Distributing our Film

It is important to think about who would distribute our film once it is completed. There are many British film distributors however there are some which specialize in certain genres. I have decided to focus on two distributors in particular: Entertainment Film Distributors and Arrow Films.

Applying Narrative Theories to our Opening Sequence

I have previously researched the theories of Propp, Todorov and Strauss and found that their theories fit the vast majority of professional films. It is evident that their theories also fit our opening sequence, I have found whilst planning, shooting and editing the film.

Group Discussions 31/01/13

Today in the lesson Kiah, Laura and I experimented with the software, Live Type, and tried to create what the titles may look like on our opening sequence. This was useful as it familiarized us with this new programme, and it helped us understand what our titles may look like. 
We also decided the name of our opening sequence, would be "Abduction". After doing some editing, we also showed our progress so far to three other non-media students, who gave us feedback, and told us that they thought we had so far created a good opening sequence and had created a clear narrative.

Editing 31/01/12

Today we carried on editing our opening sequence. So far we have made good progress, and have tried to make shots as accurate as possible, and have tried to effectively integrate some cross cutting. Today we focused on editing the scene of our female character in the kitchen, however this will once again be another CCTV shot. However, we were unsure of whether to include a shot of the CCTV camera again. After some discussions whether to include it or not, we decided against it, because our previous CCTV had been in black and white had we had used an effect to make it look like the footage was taken from a CCTV camera.  Personally I think that the shots work effectively, but was unsure previously whether the audience would understand if there was another CCTV camera in the kitchen. However, I now think that the audience will be able to understand with the assistance of the filter.

Max Payne Sound Analysis

SHOT NUMBER	SOUND DESCRIPTION	EFFECT
1	20th century Fox theme tune	The 20th century fox theme tune is well know and the audience will be able to recognise this.
2	The sound of someone talking. There is nothing visual at this moment, only a black screen so we are unable to see who is talking.	This can be used to create suspicion. By only having dialogue and no picture this can make the audience feel dark and nervy as the opening picture and introduction to the film only contains suspicious talking.
3	The next sound that is heard is of who we suppose is the protagonist burst out of the water. We can hear his gasps for breath and almost desperation. The sound of the man gasping for air is diegetic however could have been enhanced to add more effect.	The effect of bursting out of the water is to primarily shock the audience. This is the opening scene and this would cause the audience to feel uncertainty due to the fleeting nature of the shot.
4	The sound heard when the character goes back underwater is non-diegetic in order to create a dark and eerie atmosphere.	The male is stirring: this could have possibly been used to make the audience feel a sense of desperation for him as he struggles. This is also used to cause frustration.
5	The sound of the splashes has been used again to demonstrate the character’s frustration as he struggles. The sound of splashing is on screen diegetic.	The effect created by the sound of splashing is racy and this has been used in order to create frustration and almost agitation amongst the audience as to why he is in this situation. The nervy atmosphere is created through the male’s gasps and continuous splashes.
6	The sound we hear is almost like sonar to show possibly how far underwater they are, especially as the shot is taken almost at an angle where the camera is pointing upwards suggesting how far underwater they are. This sound is non-diegetic as it was most probably not part of the film world.	The use of the sonar effect under the water has been used and creates an eerie and fleeting effect which leaves the audience in suspicious.
7	The noise we can hear is the sonar effect again, which is parallel to the visuals. We can also hear the character speaking slowly.	The effect of the pensive sound is to create a dark and mysterious atmosphere.
8	There is the small sound of the sonar again, as well as a baby crying, this sound would be non-diegetic sound.	The sound of baby crying is eerie, makes the atmosphere suspicious. The sound of crying sounds innocent, which could leave the audience questioning why this man is involved with the child.
9	There is a sound bridge as the sound of the baby crying is carried through from the previous shot.	The repetition is often used for emphasis and that something bad may happen.
10	The narration is non-diegetic however is parallel with what is being shown. The music in the background is also non-diegetic.	The music is used to create curiosity and is pensive so therefore makes the audience apprehensive.
11	The creaking door is non-diegetic and is parallel to the visual shown. The creaking door is used to add a scary effect.	The effect that is intended is suspicion as creaking doors often are connected to horror films. There is a dark atmosphere created.
12	The chimes in the background are non-diegetic and creates a dark atmosphere. The sound is slightly contrapuntal due to the fact that chimes are usually associated with relaxation and the visual shows a woman who may/may not be dead.	The sound of the chimes used are made to create an eerie and mysterious effect due to the fact there is a woman who could have died.
13	The sound of the clock ticking and the chimes are a sound bridge from the previous scene and are non diegetic.	The chimes and clock are repetitive and loud for an ominous effect.
14	The chimes are once again sound bridged and there is a sound of almost lightening. Both of these sounds are non diegetic.	To make the audience feel intimidated? It is to create a dark effect and to feel ominous.
15	The sound of sonar is repeated and so is the clock ticking.	Clock is insistent, and could symbolise running out of time to the audience.
16	The sound of the police aerial is repetitive and diegetic however could be enhanced for more effect.	This is used to make the audience feel slightly confused as there is an abrupt cut to the next scene and could create curiosity as to why the next scene is at a police station.

Codes and Conventions of Genre in Our Opening Sequence

In our opening sequence we will use various codes and conventions of horror and thriller, such as using a secluded setting, because the female will be in the house, and the male is in the car, alone. Another convention which will be used is black and white, which will be used in the CCTV footage. 

We will also use non-diegetic sound in our opening sequence, as well as diegetic sound, such as the flicking of the photo album. The use of an establishing shot in our opening sequence is a typical convention of thriller, as well as following the characters and over the shoulder shots.

Audience Research

It is important when trying to understand our target audience to understand what sort of films they like and if they would be interested in watching our opening sequence. We also videoed some people from our target audience talking about their favourite films which we uploaded onto the group blog.

What films do you watch?
I watch horror films most of the time.
I tend to watch both action and comedy films, both older ones and more recent ones.
I like thriller and comedy films, they tend to hold my interest most.

Why do these films interest you?
I quite like watching films which aren't based around love, horror films are the total opposite.
Action and Comedies such as 21 Jump Street are very entertaining, I also really enjoy "the chase" in these films.
I like thriller films because of the suspense that is built up in them. I also really like detective films like Sherlock Holmes. 

How often and where do you watch films?
I watch films around once a week, and I tend to watch them with my family.
I don't watch films very often, I go to the cinema around once a month.
I watch films quite often, about three times a week at home.

Do you watch British films?
Yes, I do watch British films quite often.
Not really, I prefer American films.
Yes, I watch British films all the time.

What is your opinion on our chosen opening sequence?
I think that the opening sequence sounds interesting, it looks like it would appeal to people who watch horror films too.
This opening sequence does sound appealing, although I don't really watch thrillers.
This opening sequence sounds very impressive, it would very much appeal to people who are interested in horrors and tend to watch thriller films very often.