Title and Credit analysis

In the lead up to the final day of filming we were still unsure of which font we wanted to use for our titles and credits. We wanted something contemporary and clean, as this best fits our genre and era.

We took influence from title such as:

We used a similar style of white font as above. We chose this font as it contrasted well against the background. This allows the viewer to grab a sense of what the film will feel like as the title sequence progresses

We also liked the way the titles used freeze frames/screen grabs to capture a moment individual to each character. When each character is gradually introduced, the narrative and the way in which they fit into its plot, begin to unfold. Again there is the use of bold fonts which really grab the eye of the spectator, especially when used in the context shown above and below.

Continuity Task - Task 7

For Task 7 we had to produce a short film clip comprising of various camera shots showing that we are able to avoid any continuity errors. These shots include match on action, 180c degrees rule and shot/reverse shot. This short clip shows Georgie and Ed as they converse with one another.

Evaluation Task 6 - New Technologies/equipment used

In making and editing the film we used a variety of different equipment, thus demonstrating the new technologies used within the Film Industry.

We used HD Cameras capable of capturing up to 10hrs of footage.
We also also used a tracking rail set and trolley. This allowed us to get the smoothest footage possible, thus giving the overall look of the film a more professional entourage

And for editing we used Adobe Premier Pro. This allowed us to gain the full potential of the acquired footage. After effects were made simple due to the reliability and speed of the program.

After the film had been made we quickly decided to upload it to youtube. This made it possible for our friends and colleagues to see and feedback on it. Shortly after this we uploaded it onto our Media Blogs - Using Blogger.com

Evaluation Task 5

Target Audience - Task 4

The Film Appeals to a wide variety of 'Social Groups'. The young actors and crew make light of the films more violent tendencies so its far from too harsh or brutish. But at the same time it keeps the quintessential aspects of a gritty British gangster film.

The narrative is easy to keep track of so it isn't the slightest confusing. This again makes it easier to present to a wider audience. Also the fact that it is a hybrid genre (Gangster/Action) allows a wider audience to enjoy the film.

Evaluation Activity 3 - Commentary

This commentary sums up Evaluation 3...

Evaluation Activity 2 - How does your media product represent particular social groups?

Jack Barber (Last Man Standing)

Jason Statham (Snatch)

When we were in the early stages of Character planning we really looked to portray the main character in a dominant way. We wanted some one who fitted the typical Gangster genre conventions but at the same time defined themselves as a unique individual. We took inspiration from such films as Snatch (Turkish - seen above), Lock Stock and two smoking barrels and Reservoir Dogs. Jason Statham for example is a cool headed, smooth talking man of grit, and this is how we wanted the audience to se our main character.

Appearance/Costume:

Similarities 

• Both men are wearing bland clothing which could suggest they are not too critical of how they look. This could also show that they don't care what other people think of them
• Their body language signifies that they are in control. This suggests that they have very dominant personalities. This is also key to the narrative as it implies they are of significant  importance in the story.
• Facial expression - Both men have a cold stare. This shows that they are deadly serious about the information in which they expressing.

Role in Film:

• Both Characters have significant roles in the film. They are both narrating about the events unfolding in the scene. This appeals to the audience as it feels like the characters are directly addressing them. This also allows the spectator a clear insight into the narrative.
• They are both main characters, front men, protagonists. This lets the viewer follow their personal story as it runs along side the main narrative.

Film- Key Frames (Evaluation Activity 1)

 

Film Title - Simple bold white font. This stands out well against black background. This appears at the end of the sequence. We chose the title as it sums up what happens in the narrative. It is also quick and catchy and allows the viewer an insight to the latter stages of the film.

 

The Meeting

Setting/location - There are 2 main locations that we used in Filming. This is the first location which is used to introduce the film. The credits stand out well against the darkly lit room which seems appropriate regarding the genre. The credits font remains the same throughout and the characters names are introduced in a similar fashion. (the title flies in accompanied by sound). 

 

The shoot out

This is the second location in which the spectator sees. The gritty construction area works well with the genre conventions for the Gangster/Action Genre. This is where the majority of the action takes place so we were delighted by the sheer amount of space on offer. It was also a brilliant location to use as it was completely isolated from the busy areas, thus making the filming procedure run far smoother than normal. The natural lighting also offered a different perspective on the usual dark and claustrophobic rooms used in the Genre. This is good as it steers away slightly from the stereotypical criteria for a Gangster Genre location.

 

Props/costumes - Here is a good example of the props and costumed used in making The Last Man Standing. There are the simple iconic action props such as the guns and the Ski masks, but also there are props that are key to the narrative such as the bag and its contents. The diverse costume and props really let us play around with each character and add a personal edge to them. Also the use of dark masculine clothing on certain characters allows the audience to summarize each character in their own way, e.g. how threatening an individual is or how innocent another. It also preaches an opportunity to the audience to chose their favorite character. This again allows the audience to attach themselves to the film 

 

Style of font - The style of font used throughout is bold and bright. This compliments the setting well as it stands out really well within each shot. We have drawn influences from other Gangster films such as: The Godfather, Reservoir Dogs and Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. We really liked the idea of having clean, fast and bold font. This way there is little confusion in where to place the font within the frame.

 

Genre - How the opening suggests it. Story - How is it introduced?

From the props to the location to the characters facial expressions and body language, it is clear within the first few minutes that this is a Gangster/Action film. There is also a slow build up of music which accompanying the tense atmosphere really makes for good watching. There are more significant and impulsive aspects to the opening scene than others but all together everything falls in to place really well. This is the start of the detailed narrative which was achieved due to careful genre research and planning

 

Jack Barber - ' Suffice to say'

Character Introduction - Each character is introduced within the early stages of the sequence, thus avoiding confusion later on in the film. They are credited and individually introduced (some more clearly than others). Each character is introduced in the opening credits however only some of them actually come into the narrative as the scene progresses. The way they are introduced seems fitting of a Gangster themed film. It is quick and sleek and this really comes across well to the target audience.

 

Special Effects - There are several different forms of SFX used in the action scenes. These range from gunshots (muzzle flashes) to smoke effects and many more. All have been carefully done and placed into the film by an able Special Effects Technician. We really wanted to experiment with the effects used and we think we've achieved a quality standard (despite this being our first time using SFX)

Camera work/editing - We used far more complex camera shots than in the first draft and this worked out well. Some of the shots (the action scene in particular) where really unique, which really expressed our creativity and effort that we had put into the making of the film. We used a lot of different angles and shots to really create a special viewing experience. However this is not only demonstrated in the shots themselves but also in the careful and planned editing and after effects. The tracking in the first scene really gives the film a professional edge and compliments the titles very well. We spent a lot of time on making, editing and producing the film but in the end it was most definitely worth it 

Our Youtube Channel

http://www.youtube.com/user/Swiftgetaway

Logo - Swift Getaway

Final Plot and Cast and crew feedback

The scene starts of with a man named Jack. He is reciting about previous events, this soon leads to a flashback of a meeting between him and 3 other associates. This then leads to bloodshed as Jack walks free. With the bag.

You are then taken to back to the action (real time) as a gun fight begins to progress. You soon find out why Jack is talking and what really happened after the meeting had taken place.

Groups Thoughts (Actors and Crew) :
'The intro was quick and snappy, It was a great joy to watch'
'The Camera shots worked throughout and I really felt Immersed in the scene'
'There is a great use of sound and music. They really combine well to create tension'

These few points briefly some up what the majority of the people who have watched our film think. The Actors really enjoyed themselves and so did the Crew. Everyone was ecstatic about the end result.

Location (Final Draft)

These are shots of the location we decided to use. We looked at lots of different places to begin filming but finally settled on this one.

Although it is plain and has been regarded as 'dull' it fits the Genre of our Film perfectly. It creates an uneasy tension filled atmosphere and this works in perfect unison with the narrative of the film. Overall we were all happy with the results that this location provided.

Digital Story Board - On the set

Behind the Scenes - The Making of

Props needed

Characters:
Black Suits, trousers, ties, shoes, hats
Balaclava (Ski Masks) Hooded Tops etc.

Props:

• Cards
• Poker chips
• tables and chairs
• Van (auto mobile) 
• Hand guns
• Sub Machine guns
• Assault Rifle
• Hunting rifle (Scoped)
• Pizza boxes
• Rope
• Crash Mats
• Switchblade 
• Mobile phone 
• Magazine
• etc.

Brief Plot - Last Man Standing

Brief Plot:

2 men have taken a man hostage in an Industrial building and are waiting to meet their new contractor. There is a great deal of tension as they are unsure if they can trust the man they are supposed to be meeting. The Hostage is tied up on a chair, central to the room. He has no escape. Soon after the contact arrives and the men begin to question him. The man 'Jack' is carrying a bag of money. Which through a series of flashbacks we find out, is stolen. This soon leads to confrontation and an attack on the 2 men. Jack manages to escape and the men pursue. It turns out to be a setup and a group of thugs begin attacking their position.  

Foley Sound and Effects

What the Heck is "Foley"?

Foley effects are sound effects added to the film during post production (after the shooting stops). They include sounds such as footsteps, clothes rustling, crockery clinking, paper folding, doors opening and slamming, punches hitting, glass breaking, etc. etc. In other words, many of the sounds that the sound recordists on set did their best to avoid recording during the shoot.

I found this little part of information useful.

Certain parts of our film are shot outside. We have to take sound and video editing into consideration here as we want the best quality and viewing experience we can possibly achieve. 

Peer Evaluation - Audience Feedback

We recently showed our first draft of our film to a select group of friends and teachers. We received mixed comments however most were negative. There were certain parts of the film that people really liked, I.e. certain camera shots and action sequences. But we received lots of criticism on a lot of things. Mise en Scene was a big problem for us as we had not put our research together properly and had used the wrong type of location for our genre. We hadn't payed enough attention to our audience research. We also received some harsh criticism on certain actors and their un-convincing performance (which again didn't appropriately fit the Genre and style of film we had hoped to achieve). We have however taken alot of the major mistakes under reconsideration. In the final copy of our film we hope that we can deliver an excellent viewing experience to anyone watching.

Location - Industrial

This is the kind of location we hope to use. It is simple but is dark and gloomy and suites the Genre and narrative of our film. We have located a nearby site that we can use for the main part of our opening scene.






Although many people will just see this style of location as a boring and lifeless one they are key to the Iconography of our film. The gritty Industrial estate is a classic and iconic location in many Crime (Gangster) films.

Audience Research

Genre of our Film : Crime, Action

We want to give our audience a non stop action filled film opening that they will remember for a long, long time. Most actions film openings are very memorable in their own special way. This is key to grabbing the audiences  attention and giving them the incentive to watch the rest of the film. We want to make the intro quick and snappy but without losing the necessary detail to set the narrative of the film. We had to change certain aspects of our film from the original draft. These things included setting, actors and Dialogue. The Dialogue was a problem as it included language only suitable to that of an 18 age certificate. We discovered that a lot of block buster action films are usually within the 12/12a to 15 range of certificate. So taking this into consideration and changing some of the key governing factors seemed like the best option.

Sound Analysis

Music: We wanted to use about 30 seconds worth of a song from youtube. However we don't own or have the rights to exhibit the chosen piece of music without permission from the record company. I assumed this would not be without its difficulties so instead we have opted for about 10 seconds of audio from the song as this is allowed for use in our film. We have also researched a number of different web sites that offer royalty free mp3 tracks for use in films or videos.

SFX: We have acquired a full array of different sounds for use in our film. We have listed all needed SFX for each part of the film. This includes anything from explosions and gunshots to cracks in glass and brutal punches.

Here is a list of SFX we need

Swish (Varied)  - for use in video transitions and in opening credits

Gunshots - Pistol, Rifle, Sub-Machine Gun. Mainly used in action scenes

Glass - Smashing and breaking effects. 

Drums and Percussion - to build tension. The use of deep bass sounds is often used in Action films to build suspense and give the scene a slightly more energetic feel. Also High pitch - quick and sharp sounds to add a change in direction to the scene. Sudden sounds that alert the viewer to the situation and any changes it undergoes.

We are still in the process of finalising all SFX

What we are planning. (Action Plan)

I am currently working on finishing the script along side my colleague Georgie Watson. I have also been planning in advance the set and location. The Storyboard is complete and will be posted within the next few days.

Georgie (Cinematographer) is currently looking into budget for props and other necessities that are needed for filming.

Ellis 'H' Snell (video/effects editor) is currently researching into Special Effects needed for the Action sequence. This includes: Blood effects, Smoke and other effects including realistic damage to the set and background

Ed (sound editor) is currently looking into a variety of different sounds needed including: SFX such as Gunshots etc. He is also researching a soundtrack and both Diegetic and Non-Diegetic sound.

Script Rough - Not yet Finished

The Last Man Standing.    Swift Getaway Productions

This is the main dialogue scene...the majority of the film is based around an action sequence.

Starring:

Georgie Watson: Jimmy 'JJ' Jones

Joe Haddow: Joseph 'The Bear' Bayter

Ellis Snell: Hernay Kapala 'Ghost'

Ed Stow: Big Eddy

Lawrence Hart: Antonio Frebarro 'Toni'

Jack Barber: Jackie B

plus many more...

Script:

(Ambient discussion) - In the background of the setting.

Narration:

Close up of Eddys name tag, which then pans out to him carrying a tray,wearing a waiters outfit (black suit, bow tie etc.....etc. 

Eddy then turns around to walk across the bar.

Extra: Hey Eddy, get yourself something nice from me.

Extra: Hey watch it! ..oh its you Edd. - Edd is carrying tray of drinks.

(background chatter)

Introduction to each character - Screen shot of each person.

Eddy: Whispers into Jackie B's ear (creates mystery)

Group at the card table (Joseph, Jimmy etc.): Eddy!! Get over here

Joseph: Yeah Eddy can you get us, ehh... just get us the usual ...oh and charge it to my tab.

Jimmy: You're too kind (laughing sarcastically)

Joseph: Ahh quit busting my balls.. (laughing)

Jackie: Stick or Twist Hernay?

Hernay: Ehhh Twist please..

Jackie: Certainly Sir..(laughing)

Hernay: You fucking joker.

Jackie: What you doing Joe?

Joseph: Just sorting my shoe - the camera catches a glimpse of a gun Joe has holstered around his ankle.

Jackie B: So what you doing?

Joe: I'll Stick

Jimmy: Stick? haha Alright there ya blouse   (laughing)

Joe: Haha..you should see my hand

Jackie: And you H?

H: I'm pretty good...so I'll stick.

Jackie: Yeah whatever

Eddy enters with drinks tray.

Hernay: Finally Edd...jeez whats with you today

Edd: Just cant beleive you guys can forget about it so quickly.

Joe: Forget about what?

Jimmy: Yeah What?

Edd: About the Job that we pulled the other day...You know the one that went wrong!

Hernay: Woah..Woah calm down!

Jimmy: Yeah ..lets not make a scene.

Ant enters

Ant: Make a scene..what in this place! Ahhhaaaa (laughing)

Joe: Toni my friend...just how are you doing?

Group: Hey..

Ant: Im good thankyou.

Hernay: Then sit down, have a drink

Ant: You know what...maybe I will. Infact Jackie deal me in.

Jackie: Sure sir

Ant: Please... (reassures Jackie)

Joe: So Toni

Ant: JJ, hows the mrs? (Grinning mysteriously)

Jimmy: Guys,Guys....shes fine ;) (laughing sarcastically, looks around for attention)*group laughs*

Joe: I bet she is!

Hernay: Hey edd, pass me that brandy.

Edd: right away buddy.

Hernay: oh and one of those fine cigars

(Ed passes the cigar over and as hernay creeps up to recieve it the camera catches a gun strapped to his waist)

[Rest of the group Laugh]

Name Change

We have discussed and have decided to change our production company name from 'Pizza Planet Productions'
to 'Swift Getaway'  because it seems more relevant to our chosen genre.

Here are the following titles (members) of Swift Getaway:

Joe Haddow: Director/ Director of photography/Producer
Georgie Watson: Cinematographer/Producer
Ellis Snell: Editor (video)
Ed Stow: Editor (sound)

Company stock will be available soon...