Looking back at your preliminary task (the continuity editing task), what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to full product?

One thing that i believe i learned from our prelim, which i brought over to the final task was to plan and think out the task before performing it. With the prelim, we didn't really have a storyboard so we could see what shots we was going to do next, and instead wrote them down. When creating our final task we made sure to have a storyboard, so we could visually see what we was going to do before doing it and i think that helped our final product. 

I also believe the editing of our final product, was greatly improved from the editing in the prelim. When shooting the prelim, we had a lot of shots that went on too long and made the scene seem boring. This was not a problem we had in the final cut as we made sure to cut scenes down as much as we could. 

Also, the prelim was helpful to help me learn terms such as "Match on action" when a action taking place is split up into different shots. and the 180 degree rule 

What kind of media institution might distribute my media product and why?

The production company is in charge with everything to do with the film before it is complete. For example, they are in charge of casting, supplying equipment and editing services.

I would want unofficial distributors such as Facebook and Youtube to make marketing campaigns for the film, as it is low budget and a lot of people go on these websites so i will be able to attract an audience for smaller costs. 

However, i would want to use Entertainment film, to release the film onto blu ray and dvd, as they have released very popular films such as The lord of the rings so there is a better chance of people knowing who they are. However, they have released independent films so they might be willing to give money to us to distribute it.

For our production company, i would use Film4. As they are an independent British company that might be willing to produce our film, as it is similar to other films that the company have produced and like to make films that teenagers will relate to, for Example "The Inbetweeners movie" and "Attack the block" which both involve English teenagers.

In our titles, we named the people most important to the production of the film. For example, we used the title   "Based on the graphic novel by Chris Adegoke" because it was his story and idea that got the film up and running in the first place. We also put the cast as they are the people most people who see the film will know first.

Technology

Have to take the pictures for this one tomorrow

Camcorder

Whilst filming, one important thing i have learned to do, is to charge the camcorder before filming with it. This way you eliminate the possibility of only being able to shoot for a short amount of time or none at all. It is also important to bring the charger around with you at all times so you can charge when needed.

It is also important to make sure the screen protector has been removed before filming, to stop your self from recording pitch black.

Tripod

I have learned that tripods are very important in the filming process, as they eliminate any shakiness that would be there if someone was holding the camera. They are also useful to get shots that you wouldn't be able to get as easy otherwise. For example, a high shot.


Mac 

It is important to leave your self enough time to make mistakes and errors, as you may have technical difficulties with the macs or computers.

Final Cut


Editing is just as important as filming, so it is important to leave your self enough time to edit, so you are able to make all the changes you possibly can.

Conventions

1. How characters are introduced

The first thing you see on our opening sequence is the main character Alex, he is walking towards the camera and is wearing a school uniform. This is a typical convention of certain students as he seems to be wearing his uniform neatly. A lot of students in films are shown as being very enthusiastic about school and they often are pared with someone who doesn't care much.

2. Story and how the opening sets it up

 In the full film, the character Jessy is in love with the main character Alex and when she isn't given any attention by Alex, she decides to sabotage the school prom. This is set up in the opening sequence when she is shown at the beginning. This is a typical convention of comedies as they often have love interests as it helps draw in a bigger audience with women.

3. Camerawork and Editing

In this scene, we see a low angled shot of Alex, this is supposed to be making fun of him making him look big and powerful. This is a convention of comedy films as they often make fun of their main characters when they think they are something they're not.

4. Setting and Location 
In our opening sequence, Alex is shown punching the camera which knocks it over. We are then greeted with a shot of the entrance to the school. This lets people know where the film takes place and teenagers will be able to relate as they go to school to. This is a convention of comedies, as a lot of comedies aimed at teenagers take place in a school.

5. Genre and how the opening suggests it

In this still we see Alex jumping when the headteacher bangs the table. This is slapstick humor which will make the audience laugh because its something they can physically see and laugh at. They are also laughing at his misfortune at him being startled.

6. Costume and props

A prop we used in the opening sequence was a piece of paper left on the floor acting as litter. We decided to use this as we wanted Alex to be angry at someone breaking the rules of the school rules and decided it would be funny to see him squash the litter in his hands.

The costume in the opening sequence is the uniform of the school. Alex wears his uniform in a smart way (tucked in and tie done up) which indicates that he is trying to impress the teachers and that he cares about the school. However, Tom who is shown later on in the sequence is shown to wear his uniform in a scruffy way. This shows that he doesn't care about how the school thinks of him.

7. Special Effects

We decided to use slow motion for the last shot in the opening sequence, to make the exit of Tom look more dramatic and cool. This is a parody of when people walk away in slow motion in action films, and thought that it was a good edition to our opening sequences. We also included this shot so people can see how many students were at the school, showing how job their role as the hall monitors is.

8. The title font and style

We decided to go with a font that isn't too serious and one that looks fun as we thought this went well with our genre. Also, at the beginning of the sequence, we included a title that said "Graphic Novel by Chris Adegoke" We decided it would be good to use a font which looked like it came from a comic book to make the audience aware of what they were watching.

How did we attract our target audience?

This is the annotated version of our opening sequence, explaining how we attracted our target audience

How does my opening sequence represent particular social groups?

On the left is a character from our opening sequence who's name is Tom. He's a sixth former and doesn't care about his school life at all. This is apparent through how scruffy his uniform is and how unenthusiastic he looks after helping obey the rules. He is not the main focus of the film and he is considered the "Side-kick" of the film. He is friends with Alex, who is super enthusiastic about his role as the "Hall Monitor" and often annoys Tom with how much he cares. He is shown to be depressed and annoyed.

And on the right is Simon from the movie, he is also a sixth former who doesn't care much about school and is often depressed and grumpy. Like Tom, Simon isn't the main focus of the  Inbetweeners movie and the main character is Will who is enthusiastic to his school work.

Both Tom and Simon are a typical look of teenagers in film, they are usually shown to not care much about school/work and are usually grumpy at everything. We decided to have a character like this in our film as he is completely opposite to the main character of the film and works well off of him.

One difference between the two characters is that Tom Doesn't care about his appearance, this is apparent as his hair is very long and messy. Whilst Simons is short and gelled up. This is a way we broke away from typical conventions of teenagers as they are often shown to care about their appearance.

Target audience profile

James

James is 15 years old and attends secondary school. He enjoys films like hot fuzz and scott pilgrim VS world as they mix comedy with action which are his two favourite genres of film and enjoys films which include parodies of other films he has seen. He usually goes to see films of which he has heard about from friends and on the internet and only sees them in the cinema if he is really excited for them or if he feels it is a must have cinema experience (Avatar) . He doesn't care much for top brands of clothing such as nike and would rather spend his money on hobbies such as video gaming and is more likely to buy t shirts with his favourite games and films on. He listens to mostly classic rock music and doesn't enjoy much new music. He has a basic mobile phone and doesn't care about it as much as other teenagers his age.

Blog update - 18/1/12

We have finalized the main 3 costumes for our opening sequence. Andrew tried to show one thing about
each of the characters with the designs, For example : The hall monitor is dressed smarter than the other
people whilst the other characters are more scruffy and less organised.

Survey results

These are the results from the survey we uploaded to find out what peoples favourite type of film was.

Im not lying my love for bin men mega

Hall Monitor - Screenplay

Hall Monitor Screenplay

ALEX

Do you want to hear my story? Are you sure, it's not for the faint of heart, it's a story of immense excitement, courage, loyalty,

and the satire/parody clause to prevent us from potential lawsuits. This is me. I'm tough. (CLENCH FIST) Charming. (CLICKS FINGERS AND POINTS) And too poor to afford 3D (PUNCHES AT THE CAMERA WHICH THEN FALLS DOWN). And this is what I do.

CUTS TO ALEX, THE HALL MONITOR IS HOLDING A KID AGAINST THE LOCKER, TWO STUDENTS ARE WATCHING IN THE BACKGROUND AND ARE MOCKING ALEX AND THE KID.

ALEX

I saw you littering!

KID

No! I swear, you've made a mistake!

ALEX

I don't make mistakes.

KID

Oh God!

CUTS TO TOM WHO IS WALKING DOWN THE CORRIDOOR,HE STOPS AS HE SEES ALEX AND SIGHS WITH A LOOK OF DISSAPOINTMENT ON HIS FACE. CUTS BACK TO ALEX WHO DOESN'T REALISE THERE IS A TEACHER BEHIND HIM.

ALEX

You don't freaking litter in MY school! You get that punk!?

TEACHER

That is quite enough!

ALEX HAS A LOOK OF PANIC ON HIS FACE, CUT TO HIM SITTING AT THE DESK IN THE TEACHERS OFFICE.

TEACHER

Listen, Alex, I understand you're trying to make a difference.

ALEX

(HALL MONITOR VOICE) I AM (PAUSES THEN REVERTS TO NATURAL VOICE) making a difference! People aren't breaking the rules nearly as much now, you saw what happened to James, he may never taste again.

TEACHER

He's having his TONSILS OUT!

ALEX

(PAUSES THINKING ABOUT WHAT THE TEACHERS SAYING, BEFORE TRYING TO REBUTTLE, NOT LIKING HOW HIS POSITION IS BEING THREATENED) But if I don't make a difference, who will.

TEACHER

The staff.

ALEX

Who else will!? This school needs a hero, (HE STANDS UP AND BEGINS TO TURN TO FACE THE DOOR) someone to look up to, aspire to. Someone needs to clean up these halls, someone needs to be.. The Hall Monitor.

TEACHER

I really don't give a shit. Just stop assaulting the students, or I'll have to report you!

CUT ON ALEX'S REACTION. CUT TO A KID RUNNING DOWN THE HALL. ALEX LOOKS IN HORROR HE UNBUTTONS HIS SHIRT TO REVEAL THE HALL MONITOR LOGO, IN A PARODY OF SUPERMAN, BEFORE SPEED WALKING OUT OF THE DOOR, HE BEGINS TO FOLLOW THE RUNNING KID, SPEED WALKING.

ALEX

Stop! No running in the hall! (THE KID RUNS OFF, HE CHANGES TO THE HALL MONITOR VOICE) We got a fighter then huh?

HE FOLLOWS THE KID, SPEED WALKING OFF SCREEN REVEALING JESSIE, ALEX'S LOVE INTREST, SHE SIGHS DREAMILY AT HIM. CUT TO ALEX STILL CHASING AFTER THE RUNNING KID. HE STOPS TO PICK UP A PIECE OF LITTER, HE LOOKS DOWN AT IT.)

ALEX

It's still warm...

(AS THE RUNNING KID APPROACHES THE END OF THE CORRIDOR A BAG STICKS OUT, THE RUNNING KID FACEPLANTS INTO THE BAG AND FALLS TO THE FLOOR. TOM COMES INTO VIEW FROM ROUND THE CORNER WITH A BORED EXPRESSION ON HIS FACE.

ALEX

Well done rookie, quick thinking.

TOM

Yeah, whatever dude. I'm going to maths.

ALEX (NARRATION)

That's Tom, he's my partner, not in bed, in cleaning up the scum in this school, he's a challenge, he doesn't care much about the system, but he's good at what he does. I have many names, Alex, Master Duncan, Justice and several names which I can't tell you because we're pushing for the 12a rating.(BEHIND HIM, THERE IS A LARGE FIGURE APPROACHING) But that doesn't matter, because I know my duty, I'm here to clean up this school. I am the- 

THE LARGE FIGURE IS FULLY BEHIND HIM, ALEX TURNS AROUND AND TAKES NOTE OF THE GIANT BOY.


ALEX
Let me guess... big brother? (THE LARGE FIGURE NODS) Great... should have seen that coming.
 THE LARGE FIGURE PUNCHES HIM AND AS HE FALLS THE HALL MONITOR THEME PLAYS AND THE HALL MONITOR LOGO FADES ONTO SCREEN.

Blog update - 12/1/2012

Due to personal reasons, our group was not able to film today. So we spent more time working on the costumes and titles.

The costume of the hall monitor was designed in a way where his uniform looks more formal and smart than the other peoples costumes, to show how he cares and they don't. The costume for Tom my sidekick, is less formal and smart then the hall monitor.

We have decided that for the opening titles, we will try to use a special effect where they come out from behind me.

Action comedy opening sequence research

Staring : Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Steve Coogan and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson

Director : Adam Mckay 

Written By : Adam Mckay and Chris Henchy

Released : 2010 

Rating : 12A 

The film starts off with an action sequence featuring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Samuel L. Jackson as they try to apprehend a group of criminals, this is a smart opening as it gives people the idea that this is an action movie, whilst throwing in jokes here and there. 

It uses typical conventions of the action genre such as the "under dog" factor where the protagonists are out numbered and seems like there is no way for them to win, but after a few gun shots and car stunts... the good guys come out on top. The opening makes fun at the convention of explosions, using a massive one for a car stunt gone wrong that would never make an explosion that big. 

The opening focusses more on the action more than the comedy used only throwing in small subtle jokes  one may miss the first time around. For example, there is a scene where the police light is shot off the top of  the car by one of the thugs, and Samuel L. Jackson's character puts a new one on top straight away. Little jokes like this are a good idea as it gives the audience reason to watch the film more than once. 

The target audience for this film are males from the age of 12 and upwards. The film is a "buddy movie" a film that will most probably be seen in groups of friends. 

This scene is complete over the top, and i think this is a good idea for our opening sequence as it shows how ridiculous the hall monitor is.  

The hangover opening titles

The hangover's opening titles show the setting of the film, whilst having the names in the direct middle of the screen. This lets the audience know what kind of areas they might see in the film.

When the music in the titles picks up, so does the footage being shown. For example, the fountains go off when the chorus of the song starts. It is a good idea to make the song being used go with the credits as it looks more professional.

Zombieland opening titles

Zombieland's opening title uses slow motion scenes of zombies attacking random people who are not part of the storyline, whilst this is happening the names of the people involved appear on screen. This is a good idea as it keeps peoples attention without them drifting off and waiting for the film to begin.

The titles also makes references to other films such as scarface, which makes them worth watching more than once so you can pick out all of the references, i want to do something like this for my opening sequence

Production schedule

Our group has decided to film our scenes on wednesday as none of us have lessons all day, so it is appropriate to do when we are not busy. We can not film at night time, as the scene takes place during day time.

Thursday 5th - Storyboarding

Tuesday 10th - Start filming during lessons 

Wednesday 11th - Filming inside shots

Saturday 14th - Filming
Tuesday 17th - Filming further inside shots
Wednesday 18th - Filming more inside shots