Tuesday 10 May 2011

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.

Wednesday 4 May 2011

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)

IMG_0118.JPG.jpg

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