms of presentation creatively
Upload case studies including film clips and screen shots onto your blog
Research and plan your preliminary task and your opening to a new thriller film
Shoot and edit using credits sound and editing effects appropriately and creatively
Record these processes onto your blog CREATIVELY either through prezi power points
uploaded film clips or screen shots recording aspects of your work on video
Collaborate
Communicate
All points must reference specific examples
7 Looking back at your preliminary task what do you feel you have learnt in the
progression from it to the full product
Students need to consider how their preliminary task introduced technical and conceptual
knowledge to embark on their thriller production
Think about the skills you used in your preliminary task and how they became more
sophisticated when researching and constructing your thriller Ideas to consider
The 180 degree rule match on action shot reverse shot Explain how you developed these
skills in your thriller to include using titles and sound
Experimenting with lighting and camera angles and movement
Working within the blueprint of generic conventions for the main task (your thriller film)
Working to a specific brief and to a specific deadline and reinforcing generic conventions
Evaluating audience feedback
Prime Evil (Stuart McCrum)
httpstuartmccrumblogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20productions
23
ldquoThe Birdsrdquo Alfred Hitchcock Kill Bill Volume 2 Quentin Tarantino
Health Warning
Course tutors will be monitoring all written and practical components
Students are marked individually for written work
Any student not contributing adequately to planning shooting and editing their
production will have marks deducted Irregular attendance will also be
penalised in the assessment process
If students encounter problems with deadlines they must seek tutor support
immediately
If there are problems within a group please seek tutor advice without delay so
that problems can be quickly solved These matters can be discussed with a
media tutor in confidence
Remember your coursework makes up 50 of your marks for AS media studies
Robert DeNiro in Scorcesersquos ldquo King of Comedyrdquo (1983) Clint Eastwood in ldquoThe Gran Torinordquo 2007
24
Advisable working structure for course work
2015 Lesson time Homework free periods
September to
6 October
Continuity task Practising camera
shots and movement storyboarding
shooting and editing Continuity
Task
Commencing coursework on blogs
Posting all elements of planning
under label ldquoContinuity Taskrdquo to
include camera shots amp angles
Embed moving image clips from
research into match on action shot
reverse shot and the 180 degree
rule
Short Evaluation
October ndash November Analysis of thriller films in class
Collaborative planning of
thriller film
Tutor monitoring of individual
student progress
Independent research into
thriller films through case
studies
Planning film (individual
storyboards etc) all to be
posted on student blogs
November ndash December Shooting thriller film
Commence editing thriller film
Tutor monitoring and support of
individual students and group
work during production process
Independently researching
thriller films and TV
crimethriller dramas
Shooting thriller film in lesson
and own time
Editing film in lessons free
periods and own time
2016
January ndash February
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production process
addressing 7 specific questions
set out by OCR Examination
Board
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production
process as a ldquodirectorrsquos
commentaryrdquo -addressing 7
specific questions set out by
OCR Examination Board
Revising research elements
(into the thriller genre) in
response to tutor advice
24 March 2016
final deadline for
uploading any
coursework onto blogs
Completing Evaluation
Completing all elements of blog
Working on revising
Evaluation
Completing all elements of
blog in preparation for
internal moderation process
25
YEAR 12 DEADLINES FOR ALL ELEMENTS OF COURSEWORK
AUTUMN TERM 2015 Week beginning
Details of work
14 September 2015 Submission of summer task to blogs
5 October 2015
Complete planning shooting editing and evaluation of preliminary task
16 November 2015
All elements of planning opening to thriller film are in place for shoot to go ahead
SPRING TERM 2016 Week beginning
18 January 2016
Completing the shooting of thriller film
February Half Term February 2015
Week beginning 22 February 2014
Completing the edit of new thriller film (maximum 2 minutes) to include sound and titles
Monday 21 March 2016 Evaluation Final draft of response to 7 compulsory questions set by OCR posted onto blog
Thursday 24 March 2016
All practical and written elements of coursework completed
Administrative details checked ready for submission of all coursework for internal and external moderation
No further blog entries for Unit G321
The 65+ thriller films and television crimepolice dramas referenced in this booklet are suitable choices for case studies Elements of camera angles lighting costume location amp soundtrack offer inspiration for planning your film
13
Task 3) Extended Task A case study presented on either power point video diary audio discussion or other electronic form to
include imbedded images and moving footage This task will improve your coursework mark
All points must be supported by written or visual references to research
Suggested topics ( students may come up with their own ideas)
The representation of women in British or Hollywood or World Cinema Thrillers (Think about
comparing the deviant female character with a blameless or brave female character)
The appeal of the femme fatale in the thriller genre
How location and lighting in thrillers reflects the characterrsquos emotional landscape Or ndash How
location lighting and colour add to the element of suspense (or fear) in the thriller genre
How directors use claustrophobic spaces to increase menace in thriller films
How costume suggests character and genre
The representation of the hero (or anti hero) in the thriller genre
The representation of the villain in the thriller genre (Think about whether the villain is
stereotyped for example from an ethnic minority or disfigured or very old or a teenager or a
deviant woman thus reinforcing negative stereotypes about particular social groups)
A comparison of Jackie Brown and Melanie in Tarantinorsquos ldquoJackie Brownrdquo or A comparison of
Mia (Pulp Fiction) and Jackie Brown (Jackie Brown) (Think about Jackie as the assertive middle
aged street wise black independent woman who subverts stereotypes contrasting with the white
dependent and passive woman who whose existence is dependent on her rich husband
Remember both women are deviant but in different ways Which is the most appealing to
audiences and why You could do some independent research here)
The appeal of the thriller genre ndash focusing on audience research
How racial minorities are represented in thriller films (think about the tendency to represent
black males as deviantlow life)
The representation of children in thriller films (Think about films such as ldquoLeonrdquo ldquoTaxi
Driverrdquo ldquoWitnessrdquo ldquoSixth Senserdquo)
Taxi Driver 1976 Leonrdquo Luc Bresson 1994 Witnessrdquo Peter Weir 1985
Spiral Laura Berthaud (2005-2014) France Sarah Lund The Killing(2012)Denmark Wallender (Sweden) 2005-2013)
14
How to improve your analysis Structure your writing with an introduction and then a different paragraph on each technical aspect concept idea All points must be supported by detailed references to research Point evidence explain
Analysis of the sewer scene from The Third Man
The sense of claustrophobia created by the sewer
setting with the low ceiling and the cold concrete brick
walls seeks to enhance the audiencersquos sense of tension
and impending doom there is an anxiety and
discomfort brought on by the setting The setting
provides a visual metaphor for the world closing in on
Harry Lime This is exemplified in the shots of Harry
running down the tunnels of the sewer towards the light
(fig 1) the image connotes Harryrsquos attempt to escape
to find lsquothe light at the end of the tunnel but this his
escape is at once enclosed within the confines of the cold
sewer The characterrsquos movement from left to right as he
runs leads the audiencersquos eye towards the right and into
the distance Furthermore the composition (using the rule of thirds with the sewer wall
firmly on the right) leads our eye in this direction encouraging the reader to search for
Harry just as the characters are doing You should seek to examine the films in terms of Codesforms amp Conventions of the thriller genre What conventions does the film use Analyse the effects of cinematography mise-en-scene editing and sound Examine the narrative the genre and intertextuality Ensure you comment on the connotations and effects Higher marks are awarded to students who explain the purpose and effect of elements of mise-en-scene
Annotated notes and drawingsdiagrams are evidence of understanding technical aspects of mise-en-scene (film language) to include purpose and effect of the following camera angles and movement lighting sound (diegetic and non-diegetic) soundtrack special effectsCGIrsquos) location character types costume make-up props objects
Genre Notes on how genre is utilised
Inter-textual references to other thriller films and if appropriate references to aspects of mise-en-scene from appropriate crimecopspy thriller television programmes Students need to explain the purpose of these references
Narrative structure linear circular flash back complex with loops between past and present or sequences seen from the point of view of more than one character Explain how the narrative structure strengthens or weakens the appeal of the film
Representation Identify any issues regarding representation of particular social groups (women ethnic minorities social class disability age) cultures ideology (what messages and values are being communicated by the film) use of stereotypes or subversion of stereotypes Again discussion of purpose and effect very important Language and Terminology To Use
Mise-en-scene Lighting (key fill backlight ambient naturalistic artificial low key chiaroscuro) colour location setting set design props costume make-up
Sound diegetic non-diegetic Dialogue Voiceover Ambient sound Soundtrack
Editing Pace Juxtaposition Cross cutting Transitions (fade cut wipes) long short take
Camera work cinematography Low angle High angle Eye LevelTilt Canted angle ECU CU MS LS POV Two shot Pan Track Tilt Dolly Crane Steadicam Handheld Zoom
Composition Framing Rule of thirds Use of diagonals Deep and shallow focus Representation ideology dominant subordinate reinforce perpetuate subvert challenge Narrative linear non-linear parallel interweaving circular flashback flashforward equilibrium disequilibrium binary opposition engima
Intertextuality Explicit or implicit references to other texts
Setting and Fig 1 Harry
running in sewer tunnel
15
What should your research blog entries look like
Here are some successful screenshots of research by past students Notice how theyrsquove
embedded video images and annotations
Work by Amy Nolan httpamynolanmediablogspotcom Tom Kail httptkailblogspotcom Helen Blyth httphelensthrillerishblogblogspotcom
EV
16
Evaluation
DEADLINE FOR FINAL SUBMISSION week beginning 21 March 2016
Assessment is on an individual basis and completed on your blog
It is important that engagement and enthusiasm are evident in your evaluation You need
to reference particular features of your film to illustrate your points Do not repeat a point
you have already made
You must use a variety of presentational techniques in your evaluation For example
text and image embedded videos screen shots from your own production power points
prezies audio or film interviews video diaries
You will be given power points during this period for extra support on structuring your
answers Questions
1 In what ways does your media product use develop or challenge forms and
conventions of real media products
This question asks how your research into specific thriller texts has informed your
production Think about generic costume location soundtrack camera angles character
types narrative structure lighting soundtrack plot title transitions You canrsquot discuss
all these but identify the most profound influences It is important that you include
appropriate screen shotsimages from researched filmsTV dramasextracts from crime
and so with screen shots from your film with explanation
This questions also relates to the conventions of the opening to a film for
example including titles soundtrack cliff hanger etc
Olivia Thomasrsquo Thriller ldquoEve Crawfordrdquo Mildred Pierce Velda kills her lover
Josh Moorersquos thriller ldquoDead Handrdquo ldquoReservoir Dogsrdquo (Quentin Tarantino
17
2 How does your media product represent particular social groups
You could begin by explaining how you have represented gender Think about
whether your male or female characters represent stereotypes generic archetypes
or contemporaryrealisticprogressive representations of gender Then move onto
explaining how you have represented ethnicity age disability or social class in as
traditional representations or representations that challenge stereotypes
Think about
Masculinity is it in crisis meaning is the male in your film emasculated dominated
by female heroic a villain or hero stereotype or yobbish stereotyped hoodie
Femininity Stereotype passive compliant female victim or deviant (bad and mad
which are misogynist representations including the femme fatale or manipulative
controlling women) Or is your representation of femininity authentic and
progressive
Sexual ambiguity is the gender of your characters androgynous
DOES YOUR FILM CHALLENGE GENDER STEREOTYPES
Representation of ethnicity
How is ethnicity represented Does your film focus on indigenous white British
ethnic groups who feed on themselves or prey upon themselves
How are ethnic minorities represented As victims As realistic That ethnicity of
the character is irrevant
Representation of statussocial class
Representation of those who live on the margins This is because one group has
made a film about a homeless man Only reference if relevant
Representation of upper class Only discuss if relevant to your film
Representation of youthagecontemporary Britain
Representation of young people What does your film communicate about what itrsquos
like for young people living in contemporary Britain
Think about how the sense of insecurity re living in austerity Britain where jobs are
difficult for young people to get jobs pay university fees find somewhere to live
Read if relevant to your film httpwwwbbccouknewsbusiness-16158913
ldquoYoung and Joblessrdquo
Think about how your film (like film noir in the 1949rsquos) is a product of a sense of
despair hopelessness and thus ldquoconveys dark feelings of disillusionment pessimism
and cynicismrdquo The Philosophy of Film Noir
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
18
Question 2 continued (examples of representations gender ethnicity and youth in studentsrsquo film
productions)
Death at No 52
Homeless
Deceit
Skate
19
3 What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and
why You must justify all choices
Consider which film distribution company is most likely to distribute your film Refer to
your work on the Film Industry exam unit Would your film suit the European independent
film market targeted by StudioCanal or the independent British market via FilmFour Or is it
more in the style of films distributed by a mainstream global distributor like Universal
Justify your ideas by referring to other films they have distributed Remember
StudioCanal and FilmFour distribute films but Working Title Warp are film production
companies This question asks about distribution but you can refer to production companies
to help explain your decisions
httpwwwindependentfilmcompanycom Independent
httpwarpfilmscom
Working Title httpswwwworkingtitlefilmscom
1 NBC Universal Which cinemas would be most likely to exhibit your film Would your film appeal more
to a mainstream audience of a multiplex cinema (eg Vue) or more to an art-house or
independent cinema audience (eg Cinema City) Justify your answer by reference to
other films that are exhibited at these cinemas Straight on to DVD is also a possibility if
your film would not target cinema audiences
How could digital technologies offer new distribution opportunities Consider YouTube
social network sites mp4 players games consoles Video-On-Demand services like
LoveFilm and Mubi
Would your status as a student film-maker offer opportunities for distribution
Consider first-film competitions and student film competitions
20
4 Who would be the audience for your media product
Students need to reference audience research and justify in detail why a particular
demographic would identify with specific aspects of your film
Explain the demographic of your potential target audience age gender ethnicity
lifestyle aspirations engagement with popular culture media interests
Think about what real thriller films or TV crimepolice dramas your potential
audience would watch
Students have the option of constructing a visual profile of their target audience with
either visual or written references to aspects of the way they consume popular
culture
21
5 How did you attractaddress your audience
Rave the opening of a thriller film by Chiony Harvey (2014)
httpchionehardymediablogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20Productions
It is also important that you can identify specifically strong elements of mise-en-scene
which have appeal For example any of the following
locations
Costumes or objects
lighting design
camera angles and movement
character types (do your characters subvert or challenge stereotypes)
actionsuspense
sound track diegetic and non diegetic sound ie a sound bridge
Inter-textual references
Editing effects
transitions
narrative structure
colour alternation
cliff hanger
enigma
A topical theme
Titles
Students may wish to reference any audience feedback during the editing process Students may include a filmed interview with a potential viewer
22
6 What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this
Product
It is advisable that you identify specific technologies and explain how they offered you creative
opportunities that revolutionisedenhanced transformed aspects of your research Think about
technologies that assisted you in your ability to
File coursework onto your blog using different forms of presentation creatively
Upload case studies including film clips and screen shots onto your blog
Research and plan your preliminary task and your opening to a new thriller film
Shoot and edit using credits sound and editing effects appropriately and creatively
Record these processes onto your blog CREATIVELY either through prezi power points
uploaded film clips or screen shots recording aspects of your work on video
Collaborate
Communicate
All points must reference specific examples
7 Looking back at your preliminary task what do you feel you have learnt in the
progression from it to the full product
Students need to consider how their preliminary task introduced technical and conceptual
knowledge to embark on their thriller production
Think about the skills you used in your preliminary task and how they became more
sophisticated when researching and constructing your thriller Ideas to consider
The 180 degree rule match on action shot reverse shot Explain how you developed these
skills in your thriller to include using titles and sound
Experimenting with lighting and camera angles and movement
Working within the blueprint of generic conventions for the main task (your thriller film)
Working to a specific brief and to a specific deadline and reinforcing generic conventions
Evaluating audience feedback
Prime Evil (Stuart McCrum)
httpstuartmccrumblogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20productions
23
ldquoThe Birdsrdquo Alfred Hitchcock Kill Bill Volume 2 Quentin Tarantino
Health Warning
Course tutors will be monitoring all written and practical components
Students are marked individually for written work
Any student not contributing adequately to planning shooting and editing their
production will have marks deducted Irregular attendance will also be
penalised in the assessment process
If students encounter problems with deadlines they must seek tutor support
immediately
If there are problems within a group please seek tutor advice without delay so
that problems can be quickly solved These matters can be discussed with a
media tutor in confidence
Remember your coursework makes up 50 of your marks for AS media studies
Robert DeNiro in Scorcesersquos ldquo King of Comedyrdquo (1983) Clint Eastwood in ldquoThe Gran Torinordquo 2007
24
Advisable working structure for course work
2015 Lesson time Homework free periods
September to
6 October
Continuity task Practising camera
shots and movement storyboarding
shooting and editing Continuity
Task
Commencing coursework on blogs
Posting all elements of planning
under label ldquoContinuity Taskrdquo to
include camera shots amp angles
Embed moving image clips from
research into match on action shot
reverse shot and the 180 degree
rule
Short Evaluation
October ndash November Analysis of thriller films in class
Collaborative planning of
thriller film
Tutor monitoring of individual
student progress
Independent research into
thriller films through case
studies
Planning film (individual
storyboards etc) all to be
posted on student blogs
November ndash December Shooting thriller film
Commence editing thriller film
Tutor monitoring and support of
individual students and group
work during production process
Independently researching
thriller films and TV
crimethriller dramas
Shooting thriller film in lesson
and own time
Editing film in lessons free
periods and own time
2016
January ndash February
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production process
addressing 7 specific questions
set out by OCR Examination
Board
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production
process as a ldquodirectorrsquos
commentaryrdquo -addressing 7
specific questions set out by
OCR Examination Board
Revising research elements
(into the thriller genre) in
response to tutor advice
24 March 2016
final deadline for
uploading any
coursework onto blogs
Completing Evaluation
Completing all elements of blog
Working on revising
Evaluation
Completing all elements of
blog in preparation for
internal moderation process
25
YEAR 12 DEADLINES FOR ALL ELEMENTS OF COURSEWORK
AUTUMN TERM 2015 Week beginning
Details of work
14 September 2015 Submission of summer task to blogs
5 October 2015
Complete planning shooting editing and evaluation of preliminary task
16 November 2015
All elements of planning opening to thriller film are in place for shoot to go ahead
SPRING TERM 2016 Week beginning
18 January 2016
Completing the shooting of thriller film
February Half Term February 2015
Week beginning 22 February 2014
Completing the edit of new thriller film (maximum 2 minutes) to include sound and titles
Monday 21 March 2016 Evaluation Final draft of response to 7 compulsory questions set by OCR posted onto blog
Thursday 24 March 2016
All practical and written elements of coursework completed
Administrative details checked ready for submission of all coursework for internal and external moderation
No further blog entries for Unit G321
The 65+ thriller films and television crimepolice dramas referenced in this booklet are suitable choices for case studies Elements of camera angles lighting costume location amp soundtrack offer inspiration for planning your film
14
How to improve your analysis Structure your writing with an introduction and then a different paragraph on each technical aspect concept idea All points must be supported by detailed references to research Point evidence explain
Analysis of the sewer scene from The Third Man
The sense of claustrophobia created by the sewer
setting with the low ceiling and the cold concrete brick
walls seeks to enhance the audiencersquos sense of tension
and impending doom there is an anxiety and
discomfort brought on by the setting The setting
provides a visual metaphor for the world closing in on
Harry Lime This is exemplified in the shots of Harry
running down the tunnels of the sewer towards the light
(fig 1) the image connotes Harryrsquos attempt to escape
to find lsquothe light at the end of the tunnel but this his
escape is at once enclosed within the confines of the cold
sewer The characterrsquos movement from left to right as he
runs leads the audiencersquos eye towards the right and into
the distance Furthermore the composition (using the rule of thirds with the sewer wall
firmly on the right) leads our eye in this direction encouraging the reader to search for
Harry just as the characters are doing You should seek to examine the films in terms of Codesforms amp Conventions of the thriller genre What conventions does the film use Analyse the effects of cinematography mise-en-scene editing and sound Examine the narrative the genre and intertextuality Ensure you comment on the connotations and effects Higher marks are awarded to students who explain the purpose and effect of elements of mise-en-scene
Annotated notes and drawingsdiagrams are evidence of understanding technical aspects of mise-en-scene (film language) to include purpose and effect of the following camera angles and movement lighting sound (diegetic and non-diegetic) soundtrack special effectsCGIrsquos) location character types costume make-up props objects
Genre Notes on how genre is utilised
Inter-textual references to other thriller films and if appropriate references to aspects of mise-en-scene from appropriate crimecopspy thriller television programmes Students need to explain the purpose of these references
Narrative structure linear circular flash back complex with loops between past and present or sequences seen from the point of view of more than one character Explain how the narrative structure strengthens or weakens the appeal of the film
Representation Identify any issues regarding representation of particular social groups (women ethnic minorities social class disability age) cultures ideology (what messages and values are being communicated by the film) use of stereotypes or subversion of stereotypes Again discussion of purpose and effect very important Language and Terminology To Use
Mise-en-scene Lighting (key fill backlight ambient naturalistic artificial low key chiaroscuro) colour location setting set design props costume make-up
Sound diegetic non-diegetic Dialogue Voiceover Ambient sound Soundtrack
Editing Pace Juxtaposition Cross cutting Transitions (fade cut wipes) long short take
Camera work cinematography Low angle High angle Eye LevelTilt Canted angle ECU CU MS LS POV Two shot Pan Track Tilt Dolly Crane Steadicam Handheld Zoom
Composition Framing Rule of thirds Use of diagonals Deep and shallow focus Representation ideology dominant subordinate reinforce perpetuate subvert challenge Narrative linear non-linear parallel interweaving circular flashback flashforward equilibrium disequilibrium binary opposition engima
Intertextuality Explicit or implicit references to other texts
Setting and Fig 1 Harry
running in sewer tunnel
15
What should your research blog entries look like
Here are some successful screenshots of research by past students Notice how theyrsquove
embedded video images and annotations
Work by Amy Nolan httpamynolanmediablogspotcom Tom Kail httptkailblogspotcom Helen Blyth httphelensthrillerishblogblogspotcom
EV
16
Evaluation
DEADLINE FOR FINAL SUBMISSION week beginning 21 March 2016
Assessment is on an individual basis and completed on your blog
It is important that engagement and enthusiasm are evident in your evaluation You need
to reference particular features of your film to illustrate your points Do not repeat a point
you have already made
You must use a variety of presentational techniques in your evaluation For example
text and image embedded videos screen shots from your own production power points
prezies audio or film interviews video diaries
You will be given power points during this period for extra support on structuring your
answers Questions
1 In what ways does your media product use develop or challenge forms and
conventions of real media products
This question asks how your research into specific thriller texts has informed your
production Think about generic costume location soundtrack camera angles character
types narrative structure lighting soundtrack plot title transitions You canrsquot discuss
all these but identify the most profound influences It is important that you include
appropriate screen shotsimages from researched filmsTV dramasextracts from crime
and so with screen shots from your film with explanation
This questions also relates to the conventions of the opening to a film for
example including titles soundtrack cliff hanger etc
Olivia Thomasrsquo Thriller ldquoEve Crawfordrdquo Mildred Pierce Velda kills her lover
Josh Moorersquos thriller ldquoDead Handrdquo ldquoReservoir Dogsrdquo (Quentin Tarantino
17
2 How does your media product represent particular social groups
You could begin by explaining how you have represented gender Think about
whether your male or female characters represent stereotypes generic archetypes
or contemporaryrealisticprogressive representations of gender Then move onto
explaining how you have represented ethnicity age disability or social class in as
traditional representations or representations that challenge stereotypes
Think about
Masculinity is it in crisis meaning is the male in your film emasculated dominated
by female heroic a villain or hero stereotype or yobbish stereotyped hoodie
Femininity Stereotype passive compliant female victim or deviant (bad and mad
which are misogynist representations including the femme fatale or manipulative
controlling women) Or is your representation of femininity authentic and
progressive
Sexual ambiguity is the gender of your characters androgynous
DOES YOUR FILM CHALLENGE GENDER STEREOTYPES
Representation of ethnicity
How is ethnicity represented Does your film focus on indigenous white British
ethnic groups who feed on themselves or prey upon themselves
How are ethnic minorities represented As victims As realistic That ethnicity of
the character is irrevant
Representation of statussocial class
Representation of those who live on the margins This is because one group has
made a film about a homeless man Only reference if relevant
Representation of upper class Only discuss if relevant to your film
Representation of youthagecontemporary Britain
Representation of young people What does your film communicate about what itrsquos
like for young people living in contemporary Britain
Think about how the sense of insecurity re living in austerity Britain where jobs are
difficult for young people to get jobs pay university fees find somewhere to live
Read if relevant to your film httpwwwbbccouknewsbusiness-16158913
ldquoYoung and Joblessrdquo
Think about how your film (like film noir in the 1949rsquos) is a product of a sense of
despair hopelessness and thus ldquoconveys dark feelings of disillusionment pessimism
and cynicismrdquo The Philosophy of Film Noir
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
18
Question 2 continued (examples of representations gender ethnicity and youth in studentsrsquo film
productions)
Death at No 52
Homeless
Deceit
Skate
19
3 What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and
why You must justify all choices
Consider which film distribution company is most likely to distribute your film Refer to
your work on the Film Industry exam unit Would your film suit the European independent
film market targeted by StudioCanal or the independent British market via FilmFour Or is it
more in the style of films distributed by a mainstream global distributor like Universal
Justify your ideas by referring to other films they have distributed Remember
StudioCanal and FilmFour distribute films but Working Title Warp are film production
companies This question asks about distribution but you can refer to production companies
to help explain your decisions
httpwwwindependentfilmcompanycom Independent
httpwarpfilmscom
Working Title httpswwwworkingtitlefilmscom
1 NBC Universal Which cinemas would be most likely to exhibit your film Would your film appeal more
to a mainstream audience of a multiplex cinema (eg Vue) or more to an art-house or
independent cinema audience (eg Cinema City) Justify your answer by reference to
other films that are exhibited at these cinemas Straight on to DVD is also a possibility if
your film would not target cinema audiences
How could digital technologies offer new distribution opportunities Consider YouTube
social network sites mp4 players games consoles Video-On-Demand services like
LoveFilm and Mubi
Would your status as a student film-maker offer opportunities for distribution
Consider first-film competitions and student film competitions
20
4 Who would be the audience for your media product
Students need to reference audience research and justify in detail why a particular
demographic would identify with specific aspects of your film
Explain the demographic of your potential target audience age gender ethnicity
lifestyle aspirations engagement with popular culture media interests
Think about what real thriller films or TV crimepolice dramas your potential
audience would watch
Students have the option of constructing a visual profile of their target audience with
either visual or written references to aspects of the way they consume popular
culture
21
5 How did you attractaddress your audience
Rave the opening of a thriller film by Chiony Harvey (2014)
httpchionehardymediablogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20Productions
It is also important that you can identify specifically strong elements of mise-en-scene
which have appeal For example any of the following
locations
Costumes or objects
lighting design
camera angles and movement
character types (do your characters subvert or challenge stereotypes)
actionsuspense
sound track diegetic and non diegetic sound ie a sound bridge
Inter-textual references
Editing effects
transitions
narrative structure
colour alternation
cliff hanger
enigma
A topical theme
Titles
Students may wish to reference any audience feedback during the editing process Students may include a filmed interview with a potential viewer
22
6 What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this
Product
It is advisable that you identify specific technologies and explain how they offered you creative
opportunities that revolutionisedenhanced transformed aspects of your research Think about
technologies that assisted you in your ability to
File coursework onto your blog using different forms of presentation creatively
Upload case studies including film clips and screen shots onto your blog
Research and plan your preliminary task and your opening to a new thriller film
Shoot and edit using credits sound and editing effects appropriately and creatively
Record these processes onto your blog CREATIVELY either through prezi power points
uploaded film clips or screen shots recording aspects of your work on video
Collaborate
Communicate
All points must reference specific examples
7 Looking back at your preliminary task what do you feel you have learnt in the
progression from it to the full product
Students need to consider how their preliminary task introduced technical and conceptual
knowledge to embark on their thriller production
Think about the skills you used in your preliminary task and how they became more
sophisticated when researching and constructing your thriller Ideas to consider
The 180 degree rule match on action shot reverse shot Explain how you developed these
skills in your thriller to include using titles and sound
Experimenting with lighting and camera angles and movement
Working within the blueprint of generic conventions for the main task (your thriller film)
Working to a specific brief and to a specific deadline and reinforcing generic conventions
Evaluating audience feedback
Prime Evil (Stuart McCrum)
httpstuartmccrumblogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20productions
23
ldquoThe Birdsrdquo Alfred Hitchcock Kill Bill Volume 2 Quentin Tarantino
Health Warning
Course tutors will be monitoring all written and practical components
Students are marked individually for written work
Any student not contributing adequately to planning shooting and editing their
production will have marks deducted Irregular attendance will also be
penalised in the assessment process
If students encounter problems with deadlines they must seek tutor support
immediately
If there are problems within a group please seek tutor advice without delay so
that problems can be quickly solved These matters can be discussed with a
media tutor in confidence
Remember your coursework makes up 50 of your marks for AS media studies
Robert DeNiro in Scorcesersquos ldquo King of Comedyrdquo (1983) Clint Eastwood in ldquoThe Gran Torinordquo 2007
24
Advisable working structure for course work
2015 Lesson time Homework free periods
September to
6 October
Continuity task Practising camera
shots and movement storyboarding
shooting and editing Continuity
Task
Commencing coursework on blogs
Posting all elements of planning
under label ldquoContinuity Taskrdquo to
include camera shots amp angles
Embed moving image clips from
research into match on action shot
reverse shot and the 180 degree
rule
Short Evaluation
October ndash November Analysis of thriller films in class
Collaborative planning of
thriller film
Tutor monitoring of individual
student progress
Independent research into
thriller films through case
studies
Planning film (individual
storyboards etc) all to be
posted on student blogs
November ndash December Shooting thriller film
Commence editing thriller film
Tutor monitoring and support of
individual students and group
work during production process
Independently researching
thriller films and TV
crimethriller dramas
Shooting thriller film in lesson
and own time
Editing film in lessons free
periods and own time
2016
January ndash February
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production process
addressing 7 specific questions
set out by OCR Examination
Board
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production
process as a ldquodirectorrsquos
commentaryrdquo -addressing 7
specific questions set out by
OCR Examination Board
Revising research elements
(into the thriller genre) in
response to tutor advice
24 March 2016
final deadline for
uploading any
coursework onto blogs
Completing Evaluation
Completing all elements of blog
Working on revising
Evaluation
Completing all elements of
blog in preparation for
internal moderation process
25
YEAR 12 DEADLINES FOR ALL ELEMENTS OF COURSEWORK
AUTUMN TERM 2015 Week beginning
Details of work
14 September 2015 Submission of summer task to blogs
5 October 2015
Complete planning shooting editing and evaluation of preliminary task
16 November 2015
All elements of planning opening to thriller film are in place for shoot to go ahead
SPRING TERM 2016 Week beginning
18 January 2016
Completing the shooting of thriller film
February Half Term February 2015
Week beginning 22 February 2014
Completing the edit of new thriller film (maximum 2 minutes) to include sound and titles
Monday 21 March 2016 Evaluation Final draft of response to 7 compulsory questions set by OCR posted onto blog
Thursday 24 March 2016
All practical and written elements of coursework completed
Administrative details checked ready for submission of all coursework for internal and external moderation
No further blog entries for Unit G321
The 65+ thriller films and television crimepolice dramas referenced in this booklet are suitable choices for case studies Elements of camera angles lighting costume location amp soundtrack offer inspiration for planning your film
15
What should your research blog entries look like
Here are some successful screenshots of research by past students Notice how theyrsquove
embedded video images and annotations
Work by Amy Nolan httpamynolanmediablogspotcom Tom Kail httptkailblogspotcom Helen Blyth httphelensthrillerishblogblogspotcom
EV
16
Evaluation
DEADLINE FOR FINAL SUBMISSION week beginning 21 March 2016
Assessment is on an individual basis and completed on your blog
It is important that engagement and enthusiasm are evident in your evaluation You need
to reference particular features of your film to illustrate your points Do not repeat a point
you have already made
You must use a variety of presentational techniques in your evaluation For example
text and image embedded videos screen shots from your own production power points
prezies audio or film interviews video diaries
You will be given power points during this period for extra support on structuring your
answers Questions
1 In what ways does your media product use develop or challenge forms and
conventions of real media products
This question asks how your research into specific thriller texts has informed your
production Think about generic costume location soundtrack camera angles character
types narrative structure lighting soundtrack plot title transitions You canrsquot discuss
all these but identify the most profound influences It is important that you include
appropriate screen shotsimages from researched filmsTV dramasextracts from crime
and so with screen shots from your film with explanation
This questions also relates to the conventions of the opening to a film for
example including titles soundtrack cliff hanger etc
Olivia Thomasrsquo Thriller ldquoEve Crawfordrdquo Mildred Pierce Velda kills her lover
Josh Moorersquos thriller ldquoDead Handrdquo ldquoReservoir Dogsrdquo (Quentin Tarantino
17
2 How does your media product represent particular social groups
You could begin by explaining how you have represented gender Think about
whether your male or female characters represent stereotypes generic archetypes
or contemporaryrealisticprogressive representations of gender Then move onto
explaining how you have represented ethnicity age disability or social class in as
traditional representations or representations that challenge stereotypes
Think about
Masculinity is it in crisis meaning is the male in your film emasculated dominated
by female heroic a villain or hero stereotype or yobbish stereotyped hoodie
Femininity Stereotype passive compliant female victim or deviant (bad and mad
which are misogynist representations including the femme fatale or manipulative
controlling women) Or is your representation of femininity authentic and
progressive
Sexual ambiguity is the gender of your characters androgynous
DOES YOUR FILM CHALLENGE GENDER STEREOTYPES
Representation of ethnicity
How is ethnicity represented Does your film focus on indigenous white British
ethnic groups who feed on themselves or prey upon themselves
How are ethnic minorities represented As victims As realistic That ethnicity of
the character is irrevant
Representation of statussocial class
Representation of those who live on the margins This is because one group has
made a film about a homeless man Only reference if relevant
Representation of upper class Only discuss if relevant to your film
Representation of youthagecontemporary Britain
Representation of young people What does your film communicate about what itrsquos
like for young people living in contemporary Britain
Think about how the sense of insecurity re living in austerity Britain where jobs are
difficult for young people to get jobs pay university fees find somewhere to live
Read if relevant to your film httpwwwbbccouknewsbusiness-16158913
ldquoYoung and Joblessrdquo
Think about how your film (like film noir in the 1949rsquos) is a product of a sense of
despair hopelessness and thus ldquoconveys dark feelings of disillusionment pessimism
and cynicismrdquo The Philosophy of Film Noir
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
18
Question 2 continued (examples of representations gender ethnicity and youth in studentsrsquo film
productions)
Death at No 52
Homeless
Deceit
Skate
19
3 What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and
why You must justify all choices
Consider which film distribution company is most likely to distribute your film Refer to
your work on the Film Industry exam unit Would your film suit the European independent
film market targeted by StudioCanal or the independent British market via FilmFour Or is it
more in the style of films distributed by a mainstream global distributor like Universal
Justify your ideas by referring to other films they have distributed Remember
StudioCanal and FilmFour distribute films but Working Title Warp are film production
companies This question asks about distribution but you can refer to production companies
to help explain your decisions
httpwwwindependentfilmcompanycom Independent
httpwarpfilmscom
Working Title httpswwwworkingtitlefilmscom
1 NBC Universal Which cinemas would be most likely to exhibit your film Would your film appeal more
to a mainstream audience of a multiplex cinema (eg Vue) or more to an art-house or
independent cinema audience (eg Cinema City) Justify your answer by reference to
other films that are exhibited at these cinemas Straight on to DVD is also a possibility if
your film would not target cinema audiences
How could digital technologies offer new distribution opportunities Consider YouTube
social network sites mp4 players games consoles Video-On-Demand services like
LoveFilm and Mubi
Would your status as a student film-maker offer opportunities for distribution
Consider first-film competitions and student film competitions
20
4 Who would be the audience for your media product
Students need to reference audience research and justify in detail why a particular
demographic would identify with specific aspects of your film
Explain the demographic of your potential target audience age gender ethnicity
lifestyle aspirations engagement with popular culture media interests
Think about what real thriller films or TV crimepolice dramas your potential
audience would watch
Students have the option of constructing a visual profile of their target audience with
either visual or written references to aspects of the way they consume popular
culture
21
5 How did you attractaddress your audience
Rave the opening of a thriller film by Chiony Harvey (2014)
httpchionehardymediablogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20Productions
It is also important that you can identify specifically strong elements of mise-en-scene
which have appeal For example any of the following
locations
Costumes or objects
lighting design
camera angles and movement
character types (do your characters subvert or challenge stereotypes)
actionsuspense
sound track diegetic and non diegetic sound ie a sound bridge
Inter-textual references
Editing effects
transitions
narrative structure
colour alternation
cliff hanger
enigma
A topical theme
Titles
Students may wish to reference any audience feedback during the editing process Students may include a filmed interview with a potential viewer
22
6 What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this
Product
It is advisable that you identify specific technologies and explain how they offered you creative
opportunities that revolutionisedenhanced transformed aspects of your research Think about
technologies that assisted you in your ability to
File coursework onto your blog using different forms of presentation creatively
Upload case studies including film clips and screen shots onto your blog
Research and plan your preliminary task and your opening to a new thriller film
Shoot and edit using credits sound and editing effects appropriately and creatively
Record these processes onto your blog CREATIVELY either through prezi power points
uploaded film clips or screen shots recording aspects of your work on video
Collaborate
Communicate
All points must reference specific examples
7 Looking back at your preliminary task what do you feel you have learnt in the
progression from it to the full product
Students need to consider how their preliminary task introduced technical and conceptual
knowledge to embark on their thriller production
Think about the skills you used in your preliminary task and how they became more
sophisticated when researching and constructing your thriller Ideas to consider
The 180 degree rule match on action shot reverse shot Explain how you developed these
skills in your thriller to include using titles and sound
Experimenting with lighting and camera angles and movement
Working within the blueprint of generic conventions for the main task (your thriller film)
Working to a specific brief and to a specific deadline and reinforcing generic conventions
Evaluating audience feedback
Prime Evil (Stuart McCrum)
httpstuartmccrumblogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20productions
23
ldquoThe Birdsrdquo Alfred Hitchcock Kill Bill Volume 2 Quentin Tarantino
Health Warning
Course tutors will be monitoring all written and practical components
Students are marked individually for written work
Any student not contributing adequately to planning shooting and editing their
production will have marks deducted Irregular attendance will also be
penalised in the assessment process
If students encounter problems with deadlines they must seek tutor support
immediately
If there are problems within a group please seek tutor advice without delay so
that problems can be quickly solved These matters can be discussed with a
media tutor in confidence
Remember your coursework makes up 50 of your marks for AS media studies
Robert DeNiro in Scorcesersquos ldquo King of Comedyrdquo (1983) Clint Eastwood in ldquoThe Gran Torinordquo 2007
24
Advisable working structure for course work
2015 Lesson time Homework free periods
September to
6 October
Continuity task Practising camera
shots and movement storyboarding
shooting and editing Continuity
Task
Commencing coursework on blogs
Posting all elements of planning
under label ldquoContinuity Taskrdquo to
include camera shots amp angles
Embed moving image clips from
research into match on action shot
reverse shot and the 180 degree
rule
Short Evaluation
October ndash November Analysis of thriller films in class
Collaborative planning of
thriller film
Tutor monitoring of individual
student progress
Independent research into
thriller films through case
studies
Planning film (individual
storyboards etc) all to be
posted on student blogs
November ndash December Shooting thriller film
Commence editing thriller film
Tutor monitoring and support of
individual students and group
work during production process
Independently researching
thriller films and TV
crimethriller dramas
Shooting thriller film in lesson
and own time
Editing film in lessons free
periods and own time
2016
January ndash February
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production process
addressing 7 specific questions
set out by OCR Examination
Board
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production
process as a ldquodirectorrsquos
commentaryrdquo -addressing 7
specific questions set out by
OCR Examination Board
Revising research elements
(into the thriller genre) in
response to tutor advice
24 March 2016
final deadline for
uploading any
coursework onto blogs
Completing Evaluation
Completing all elements of blog
Working on revising
Evaluation
Completing all elements of
blog in preparation for
internal moderation process
25
YEAR 12 DEADLINES FOR ALL ELEMENTS OF COURSEWORK
AUTUMN TERM 2015 Week beginning
Details of work
14 September 2015 Submission of summer task to blogs
5 October 2015
Complete planning shooting editing and evaluation of preliminary task
16 November 2015
All elements of planning opening to thriller film are in place for shoot to go ahead
SPRING TERM 2016 Week beginning
18 January 2016
Completing the shooting of thriller film
February Half Term February 2015
Week beginning 22 February 2014
Completing the edit of new thriller film (maximum 2 minutes) to include sound and titles
Monday 21 March 2016 Evaluation Final draft of response to 7 compulsory questions set by OCR posted onto blog
Thursday 24 March 2016
All practical and written elements of coursework completed
Administrative details checked ready for submission of all coursework for internal and external moderation
No further blog entries for Unit G321
The 65+ thriller films and television crimepolice dramas referenced in this booklet are suitable choices for case studies Elements of camera angles lighting costume location amp soundtrack offer inspiration for planning your film
16
Evaluation
DEADLINE FOR FINAL SUBMISSION week beginning 21 March 2016
Assessment is on an individual basis and completed on your blog
It is important that engagement and enthusiasm are evident in your evaluation You need
to reference particular features of your film to illustrate your points Do not repeat a point
you have already made
You must use a variety of presentational techniques in your evaluation For example
text and image embedded videos screen shots from your own production power points
prezies audio or film interviews video diaries
You will be given power points during this period for extra support on structuring your
answers Questions
1 In what ways does your media product use develop or challenge forms and
conventions of real media products
This question asks how your research into specific thriller texts has informed your
production Think about generic costume location soundtrack camera angles character
types narrative structure lighting soundtrack plot title transitions You canrsquot discuss
all these but identify the most profound influences It is important that you include
appropriate screen shotsimages from researched filmsTV dramasextracts from crime
and so with screen shots from your film with explanation
This questions also relates to the conventions of the opening to a film for
example including titles soundtrack cliff hanger etc
Olivia Thomasrsquo Thriller ldquoEve Crawfordrdquo Mildred Pierce Velda kills her lover
Josh Moorersquos thriller ldquoDead Handrdquo ldquoReservoir Dogsrdquo (Quentin Tarantino
17
2 How does your media product represent particular social groups
You could begin by explaining how you have represented gender Think about
whether your male or female characters represent stereotypes generic archetypes
or contemporaryrealisticprogressive representations of gender Then move onto
explaining how you have represented ethnicity age disability or social class in as
traditional representations or representations that challenge stereotypes
Think about
Masculinity is it in crisis meaning is the male in your film emasculated dominated
by female heroic a villain or hero stereotype or yobbish stereotyped hoodie
Femininity Stereotype passive compliant female victim or deviant (bad and mad
which are misogynist representations including the femme fatale or manipulative
controlling women) Or is your representation of femininity authentic and
progressive
Sexual ambiguity is the gender of your characters androgynous
DOES YOUR FILM CHALLENGE GENDER STEREOTYPES
Representation of ethnicity
How is ethnicity represented Does your film focus on indigenous white British
ethnic groups who feed on themselves or prey upon themselves
How are ethnic minorities represented As victims As realistic That ethnicity of
the character is irrevant
Representation of statussocial class
Representation of those who live on the margins This is because one group has
made a film about a homeless man Only reference if relevant
Representation of upper class Only discuss if relevant to your film
Representation of youthagecontemporary Britain
Representation of young people What does your film communicate about what itrsquos
like for young people living in contemporary Britain
Think about how the sense of insecurity re living in austerity Britain where jobs are
difficult for young people to get jobs pay university fees find somewhere to live
Read if relevant to your film httpwwwbbccouknewsbusiness-16158913
ldquoYoung and Joblessrdquo
Think about how your film (like film noir in the 1949rsquos) is a product of a sense of
despair hopelessness and thus ldquoconveys dark feelings of disillusionment pessimism
and cynicismrdquo The Philosophy of Film Noir
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
18
Question 2 continued (examples of representations gender ethnicity and youth in studentsrsquo film
productions)
Death at No 52
Homeless
Deceit
Skate
19
3 What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and
why You must justify all choices
Consider which film distribution company is most likely to distribute your film Refer to
your work on the Film Industry exam unit Would your film suit the European independent
film market targeted by StudioCanal or the independent British market via FilmFour Or is it
more in the style of films distributed by a mainstream global distributor like Universal
Justify your ideas by referring to other films they have distributed Remember
StudioCanal and FilmFour distribute films but Working Title Warp are film production
companies This question asks about distribution but you can refer to production companies
to help explain your decisions
httpwwwindependentfilmcompanycom Independent
httpwarpfilmscom
Working Title httpswwwworkingtitlefilmscom
1 NBC Universal Which cinemas would be most likely to exhibit your film Would your film appeal more
to a mainstream audience of a multiplex cinema (eg Vue) or more to an art-house or
independent cinema audience (eg Cinema City) Justify your answer by reference to
other films that are exhibited at these cinemas Straight on to DVD is also a possibility if
your film would not target cinema audiences
How could digital technologies offer new distribution opportunities Consider YouTube
social network sites mp4 players games consoles Video-On-Demand services like
LoveFilm and Mubi
Would your status as a student film-maker offer opportunities for distribution
Consider first-film competitions and student film competitions
20
4 Who would be the audience for your media product
Students need to reference audience research and justify in detail why a particular
demographic would identify with specific aspects of your film
Explain the demographic of your potential target audience age gender ethnicity
lifestyle aspirations engagement with popular culture media interests
Think about what real thriller films or TV crimepolice dramas your potential
audience would watch
Students have the option of constructing a visual profile of their target audience with
either visual or written references to aspects of the way they consume popular
culture
21
5 How did you attractaddress your audience
Rave the opening of a thriller film by Chiony Harvey (2014)
httpchionehardymediablogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20Productions
It is also important that you can identify specifically strong elements of mise-en-scene
which have appeal For example any of the following
locations
Costumes or objects
lighting design
camera angles and movement
character types (do your characters subvert or challenge stereotypes)
actionsuspense
sound track diegetic and non diegetic sound ie a sound bridge
Inter-textual references
Editing effects
transitions
narrative structure
colour alternation
cliff hanger
enigma
A topical theme
Titles
Students may wish to reference any audience feedback during the editing process Students may include a filmed interview with a potential viewer
22
6 What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this
Product
It is advisable that you identify specific technologies and explain how they offered you creative
opportunities that revolutionisedenhanced transformed aspects of your research Think about
technologies that assisted you in your ability to
File coursework onto your blog using different forms of presentation creatively
Upload case studies including film clips and screen shots onto your blog
Research and plan your preliminary task and your opening to a new thriller film
Shoot and edit using credits sound and editing effects appropriately and creatively
Record these processes onto your blog CREATIVELY either through prezi power points
uploaded film clips or screen shots recording aspects of your work on video
Collaborate
Communicate
All points must reference specific examples
7 Looking back at your preliminary task what do you feel you have learnt in the
progression from it to the full product
Students need to consider how their preliminary task introduced technical and conceptual
knowledge to embark on their thriller production
Think about the skills you used in your preliminary task and how they became more
sophisticated when researching and constructing your thriller Ideas to consider
The 180 degree rule match on action shot reverse shot Explain how you developed these
skills in your thriller to include using titles and sound
Experimenting with lighting and camera angles and movement
Working within the blueprint of generic conventions for the main task (your thriller film)
Working to a specific brief and to a specific deadline and reinforcing generic conventions
Evaluating audience feedback
Prime Evil (Stuart McCrum)
httpstuartmccrumblogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20productions
23
ldquoThe Birdsrdquo Alfred Hitchcock Kill Bill Volume 2 Quentin Tarantino
Health Warning
Course tutors will be monitoring all written and practical components
Students are marked individually for written work
Any student not contributing adequately to planning shooting and editing their
production will have marks deducted Irregular attendance will also be
penalised in the assessment process
If students encounter problems with deadlines they must seek tutor support
immediately
If there are problems within a group please seek tutor advice without delay so
that problems can be quickly solved These matters can be discussed with a
media tutor in confidence
Remember your coursework makes up 50 of your marks for AS media studies
Robert DeNiro in Scorcesersquos ldquo King of Comedyrdquo (1983) Clint Eastwood in ldquoThe Gran Torinordquo 2007
24
Advisable working structure for course work
2015 Lesson time Homework free periods
September to
6 October
Continuity task Practising camera
shots and movement storyboarding
shooting and editing Continuity
Task
Commencing coursework on blogs
Posting all elements of planning
under label ldquoContinuity Taskrdquo to
include camera shots amp angles
Embed moving image clips from
research into match on action shot
reverse shot and the 180 degree
rule
Short Evaluation
October ndash November Analysis of thriller films in class
Collaborative planning of
thriller film
Tutor monitoring of individual
student progress
Independent research into
thriller films through case
studies
Planning film (individual
storyboards etc) all to be
posted on student blogs
November ndash December Shooting thriller film
Commence editing thriller film
Tutor monitoring and support of
individual students and group
work during production process
Independently researching
thriller films and TV
crimethriller dramas
Shooting thriller film in lesson
and own time
Editing film in lessons free
periods and own time
2016
January ndash February
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production process
addressing 7 specific questions
set out by OCR Examination
Board
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production
process as a ldquodirectorrsquos
commentaryrdquo -addressing 7
specific questions set out by
OCR Examination Board
Revising research elements
(into the thriller genre) in
response to tutor advice
24 March 2016
final deadline for
uploading any
coursework onto blogs
Completing Evaluation
Completing all elements of blog
Working on revising
Evaluation
Completing all elements of
blog in preparation for
internal moderation process
25
YEAR 12 DEADLINES FOR ALL ELEMENTS OF COURSEWORK
AUTUMN TERM 2015 Week beginning
Details of work
14 September 2015 Submission of summer task to blogs
5 October 2015
Complete planning shooting editing and evaluation of preliminary task
16 November 2015
All elements of planning opening to thriller film are in place for shoot to go ahead
SPRING TERM 2016 Week beginning
18 January 2016
Completing the shooting of thriller film
February Half Term February 2015
Week beginning 22 February 2014
Completing the edit of new thriller film (maximum 2 minutes) to include sound and titles
Monday 21 March 2016 Evaluation Final draft of response to 7 compulsory questions set by OCR posted onto blog
Thursday 24 March 2016
All practical and written elements of coursework completed
Administrative details checked ready for submission of all coursework for internal and external moderation
No further blog entries for Unit G321
The 65+ thriller films and television crimepolice dramas referenced in this booklet are suitable choices for case studies Elements of camera angles lighting costume location amp soundtrack offer inspiration for planning your film
17
2 How does your media product represent particular social groups
You could begin by explaining how you have represented gender Think about
whether your male or female characters represent stereotypes generic archetypes
or contemporaryrealisticprogressive representations of gender Then move onto
explaining how you have represented ethnicity age disability or social class in as
traditional representations or representations that challenge stereotypes
Think about
Masculinity is it in crisis meaning is the male in your film emasculated dominated
by female heroic a villain or hero stereotype or yobbish stereotyped hoodie
Femininity Stereotype passive compliant female victim or deviant (bad and mad
which are misogynist representations including the femme fatale or manipulative
controlling women) Or is your representation of femininity authentic and
progressive
Sexual ambiguity is the gender of your characters androgynous
DOES YOUR FILM CHALLENGE GENDER STEREOTYPES
Representation of ethnicity
How is ethnicity represented Does your film focus on indigenous white British
ethnic groups who feed on themselves or prey upon themselves
How are ethnic minorities represented As victims As realistic That ethnicity of
the character is irrevant
Representation of statussocial class
Representation of those who live on the margins This is because one group has
made a film about a homeless man Only reference if relevant
Representation of upper class Only discuss if relevant to your film
Representation of youthagecontemporary Britain
Representation of young people What does your film communicate about what itrsquos
like for young people living in contemporary Britain
Think about how the sense of insecurity re living in austerity Britain where jobs are
difficult for young people to get jobs pay university fees find somewhere to live
Read if relevant to your film httpwwwbbccouknewsbusiness-16158913
ldquoYoung and Joblessrdquo
Think about how your film (like film noir in the 1949rsquos) is a product of a sense of
despair hopelessness and thus ldquoconveys dark feelings of disillusionment pessimism
and cynicismrdquo The Philosophy of Film Noir
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
18
Question 2 continued (examples of representations gender ethnicity and youth in studentsrsquo film
productions)
Death at No 52
Homeless
Deceit
Skate
19
3 What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and
why You must justify all choices
Consider which film distribution company is most likely to distribute your film Refer to
your work on the Film Industry exam unit Would your film suit the European independent
film market targeted by StudioCanal or the independent British market via FilmFour Or is it
more in the style of films distributed by a mainstream global distributor like Universal
Justify your ideas by referring to other films they have distributed Remember
StudioCanal and FilmFour distribute films but Working Title Warp are film production
companies This question asks about distribution but you can refer to production companies
to help explain your decisions
httpwwwindependentfilmcompanycom Independent
httpwarpfilmscom
Working Title httpswwwworkingtitlefilmscom
1 NBC Universal Which cinemas would be most likely to exhibit your film Would your film appeal more
to a mainstream audience of a multiplex cinema (eg Vue) or more to an art-house or
independent cinema audience (eg Cinema City) Justify your answer by reference to
other films that are exhibited at these cinemas Straight on to DVD is also a possibility if
your film would not target cinema audiences
How could digital technologies offer new distribution opportunities Consider YouTube
social network sites mp4 players games consoles Video-On-Demand services like
LoveFilm and Mubi
Would your status as a student film-maker offer opportunities for distribution
Consider first-film competitions and student film competitions
20
4 Who would be the audience for your media product
Students need to reference audience research and justify in detail why a particular
demographic would identify with specific aspects of your film
Explain the demographic of your potential target audience age gender ethnicity
lifestyle aspirations engagement with popular culture media interests
Think about what real thriller films or TV crimepolice dramas your potential
audience would watch
Students have the option of constructing a visual profile of their target audience with
either visual or written references to aspects of the way they consume popular
culture
21
5 How did you attractaddress your audience
Rave the opening of a thriller film by Chiony Harvey (2014)
httpchionehardymediablogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20Productions
It is also important that you can identify specifically strong elements of mise-en-scene
which have appeal For example any of the following
locations
Costumes or objects
lighting design
camera angles and movement
character types (do your characters subvert or challenge stereotypes)
actionsuspense
sound track diegetic and non diegetic sound ie a sound bridge
Inter-textual references
Editing effects
transitions
narrative structure
colour alternation
cliff hanger
enigma
A topical theme
Titles
Students may wish to reference any audience feedback during the editing process Students may include a filmed interview with a potential viewer
22
6 What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this
Product
It is advisable that you identify specific technologies and explain how they offered you creative
opportunities that revolutionisedenhanced transformed aspects of your research Think about
technologies that assisted you in your ability to
File coursework onto your blog using different forms of presentation creatively
Upload case studies including film clips and screen shots onto your blog
Research and plan your preliminary task and your opening to a new thriller film
Shoot and edit using credits sound and editing effects appropriately and creatively
Record these processes onto your blog CREATIVELY either through prezi power points
uploaded film clips or screen shots recording aspects of your work on video
Collaborate
Communicate
All points must reference specific examples
7 Looking back at your preliminary task what do you feel you have learnt in the
progression from it to the full product
Students need to consider how their preliminary task introduced technical and conceptual
knowledge to embark on their thriller production
Think about the skills you used in your preliminary task and how they became more
sophisticated when researching and constructing your thriller Ideas to consider
The 180 degree rule match on action shot reverse shot Explain how you developed these
skills in your thriller to include using titles and sound
Experimenting with lighting and camera angles and movement
Working within the blueprint of generic conventions for the main task (your thriller film)
Working to a specific brief and to a specific deadline and reinforcing generic conventions
Evaluating audience feedback
Prime Evil (Stuart McCrum)
httpstuartmccrumblogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20productions
23
ldquoThe Birdsrdquo Alfred Hitchcock Kill Bill Volume 2 Quentin Tarantino
Health Warning
Course tutors will be monitoring all written and practical components
Students are marked individually for written work
Any student not contributing adequately to planning shooting and editing their
production will have marks deducted Irregular attendance will also be
penalised in the assessment process
If students encounter problems with deadlines they must seek tutor support
immediately
If there are problems within a group please seek tutor advice without delay so
that problems can be quickly solved These matters can be discussed with a
media tutor in confidence
Remember your coursework makes up 50 of your marks for AS media studies
Robert DeNiro in Scorcesersquos ldquo King of Comedyrdquo (1983) Clint Eastwood in ldquoThe Gran Torinordquo 2007
24
Advisable working structure for course work
2015 Lesson time Homework free periods
September to
6 October
Continuity task Practising camera
shots and movement storyboarding
shooting and editing Continuity
Task
Commencing coursework on blogs
Posting all elements of planning
under label ldquoContinuity Taskrdquo to
include camera shots amp angles
Embed moving image clips from
research into match on action shot
reverse shot and the 180 degree
rule
Short Evaluation
October ndash November Analysis of thriller films in class
Collaborative planning of
thriller film
Tutor monitoring of individual
student progress
Independent research into
thriller films through case
studies
Planning film (individual
storyboards etc) all to be
posted on student blogs
November ndash December Shooting thriller film
Commence editing thriller film
Tutor monitoring and support of
individual students and group
work during production process
Independently researching
thriller films and TV
crimethriller dramas
Shooting thriller film in lesson
and own time
Editing film in lessons free
periods and own time
2016
January ndash February
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production process
addressing 7 specific questions
set out by OCR Examination
Board
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production
process as a ldquodirectorrsquos
commentaryrdquo -addressing 7
specific questions set out by
OCR Examination Board
Revising research elements
(into the thriller genre) in
response to tutor advice
24 March 2016
final deadline for
uploading any
coursework onto blogs
Completing Evaluation
Completing all elements of blog
Working on revising
Evaluation
Completing all elements of
blog in preparation for
internal moderation process
25
YEAR 12 DEADLINES FOR ALL ELEMENTS OF COURSEWORK
AUTUMN TERM 2015 Week beginning
Details of work
14 September 2015 Submission of summer task to blogs
5 October 2015
Complete planning shooting editing and evaluation of preliminary task
16 November 2015
All elements of planning opening to thriller film are in place for shoot to go ahead
SPRING TERM 2016 Week beginning
18 January 2016
Completing the shooting of thriller film
February Half Term February 2015
Week beginning 22 February 2014
Completing the edit of new thriller film (maximum 2 minutes) to include sound and titles
Monday 21 March 2016 Evaluation Final draft of response to 7 compulsory questions set by OCR posted onto blog
Thursday 24 March 2016
All practical and written elements of coursework completed
Administrative details checked ready for submission of all coursework for internal and external moderation
No further blog entries for Unit G321
The 65+ thriller films and television crimepolice dramas referenced in this booklet are suitable choices for case studies Elements of camera angles lighting costume location amp soundtrack offer inspiration for planning your film
18
Question 2 continued (examples of representations gender ethnicity and youth in studentsrsquo film
productions)
Death at No 52
Homeless
Deceit
Skate
19
3 What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and
why You must justify all choices
Consider which film distribution company is most likely to distribute your film Refer to
your work on the Film Industry exam unit Would your film suit the European independent
film market targeted by StudioCanal or the independent British market via FilmFour Or is it
more in the style of films distributed by a mainstream global distributor like Universal
Justify your ideas by referring to other films they have distributed Remember
StudioCanal and FilmFour distribute films but Working Title Warp are film production
companies This question asks about distribution but you can refer to production companies
to help explain your decisions
httpwwwindependentfilmcompanycom Independent
httpwarpfilmscom
Working Title httpswwwworkingtitlefilmscom
1 NBC Universal Which cinemas would be most likely to exhibit your film Would your film appeal more
to a mainstream audience of a multiplex cinema (eg Vue) or more to an art-house or
independent cinema audience (eg Cinema City) Justify your answer by reference to
other films that are exhibited at these cinemas Straight on to DVD is also a possibility if
your film would not target cinema audiences
How could digital technologies offer new distribution opportunities Consider YouTube
social network sites mp4 players games consoles Video-On-Demand services like
LoveFilm and Mubi
Would your status as a student film-maker offer opportunities for distribution
Consider first-film competitions and student film competitions
20
4 Who would be the audience for your media product
Students need to reference audience research and justify in detail why a particular
demographic would identify with specific aspects of your film
Explain the demographic of your potential target audience age gender ethnicity
lifestyle aspirations engagement with popular culture media interests
Think about what real thriller films or TV crimepolice dramas your potential
audience would watch
Students have the option of constructing a visual profile of their target audience with
either visual or written references to aspects of the way they consume popular
culture
21
5 How did you attractaddress your audience
Rave the opening of a thriller film by Chiony Harvey (2014)
httpchionehardymediablogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20Productions
It is also important that you can identify specifically strong elements of mise-en-scene
which have appeal For example any of the following
locations
Costumes or objects
lighting design
camera angles and movement
character types (do your characters subvert or challenge stereotypes)
actionsuspense
sound track diegetic and non diegetic sound ie a sound bridge
Inter-textual references
Editing effects
transitions
narrative structure
colour alternation
cliff hanger
enigma
A topical theme
Titles
Students may wish to reference any audience feedback during the editing process Students may include a filmed interview with a potential viewer
22
6 What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this
Product
It is advisable that you identify specific technologies and explain how they offered you creative
opportunities that revolutionisedenhanced transformed aspects of your research Think about
technologies that assisted you in your ability to
File coursework onto your blog using different forms of presentation creatively
Upload case studies including film clips and screen shots onto your blog
Research and plan your preliminary task and your opening to a new thriller film
Shoot and edit using credits sound and editing effects appropriately and creatively
Record these processes onto your blog CREATIVELY either through prezi power points
uploaded film clips or screen shots recording aspects of your work on video
Collaborate
Communicate
All points must reference specific examples
7 Looking back at your preliminary task what do you feel you have learnt in the
progression from it to the full product
Students need to consider how their preliminary task introduced technical and conceptual
knowledge to embark on their thriller production
Think about the skills you used in your preliminary task and how they became more
sophisticated when researching and constructing your thriller Ideas to consider
The 180 degree rule match on action shot reverse shot Explain how you developed these
skills in your thriller to include using titles and sound
Experimenting with lighting and camera angles and movement
Working within the blueprint of generic conventions for the main task (your thriller film)
Working to a specific brief and to a specific deadline and reinforcing generic conventions
Evaluating audience feedback
Prime Evil (Stuart McCrum)
httpstuartmccrumblogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20productions
23
ldquoThe Birdsrdquo Alfred Hitchcock Kill Bill Volume 2 Quentin Tarantino
Health Warning
Course tutors will be monitoring all written and practical components
Students are marked individually for written work
Any student not contributing adequately to planning shooting and editing their
production will have marks deducted Irregular attendance will also be
penalised in the assessment process
If students encounter problems with deadlines they must seek tutor support
immediately
If there are problems within a group please seek tutor advice without delay so
that problems can be quickly solved These matters can be discussed with a
media tutor in confidence
Remember your coursework makes up 50 of your marks for AS media studies
Robert DeNiro in Scorcesersquos ldquo King of Comedyrdquo (1983) Clint Eastwood in ldquoThe Gran Torinordquo 2007
24
Advisable working structure for course work
2015 Lesson time Homework free periods
September to
6 October
Continuity task Practising camera
shots and movement storyboarding
shooting and editing Continuity
Task
Commencing coursework on blogs
Posting all elements of planning
under label ldquoContinuity Taskrdquo to
include camera shots amp angles
Embed moving image clips from
research into match on action shot
reverse shot and the 180 degree
rule
Short Evaluation
October ndash November Analysis of thriller films in class
Collaborative planning of
thriller film
Tutor monitoring of individual
student progress
Independent research into
thriller films through case
studies
Planning film (individual
storyboards etc) all to be
posted on student blogs
November ndash December Shooting thriller film
Commence editing thriller film
Tutor monitoring and support of
individual students and group
work during production process
Independently researching
thriller films and TV
crimethriller dramas
Shooting thriller film in lesson
and own time
Editing film in lessons free
periods and own time
2016
January ndash February
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production process
addressing 7 specific questions
set out by OCR Examination
Board
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production
process as a ldquodirectorrsquos
commentaryrdquo -addressing 7
specific questions set out by
OCR Examination Board
Revising research elements
(into the thriller genre) in
response to tutor advice
24 March 2016
final deadline for
uploading any
coursework onto blogs
Completing Evaluation
Completing all elements of blog
Working on revising
Evaluation
Completing all elements of
blog in preparation for
internal moderation process
25
YEAR 12 DEADLINES FOR ALL ELEMENTS OF COURSEWORK
AUTUMN TERM 2015 Week beginning
Details of work
14 September 2015 Submission of summer task to blogs
5 October 2015
Complete planning shooting editing and evaluation of preliminary task
16 November 2015
All elements of planning opening to thriller film are in place for shoot to go ahead
SPRING TERM 2016 Week beginning
18 January 2016
Completing the shooting of thriller film
February Half Term February 2015
Week beginning 22 February 2014
Completing the edit of new thriller film (maximum 2 minutes) to include sound and titles
Monday 21 March 2016 Evaluation Final draft of response to 7 compulsory questions set by OCR posted onto blog
Thursday 24 March 2016
All practical and written elements of coursework completed
Administrative details checked ready for submission of all coursework for internal and external moderation
No further blog entries for Unit G321
The 65+ thriller films and television crimepolice dramas referenced in this booklet are suitable choices for case studies Elements of camera angles lighting costume location amp soundtrack offer inspiration for planning your film
19
3 What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and
why You must justify all choices
Consider which film distribution company is most likely to distribute your film Refer to
your work on the Film Industry exam unit Would your film suit the European independent
film market targeted by StudioCanal or the independent British market via FilmFour Or is it
more in the style of films distributed by a mainstream global distributor like Universal
Justify your ideas by referring to other films they have distributed Remember
StudioCanal and FilmFour distribute films but Working Title Warp are film production
companies This question asks about distribution but you can refer to production companies
to help explain your decisions
httpwwwindependentfilmcompanycom Independent
httpwarpfilmscom
Working Title httpswwwworkingtitlefilmscom
1 NBC Universal Which cinemas would be most likely to exhibit your film Would your film appeal more
to a mainstream audience of a multiplex cinema (eg Vue) or more to an art-house or
independent cinema audience (eg Cinema City) Justify your answer by reference to
other films that are exhibited at these cinemas Straight on to DVD is also a possibility if
your film would not target cinema audiences
How could digital technologies offer new distribution opportunities Consider YouTube
social network sites mp4 players games consoles Video-On-Demand services like
LoveFilm and Mubi
Would your status as a student film-maker offer opportunities for distribution
Consider first-film competitions and student film competitions
20
4 Who would be the audience for your media product
Students need to reference audience research and justify in detail why a particular
demographic would identify with specific aspects of your film
Explain the demographic of your potential target audience age gender ethnicity
lifestyle aspirations engagement with popular culture media interests
Think about what real thriller films or TV crimepolice dramas your potential
audience would watch
Students have the option of constructing a visual profile of their target audience with
either visual or written references to aspects of the way they consume popular
culture
21
5 How did you attractaddress your audience
Rave the opening of a thriller film by Chiony Harvey (2014)
httpchionehardymediablogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20Productions
It is also important that you can identify specifically strong elements of mise-en-scene
which have appeal For example any of the following
locations
Costumes or objects
lighting design
camera angles and movement
character types (do your characters subvert or challenge stereotypes)
actionsuspense
sound track diegetic and non diegetic sound ie a sound bridge
Inter-textual references
Editing effects
transitions
narrative structure
colour alternation
cliff hanger
enigma
A topical theme
Titles
Students may wish to reference any audience feedback during the editing process Students may include a filmed interview with a potential viewer
22
6 What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this
Product
It is advisable that you identify specific technologies and explain how they offered you creative
opportunities that revolutionisedenhanced transformed aspects of your research Think about
technologies that assisted you in your ability to
File coursework onto your blog using different forms of presentation creatively
Upload case studies including film clips and screen shots onto your blog
Research and plan your preliminary task and your opening to a new thriller film
Shoot and edit using credits sound and editing effects appropriately and creatively
Record these processes onto your blog CREATIVELY either through prezi power points
uploaded film clips or screen shots recording aspects of your work on video
Collaborate
Communicate
All points must reference specific examples
7 Looking back at your preliminary task what do you feel you have learnt in the
progression from it to the full product
Students need to consider how their preliminary task introduced technical and conceptual
knowledge to embark on their thriller production
Think about the skills you used in your preliminary task and how they became more
sophisticated when researching and constructing your thriller Ideas to consider
The 180 degree rule match on action shot reverse shot Explain how you developed these
skills in your thriller to include using titles and sound
Experimenting with lighting and camera angles and movement
Working within the blueprint of generic conventions for the main task (your thriller film)
Working to a specific brief and to a specific deadline and reinforcing generic conventions
Evaluating audience feedback
Prime Evil (Stuart McCrum)
httpstuartmccrumblogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20productions
23
ldquoThe Birdsrdquo Alfred Hitchcock Kill Bill Volume 2 Quentin Tarantino
Health Warning
Course tutors will be monitoring all written and practical components
Students are marked individually for written work
Any student not contributing adequately to planning shooting and editing their
production will have marks deducted Irregular attendance will also be
penalised in the assessment process
If students encounter problems with deadlines they must seek tutor support
immediately
If there are problems within a group please seek tutor advice without delay so
that problems can be quickly solved These matters can be discussed with a
media tutor in confidence
Remember your coursework makes up 50 of your marks for AS media studies
Robert DeNiro in Scorcesersquos ldquo King of Comedyrdquo (1983) Clint Eastwood in ldquoThe Gran Torinordquo 2007
24
Advisable working structure for course work
2015 Lesson time Homework free periods
September to
6 October
Continuity task Practising camera
shots and movement storyboarding
shooting and editing Continuity
Task
Commencing coursework on blogs
Posting all elements of planning
under label ldquoContinuity Taskrdquo to
include camera shots amp angles
Embed moving image clips from
research into match on action shot
reverse shot and the 180 degree
rule
Short Evaluation
October ndash November Analysis of thriller films in class
Collaborative planning of
thriller film
Tutor monitoring of individual
student progress
Independent research into
thriller films through case
studies
Planning film (individual
storyboards etc) all to be
posted on student blogs
November ndash December Shooting thriller film
Commence editing thriller film
Tutor monitoring and support of
individual students and group
work during production process
Independently researching
thriller films and TV
crimethriller dramas
Shooting thriller film in lesson
and own time
Editing film in lessons free
periods and own time
2016
January ndash February
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production process
addressing 7 specific questions
set out by OCR Examination
Board
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production
process as a ldquodirectorrsquos
commentaryrdquo -addressing 7
specific questions set out by
OCR Examination Board
Revising research elements
(into the thriller genre) in
response to tutor advice
24 March 2016
final deadline for
uploading any
coursework onto blogs
Completing Evaluation
Completing all elements of blog
Working on revising
Evaluation
Completing all elements of
blog in preparation for
internal moderation process
25
YEAR 12 DEADLINES FOR ALL ELEMENTS OF COURSEWORK
AUTUMN TERM 2015 Week beginning
Details of work
14 September 2015 Submission of summer task to blogs
5 October 2015
Complete planning shooting editing and evaluation of preliminary task
16 November 2015
All elements of planning opening to thriller film are in place for shoot to go ahead
SPRING TERM 2016 Week beginning
18 January 2016
Completing the shooting of thriller film
February Half Term February 2015
Week beginning 22 February 2014
Completing the edit of new thriller film (maximum 2 minutes) to include sound and titles
Monday 21 March 2016 Evaluation Final draft of response to 7 compulsory questions set by OCR posted onto blog
Thursday 24 March 2016
All practical and written elements of coursework completed
Administrative details checked ready for submission of all coursework for internal and external moderation
No further blog entries for Unit G321
The 65+ thriller films and television crimepolice dramas referenced in this booklet are suitable choices for case studies Elements of camera angles lighting costume location amp soundtrack offer inspiration for planning your film
20
4 Who would be the audience for your media product
Students need to reference audience research and justify in detail why a particular
demographic would identify with specific aspects of your film
Explain the demographic of your potential target audience age gender ethnicity
lifestyle aspirations engagement with popular culture media interests
Think about what real thriller films or TV crimepolice dramas your potential
audience would watch
Students have the option of constructing a visual profile of their target audience with
either visual or written references to aspects of the way they consume popular
culture
21
5 How did you attractaddress your audience
Rave the opening of a thriller film by Chiony Harvey (2014)
httpchionehardymediablogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20Productions
It is also important that you can identify specifically strong elements of mise-en-scene
which have appeal For example any of the following
locations
Costumes or objects
lighting design
camera angles and movement
character types (do your characters subvert or challenge stereotypes)
actionsuspense
sound track diegetic and non diegetic sound ie a sound bridge
Inter-textual references
Editing effects
transitions
narrative structure
colour alternation
cliff hanger
enigma
A topical theme
Titles
Students may wish to reference any audience feedback during the editing process Students may include a filmed interview with a potential viewer
22
6 What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this
Product
It is advisable that you identify specific technologies and explain how they offered you creative
opportunities that revolutionisedenhanced transformed aspects of your research Think about
technologies that assisted you in your ability to
File coursework onto your blog using different forms of presentation creatively
Upload case studies including film clips and screen shots onto your blog
Research and plan your preliminary task and your opening to a new thriller film
Shoot and edit using credits sound and editing effects appropriately and creatively
Record these processes onto your blog CREATIVELY either through prezi power points
uploaded film clips or screen shots recording aspects of your work on video
Collaborate
Communicate
All points must reference specific examples
7 Looking back at your preliminary task what do you feel you have learnt in the
progression from it to the full product
Students need to consider how their preliminary task introduced technical and conceptual
knowledge to embark on their thriller production
Think about the skills you used in your preliminary task and how they became more
sophisticated when researching and constructing your thriller Ideas to consider
The 180 degree rule match on action shot reverse shot Explain how you developed these
skills in your thriller to include using titles and sound
Experimenting with lighting and camera angles and movement
Working within the blueprint of generic conventions for the main task (your thriller film)
Working to a specific brief and to a specific deadline and reinforcing generic conventions
Evaluating audience feedback
Prime Evil (Stuart McCrum)
httpstuartmccrumblogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20productions
23
ldquoThe Birdsrdquo Alfred Hitchcock Kill Bill Volume 2 Quentin Tarantino
Health Warning
Course tutors will be monitoring all written and practical components
Students are marked individually for written work
Any student not contributing adequately to planning shooting and editing their
production will have marks deducted Irregular attendance will also be
penalised in the assessment process
If students encounter problems with deadlines they must seek tutor support
immediately
If there are problems within a group please seek tutor advice without delay so
that problems can be quickly solved These matters can be discussed with a
media tutor in confidence
Remember your coursework makes up 50 of your marks for AS media studies
Robert DeNiro in Scorcesersquos ldquo King of Comedyrdquo (1983) Clint Eastwood in ldquoThe Gran Torinordquo 2007
24
Advisable working structure for course work
2015 Lesson time Homework free periods
September to
6 October
Continuity task Practising camera
shots and movement storyboarding
shooting and editing Continuity
Task
Commencing coursework on blogs
Posting all elements of planning
under label ldquoContinuity Taskrdquo to
include camera shots amp angles
Embed moving image clips from
research into match on action shot
reverse shot and the 180 degree
rule
Short Evaluation
October ndash November Analysis of thriller films in class
Collaborative planning of
thriller film
Tutor monitoring of individual
student progress
Independent research into
thriller films through case
studies
Planning film (individual
storyboards etc) all to be
posted on student blogs
November ndash December Shooting thriller film
Commence editing thriller film
Tutor monitoring and support of
individual students and group
work during production process
Independently researching
thriller films and TV
crimethriller dramas
Shooting thriller film in lesson
and own time
Editing film in lessons free
periods and own time
2016
January ndash February
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production process
addressing 7 specific questions
set out by OCR Examination
Board
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production
process as a ldquodirectorrsquos
commentaryrdquo -addressing 7
specific questions set out by
OCR Examination Board
Revising research elements
(into the thriller genre) in
response to tutor advice
24 March 2016
final deadline for
uploading any
coursework onto blogs
Completing Evaluation
Completing all elements of blog
Working on revising
Evaluation
Completing all elements of
blog in preparation for
internal moderation process
25
YEAR 12 DEADLINES FOR ALL ELEMENTS OF COURSEWORK
AUTUMN TERM 2015 Week beginning
Details of work
14 September 2015 Submission of summer task to blogs
5 October 2015
Complete planning shooting editing and evaluation of preliminary task
16 November 2015
All elements of planning opening to thriller film are in place for shoot to go ahead
SPRING TERM 2016 Week beginning
18 January 2016
Completing the shooting of thriller film
February Half Term February 2015
Week beginning 22 February 2014
Completing the edit of new thriller film (maximum 2 minutes) to include sound and titles
Monday 21 March 2016 Evaluation Final draft of response to 7 compulsory questions set by OCR posted onto blog
Thursday 24 March 2016
All practical and written elements of coursework completed
Administrative details checked ready for submission of all coursework for internal and external moderation
No further blog entries for Unit G321
The 65+ thriller films and television crimepolice dramas referenced in this booklet are suitable choices for case studies Elements of camera angles lighting costume location amp soundtrack offer inspiration for planning your film
21
5 How did you attractaddress your audience
Rave the opening of a thriller film by Chiony Harvey (2014)
httpchionehardymediablogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20Productions
It is also important that you can identify specifically strong elements of mise-en-scene
which have appeal For example any of the following
locations
Costumes or objects
lighting design
camera angles and movement
character types (do your characters subvert or challenge stereotypes)
actionsuspense
sound track diegetic and non diegetic sound ie a sound bridge
Inter-textual references
Editing effects
transitions
narrative structure
colour alternation
cliff hanger
enigma
A topical theme
Titles
Students may wish to reference any audience feedback during the editing process Students may include a filmed interview with a potential viewer
22
6 What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this
Product
It is advisable that you identify specific technologies and explain how they offered you creative
opportunities that revolutionisedenhanced transformed aspects of your research Think about
technologies that assisted you in your ability to
File coursework onto your blog using different forms of presentation creatively
Upload case studies including film clips and screen shots onto your blog
Research and plan your preliminary task and your opening to a new thriller film
Shoot and edit using credits sound and editing effects appropriately and creatively
Record these processes onto your blog CREATIVELY either through prezi power points
uploaded film clips or screen shots recording aspects of your work on video
Collaborate
Communicate
All points must reference specific examples
7 Looking back at your preliminary task what do you feel you have learnt in the
progression from it to the full product
Students need to consider how their preliminary task introduced technical and conceptual
knowledge to embark on their thriller production
Think about the skills you used in your preliminary task and how they became more
sophisticated when researching and constructing your thriller Ideas to consider
The 180 degree rule match on action shot reverse shot Explain how you developed these
skills in your thriller to include using titles and sound
Experimenting with lighting and camera angles and movement
Working within the blueprint of generic conventions for the main task (your thriller film)
Working to a specific brief and to a specific deadline and reinforcing generic conventions
Evaluating audience feedback
Prime Evil (Stuart McCrum)
httpstuartmccrumblogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20productions
23
ldquoThe Birdsrdquo Alfred Hitchcock Kill Bill Volume 2 Quentin Tarantino
Health Warning
Course tutors will be monitoring all written and practical components
Students are marked individually for written work
Any student not contributing adequately to planning shooting and editing their
production will have marks deducted Irregular attendance will also be
penalised in the assessment process
If students encounter problems with deadlines they must seek tutor support
immediately
If there are problems within a group please seek tutor advice without delay so
that problems can be quickly solved These matters can be discussed with a
media tutor in confidence
Remember your coursework makes up 50 of your marks for AS media studies
Robert DeNiro in Scorcesersquos ldquo King of Comedyrdquo (1983) Clint Eastwood in ldquoThe Gran Torinordquo 2007
24
Advisable working structure for course work
2015 Lesson time Homework free periods
September to
6 October
Continuity task Practising camera
shots and movement storyboarding
shooting and editing Continuity
Task
Commencing coursework on blogs
Posting all elements of planning
under label ldquoContinuity Taskrdquo to
include camera shots amp angles
Embed moving image clips from
research into match on action shot
reverse shot and the 180 degree
rule
Short Evaluation
October ndash November Analysis of thriller films in class
Collaborative planning of
thriller film
Tutor monitoring of individual
student progress
Independent research into
thriller films through case
studies
Planning film (individual
storyboards etc) all to be
posted on student blogs
November ndash December Shooting thriller film
Commence editing thriller film
Tutor monitoring and support of
individual students and group
work during production process
Independently researching
thriller films and TV
crimethriller dramas
Shooting thriller film in lesson
and own time
Editing film in lessons free
periods and own time
2016
January ndash February
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production process
addressing 7 specific questions
set out by OCR Examination
Board
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production
process as a ldquodirectorrsquos
commentaryrdquo -addressing 7
specific questions set out by
OCR Examination Board
Revising research elements
(into the thriller genre) in
response to tutor advice
24 March 2016
final deadline for
uploading any
coursework onto blogs
Completing Evaluation
Completing all elements of blog
Working on revising
Evaluation
Completing all elements of
blog in preparation for
internal moderation process
25
YEAR 12 DEADLINES FOR ALL ELEMENTS OF COURSEWORK
AUTUMN TERM 2015 Week beginning
Details of work
14 September 2015 Submission of summer task to blogs
5 October 2015
Complete planning shooting editing and evaluation of preliminary task
16 November 2015
All elements of planning opening to thriller film are in place for shoot to go ahead
SPRING TERM 2016 Week beginning
18 January 2016
Completing the shooting of thriller film
February Half Term February 2015
Week beginning 22 February 2014
Completing the edit of new thriller film (maximum 2 minutes) to include sound and titles
Monday 21 March 2016 Evaluation Final draft of response to 7 compulsory questions set by OCR posted onto blog
Thursday 24 March 2016
All practical and written elements of coursework completed
Administrative details checked ready for submission of all coursework for internal and external moderation
No further blog entries for Unit G321
The 65+ thriller films and television crimepolice dramas referenced in this booklet are suitable choices for case studies Elements of camera angles lighting costume location amp soundtrack offer inspiration for planning your film
22
6 What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this
Product
It is advisable that you identify specific technologies and explain how they offered you creative
opportunities that revolutionisedenhanced transformed aspects of your research Think about
technologies that assisted you in your ability to
File coursework onto your blog using different forms of presentation creatively
Upload case studies including film clips and screen shots onto your blog
Research and plan your preliminary task and your opening to a new thriller film
Shoot and edit using credits sound and editing effects appropriately and creatively
Record these processes onto your blog CREATIVELY either through prezi power points
uploaded film clips or screen shots recording aspects of your work on video
Collaborate
Communicate
All points must reference specific examples
7 Looking back at your preliminary task what do you feel you have learnt in the
progression from it to the full product
Students need to consider how their preliminary task introduced technical and conceptual
knowledge to embark on their thriller production
Think about the skills you used in your preliminary task and how they became more
sophisticated when researching and constructing your thriller Ideas to consider
The 180 degree rule match on action shot reverse shot Explain how you developed these
skills in your thriller to include using titles and sound
Experimenting with lighting and camera angles and movement
Working within the blueprint of generic conventions for the main task (your thriller film)
Working to a specific brief and to a specific deadline and reinforcing generic conventions
Evaluating audience feedback
Prime Evil (Stuart McCrum)
httpstuartmccrumblogspotcouksearchlabelG32120Completed20productions
23
ldquoThe Birdsrdquo Alfred Hitchcock Kill Bill Volume 2 Quentin Tarantino
Health Warning
Course tutors will be monitoring all written and practical components
Students are marked individually for written work
Any student not contributing adequately to planning shooting and editing their
production will have marks deducted Irregular attendance will also be
penalised in the assessment process
If students encounter problems with deadlines they must seek tutor support
immediately
If there are problems within a group please seek tutor advice without delay so
that problems can be quickly solved These matters can be discussed with a
media tutor in confidence
Remember your coursework makes up 50 of your marks for AS media studies
Robert DeNiro in Scorcesersquos ldquo King of Comedyrdquo (1983) Clint Eastwood in ldquoThe Gran Torinordquo 2007
24
Advisable working structure for course work
2015 Lesson time Homework free periods
September to
6 October
Continuity task Practising camera
shots and movement storyboarding
shooting and editing Continuity
Task
Commencing coursework on blogs
Posting all elements of planning
under label ldquoContinuity Taskrdquo to
include camera shots amp angles
Embed moving image clips from
research into match on action shot
reverse shot and the 180 degree
rule
Short Evaluation
October ndash November Analysis of thriller films in class
Collaborative planning of
thriller film
Tutor monitoring of individual
student progress
Independent research into
thriller films through case
studies
Planning film (individual
storyboards etc) all to be
posted on student blogs
November ndash December Shooting thriller film
Commence editing thriller film
Tutor monitoring and support of
individual students and group
work during production process
Independently researching
thriller films and TV
crimethriller dramas
Shooting thriller film in lesson
and own time
Editing film in lessons free
periods and own time
2016
January ndash February
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production process
addressing 7 specific questions
set out by OCR Examination
Board
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production
process as a ldquodirectorrsquos
commentaryrdquo -addressing 7
specific questions set out by
OCR Examination Board
Revising research elements
(into the thriller genre) in
response to tutor advice
24 March 2016
final deadline for
uploading any
coursework onto blogs
Completing Evaluation
Completing all elements of blog
Working on revising
Evaluation
Completing all elements of
blog in preparation for
internal moderation process
25
YEAR 12 DEADLINES FOR ALL ELEMENTS OF COURSEWORK
AUTUMN TERM 2015 Week beginning
Details of work
14 September 2015 Submission of summer task to blogs
5 October 2015
Complete planning shooting editing and evaluation of preliminary task
16 November 2015
All elements of planning opening to thriller film are in place for shoot to go ahead
SPRING TERM 2016 Week beginning
18 January 2016
Completing the shooting of thriller film
February Half Term February 2015
Week beginning 22 February 2014
Completing the edit of new thriller film (maximum 2 minutes) to include sound and titles
Monday 21 March 2016 Evaluation Final draft of response to 7 compulsory questions set by OCR posted onto blog
Thursday 24 March 2016
All practical and written elements of coursework completed
Administrative details checked ready for submission of all coursework for internal and external moderation
No further blog entries for Unit G321
The 65+ thriller films and television crimepolice dramas referenced in this booklet are suitable choices for case studies Elements of camera angles lighting costume location amp soundtrack offer inspiration for planning your film
23
ldquoThe Birdsrdquo Alfred Hitchcock Kill Bill Volume 2 Quentin Tarantino
Health Warning
Course tutors will be monitoring all written and practical components
Students are marked individually for written work
Any student not contributing adequately to planning shooting and editing their
production will have marks deducted Irregular attendance will also be
penalised in the assessment process
If students encounter problems with deadlines they must seek tutor support
immediately
If there are problems within a group please seek tutor advice without delay so
that problems can be quickly solved These matters can be discussed with a
media tutor in confidence
Remember your coursework makes up 50 of your marks for AS media studies
Robert DeNiro in Scorcesersquos ldquo King of Comedyrdquo (1983) Clint Eastwood in ldquoThe Gran Torinordquo 2007
24
Advisable working structure for course work
2015 Lesson time Homework free periods
September to
6 October
Continuity task Practising camera
shots and movement storyboarding
shooting and editing Continuity
Task
Commencing coursework on blogs
Posting all elements of planning
under label ldquoContinuity Taskrdquo to
include camera shots amp angles
Embed moving image clips from
research into match on action shot
reverse shot and the 180 degree
rule
Short Evaluation
October ndash November Analysis of thriller films in class
Collaborative planning of
thriller film
Tutor monitoring of individual
student progress
Independent research into
thriller films through case
studies
Planning film (individual
storyboards etc) all to be
posted on student blogs
November ndash December Shooting thriller film
Commence editing thriller film
Tutor monitoring and support of
individual students and group
work during production process
Independently researching
thriller films and TV
crimethriller dramas
Shooting thriller film in lesson
and own time
Editing film in lessons free
periods and own time
2016
January ndash February
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production process
addressing 7 specific questions
set out by OCR Examination
Board
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production
process as a ldquodirectorrsquos
commentaryrdquo -addressing 7
specific questions set out by
OCR Examination Board
Revising research elements
(into the thriller genre) in
response to tutor advice
24 March 2016
final deadline for
uploading any
coursework onto blogs
Completing Evaluation
Completing all elements of blog
Working on revising
Evaluation
Completing all elements of
blog in preparation for
internal moderation process
25
YEAR 12 DEADLINES FOR ALL ELEMENTS OF COURSEWORK
AUTUMN TERM 2015 Week beginning
Details of work
14 September 2015 Submission of summer task to blogs
5 October 2015
Complete planning shooting editing and evaluation of preliminary task
16 November 2015
All elements of planning opening to thriller film are in place for shoot to go ahead
SPRING TERM 2016 Week beginning
18 January 2016
Completing the shooting of thriller film
February Half Term February 2015
Week beginning 22 February 2014
Completing the edit of new thriller film (maximum 2 minutes) to include sound and titles
Monday 21 March 2016 Evaluation Final draft of response to 7 compulsory questions set by OCR posted onto blog
Thursday 24 March 2016
All practical and written elements of coursework completed
Administrative details checked ready for submission of all coursework for internal and external moderation
No further blog entries for Unit G321
The 65+ thriller films and television crimepolice dramas referenced in this booklet are suitable choices for case studies Elements of camera angles lighting costume location amp soundtrack offer inspiration for planning your film
24
Advisable working structure for course work
2015 Lesson time Homework free periods
September to
6 October
Continuity task Practising camera
shots and movement storyboarding
shooting and editing Continuity
Task
Commencing coursework on blogs
Posting all elements of planning
under label ldquoContinuity Taskrdquo to
include camera shots amp angles
Embed moving image clips from
research into match on action shot
reverse shot and the 180 degree
rule
Short Evaluation
October ndash November Analysis of thriller films in class
Collaborative planning of
thriller film
Tutor monitoring of individual
student progress
Independent research into
thriller films through case
studies
Planning film (individual
storyboards etc) all to be
posted on student blogs
November ndash December Shooting thriller film
Commence editing thriller film
Tutor monitoring and support of
individual students and group
work during production process
Independently researching
thriller films and TV
crimethriller dramas
Shooting thriller film in lesson
and own time
Editing film in lessons free
periods and own time
2016
January ndash February
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production process
addressing 7 specific questions
set out by OCR Examination
Board
Preparing for mock exam
Editing film
Preparing and completing
Evaluation of production
process as a ldquodirectorrsquos
commentaryrdquo -addressing 7
specific questions set out by
OCR Examination Board
Revising research elements
(into the thriller genre) in
response to tutor advice
24 March 2016
final deadline for
uploading any
coursework onto blogs
Completing Evaluation
Completing all elements of blog
Working on revising
Evaluation
Completing all elements of
blog in preparation for
internal moderation process
25
YEAR 12 DEADLINES FOR ALL ELEMENTS OF COURSEWORK
AUTUMN TERM 2015 Week beginning
Details of work
14 September 2015 Submission of summer task to blogs
5 October 2015
Complete planning shooting editing and evaluation of preliminary task
16 November 2015
All elements of planning opening to thriller film are in place for shoot to go ahead
SPRING TERM 2016 Week beginning
18 January 2016
Completing the shooting of thriller film
February Half Term February 2015
Week beginning 22 February 2014
Completing the edit of new thriller film (maximum 2 minutes) to include sound and titles
Monday 21 March 2016 Evaluation Final draft of response to 7 compulsory questions set by OCR posted onto blog
Thursday 24 March 2016
All practical and written elements of coursework completed
Administrative details checked ready for submission of all coursework for internal and external moderation
No further blog entries for Unit G321
The 65+ thriller films and television crimepolice dramas referenced in this booklet are suitable choices for case studies Elements of camera angles lighting costume location amp soundtrack offer inspiration for planning your film
25
YEAR 12 DEADLINES FOR ALL ELEMENTS OF COURSEWORK
AUTUMN TERM 2015 Week beginning
Details of work
14 September 2015 Submission of summer task to blogs
5 October 2015
Complete planning shooting editing and evaluation of preliminary task
16 November 2015
All elements of planning opening to thriller film are in place for shoot to go ahead
SPRING TERM 2016 Week beginning
18 January 2016
Completing the shooting of thriller film
February Half Term February 2015
Week beginning 22 February 2014
Completing the edit of new thriller film (maximum 2 minutes) to include sound and titles
Monday 21 March 2016 Evaluation Final draft of response to 7 compulsory questions set by OCR posted onto blog
Thursday 24 March 2016
All practical and written elements of coursework completed
Administrative details checked ready for submission of all coursework for internal and external moderation
No further blog entries for Unit G321
The 65+ thriller films and television crimepolice dramas referenced in this booklet are suitable choices for case studies Elements of camera angles lighting costume location amp soundtrack offer inspiration for planning your film
top related