Planning - Target Audience Summary

 

These are the results for our survey displayed in graph form, this result shows that our target audience prefer to see a female protagonist however we would like to challenge the audience by not having any hero throughout our film.

 

This result shows that our target audience prefer the setting of the thriller films they go to see to be set in inner cities but as we feel the audience would relate to a familiar surrounding such as a suburb area, we decided to have the film location in a local area.

 

This result like the first one shows that our target audience also prefer to have a male antagonist so we will also cast a male antagonist.

 

This result shows that our target audience prefer to see a mixture of violence and jump scares so we will try and implement this into our film.

 

This result shows that our target audience prefers to see very minimal amounts of gore in some scenes so we will probably include some gore in one or two scenes.

This result shows that our target audience prefer to see a knife being used so we will certainly be using this to attract the audience that voted for a knife to be used.

 

This result shows something that is quite unorthodox especially in today's world of thriller films, it shows that our target audience prefer to see a  mixture of both black and white with colour in a thriller film.

 

This result shows that our target audience mainly watch thriller films because of the plot, this means that we will think carefully about our plot so that the audience are able to follow the story line of the film fairly easy.

Planning - Preliminary Filming

Below are four videos which we have all taken turn to film and then edit, we used a camera and a tripod to film. After that we then edited the video used Adobe Premiere Pro CS4. When using this tool we then cut the video, added a title and then used a transition at the end of the film to show that the film has ended. We then uploaded the video onto YouTube then uploaded it onto the blog post. 

 Adaora's film

Chandler's film

 Rosin's film

 Daniel's film

Planning - Organisation of Group

As we have decided to film a psychological thriller, the work needed to create a film of high quality and effectiveness is immense. To keep on top of this, our group will utilize the lesson time we are given to edit the video, and also document our work through blog posts, and use our free time to actually film the project.

By creating a WhatsApp group chat, we are able to stay in touch and inform each other if we have new ideas, or we are unable to film, or if we must change scenes etc. It also means that if we are filming two scenes at once, we can keep in touch and discuss what we have filmed, and what doesn't need filming. The WhatsApp group also allows for us to dictate who documents what blog post, and is there if anyone needs help. 

Also, we have used Celtex to create a calendar with fixed dates on when we plan to film. However, because this is a loose guide, we may not be able to fully follow this calendar, and so despite its creation we may not refer to it as much as some other groups utilize it. 

Planning - Podcast on Prefiliming

The video below is a podcast we made together, we expressed our thoughts and feelings towards how we felt about the course so far. It has mixed emotions. But we mostly felt as if the work is a lot and quit difficult but if we work together as a group we mentioned to complete each task that our teacher gave us. 

Planning - Filming Locations

This is the first scene, the location is the bus. As you can see, this picture shows an extreme long shot of the area and the bus where the character of Daniel will be on. 

On the bus, Daniel will recall how he was bullied by people in school, and intends to go and kill them. He exits the bus and walks down a suburban road, where he meets and talks to two classmates from school.

Daniel will knock on the door of this house, where his first victim Sasha lives.

This was the first idea we had but after a while the planning and plot of the filming location changed. The house was never shown in the film this was to make the hideout of Sasha's dead body seem mysterious, Daniel kidnaps Sasha as she is waiting for a cab on the side of the room and then takes her to an unknown location. We also decided to change the first opening scene instead of the first image location we had the first opening scene on a road near where Sasha gets kidnapped.

Planning - Master Catalogue

The Master Catalogue is used to show certain aspects of a script. In Hollywood and films in general, it is used to show when particular characters, props and scenes will be used in the film. Our Master Catalogue is displayed below:
As you can see, due to it only being the first opening scene, there are ten items in the Master Catalogue, ranging from various wardrobe clothing like the hoodie our main character Daniel will be wearing in this scene and the set of the bus that will take place within the opening scene. Within the Master Catalouge itself, is the script, sketch and screenplay.

Planning - Vine

A Vine is a short, six second clip that displays a story. Sometimes, the Vine itself can display this story, and sometimes the caption of said Vine gives context to the Vine. That is the case in our Vine, where the caption says "When your ex wants to play hide and seek". This is in reference to the fact that you would not want to see your ex, and if he or she wants to play hide and seek, you would attempt to hide in the best place. 

lob:https%3A//vine.co/76cd1f60-da51-4886-bfba-537fa19135ad

Planning - Story Board

 

Using these story board's we used the story boards to aid us in our planning and filming of our coursework.

 
 

Planning - Script

A script is used to show directors and actors what to do and what is meant to happen during the course of production. Using Celtex, we were able to create an industry standard script. We will use this script to tell us what to do, and also the various props we need for the opening scene. 

As you can see, the character name and their various lines are shown, as well as stage directions and setting the scene with the location and time of day. 

Planning - Concept Art

This is the concept art we created for the film. As you can see, we attempted to make a film poster which looks professional but one that also grabs the audience's attention, making them want to watch the film. To do this we have made the title stand out by making it bold, using capital letters and red coloured font.

We have also a school photo with crosses over their faces to give the audience a visual representation and understanding of the film, so that they have an idea of what the plot of the film could be about. We have made the poster as simple as possible, as it gives an impression for the mind of the main character has one thing on it - to eliminate those who he hated. Despite it not having a lot going on, the poster is eye catching due to the font as aforementioned and also the contrast of colours. 

By Roisin

Planning - Mindmap

This image is our planning discussion we had on what props we should use and the character costume this is because we wanted everything to be established and well planned. We chose varies props such as the rose which symbolises love however the colour red can symbolise hate. Moreover, the costume used were to represent the good and the bad between the victim and the killer

This image represents what we wanted the film genre to be about as we were unsure about what path to lean towards but eventually we chose to go with the idea of psychological thriller as we felt this would be a strong way to engage the audience. In addition to this we were unsure about our ideal target audience as we felt this film could be watched by any particular age group and gender.

This image was designed to help us figure out how the victim (Sasha) would be murdered. We thought of many ideas that we thought would attract the audience for example murders such as stabbing, gunshot, drowning and strangling. But we leaned more towards the idea of stabbing as the killer (Daniel) has a psychology problem so we had the idea Daniel would want to watch his victim die slowly in pain.

Planning - Draft of the film

Long shot of the sky, followed by a camera pan to the characters of the film bumping into each other. After conversing, camera cuts to a POV shot of the antagonist following the character called Sasha. After the antagonist grabs Sasha, a scream is heard, followed by a fade to black, then various cuts of black and then a POV from Sasha's perspective, looking at the person who abducted her. Medium shot of each as they talk, and antagonist explains his motives for killing her, then cuts to a POV from Sasha's perspective again as she sees her killer walk up to her. Fade to black then title credits. 

Planning - Target Audience Survey

In order to get a better understanding of what our chosen demographic want, we had to find a way to get their opinion. This was done in the use of surverymonkey.com where we created a survey to find out what people wanted in our upcoming thriller film. Here is what and how we made this survey.

In the screenshot above we have accessed the website surverymonkey.com and have started to complete a survey which we have named Thriller Film Survey, the survey has various of questions which allows us to know what our audience is looking for and how we should satisfy them as they're our target audience.

As you can see in the picture above we have made a few questions which is targeted for both genders to answer. We have questions such as who our audience want the hero of the film to be this is because a majority of  films there is also a male hero and we are deciding to remake a film that is not like films that have been released before.

Planning - Plot of our film

After years of hardship and pain, it's time for Bobby Weary to sort out his family ties. After having to live with the pain of not having a father in his life Bobby finally snaps and decides to get revenge for his pain stricken years, at 18 he discovered that his father had another family halfway across the country and realised that this was the reason his father was so abusive and left him so early in his life.

With all this rage building up inside him Bobby tracks down these newly found family members and begins to pick them off the family tree one by one leading up to the ultimate prize, his father himself. With the police quickly discovering the link between these savage murders it takes Bobby everything in his plagued and sick mind to cut all ties and truly prove that blood is thicker than water.

However overtime we decided to change the plot of our film as we thought it could have been improved. 3 years later after being bullied by Sasha, Bobby decided he wanted revenge on her and everyone who played a part. Bobby stalks Sasha on the day of their school reunion and as Sasha was waiting for her cab Bobby decided to attack Sasha, take her to a house, murder her and then leave her body in that house to rot. At the end of the film Bobby is seen crossing off Sasha name from a list he had made of everybody who bullied him throughout secondary school. If the film was to continue we would have filmed Bobby killing each of his victims.

Planning - Todorov's Theory of Narrative

Todorov simplified the idea of narrative theory while also allowing a more complex interpretation of film texts with his theory called Equilibrium and Disequilibrium. The theory is split into five stages.

1. A state of equilibrium 
Everything is at it should be. Nothing out of the ordinary is occurring at this moment. There is an equal balance with the powers of any kind within the world. Anything of importance has current equality. 

2. A disruption of that order by an event (disequilibrium) 
An event occurs that changes the balance of powers. In an action film this is usually the antagonist realizing they can change the balance of power by doing something (the event in question).

3. A recognition that the disorder has occurred
Eventually, the protagonists will realize that results of the event, and then realize that they must do something to restore order in the world.

4. An attempt to repair the damage of the disruption 
The climax of the narrative. The protagonist and antagonist battle/resolve the disorder that has occurred in the world. Balance is usually restored. 

5. A return to the balance or a new equilibrium 
Life returns back to normal, as the disorder has been taken care of. Or, if the antagonist wins, there will be a new equilibrium. 


In these stages, narrative is not seen as a linear structure but a circular one. The narrative is driven by attempts to restore the former equilibrium. However, the equilibrium attained at the end is not identical to the initial one. The characters end up changing throughout the narrative. 

Planning - Research into Thriller Films

Actions thrillers is a film genre in which one or more heroes are thrust into a series of challenges that typically include a race against the clock, containing lots of violence, guns, and explosions and almost always includes an obvious antagonist. Advancements in CGI have made it cheaper and easier to create action scenes and other visual effects that required the efforts of professional stunt crews in the past. Action films also commonly have elements of mystery films and crime films but these elements take a backseat to action.

James Bond is one of the most well-known action films. The long-running success of the James Bond films or series (which dominated the action films of the 1960s) introduced a staple of the modern-day action film: the resourceful hero. The larger-than-life characters were a “one-man army” able to dispatch villainous masterminds after cutting through their disposable henchmen in increasingly creative ways. The Bond films used fast cutting car chases, fist fights, a variety of weapons and gadgets, and elaborate action sequences.

Crime thrillers are films that focus on the lives of criminals. They are developed around the sinister actions of criminals or gangsters, particularly bank robbers, underworld figures, or ruthless hoodlums who operate outside the law, stealing and violently murdering their way through life. The genre is a hybrid type of both crime films and thriller films.

The Godfather is widely regarded as one of the greatest films in world cinema and as one of the most influential, especially in the gangster genre. This mob drama, based on Mario Puzo's novel of the same name, focuses on the powerful Italian-American crime family of Don Vito Corleone. When the don's youngest son reluctantly joins the Mafia, he becomes involved in the inevitable cycle of violence and betrayal. Although he tries to maintain a normal relationship with his wife, he is drawn deeper into the family business.

Horror thrillers have been created for the purpose to seek a negative reaction from the audience. The producers of horror films do this by playing intentional on the viewer’s fears.  Georges Méliès in the late 1890s, the best known being Le Manoir du Diable, which is sometimes credited as being the first horror film.

Horror thrillers are usually based on the main character and some sort of monster for example Frankenstein. The monster will mess with the characters emotions. Trying to murder them, not only in a physical way but mentally. The main character is not only up against a superior force, but they are or will soon become the victims themselves.

The five stereotypical teenagers are mostly based in horror films because horror films are watched the most by teenagers. The innocent girl is also known as the final girl because producers believe the person who defeats the monster should be the person the viewers least expect to as she is seen as weak. Eventually the final girl ends up conquering her fears and surviving the battle between herself and the monster.

The final girl has been chosen by the producers because producers have an idea on how teenagers should be. Their idea of a typical teenager is a person who is smart and focused on school like the innocent girl who is seen as the girl who does not have any friends and finds herself battling against the monster with four other teenagers. n the 1950-1960s with advances in technology, the tone of horror films shifted from the Gothic towards contemporary concerns.

A techno thriller is a film that focusses its plot heavily on the subject matter of action, war and technological advances. These aspects are described and discussed heavily throughout the plots of these type of films. The aspects in these types of films are also made essential to the reader/viewers understanding of the plot within the film. 

The infamous Transformers franchise directed by Michael Bay  is an example of this. The plot revolves around an alien species of robots accidentally landing on Earth, and the male protagonist of the film being involved with them, having in his possession an artefact. In the case of the first film in the franchise released in 2007 simply named Transformers, the main character Sam Witwicky played by Shia LaBeouf who has an artifact in his possession that could potentially give Optimus Prime and his fellow Autobots salvation.  

A psychological thriller is a film is a film that focuses on the mental state of its characters, and tries to portray this by using various effects and actors showing a range of emotions whilst acting in these films. The emotional states of these characters could also be explored whilst in these films. A conflict between mental thoughts in thriller films is shown throughout. Psychological thrillers are not based heavily on combat, such as an action thriller, but more on the minds and thoughts of the characters themselves.

An example of a psychological thriller is the 2010 film Inception, directed by renowned director Christopher Nolan. The films delves into the lives of characters Dominic and Arthur who are corporate espionage workers who are “extractors”. They are able to manipulate the dreams of people through various methods, in order to gain information of the people who they share the dream with. With quite a complex plot and ideas, it did not phase the views of critics as many viewed it as one of the best films of the decade. 

The main element to a gore thriller is the violence and the extravagance of the violence/murder. There is also an element of the protagonist enjoying his/her victim’s pain, this is known as ‘torture porn’. Essentially getting sexual gratification from the slow death of their victim.

A film that shows this is SAW, this is a seven-part franchise of gore films in which the characters are forced to commit gory and violent acts to themselves or others in order to escape their capturer, a puppet named Jigsaw.

 Erotic thrillers consist of erotica (sexual acts) and thriller, it became a very popular genre in the 1980’s because film-making was very cheap thanks to the introduction of VCR’s and home cinema.

An example of a classic erotic thriller is Fatal Attraction, in this film the main character (Dan Gallagher) is a successful New York attorney, while his wife and daughter are away for the weekend Dan has an affair with Alexandra who he works with. Dan thinks it is just a fling but Alexandra starts to become clingy and attached to Dan.

When Dan tries to leave her she cuts her wrists in a suicide attempt, Dan bandages her and the tries to leave and thinks the affair is over. This stalking from Alexandra continues to the point where she watches Dan and his family from their front garden. This escalates further and further until Alexandra threatens Beth with a knife in their house however in the violence that follows Dan shoots Alexandra and the police show up outside the house.