Opening sequence KnowledgeBY JACK, LEIGHTON AND CONNOR

Films- Knowledge

In the last few months we have learnt a lot about how to create an opening sequence. We have learnt some of this knowledge from films opening sequences that we have already seen before, or new films that we have analysed. One of the opening sequences we learnt a lot from was Se7en. What we learnt from Se7en was that we could include strange visuals to make it look more like a psychological thriller. This then gave us inspiration for our own opening sequence. Where we tried to show a strange visual.

Films- Skills

However we did also learn some skills from other films that we would have defiantly needed in our own opening sequence. Especially skills to do with the mise-en-scene, for example we used a mask in our opening sequence and we kept going back to it, keeping it one of the main focuses on our task. We also learnt that some props fit scenes better such as a mask is more scary looking than just someone's face. Another thing we learnt is that for a psychological thriller if we kept the lighting low key the audience will automatically assume something not quite right is going on this will allows us to build up suspense.

Opening sequences- Knowledge

Over the last couple of months we were tasked with creating a opening sequence, and a trial opening sequence. When we first did our trial opening sequence we stated watching some previous years opening sequences, and we also watched some professional ones as well. This was extremely helpful and gave us some insight on what to do in our own opening sequences. We learn how to structure our opening sequences and what we should put in our opening sequence to make it as good as possible. This knowledge helped us a lot for the real thing. As we knew what made it a psychological thriller and we learn how to add suspense.

Opening sequences- Skills

When we were tasked with making an opening sequence we knew nothing about how to make one, however as time passed we learnt a lot about making a opening sequence. One of the skills that we learnt was how to use I movie. This was important as we had to edit our task on it so we needed to learn how it worked. We also used Photoshop for logos we needed this because we needed to make sure we had a professional looking logo. Furthermore we learnt about certain shots and how they could be used in our opening sequence, to either add a certain feel or effect such as a wide shot. In addition we learnt a lot about Mise-en-Scene such as what props to use and when. Finally we learnt a lot about sounds we could use to try and enhance our task and make it as a whole better.

Technology- Knowledge

When we first started none of are group had previously used a camera, so when we were planning on where we were filming and what shots. So when we did are trial version we had to learn first hand how to use this camera as well as all the other equipment we used such as a tripod, we also learn how to keep it still so it looked better. We also had to consider the rule of thirds when we were filming and we had to try and get ourselves to the right potions for every shot.

Technology- Skills

When we first started we did not have any previous skills using the technology that we used such as the I mac’s the camera, tripod and Photoshop. So we had to learn these things whilst we were doing our task. However this payed off as we now know who to use all these things effectively. For example we now know how to add special effects in I movie. This will help not only helped us when we had to make improvement, but will help us if we have any tasks in the future.

Group Work- Knowledge

When we were doing our opening sequence and other projects, we learnt a lot about working better as a team/group. We delegated work equally so we could get a larger project done, for example our opening sequence had lots of different things that needed doing so we all did different things to help. We hadn’t done this in previous assignments as we worked on them on our own.

Group Work- Skills

When we were in a group we were usually given large projects to do, so we had to split the work not only to get it done but to get it done on time, so we spilt work up equally so members in a group was pulling their weight but also so one person wouldn’t have too much work. This was very effective as we always got our work in on time and none of us worked more than others.

Time management- Knowledge

Looking back at our task when we planned we did not plan all the time we would need as we did not plan any time for re filming which we had to do twice. But we have now learned that we will in future need to give our selves time for re filming as well as a bit more for editing. We also had not thought enough about all our shots and we had to re think some, because they were not creative enough.

Time management- Skills

During our time filming and editing we learned more and more about time management for filming and editing. In some parts of our task we gave our selves to little time but in some we gave ourselves to much time and was complete ahead of the time we allowed ourselves, however generally our time management was good but it could be improved. When we filmed outside we initially thought it would take two sessions to film but it only took 1 which was good, however when we filmed our inside shot’s we planned only 1 session but it took more than 1.

Role in film production- Knowledge

Before we started doing the task we didn’t know which about roles during a films production, we know a lot more information as well as some key roles within a films production such as producers, directors, writers and editors. We then used this as a guideline for roles in our opening sequence.

Role in film production- Skills

When doing our opening sequence and other tasks we had to understand and be able to explain each one of the roles. This helped us we used them as guidelines for ourselves in our task as we knew what we would have to do.

Producer Director Writer Editor