Our Opening Sequence

What we need to consider

• Location
• Character representation
• Synopsis/ Proposal
• Shooting Script
• Props
• Genre codes and conventions
• Research on other existing opening sequences to help us develop a specific understanding of opening sequences and their structure.

Research

We have studied and analysed a variety of opening sequences in class and wrote various essays to enable knowledge of how camera angles portray characters and scenes. However as a group we all had a rough idea of what kind of genre we wanted to base our opening sequence on which we therefore spoke about and planned in class. Our group decision was to base the clip to be set back in time whilst having a twist of it being a thriller. We liked this idea as it would be completely different to the type of genre we previously portrayed within our preliminary task which we knew wouldn't of been successful when having to come across filming. The idea is unique and ideal as we can use a variety of affects and props to portray the particular visual style we are aiming for. Therefore because we knew what type of genre we definitely wanted we decided to begin with researching other opening sequences that related to the specific thriller genre and studied them to give us more of a accurate idea of what and where to film and how it works. "Seven" and "Sin City" was a couple of the films that we looked at and researched as they were films which we all were familiar with and consisted of a effective opening sequence and had good quality Muse-en-scene which is the similar effect we would like to achieve in our opening sequence. To be able to perform this I looked at the key conventions to creating a thriller which are sound, camera angles/shots and editing. Examples of these are quick and frequent cuts, camera angles and changes as well as movement. Music is also a significant to the genre as it helps create tension when appropriate. This can help signify when something bad is going to happen as the music will become more powerful to help create tension. Lighting is also used, especially when someone is there, for example the use of shadows and reflections can show the audience this. All thrillers involve of dramatic story lines consisting of death, supernatural or mental illnesses; all of these have a role of a "bad guy" which is known as the antagonist. The purpose of scary films is to scare the audience into believing something. Therefore after knowing and studying these specific key conventions we all took this into account when creating our opening sequence as it must consist of these terms due to being able to signify and portray it being a thriller.

As a group we have been thinking of various ideas to base our opening sequence on. We all have finally agreed to base it on a thriller set back in a 1940's time zone. To be able to portray this effect we will make it authentic by creating the clip in a black and white theme with hints of sepia and red showing through. As you can see to this right i tried creating this affect by lowering the colour temperature and changing the stariation however it wasn't the right colour we was specifically looking for. Also the location must be able to signify the specific time period, therefore we have decided to film this within my nans house as its 90's based. This is because my nan is into 1940-50's time period and like to dress and collect the resources used back then. Thorney is the village that we would be filming in, as its easy to access for all of the group members as well as benefiting from a great a filming location.


Together we have created a storyboard to help us develop and understand a good idea for our opening sequence. The first picture just shows a rough drafts of all the stages of what would be filmed in the opening sequence. As you can see it isn't very detailed as it was just a rough plan of a step by step guide.

The second image is more of an advanced and detailed storyboard with the development stages of our opening sequence. This is more specific as it shows what would be filmed and the camera angles used.


Our last storyboard is shown on more of an accurate scale of the different media techniques we would use throughout the sequence and how well and effective this will be portrayed across to the audience. Due to this process it has caused us to change certain aspects of the film, for example it will no longer be a romance/thriller as there is no romance involved in this aspect of genre at all. Therefore it will be more of a horror/thriller as the stalker in the sequence has changed into a pedophile murderer.

Synopsis. From our storyboard we were able to get more of an accurate idea of how our opening sequence would work with the use of camera angles and movement. As the pieces started to fit together the more developed and well planned our opening sequence became enabled us as a group more confident and prepared to what we would be filming.
The storyline of our thriller is the "woman" (whom is played by myself) getting ready just like any other normal day in the life of the 1940's suspicious image of a stalker/murderer staring at a wall of goryportrayed. As the woman leaves the house the stalker will appear who will follow her without her knowing and flashbacks will occur.

Shooting Script - general idea of how the opening sequence will work.

1. Camera focuses on the old ticking clock and pans onto the objects flowing down to the floor.
2. Camera changes to Shane's wall , with photographs flowing. Camera has a close up focusing on each of these.
3. Woman gets up out of bed puts on dressing gown and goes down stairs whilst the camera follows her managing from a close up of her feet gradually moving further away as she moves.
4. Camera shot of the woman's bottom half of legs and feet when coming down from the stairs into the kitchen.
5. The woman sits down and pours wine, behind the shoulder shot and a birds eye view shot is used.
   
6. The woman opens up an old "1948" newspaper which the camera zooms out of signifying the date to the audience.
7. Shot from behind of the woman sitting down with a glass in her hand and a cigarette in the other one.
8. Woman stands up and washes up the glass, an high camera angle is used to look down on her. Music starts to fade in.
   
9. The camera focuses on the cigarette that is still lit in the ash tray whilst capturing the woman walking out of the room.
10. The woman goes up stairs to get ready, mid shots and high angles follow her whilst doing this.
11. As the woman sits down the camera pans onto objects leading up to her chair.
12. The woman is combing her hair, putting on mascara and red lipstick whilst doing this the camera focuses and zooms on specific parts such as eyes and mouth.
    
13. The camera flicks on to an over the shoulder shot of Shane looking at the wall.
14. The woman gets ready by putting on her dress and pulling up her tights whilst the camera follows on her movements, many close ups are used.
15. As this becomes more intense Shane starts going more crazy by tearing pictures down, the music changes tempo as well.
16. The woman gets up and walks out of the room, whilst the camera is following her by a consistent of shots.
17. Camera focuses on more of Shane, still being an over the shoulder shot of Shane grabbing a picture of "the woman" and dropping it in the bath. 
 

 

Props and costume list - significant objects that will be identified within the opening sequence

1. Polka Dress
2. Fishnet Tights
3. Dressing gown
4. Accessories/Jewellery
5. Make up
6. Clock
7. "1948" newspaper
8. Cigarette/Ashtray
9. Wine Bottle
10. Coins/Money.

Preperation is the key for enable us to perform well and be successful within our media group. Therefore we have done lots of research on basic props and costumes used in the 1940's time period. We have found out that polka dots, ruffles and patterns were the trends back then. Because of this we have to make sure we have the right costumes to enable us to portray a realistic effect to that specific time. Therefore my costume will be a simple blue and white polka dot dress which was used in the photos above. As for Shane playing the antagonist he will be seen in dark clothes and a overly sized hat which would be covering and hiding his identity when filmed so it appears more mysterious to the audience. Here are some photos below we have researched and collected to use on our wall in one of the clips, however we have asked permission from the source we found them from before printing them off.


The location report of the opening sequence will be in Thorney village. The main reasons for this is because it will be easy to access for all group members as well as being a great filming location due to the authenticity linking to the genre of the sequence. The house is a duke of bedford cottage which resembles the clip being set back in time as its an old looking house, also with the use of furniture and vintage collectibles portray and signify this effect. Also we will be using the school council house toilets for Shane's scene as its dark and grungy looking, this will symbolise Shane's character as well.

There will be props used within the opening sequence to help portray realism and authenticity to the audience. Before filming we decided to to get a good idea of how this would be reflected, as well as being used in the actual video. Therefore we set up a little area to help us develop an idea of what the setting would look like, however to make the pictures seem authentic to the genre of the film we edited them on photo shop. As you can see we have chosen an off black and white colour to symbolise the authenticity, because of this idea we liked the way it become significant so we will therefore be developing this within the opening sequence. Their will be a variety of props used to pursue this effect we are looking for, such as when the character will be reading a magazine however we will make sure its an old magazine that time period to make it realistic. Also other types of props used will be make-up, wine bottles, fake cigarette etc.

 







The character and representation are chosen for various different reasons which will involve of myself playing the 1940's classic woman. This was decided within the group as they voted me to do this due to the "long blonde hair". The woman will come across as being very mysterious as you don't actually see her face, yet only when putting on her make up and when entering the room. The woman will come across being very seductive by putting on her red lipstick, wearing a silk purple dressing gown and a small blue and white polka dot dress and netting tights which reflects her character. However when filming the character I will only be filmed from behind and only certain body parts that I feel comfortable with as I don't like the thought of being filmed or to come across in that particular way. The antagonist will be played by Shane, he will also not been seen from the front in the opening sequence as this will make him more of a suspicious character. Shane will be dressed in a black coat with a collar sticking up as well as an old fashioned fedora hat, hiding his identity.

The costumes will be significant to our opening sequence and this identifies the character and also the time period established. Therefore to portray this across to the audience well we must consider the patterns and trends of the 1940's time period. To enable us to establish this effect we will be visiting Sue Ryder which is a charity shop filled with lots of vintage clothing and accessories. Also I have been exploring the late fashion trends on the internet and books to get a good idea of what was in fashion and how people were be seen via their image, for example hair and make up. Therefore the red lipstick will be significant aspect for when filming especially as the desiring visual style will be black and white with red coming through. Shane's characher won't really have a specific set costume as he will be seen in black, which will create him hidden and his identity will not be revealed.

sound is a convention that we would be using in our video and will be consisting of some old classic music whilst the woman is getting ready, this would be non diagetic as its not going to be heard when actually filming. Because of this we would have to get permission of people or record labels which we will look into nearer the time. Reasons for doing this is because sometimes when people speak the camera doesn't actually pick up sounds properly, as well as filming outside the wind or outdoors could not be as effective.

The soundtrack that we have chosen is available to listen to on YouTube as well as on the following link. " Here Comes The Boogie Man" is the name of the song which signifies Shane's character as well enabling effectiveness to the opening sequence.

To enable us to film our media we have to find the right date and time that all of us are free and able to get to Thorney. However this was hard to arrange as some of us had jobs which meant we was working on the weekends, because of this I booked the Sunday off work as holiday so we could get it done in one day, the day that we chosen to film on is the Sunday 14th of March as all group memebers were available.


Weather is a key feature we need to think about when filming hopefully on the the sun will be shining, this will enable us to get our work down smoothly and quickly. If not then it would have to be filmed on a different day because rain, snow or icy weather can cause hazards and not be suitable when filming. Luckily all of our filming will be taking place indoors and the weather won't be much of an issue.

Hazards and risks aren't expected or occurred in the duration of being able to film our opening sequence. However the only one problem, and this is when the bath tub will be filled slightly with bloody water. The risk could be dropping the camera in the water and causing an electrical hazard.Also when filming the woman drinking from a wine bottle and possibly smoking we have to make sure its fake and the alcohol isn't real as complaints can be made.

FILM WILL GO HERE

The Filming for our opening sequence went very smoothly and successfully, however we had to make sure we followed everything that was specific on the storyboard so we knew exactly what we would needed to follow and also what shots we knew would work well. However some of the shots we had to adjust and also thought of then and there on the spot, therefore this isn't all shown on the final storyboard. Also we had to be aware of the objects around us that was in the way or caught/captured onto the clip, this will prevent it from being authentic and realistic; for example we realised we caught part of the kettle in one of the clips which was then replaced with a bowl of fruit. This was because of the time setting which was focused back into the 1940's time period therefore we need to portray the surrounding areas of the clip authentic as possible.

Below are pictures of Ashlee and Sophie beginning to film the first opening clip to our opening sequence, as well as Shane experimenting with the tripod.

 

changes that were made when filming

When filming we made a few changes that wasn't involved in the s t o r y  b o a r d, this was because the surrounding area was far too small for some of the shots and angles we wanted to be able to portray. An example off this is when the woman is going up the stairs and the camera shows down on her from a high angle. As you can see from the picture below it is very cramped and small to film let alone trying to get the people we needed to in the space to enable us to film. Therefore we decided to put the camera on one of the shelves to capture the shot from a high up angle which signifies the character as well as giving us the ability to have more room and all group members there to enable us to film.


Another change we made when filming was not being able to film the woman from behind walking down the street as we planned which was in our storyboards. This was because we used a whole of 3 minutes  filming and we knew we had to stop at some point soon. This change didn't cause any drastic effects or changes to our film which I'm fortunate about due to it only continuing on what the character is doing. 
 

A filming mistake was also made when the woman is sat down on the table and then stands up and puts the cigarette out, yet when she walks out the room the camera is focused on the cigarette that's balanced on the ash tray which is still fully lit. Having this had of happened it has made us realise filming objects is very difficult when your having to retake a scene, this is because you have to try and get what is in the scene the exact same as it was before. However because of this tiny error we only noticed it when we got round to editing the clips together and didn't have enough time to change or do anything about it and hopefully will be unnoticed.

Overall no initial or major changes were made, and most of the filming process had related to our storyboard, this if very fortunate as we didn't come across any hazards or risks whilst filming or any type of difficulty. Our opening sequence relates to our s t o r y  b o a r d as we followed the step by step guide, also there wasn't much that we had to drastically change. I believe that the filming went smoothly on the day and I wouldn't make any particular changes except from the mistakes which were made in the list above. I am pleased with the outcome of our video and filming conventions that I have used and learnt within the opening sequence.

Changes that were made when editing

A lot of changes were made when editing, this was because of the time consumption of the opening sequence as it had to be a certain length, a lot of shots were taken out or either shortened down to the correct length. We decided to edit together Shane going "crazy" within the video towards the end  of the footage to enable the sequence to flow more, as to begin with we put the transitions in between which made the opening sequence a bit jumpy and uneven.  By putting the clips of Shane at the end we created fast, frequent transitions which therefore created it more effective. I previously researched this as this typical media convention was a great effect to be able to signify drama and what is about to happen. However to help pursue this "thriller" effect even more we wanted a jumpy soundtrack that signifies danger; - a typical horror tune which consists of orchestral  music which is used via a great dynamic range or fast dramatic music which will symbolise Shane's character more as he is going  more and more "crazy and frantic".

As a group we decided to edit the sound and add in non diagetic sounds, examples of these are when the clock is ticking, the wooden floor creeking when the woman is getting out of bed and when the wine is pouring into the glass. The sound effects had to fit the actions of the clip perfectly otherwise it would look out of sync and wouldn't match. This helps create the clip more realistic  and authentic whilst being comfortable to watch  as it will be less boring until the soundtrack is added in to when the character is getting ready. However as we played the sequence back and realised something wasn't quite right as the soundtrack is added in only halfway through, to make the scene look more effective we decided to add the soundtrack to the beginning of the clip so that it overlaps these sound effects as it creates it a little less tedious to watch and won't seem to drag on.

When editing all the clips, shots and transitions together we realized towards the end we had to make a few minor changes to the video which were moving shots around and to fasten and s l o w e n the play back rate and transitions up or down. We even took a couple of shots and clips out due the time consumption of the video as we didn't want to over do it and for our overall grade to be affected. Therefore we have now got our video down to 2:50 which is a more ideal time length as well as enabling the sequence to flow more precise and accurate.

The first shot is when the camera is focused on the clock setting the time, as the camera focuses out it follows props which was 1940's based and then the name of our opening sequence which is " equal to a fine liquor"   which we superimposed (as well as the credits and titles) on one of the clips. However because we were so careful filming this and did it at a slow pace we had to fasten it up whilst editing to enable the timing of the sequence to fasten. (This was because as we put all the clips together the time consumption was far too long and needed cutting down). The camera then follows the footsteps of the woman getting out of bed and into the kitchen. An over the shoulder shot is used which overlooks the date of the newspaper she is reading, this signifies the time period, which is 1948. 

As the woman finishes and walks out the room the camera is focusing on a lit cigarette capturing her walking off in the distance which is an effective shot, we also used a fade to help the shots run more smoothly and accurately.

Within the process of the women getting ready a variety of shots were used and slow transitions to maintain what is happening. However when Shane's character is playing the camera focuses on the wall for a number of seconds to establish what type of photos are on the wall. Quick transitions begin as Shane's character gets more intense and the fading is shortened to make the clips appear more sudden and energetic as he is ripping the pictures of women down from the wall.

The editing of the clips have an impact of how the sequence is seen by the audience, therefore with the use of the media and editing conventions our sequence will look realistic and significant to the type of genre it is. Because of this we made sure that when editing we all agreed on the type of transitions we used for what type of clip, we had to make sure the playback rate, fading, transition, and music was all in sync and specific to what is going on.

Another technological change which took place when editing was the significant red lips, the look we wanted to portray was the same as the "sin city" effect, the picture to the right shows this effect. However unfortunately the school didn't have the particular software which was used to be able to do this. This was disappointing for the group as we wanted to portray the film in black and white with the occasional red bits coming through to make it look effective and give it more of a dramatic visual style.

Opening Sequences and Features of Filming

In this section of my assignment I will create an opening sequence to a film. To enable me to do this successfully I have explored and analyzed opening sequences from the three following films Dirty Harry, The Usual Suspects and Seven. Doing this enabled me to adapt knowledge and how specific skills were used in certain areas of films. For example key conventions like soundtrack, genre, establishing shops, camera angles were all taken into consideration when thinking about our opening scene. This is because the specific features used in appropriate points of the films are all used for effect to portray a message across to the audience such as identity or genre. Therefore we have decided to achieve similar aspects of this when performing our opening sequence to help create it as realistic and effective as possible.











Mise - En - Scene is being able to establish what is seen in a shot via the scenery arrangement, actors/characters, props and costumes and lighting. To be able to identify this you must be able to pause the film at any stage and be able signify the genre of the film and what it represents and portrays. To enable our opening sequence effective as possible we have took into account that mise en scene must be relevant and specific as we want our clip to look authentic as possible.

Characterisation is how the characters are represented within the film and how they are portrayed across to the audience making sure they look authentic and relevant to the particular role they are playing. This can portrayed in a variety of ways such as costumes, hair and make up, props and the way they speak and type of dialogue they use.

Sound The use of Diagetic sounds which happen within the filming can be used as they are natural sounds which will be picked up however non diagetic sounds are sounds which are added into the film such as bells and sirens . For example Dirty Harry used that particular sound at the start which was used as the list of deceased officers was scrolling down onto the screen. This helps portray the emotions that is occurring within the film.

Representation This is reflected by how the viewing of the film is represented and come across, for example; San Francisco is represented as a rough estate as this is shown when Harry is overlooking the city and you can see all the things that are going in within that particular scene, this portrays to the audience of him over looking the city that its his possession.

Ideology is used to send either a political,social or moral message through to the audience however the most obvious one in Dirty Harry is when the murder of the woman occurs and to enable it from preventing in the future.

Camera Shots and Angles This is when the camera focuses on an image or an object for a certain period of time. This is used to indicate the amount of subject matter contained within the frame, how far away the camera is from the image/object, and the perspective of it to the viewer. Each different shot contains a different purpose and effect.
Camera angles and movements combine together to create a sequence of images. This is used for a combination of effects in films to help portray and signify a message or signal across to the audience about a character or object.

Genre From the opening sequence the audience should be able to identify this, mainly being able to use the following terms above, mise en scene, establishing shots, camera shots and angles as well as representation and ideology. However is if this isn't used the director purposely left this out to trick the audience on what is going to happen.

Action films are non stop motion of adventure, they include of examples of high energy, physical stunts, car chases, battles, fights, escapes and natural disasters etc. Examples of these films are James Bond, Indiana Jones and the Mummy.


Comedy films are known to be "light hearted" specifically designed to amuse people and have a laugh out loud effect. It is often portrayed by exaggeration of a situation, characters, language, action etc.


Crime and Gangster are developed around sinister type of criminals, they involve of bank robbers, murders, stealing and stereotypical figures.


Drama films are mainly serious with driven plots of realistic characters, settings every day life situations and stories which involve of intense character development and interaction.

Horror are designed to scare or frighten the audience as films can contain our hidden worst fear, they can feature a wide range of style to help portray this effect, however the main ones can consist of captivity, chasing and experiencing.

Romance films often follow a love story which is two characters involved/involving with each other, this is also a "light hearted" design for the audience however can also be serious related.


Thriller is similar to horror as it also involves death and frightening acts to scare the audience. The film consists of an unpredictable plot as you don't know who the antagonist is or who he/she is after.

Physiological Thriller is when emotions and physiological features are explored, there is not much difference between this aspect of genre and thriller genre as they both share similar key features. 

After exploring a range of genres of films we have decided as a group we wanted to perform a thriller within our opening sequence, this was because it grabbed our attention as we wouldn't really have to act in it if characters were played in "mysterious" ways. Also when filming the preliminary task we knew it took a while due to trying to get the right shot of the characters without them having to laugh, this can be time consuming as none of us had much advantage with acting skills. Therefore having chosen a thriller is playing an advantage as none of us have to act or exchange dialogue if it wasn't necessary.