use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products.

In Evaluation Activity 1, we were asked ‘in what ways does your media product;

To begin, I will be discussing the ways in which our opening sequence conforms to the conventions of a spy and

mystery genre.Traditionally the spy film genres are recognised for including subgenres such

as thriller and action.

Unfortunately, the opening of our film, ‘Femme Fatale’, does not entail these sub genres, as we believe they should be introduced later on in the film to build the suspense and allow the climax to build for viewers.

However the spy genre normally deals with the subject of fictional espionage, either in a realistic or with the basis of fantasy – movies such as James bond . our opening sequence can 100% link in with James bond, perhaps not in terms of fantasy but defiantly because of the prime location being London and the subject of a secret mission.

Spy films show the espionage activities of government agents , again scene through the many fast cuts of the London scenery including the mi5 building to set the scene within the first minute of our clipThis building plays a huge part in the more recent James Bond films, which are and have been for many years, the most famous of movie spies.

Many novels in the spy fiction genre have been adapted as films, including works by John Buchan, Ian Fleming and Len Dighton. It is a significant aspect of British cinema, with leading British directors such as Alfred Hitchcock and Carol Reed making notable contributions and many films set in the British Secret Service.

Bond, in his various incarnations, flippantly beat up on the Russians, which again reflects our clip as we are 3 Russian spies set on a mission in the heart of London, building suspense and curiosity for viewers.

This leads me onto the characters… It is not blatantly obvious we are Russian spies, however we have subtly included hints as to how we are, for example the Russian man talking in the voice over.. Although, within just the opening, it is hard to learn much about each of the characters.

However, in the credits our names are obviously foreign, for example ‘Anastasia Podolski’ and ‘Larisa Natalyia’ from research these are both famous female Russian names. Although from the seriousness of body language and facial expression all three actress’ present, it is easy to recognise the spy genre is conformed as the subject of’ top secret’ files are indeed a serious secret project.

Even as a child’s TV programme, the female spies are none to be serious and even attractive, wearing tight

all in one outfits.

Now I will be discussing how the mise en scene links to the genre.

The props used play a key part in presenting the genre. For example the local newspaper is used to disguise the ‘top secret’ files, which is as well a key prop as it starts to set the story for the

viewers and also meets the conventions of a spy and mystery genre. We used an ordinary female bag which the top secret file is kept in. We didn’t want to use

anything too extreme such as a brief case or rucksack as it would make the actress stand out in the business of London (obviously something spy doesn’t want – to make themselves stand

out).

Without the taxi, it would have been really hard to keep the same storyline. Therefore even though it isn’t

seemingly obvious to the viewers, we needed it to make the clip look as realistic as possible and link to the

conventions. By having the taxi we could film as we were driving, this was extremely beneficial (besides the fact it was raining the majority of the day!) but to make it look

hand held and like a first hand experience from the actress’ point of view. Again this conforms to the spy

genre as it leaves the viewers on edge as they have no clue of what to expect.

Us 3 characters as well play a huge role within the sequence. Even though we aren’t really acknowledged until at least a minute through, we help to set up the story for the viewers. Even though we don’t say much it is clear we are calm and sophisticated characters. This can be

compared with the actress’ from the modern Charlie’s angels. Similar to us, they are attractive and young secret agents which are sophisticated

and under cover in what they do, hence the name of ‘angels’.

We also included a close up of the secret files to make it clear to the

audience it is a ‘top secret’ document. By holding the shot it added suspense and enabled the

audience, again, to engage in what is going on. Similar to many spy

films and the conventions of them.

The camera use can also be linked with stereotypical spy films. They normally begin with an establishing shot, which

ours does. In fact a lot of them, therefore creating knowledge for the audience that the film is based in London.

We filmed famous recognisable building and even the Mi5 building which is seen a lot in James Bond, Sky fall. We used a variation of shots but mainly long shots, because we didn’t

want to make things to confusing, therefore long shots enabled the audience to establish the scene and what was

going on.

Now I will be considering the editing in terms of the genreTo begin, we used standard, straight cuts which are quite common from the conventions of spy genre, as well as fast cuts to represent

action; however ours is not a climax of action, but a climax of scenery and establishment for the viewers.

We used some zoom shots to change the variation and break up from the fast cuts and we believe it really adds impact to the

sequence.

Slow Motion

Finally I will be explaining the ways in which we believe our opening sequence is non confirmative to a spy genre.

We have included no violence at all, which is not always necessarily used in the opening sequence of spy films however normally indicates it. I’m sure if the film was to

be produced, violence would be introduced and seen throughout.Because our film would be targeted at a 12A/15 certificate audience, there is not much

to pull them in, in terms of action, even though the scenery is set and a brief introduction of the characters and plot is seen, there is no use of weapons or fighting and therefore possibly leading to the younger audience not feeling engaged with the

opening of the film. Also the subgenre of ‘sex appeal’ is not that stereotypical of a spy genre. And the slow

motion cuts where the credits are present. This is unconventional mainly because typically spy genres tend to try and keep to a real work editing style.

Finally I will be explaining the ways in which we believe our opening sequence is non confirmative to a spy genre.

We have included no violence at all, which is not always necessarily used in the opening sequence of spy films however normally indicates it. I’m sure if the film was to

be produced, violence would be introduced and seen throughout.Because our film would be targeted at a 12A/15 certificate audience, there is not much

to pull them in, in terms of action, even though the scenery is set and a brief introduction of the characters and plot is seen, there is no use of weapons or fighting and therefore possibly leading to the younger audience not feeling engaged with the

opening of the film. Also the subgenre of ‘sex appeal’ is not that stereotypical of a spy genre. And the slow

motion cuts where the credits are present. This is unconventional mainly because typically spy genres tend to try and keep to a real work editing style.