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)

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

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

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

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

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

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