Changes in our project...

We have talked things through as a group and have decided to make some changes in our Film.

The Film is not going to be set in the 'Film Noir' period anymore and has now been revamped and update to the 70s - 80s. We feel as a group that It will be easier this way as we won't have to create an authentic looking 30s restaurant. Instead we have still opted for the same Idea for location and idea just set much later on in history.

Sound and Lighting - Film Project

Diegetic:
Laughter (scattered), glasses clinking, cards shuffling, knifes and forks clinking (all distant and not extremely dominating)

Dialogue - ambient chatting, as well as main narrative.

Non Diegetic:
SFX - Gunshots, Bullets, Flesh Wounds, Kitchen sounds (distant)

Music: Jazz Fussion - played by band. 70s funk/disco is played when shooting starts. We have a list of tracks that we may use. We now just have to choose the most appropriate music.

Characters - Film project by Pizza Planet Productions

Joe Haddow - Joseph ' The Bear' Bayter: Black Suit, Shirt and Tie
He is polite and well dressed. he takes pride in his appearance and presentation. He is part of a strong group of friends

Georgie Watson - Jimmy Jones: Suit and Tie
Quite shy, but at times quite confident. He reacts well to a situation and likes to get the job done. No matter what. He is a key 'player' in the group.

Ellis Snell - Hernay Kapala 'Ghost' -Costume: Black suit, White shirt, Tie
Smart and well dressed. He isn't afraid to speak his mind. He is extremely loyal to his company of friends. Part of the group

Ed Stow - Big Ed - Costume: Waiters Uniform. Bowtie
Very quiet. keeps to him self. If the need arises he can get 'violent'. He works as a waiter at 'The Grey Wolf''

Jack Barber - Jackie B - Costume: A black sweater vest with a white shirt. A tie or bow tie
Calm and cool minded. He dresses very 'suavely' and is a well respected card dealer. He has close connections to the group. He works as the card dealer at 'The Grey Wolf''

Lawrence Hart - Antonio Frebarro- Costume: A black suit and shirt with tie
He is the most confident out of the group. He knows his way around the club, especially the card table. He has a close friendship with Jackie B. He aslo part owns 'The Grey Wolf '

Band - Ash, Alex, Goody, Rigden, Matt- The band are regulars at the club. They have a good relation with Antonio. Costume - Assorted Smart Dress. Suits and shirts

Location and Lighting

The location we have chosen is the main Drama room at school. In our scene the whole thing takes place in a restaurant. We hope to be able to recreate an authentic looking location.

List of Props Needed as part of Location:

• A table suitable for playing cards. Green Cloth preferably to give it a 'Gambling' table look.
• Further Tables to act as Dinner tables. White cloth.
• Plates, cutlery - knifes and forks, glasses, table lights, Serving Trays
• A piano - To give the restaurant more of a cabaret feel. Also we had the idea of having a live band performing. So other instruments as well such as: Bass Guitar and Guitar and also a singer. A microphone
• Chairs - lots and lots of Chairs.
• A brief case. For the dealer (card game) to house the cards within (and chips)

Lighting:

The room we have chosen has no natural light. This is perfect as we want to create a dark and musky feel to the scene. Through using camera lighting and other set/location lighting we'll be able to bring out the key features within the restaurant and the main Characters.

Effects/Equipment

A smoke machine if arrangeable would really give our location more character. Because our characters will be 'smoking' as well it will create more of a realistic look. A typical smoke filled restaurant.

Character Close Ups

In our opening scene we want to Introduce each one of the Main characters to the audience. We thought of the idea of doing this through a series of close ups on each character. On these close ups we want to freeze the shot for a brief moment and have the characters name and if they have one nick name. We want to play on the stereotypes for the 'Gangster Genre' and take influence from films like Reservoir Dogs and Lock Stock.

As part of an activity we were asked to do in class we had to re-create a Film opening shot for shot.

We chose to do Young Guns. We were actually given the opportunity to use the Green Screen, which I think will create an Impacting effect on the final product. This Film opening again used character close ups to introduce each character.
I like this technique as it gives you an insight to the characters personality and what they as a person might do in the film..

Violence in our film...

Of course in any 'Mob' Film there is violence. ' Its a cruel world ' but we really wanted to create an impact in using violence as a shocking story twister. Near the end of our scene there is a gun fight. But it focuses on the guns themselves, rather than the people firing them. You will see characters being shot .. but only from the neck down. This is because we want to achieve mystery. You will know that someone(s) has been shot in connection to the conversation that has previously taken place. But you won't know who. This part you will have to figure out. This scene is more like an ending scene but works as an establishing scene as it leads up to a series of flashbacks that in total would make up the rest of the film.

In any film with strong violence involved Age Ratings will always come into play.

18

No one younger than 18 can see the film in a cinema or buy/rent the DVD.

General areas covered:

• Sex (graphic)
• Violence - Fighting, Blood
• Drugs - Strong use of drugs
• Crime - Illegal activities of an extreme nature

Our Film Involves Violence. Therefore it would either recieve a 15 or an 18 age rating.

15

Suitable only for 15 years and over

No one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video work.

Discrimination

The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour.

Drugs

Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse. The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances (for example, aerosols or solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable.

Horror

Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised.

Imitable behaviour

Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

Language

There may be frequent use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’). The strongest  terms (for example, ‘cunt’) may be acceptable if justified by the context. Aggressive or repeated use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.

Nudity

Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.

Sex

Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour, but the strongest references are unlikely  to be acceptable unless justified by context. Works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation are unlikely to be acceptable.

Theme

No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds.

Violence

Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is also unlikely to be acceptable. There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification.

12A/12

Suitable for 12 years and over

Exactly the same criteria are used to classify works at ‘12A’ and ‘12’. These categories are awarded where the material is suitable, in general, only for those aged 12 and over. Works classified at these categories may upset children under 12 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them.
The ‘12A’ category exists only for cinema films. No one younger than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult, and films classified ‘12A’ are not recommended for a child below 12. An adult may take a younger child if, in their judgement, the film is suitable for that particular child. In such circumstances, responsibility for allowing a child under 12 to view lies with the accompanying adult.
The ‘12’ category exists only for video works. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video work.

Discrimination

Discriminatory language or behaviour must not be endorsed by the work as a whole. Aggressive discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly condemned.

Drugs

Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or give instructional detail.

Horror

Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted, provided disturbing sequences are not frequent or sustained.

Imitable behaviour

Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied, or appear pain or harm free.  Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

Language

Moderate language is allowed. The use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’) must be infrequent.

Nudity

Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief and discreet.

Sex

Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. Frequent crude references are unlikely to be acceptable.

Theme

Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers.

Violence

Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated, and must have a strong contextual justification

PG

 Parental Guidance

General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children

Unaccompanied children of any age may watch. A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children.

Discrimination

Discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly disapproved of or in an educational or historical context.  Discrimination by a character with which children can readily identify is unlikely to be acceptable.

Drugs

References to illegal drugs or drug misuse must be innocuous or carry a suitable anti-drug message.

Horror

Frightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense. Fantasy settings may be a mitigating factor.

Imitable behaviour

No detail of potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy. No glamorisation of realistic or easily accessible weapons.

Language

Mild bad language only.

Nudity

Natural nudity, with no sexual context.

Sex

Sexual activity may be implied, but should be discreet and infrequent. Mild sex references and innuendo only.

Theme

Where more serious issues are featured (for example, domestic violence) nothing in their treatment should condone unacceptable behaviour.

Violence

Moderate violence, without detail, may be allowed, if justified by its context (for example, history, comedy or fantasy).

U

Universal – Suitable for all

It is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child. But a ‘U’ film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. ‘U’ films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror.
If a work is particularly suitable for a pre-school child to view alone, this will be indicated in the Consumer Advice.

Discrimination

No discriminatory language or behaviour unless clearly disapproved of.

Drugs

No references to illegal drugs or drug misuse unless they are infrequent and innocuous, or there is a clear educational purpose or anti-drug message suitable for young children.

Horror

Scary sequences should be mild, brief and unlikely to cause undue anxiety to young children. The outcome should be reassuring.

Imitable behaviour

No potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy. No emphasis on realistic or easily accessible weapons.

Language

Infrequent use only of very mild bad language.

Nudity

Occasional natural nudity, with no sexual context.

Sex

Mild sexual behaviour (for example, kissing) and references only (for example, to ‘making love’).

Theme

While problematic themes may be present, their treatment must be sensitive and appropriate for young children.

Violence

Mild violence only. Occasional mild threat or menace only.

Film Project (Prop Ideas etc.)

Character Costume: Smart Business wear. Typical of the 50s era. Suits/Jackets, Trousers, Hats, Ties, Braces etc.

The clothes have to feel like part of the film. As do all the props.. Authenticity is required in order for the film to flow and look professional.

Strong uses of Imagery (even little details) is key. The shots need to visually impressive. The use of Firearms have to stand out as they let the audience know something dangerous is about to happen. They also help in building suspense and add a unpredictability factor to the film.

The use of props such as hats really help in re creating the Film Noir feel. The use of a hat to cover a characters face for example really adds to the mystery and suspense that comes with the Genre

Production Companys

We have been asked to research different production company's that are involved in our chosen Genre(s)..

Warner Brothers:

Warner Bros are a huge American Company. They are know world wide for their work. It was founded in 1918 by the four Warner brothers. They have been making films since prior to World War 1 which is a very long time. They have branched of in to many subsidiary parts including Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros. Interactive and many more therefore further branching them into the world of Film and entertainment.

Warner Brothers have had a big role in post/pre-war Film Noir/Crime films. they have produced such titles as:

They Drive by Night (Warner Bros., d. Raoul Walsh)

High Sierra (Warner Bros., d. Raoul Walsh)

The Maltese Falcon (Warner Bros., d. John Huston)

Mildred Pierce (Warner Bros., d. Michael Curtiz)
The Big Sleep (Warner Bros., d. Howard Hawks)
 and many more..

Warner Bros. have been through many changes through the long time they have been a part of the Entertainment industry but I'm positive they will remain an Important part of Film for a very long time to come.

Paramount Pictures:

Everybody recognises the Iconic symbol that is ' the Paramount Mountain' and so they should as Paramount Pictures is a globally recognised production Company. It was founded in 1912 by Adolph Zukar (Hungarian-Born) Again Paramount have had a big contribution  in Post and Pre-War Film Noir/Crime films including:

Among the Living (Paramount, d. Stuart Heisler)

This Gun For Hire (Paramount, d. Frank Tuttle)

Double Indemnity (Paramount, d. Billy Wilder)
The Blue Dahlia (Paramount, d. George Marshall)

and many more..

Again Paramount are such a huge company that they will continue to part dominate the Film Industry.

20th Century Fox

20th C.F. are an American Company who have branched across the world creating a hug name for themselves. It was founded in 1935 by a merger of Fox Films (founded 1915) by William Fox. He merged 2 company's he owned together in 1913.

Here are some Film Noir/Crime Films they have produced:

I Wake Up Screaming (20th Century Fox, d. Bruce Homberstone)
Laura (20th Century Fox, d. Otto Preminger)
Fallen Angel (20th Century Fox, d. Otto Preminger)

and many more..

Group Film Idea...

Our initial concept for our group film is still in the very early stages. However we hope to have some basic character designs and storyboards up online soon.

Our Film is based around the following Genres:
Film Noir
Crime
Mystery
'Gangster'

Brief Description of opening scene...

The first thing you see is nothing..The sound of a record player scratching and starting up soon follows. The sound of familiar sounding 50's Italian-American music then floods into the scene giving you a slight hint at what sort of genre this film is. The first shot is of a waiter dropping cutlery onto the restaurant floor..The ambient sound of laughter and people chatting accompany the shot. The camera then pans across to a poker table surrounded by 'mobsters' playing a social game of cards.Each character is then introduced through means of still shots and their name/nickname being displayed on these 'freeze' shots They are chatting amongst themselves about a recent job/heist and how there were certain problems with a few select individuals. There is then silence and suddenly everybody pulls their weapons upon each other. There are close ups of the gun shots but not of the characters themselves. This doesn't allow you to see who is actually killed in the fire fight. The camera then shows one character leaving the restaurant whilst dropping their cigar. The camera follows the cigar as it hits the floor and rolls. The screen then fades to black and the title '3 months earlier' appears.

Analysis of the 'Gangster' Genre

As my Media practical Film project me and a group of colleagues have been tasked to create a short Film Intro lasting approximately 2 minutes. As Primary research I have decided to review a few films relating to the genre I have chosen.

Goodfellas

This is one of my all time favourite films..It really defines what its like to be a 'Real Gangster'. It explores both the highs and lows in the lifestyle of crime.

The Introduction to movie really sets the scene for the film. The mystery that surrounds the first scene is magnificent and it fits the characters really well. The opening scene of the film throws you in at the deep end in the middle of a scenario involving three of the main

characters. You're unsure as to what is happening. The Men in the car are talking in a rushed tone..they seem spooked and then all of a sudden they here a noise coming from the trunk of the car. They pull over to Investigate. There is a huge build of suspense when the men approach the car (guns drawn) and this creates a massive effect. The scene that follows is quite brutal. The sound of the guns a

after the silence creates an impacting audio aspect. The scene is dark, mysterious and brutal all great traits to a Gangster Film. You really want to watch more and find out why they are in the current situation.

The Godfather (part 1)

This is hailed as the best gangster film of all time by many people and I would agree to a certain extent. For me it is not the best Ive seen but is very, very good.

The opening scene is iconic. So much so that alot of people will refer to that when talking about the film. It is very subdued in terms of lighting and mise-en-scene. Even the script. The dialogue is so simple and continuous but it is the way that Marlon Brando portrays his character that makes it great. He is very mysterious but clearly feels love and compassion for his family and close friends. He seems wise and considerate however he also appears to be ruthless and thorough when it comes to his business. A man you would not like to cross. There is not much to talk about that doesn't refer to the dialogue of the characters and there conversation which largely encumbers the entire scene.