Research

Introduction to Film Industry:

I visit the cinema approximately once a month, as well on birthdays or in a group with friends. The type of film I expect to see is usually shown through the genre, trailer and reviews online. Recently I have increased the amount of time I spend watching films, how many times I go to the cinema as opposed to watching a film on TV or DVD, and the genre I tend to see the most of. Now I spend most of my time watching horror films, rather than the comedy and romance that I have watched before. Cinema can be expressed through films, business, technology and art.

The first method of cinema was done through shadow shows. These shows were presented by placing a light in front of a screen and placing cardboard cut outs in front to make shadows. However, these were done using still pictures, were considered toy-like and had no use of sound, actors, or plot. For this reason cinema wasn't as popular as today as it wasn't seen as a successful source of entertainment.

The first moving picture was produced in 1872, by placing twelve cameras on a track which took stills of a horse running. This was then edited together and was used to make a 4 second clip.

In 1889, William Dickinson created the first practical celluloid film. This was the first film made in America but still had no sound and poor quality. Cinema had still not been used to share story, so the film just showed people juggling and dancing. Dickinson then went on to develop the Kinetoscope, which was finalized by 1892. This was a device which created the illusion of movement through fast moving pictures which could be viewed by one person at a time through a peep hole.

The first cinema opened in 1895, and showed a clip of a train pulling into a station. This was only one clip was done by projecting the image onto a screen, however it was a major development in the film Industry. From then on cinema became more popular, and was eventually used to portray characters and stories and considered entertainment.

Modern cinema has now developed so that people are able to watch films from home, by video, DVD, Blue-Ray, and on TV. Certain phones enable people to watch films and trailers away from home, allowing cinema to be portable. Films can be purchased online from iTunes but can also be viewed through piracy, which is illegally downloading films without paying for them. 3D and 4D have been developed to produce a better quality of motion picture and to involve the audience in  the film. This is mainly used in the theater  but has also recently been released on DVDs. Animation has been used to create cartoons and movies, which are most associated with younger children.Cinema is now considered one of the main sources of entertainment and is enjoyed by most.

Cinematography - Shots:

• Establishing Shot 
• Long Shot/Wide Shot 
• Master Shot 
• Whole Shot
• Mid Shot
• Close Up - 
• Two Shot
• Point of View
• Ariel Shot
• Over the Shoulder

The first shot in Face Off is a close up of horses on a carousel. This shot was used to establish the scene, as these would only be found in a fairground, which gives the impression that one of the main characters in the scene will be a child. This implies that childhood and innocence will be a key factor in the scene, but does not allow the audience to be distracted by the surroundings. The shot is used for an extended period of time compared to others to ensure that the audience understand where the action is about to take place.

A two shot is then used to show the father and son's interactions. Their proximity, how they are positioned together, reflects the closeness of their relationship. The shot shows only their faces, so the audience can focus on their facial expressions. This allows them to take notice on the smiles on their faces, which implies that they enjoy each other's company and are having fun. This also gives the idea of innocence and happiness, and continues the atmosphere created by the setting of the scene.

By using a long shot, the entire setting is then shown. The audience's assumption that the father and son are in a fairground is confirmed, which is a very happy and child-like setting. This causes the shooting to be such a shot as such danger is not associated with this kind setting, and successfully thrills the audience with an element on surprise.

A close up of the sniper's face and gun is shown. This gives insight to the character's purpose and characteristics, confirming the evil shown through his clothing and the music  Focus is put on the gun as it is such a contrast to the atmosphere created earlier on the carousel  and gives the impression something terrible is about to happen  The director chose to show only his face as this builds suspense, as the audience cannot see behind him and are therefore forced to focus on his facial expressions as he considers what he is about to do.

The sniper's aim is shown through a point of view shot, which shows him looking at the father and son. This reveals his target and purpose for being on the hill near the fairground. It also gives the sense that the sniper is more dominant as he is in complete control, and both the father and son have no way to defend themselves or stop what is about to happen to them. 

Cinematography - Angles:

• High shot
• Low shot
• Straight on

A straight on shot is used to show the father and son on the carousel. This is before the sniper's threat to them was introduced, so this angle makes the shot neutral. This does not convey the characters as powerless or dominant, and allows the audience to focus on their facial expressions and their relationship.

A high angle shot is to show the sniper's point of view of the characters on the carousel  This shows the power the sniper has over their fate, and makes him appear more dominant. The camera looks down on the father and son as they are powerless to stop what is about to happen to them. This angle is used to give the viewer connotations of the status of the characters before they use any actions to imply this, effectively building the anticipation of the viewer as they wonder what is going to happen. 

A low angle shot is used when the father falls of to carousel  The director chose this shot as it involves the audience to the action as it appears that the character is falling over their heads. This effectively involves the viewer and makes it appear as though they are part of the film, and as if the father is falling directly over their head. This shot is also used to show how far he has to fall, which increases the dramatic impact of the action. 

Cinematography - Movement:

• Pan
• Tilt
• Tracking
• Dolley
• Crane
• Steady cam
• Handheld
• Zoom

A pan is used when the father and son the carousel. The shot begins with showing just the father, and then reveals the son with him. This was done to first allow the audience to focus on the father's happiness, which is shown through his facial expressions, and then the reason for it when the son is shown. This allows the audience to connect with both characters and understand their relationship, which causes the dramatic action that takes place to be more shocking. This is also used to show the height difference between the father and son, giving the connotation that the father is responsible for protecting his child.

When the sniper is shown, the camera moves from his mouth up to his eye. This is done to create mystery surrounding the character, as the close up prevents the audience from seeing the area around him. Therefore they must concentrate on his face and see his facial expressions, which reveal his intentions and considerations as to what he is about to do.The slow movement builds anticipation for the audience because they are left waiting, unsure what is about to happen. 

After the sniper has shot both of the main characters, a few seconds of his face is used. In this shot the camera zooms in to show his realization of what he's done, and his regret for shooting the boy. The shot is shown for a long time so that this feeling is shown as significant, and reveals more about the character. The audience can now understand that the character isn't solely evil, as he cares about the little boy. This sets up the narritive as it gives the impression that this is an act of revenge rather than murder without reason, which will cause the audience to wonder what the father has done to deserve the shooting.

Cinematography - Framing:

Framing is:

• The arrangement of objects in a shot.
• What decides where the image starts and ends.
• Used to aid the narrative.
• Used to make shots/figures to stand out.
• Used to give us more information.
• Used to bring out extra texture/detail.

Cinematography: Focus

Deep focus is used when showing the setting, a fairground, which gives a realistic view and shows all depths in focus. This was used a the director didn't want to draw attention to any certain object or character, simply show the entire shot clearly. This allows the audience to view the surroundings and connect the appropriate connotation and themes the shot is attempting to portray, such as innocence. 

Shallow focus is used when the father and son are are the carousel  This is done so that the audience can focus on their relationship and interactions between the two. The background is blurred so that the audience do not get distracted by the surroundings when watching, which makes the relationship more prominent  By paying more attention to the characters the audience is successfully engaged, which causes shock when the father and son are shot later in the scene.

It is also used when the sniper presses the trigger: the gun is out of focus, and the bullet is clear. This was done so that the audience focused on what is happening, and have the sudden realization that someone is about to get injured or die. They cannot look away, which will cause them to feel tension and fear.

Cinematography: Rule of Thirds

• Points of interest are placed along lines above.
• Makes a more interesting shot.
• Directs viewer to desired object/character.

The ballons are shown to the left of the screen when they are floating away. This is more asethetically pleasing to the audience, and therefore their eyes will be directed to the point of interest. This is also down effectively be the rest of the shot being blank, as to not distract the viewer from the important action. This makes the shot more interesting, and shows the balloons flying away are a significant representation of the loss of innocence.

Sound:

• Dialogue: Conversation between two or more people as a feature of a book, play, or movie.
• Theme: Music that always accompanies this particular programme or character and suits its mood or theme
• Mode of Address: Mode of address is how media shouts at the audience. For example how music magazines are presented to the audience
• Score: A score is music that is specifically composed to accompany a film. This is usually classical or electronic. For example, Skyfall by Adele was released for the new James Bond film. The score typically requires more effort and imagination to create, whereas the soundtrack usually only requires the co-ordinator to hand pick a selection of songs to represent a film.
• Soundtrack: A soundtrack is a collection of music, usually songs by different artists, that may have been used in a specific film. Soundtracks are generally released to help to promote a movie. Soundtracks generally lean towards a gray area as some soundtracks are re-recordings with alternate orchestras that were not present in the film.
• Sound effects: A sound other than speech or music made artificially in a play movie or other broadcast productions. It is added into the recording to enhance quality and make the recording more interesting and developed.
• ADR: Stands for automated or automatic dialog replacement.Dialog that cannot be salvaged from production tracks must be re-recorded in looping or ADR.For example example if someone is recording outside in the wind and you cannot hear the speech of the person clearly. The actor will then stand in a sound booth room an re record this speech by watching themselves and saying the same line. This way their speech will be clearer and sound more professional and smooth on film.
• Incidental music: Is music that is composed to accompany the action or dialogue. For example, we may know when James Bond is around or coming into the scene because of the repeated incidental music that accompanies him. This is used deliberately by the director, as a repeated motif.
• Ambient Sound:The background sounds which are present in a scene or location. Common ambient sounds include wind, water, birds, crowds, offices noises and traffic. There are many types of ambient sound used in film production.

The innocence of the fairground is portrayed through the score of the opening of Face Off before the film starts by using metallic, soft sounds. This runs through the opening credits, as well as violins which come in when the production company credits are shown. The volume of the score slowly increases until the scene begins. An example of ambient sound would be the wind rushing, which was put over the credits and used as the sound effects of the caroseul. The sound effect of children laughing is also added when the father and son are at the fairground, as this gives indication to the setting and represents the childlike nature of where they are. It also implies that the father and son are in a happy place and are having fun. 

The score changes dramatically when the sniper is shown on the top of the hill. The sound effect of him pulling the blanket off the gun is manipulated to seem louder, which shows the importance of this action regarding the scene. The score changes to low, tense music as the sniper prepares to shoot the father, however the score used at the start continues to play. This is to show that though the father and son are about to face their fate, they are unaware and are still happy in the fairground. The music builds suspense as they audience understand that something bad is about to happen.

Violins become more predominant when the father and son are showed together on the fairground, which was used to focus the audience's attention to their relationship. The audience feel worry for the two as they see how much they mean to each other, and the score and cheerful music supports this.

Mise-En-Scene:

Consists of:

• Colours, lighting - used to highlight important characters. A mysterious character can be implied by using shadows or shading their face or body. Colour carries certain connotations, and can represents different moods.
• Costume, Hair, Makeup - This is used to show a instant indication of character's personality. Certain costumes can signify individuals. 
• Setting and Props - used to show the genre of the film. For example for the horror genre you would expect the setting to be a cabin in the woods. Props expected in this genre would be a knife chainsaw and blood.
• Positioning of Characters and Objects - This draws attention to important characters and objects. Can be used to portray relationships between characters.
• Facial expressions and body language - these provide a clear indication of the character's feelings, and can also portray relationships.

The colours used in Face Off are dull and muted, giving the indication that the scene that takes place is not in present time, and is a flashback. This is a common thriller convention as it gives the audience extra information about the characters and their motivation for their behaviour. However, the sniper is surrounded by shadows which gives the audience an idea of his character before he shows it through his actions. The only things shown in colour are the balloons that fly away at the end of the scene. These are put in primary colours, which are associated with children. The contrast between the dull and bright colours shows the importance of this shot, as it signify the loss of innocence after the shooting.

The credits are shown in white on a black background. This is commonly used in Thrillers as it represents the battle between good and evil, that is a common theme throughout the genre. The typography used is also is capitals, which implies the serious tone of the film and is used to give indication of the genre. This is more effective than using pink writing, which may be more common in Romance films.

The father and son are shown wearing ordinary clothes, which is common in thrillers. The father is shown wearing a brown jacket and little boy is wearing a checked shirt. These clothes do not draw any attention to the character's in particular, as opposed to a police uniform. This costume would signify danger and would make the action that takes place in the scene less likely, and therefore less thrilling. A code and convention of the thriller genre is that extra ordinary thigns happen to ordinary people.

Whereas the sniper is shown wearing fully black, which gives an indication that he is evil. The director chose to do this so that the audience could get a clear idea of the character's morals before any action takes place, and therefore his threat is suspected from the start of his appearance. These clothes contrast with the atmosphere of the fairground, and can show his resentment to the father on the fairground. The audience may predict that he will act on this resentment, and predict that action will take place in the scene.

The scene was set in a fairground, which is an appropriate place to show the relationship between the father and son. It also represents the innocence of the two, which contrasts greatly to the action that takes place. The director chose to set the scene here so that the shooting is unexpected and successfully thrills the audience. The audience can also identify with the two characters and don't wish them harm as they seem to be good, which makes the shooting more dramatic.

Balloons were used as props as they are associated with children, and represent innocence. When they are shown flying away, it tells the audience that the shooting has consequences that follow the character's through the rest of the film. Them flying away signifies a loss of innocence.

The father and son are positioned very close to each other, which is used to reflect the relationship between the two. This shows that they are very close to each other, and happy in each other’s company. It also shows the father’s care for the son, as being in such close proximity could be a sign of the fathers’ protection for his son. They are only shown smiling at each other and laughing, which again gives a clear indication of the happiness they feel in the scene. The director chose this to contrast to what is about to happen, and to effectively shock the audience.

The sniper is positioned away from the scene. The director chose to have him standing on the hill as the childlike and innocence does not reach him. His unhappiness and resentment towards the father is shown by him being so far away from the happiness in the scene. His facial expressions gives the indication that he is concentrating and considering what he is about to do, which causes anxiety for the audience and creates suspense.

Editing:

Editing is done post production, and is when the clips filmed are cut up or reassembled to create the plot of the film. Continuity editing follows an orderly pattern, where as non-continuity doesn't, and is therefore not in order. An example of this would be the use of Flashbacks, the events shown are not chronological.

Techniques:

• Transitions: The cut is most common, and is usually used in quick shots. This is when two shots are stuck together with no other transition used. Other examples are dissolve, fading into/out (to black) and Wipe, which is when one clip chases another off the screen.
• Length of Take: A long take is when the camera stays on one thing for more than a few seconds, and is usually to make the audience focus on something particular. A short take is the quick changes between clips, and is often used in Action films..

Continuity Editing:

• 180 degree rule -  A line that keeps characters in same position.
• Match on action – Two shots in which an action begins and is then completed.     
• Shot Reverse Shot - Putting images together to make a link between them. This is often used to show conversations.
• Eye Line Match - A cut in which the first shot shows a person, and the next shows what the character is looking at.
• Crossing Cutting - Two different scenes that are edited together.her to make a link between them. Often used in conversations.· 

Discontinuous Editing:

• Flashback/Flash-forward

In the film Face Off, the scene fades in from black at the start. The image then dissolves onto an image of the carousel. The entire opening scene is shown in dull colours, which the Director used to give the audience an indication that this was a flashback. This is an example of Discontinuous editing. Flashbacks are used to give extra information for the audience to aid the narrative throughout the film. This technique was used in the opening scene to show the starting point, and to set up the narrative for the rest of the film. It can also give indication as to why characters behave the way they do for the rest of the film.

When the sniper is shown, there is a long take so the audience focus onto him and his reactions. The shot reverse shot of the father and son on the carousel is used to show the relationship between the two. This makes it apparent how close they are and makes them getting shot more dramatic. 

Special effects are used to show the bullet leaving the gun, and showing the father fall in slow motion makes the action more dramatic.This is used to engage the audience and involve them in the film, as well to allow them to understand what has just happened. It is also used to build tension as the audience are left waiting and are unsure about what is going to happen next. A long take is shown of the sniper to show his realization and regret of what he's done, which is also used to keep the audience waiting. This sucessfully thrills the audience as they wonder what has happened to the father and son, are if they are going to die or survive.

 After this, the horses on the carousel speed up to show that the story is moving forward to years later, and this scene is a flashback.

Classification Prezi:

Thriller Powerpoint:

Extra Thriller Notes:

Heroes in most thrillers are ordinary people, however they may be more accustomed to danger (policemen). This makes the audience able to relate to the character to more, and wish for his safety. The character will have a near-death experience in more than one situation in the film.

Thriller Climax: When the hero defeats the villain, saving his own life and the lives of others. The character often has a weakness that the villain uses to exploit him.

The hero must prevent the villain from committing a crime, as opposed to in a mystery, where the crime has already been committed. The villain is known throughout the entire film in a thriller.

Sound:
Heavy drum beats
Fast Paced music
Editing:
Quick cuts
Supports the action, keeps audience entertained.

Bourne Identity Essay:

The Bourne Identity scene was set in a city, which is common in Thriller films. This is because the business of the area allows the action that takes place to be realistic, but also follows the theme that extra-ordinary things happen to ordinary people, in ordinary places. This allows the audience to identify with the character, and causes them to want him to be safe, as he is someone they can identify with. The character is shown wearing jeans and a jumper, which is more appropriate for hiding his identity than a police uniform, which gives the impression that this character is ordinary. The setting is shown in a long shot of the city.

The score that is played from the start of the scene is fast paced, sharp loud sounds. As the
camera shows the character walking through the street, the score slowly builds, creating tension for the audience. The speed of the music and the short cuts between shots give the impression that the character is rushing, which causes anxiety to rise in the audience as the volume of the music increases.

The camera switches between mid shots of the character walking to point of view shots of what he can see. One of these point of view shots is one of a parking attendant, taken with a
handheld camera. The shakiness of the shot gives the impression that the person makes him 
nervous, causing the audience to feel that he is hiding from people in uniforms, or that there will be conflict with them in the future. This is continued when asynchronous sound of a siren is
used, causing both the character and the audience to assume the Police are there to arrest the character. The sound perspective of the siren is manipulated so that the siren is much louder, 
showing the panic the character feels. After realizing it’s an ambulance, the ambient sound of 
the street lowers dramatically, implying relief.

We gain insight to the character’s personality through a mid shot of him crossing the road. In
this shot, the character is prepared to risk his life by walking into the road to escape the people around him. This gives the impression that the character is experienced with danger and his impulse to blindly walk away shows he is brave and nervous of the people around him.

The score builds to a peak as the character approaches an American Embassy. A point of 
view shot shows the camera tilting up as the camera stares at the American flag outside. In 

Thrillers American values are important as the country is meant to represent safety, and the flaga symbol of peace. The score suddenly cuts off as the character enters the Embassy, giving the

audience relief as they believe he is safe. A close up shot of the character giving his passport 

to someone is used, which represents Identity, an important Code and Convention of the 

Thriller genre.

Ambient sounds of the people in the embassy creates low level tension. The volume of this 
slowly increases, showing that the Embassy is no longer a safe and quiet environment. An 
example of conflict which is shown is the argument between a woman and a person working at
the Embassy, as she doesn’t have her visa. The director uses a point of view shot of the 
woman arguing, showing Bourne’s interest in the character and the cuts between shots 
become shorter to show that Jason is getting more worried. A point of view shot is also used toshow him look at a CCTV cammera, showing he believes he is being watched. This is an
effective prop as the thought of being watched by the goverment is a Thriller Code and 
Convention, as it increases the anticipation of the audience as the character is not sure who to 
trust. It also shows the character’s experience and his lack of trust of the people who are meant to be trusted for protection. Doing so makes the audience feel uncomfortable, as they share hisview that he is not safe and must leave.

As he is about to, however, he is told to freeze. When told to stay where he is, it appears that Bourne has been caught and is about to be arrested. A close up of the handcuffs held by the man who told Bourne to stop. At this point, a long shot of Bourne is taken, zooming in to show his facial features. Editing is used as Bourne puts his hands up, creating tension for the audience as they have to wait to see what is about to happen. A drumbeat is added which sounds like a heartbeat, which is used to show the panic of the character, and the consideration of what he is about to do. 

After this shot, short quick shots are used from different angles to show the action as the character starts to fight the people around him. The pace of the shots match how quickly the character must think and act, engaging the audience by involving them in the characters thoughts. An Ariel shot is used where Bourne is in the centre, giving the audience a god like view, and including them in the action.  Bourne’s quick transition from seeming normal to brutally fighting gives the impression that he has been trained for this situation, and was expecting this reaction. The sound perspective of the action is increased dramatically, contrasting the quieter background noise that was used a few seconds earlier.

 

Bourne takes a gun from security and then flees the scene. The audience gets an insight to his experience in these situations as he throws the gun away instead of keeping it to defend himself, as most would. This is to hide his identity to avoid being caught, which is a important Thriller convention. He encounters a man on the stairs, attacks him, but then goes back to collect a map and a walkie-talkie, which he then uses to plan his escape route. This shows his intelligence and history as someone who wasn’t used to these situations wouldn’t risk their life to go back.

The army is shown to be chasing after him on the stairs. The camera switches between mid shots of the army following him up the stairs, to him climbing alone. This shows that this character is extremely important in the eyes of the law, as so many people are needed to catch him. It gives the impression that he’s wanted and there’s nothing he can’t do. The convention of stairs is a important convention in the Thriller genre as being chased mean that after he goes up them, he can’t come back down.

Bourne finally reaches a room that leads to the exit of the building  Despite a sign of the door entitled ‘Danger’, he opens the door to a balcony. A point of view shot is used to show the confined space in which he can escape through.

When Bourne is climbing onto the ladder, the sound perspective of his surroundings in manipulated. The sound of the chains is increased in volume to add to the tension, as this reminds the audience how easy it would be for him to fall. A point of view shot is used to show the bag he was carrying, falling off the roof. 

The bag is red, which represents danger. This is shown through a Point of View shot to show the importance of the bag to the character, which tells the audience why he decides to climb down to retrieve it instead of climbing onto the roof to escape.

The camera changes positions when showing him climbing down the building. A crane shot is used to film directly overhead to show how far the character has to fall if he slips, and to show his insignificant size compared to his surroundings. Low shots are also used to show the height he is at. The score settles to piano keys as he takes small steps along the edge of the building, to draw attention to how careful he has to be and how slowly he must move. The audience is left holding their breath, anxious to see whether he will fall or not.

Independent Cinema:

Production: The action for making or manufacturing from components or raw materials, or the process of being manufactured.
Distribution:: The action of sharing something out among a number of recipients or the way in which something is shared across a group/area.
Exhibition: A  public display of works of art or items of interest, held in an art gallery or museum or at a trade fair

Independent Cinema: Any film made out of Hollywood. Less than 50% funds come from outside source.
Mainstream Cinema: Mainstream films are films that are distributed to movie theaters which give these films wide releases.
Difference: Mainstream films are usually released to popular cinemas, and then later released on DVD. These films are shown on TV and are often very popular. Independent films are released to local independent cinemas, and are not as popular.

How do Independent Film Companies Film Their Projects?
As independent films are not funded by Production companies, independent film makers have to look elsewhere for the funding. This could include using their own money to make it, pitching to local production producers, pitching to companies for sponsorship opportunities, or getting a grant.

Independent Production Companies:

• Shamley Productions
• Voltage Pictures
• Grosvenor Park Media
• Leopard Films
• First Born Films

Mainstream Production Companies:

• 20th century fox.
• Summit Entertainment
• Carolco Pictures
• Universal Studios
• Warner Bros Pictures

Distribution:

• Film festivals - these allow unknown film companies to present their production for free to an audience who are specifically looking for independent films to watch. 
• Self distribution - Through self distribution, a person remains in full control of their production and is not forced to change anything by others who have invested. This also means that any profit made from the film is entitled to just the independent company, and they do not have to share it with anyone else who has distributed it. 
• Online - This allows a production company to reach a larger audience and does not limit them to the people that are located in the areas as film festivals. Films can be shown on a range of social media sites, however this approach is often used if the target audience is younger and therefore more likely to find films through the internet. 
• Screenings - This is when a film is displayed, and often takes place in a plush, low seat count theater to increase the quality of the film. 
• The following companies distribute independent films in the UK: Intandem films, 

  Lionsgate. Balcony films, Channel Midnight, Independent Distribution

Exhibition:

An independent company can do this by:

• Playing a film in smaller cinemas 
• Playing them in driving movies
• Putting them in the internet or social media - reaching a wider, younger audience
• Screening the film at local film festivals
• Using a trailer online to entice an audience

Kill Bill:

• Directed by Quentitin Tarantino
• Budget for film: $55 million
• Production lasted 155 days
• Quentin and Harvey Weinstein decided to split the film into two because it was too long to be one.
• Distributed all over the world and was played in a variety of countries. It was also exhibited in all of these countries through theatres and cinemas. 
• The language of the film was adapted to fit the countries.

Bourne Identity:

• Directed by Doug Limen, who decided to use the novel to develop a film adaptation.
• Production lasted two years.
• It was modernized from the novel due to his own beliefs regarding the US foreign policy.
• After production, it was distributed all over the world.
• The public had many opinions on it, and it was generally well received.

Casino Royale:

• Was originally produced as a TV series in 1954.
• Quentin Tarantino expressed interest in directing, but Martin Campvell was announced the film's director.
• It was originally produced as a TV series in 1954.
• All stunts were real as it was thought that the CGI was relied on too much in other films.
• The film followed the original novel as closely as possible.
• Distributors included Sony Pictures, Releasing and Blu Shine.

Memento:

• The idea was pitched by two brothers: Christopher and Jonathon Nolan.
• Christopher began to work on the screen play two months later.
• Jonathon's story differed to Christopher's film, however it has the same essential aspects but certain details were different. 
• Christopher's girlfriend showed the screenplay to Aaron Ryder, an executive for new market films in 1997.
• It was given a budget of $4.5 million.
• The producers wanted to create a more realistic atmosphere, so they changed the shooting location.
• The film was released onto DVD in 2000.

Reservoir Dogs.

• Influenced by Stanley Kubrick's The Killing
• Originally planned to have a budget of $30,000
• It was only released in English
• It was distributed all over the world

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy:

• Project was initiated by Peter Morgan
• He dropped out as a writer, but continued as an Executive Producer
• The film was backed financially by France Studio Canal
• It had a budget of $21 million.
• It was exhibited in places such as France and Germany

Breaking and Entering:

• The film was shot at a number of locations, including St Pancreas and Camden Market.
• The main location was Kings Cross.
• It was distributed in the UK and USA.
• The movies were played at local cinemas and film festivals.

• The film was shot at a number of locations, including St Pancreas and Camden Market.
• The main location was Kings Cross.
• It was distributed in the UK and USA.
• The movies were played at local cinemas and film festivals.

After researching how others produce, distribute and exhibit their films, we have decided how we will do the same with our own find.

Produced by: 

• Using own funds for production
• Independent production companies

Distributed by:

• Local film festivals
• Self distribution
• Online media sites

Exhibited by:

• Screenings at smaller cinemas
• Social media

Vertical Limit Script:

Conclusion:

This script shows the importance of sound in a scene. Manipulating the sound manipulation to increase by the sound effects and dialogue can cause anticipation and signifies the importance of these sounds, therefore creating an effective climax. Also the use of foley sound can make the scene appear more realistic, as sound may be lost in filming. If the original sound was kept, the audience would not be as involved and engaged in the scene. 

Thriller Research:

The Sixth Sense:

• Directed by M. Night Shyamlon.
• Cast includes Bruce Willis, Hayley Joel Osment and Toni Collette.
• Production Company: The Kennedy/Marshall Company
• PG-13 Age Rating.
• A boy who communicates with spirits who aren't aware they're dead seeks the help of a disheartened child psychologist.
• Mainstream Production

Basic Instinct:

• Cast includes Michael Douglas, Sharon Stone and George Dzundza.
• Production Company: Carolco Pictures.
• Rated R.
• A police detective is in charge of a brutal murder investigation, in which a beautiful woman could be involved.
• Mainstream Production.

Pitch Black:

• Directed by David Twohy.
• Cast includes Radha Mitchell, Cole Hauser, Vin Diesel.
• Rated R.
• A prisoner transport ship and its crew are marooned on a planet full of bloodthirsty creatures that only come out to feast at night. But then, they learn that a month-long eclipse is about to occur.
• Independent film.

Pulp Fiction:

• Directed by Quentin Tarantino.
• Cast includes John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson.
• Rated R.
• The lives of two mob hit men, a boxer, a gangster's wife, and a pair of diner bandits intertwine in four tales of violence and redemption.
• Independent Film.

Riddick:

• Directed by David Twohy
• Cast includes Vin Diesel, Karl Urban, Katee Sackhoff.
• Rated R.
• Left for dead on a sun-scorched planet, Riddick finds himself up against an alien race of predators. Activating an emergency beacon alerts to ships: one carrying a new breed of mercenary, the other captained by a man from Riddick's past.
• Mainstream Production.

Psycho:

• Directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
• Cast includes Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh and Vera Miles.
• Screenplay written by Joseph Stefano.
• Production company: Shamley Productions.
• A Phoenix secretary steals money from her employer's client and goes on the run. She checks into a remote motel run by a young man under the domination of his mother.
• Rated R.
• Independent Film.

The Hurt Locker:

• Directed by Kathryn Bigelow.
• Written by Mark Boal.
• Cast includes Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie and Brian Geraghty.
• Production company: Voltage Pictures, Grosvenor Park Media.
• Forced to play a dangerous game of cat and mouse in the chaos of war, an elite Army bomb squad until must come together in a city where everyone is a potential enemy and every object could be a deadly bomb.
• Independent Film.

Halloween:

• Screenplay written by John Carpenter and Debra Hill.
• Cast includes Donald Pleasence, Jamie Lee Curtis and Tony Moran.
• Production Company: Compass International Pictures, Falcon International Productions.
• A psychotic murderer institutionalized since childhood for the murder of his sister, escapes and stalks a bookish teenage girl and her friends while his doctor chases him through the streets.
• Rated R.

Panic Room:

• Directed by David Fincher.
• Written by David Koepp.
• Cast includes Jodie Foster, Stewart and Forest Whitaker.
• Production Comapny: Columbia Pictures Corporation. 
• A divorced woman and her diabetic daughter take refge in their nearly-purchased house's safe room, when three men break-in searching for a lost fortune.
• Rated R.

Misery:

• Directed by Rob Reiner.
• Screenplay written by William Goldman.
• Cast includes James Caan, Kathy Btes and Richard Farnsworth.
• Production Company: Castle Rock Entertainment.
• A famous novelist is 'rescued' from a car crash by an obsessed fan.
• Rated R.

Most Thrillers are either rated a 15 or R. For this reason, in my own production I will use a 15 certificate as I believe this will be appropriate for the amount of violence I would use in my own film. The opening scene of these films often include the main character being in danger or their life being threatened, as this causes dramatic effect and engages the audience from the beginning of the film. For this reason, I will use certain aspects from these Thrillers to make my own successful, such as the shocking events and setting. 

Face Off Opening Timeline:

Kill Bill Opening Timeline:

Taken Opening Timeline:

This timelines allow us to pay attention to the opening sequences of the Thriller films, and also to record the detail. We used this task to give us ideas on how we would attempt to approach our own Thriller films. 

Se7en Essay:

Se7en Essay by chloepricemedia

Kill Bill Essay:

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kill bill by chloepricemedia

Sin City Essay:

Sin City Essay by chloepricemedia

Casino Royale Essay:

The opening scene of Casino Royale begins with an establishing shot - this shows the building which the character we see is about to enter, which appears to be offices in a city. The setting is a city, which is a Code and Convention the Thriller genre. This is because it allows the action of the genre to take place whilst being realistic, but also shows that extra-ordinary things can happen to normal people in normal places. This successfully thrills the audience as it makes the danger more shocking and dramatic, as the audience are able to identify with the characters. The scene is edited to black and white, which is a common technique as it gives the impression of mystery as the audience can not see the much of the surroundings around the character.

Dull lighting is used to show that this takes place at night, which entices us to wonder about the character’s intentions, as it is unlikely that a good character would be there at that time and raises suspicion. The whole setting is covered in shadows, which is a common technique in the Thriller genre. This gives a suspicious tone to the film s as the audience cannot see the entire screen, therefore adding mystery. This keeps the audience unaware of what is about to happen and builds suspense.

The character is shown getting out of the car by a close up shot, using a shallow focus. This is to allow the audience to focus on him without getting distracted by the scenery behind him, showing his importance in the plot. His importance is highlighted further by using a low angle, which gives the impression of power and dominance. Quick cuts between shots are used as an editing technique when the character is in the elevator, which reflects his nervousness and quick pace that he later walks with. This makes the audience suspect he is evil as he is anxious to rush.

The camera uses a long shot shot to follow him through a lobby, again highlighting his importance. This shows that the character is rushing to a certain destination and has come to get something specific from the office.

The character reaches his destination: an office. Lighting has been used to cover the entire room in shadows  which is a Thriller Code and Convention. This is because it creates a mysterious, suspicious atmosphere, as the audience cannot see much of the surroundings. Therefore they must guess what is there, anticipating that action is about to happen as the character cannot see around him.

The intentions of the character are finally revealed when a point of view shot is used to show a safe, which is a common convention in Thrillers. This gives the idea that he has visited the office to steal money or documents, and confirms the audience’s theories that he is a villain. However, the safe is empty, implying something bad is about to happen as the character hasn’t got what he wants.

Asynchronous sound is used when Bond speaks, shocking the audience as they cannot see him. He is shown through an over the shoulder shot using deep focus, so the audience can see both men. Eyes are drawn to Bond due to the surprise, as they were unaware he was there.

Bond is dressed in black, which is a common code and convention as it matches the mystery of the scene. He is also dressed efficiently, showing his intelligence and importance to the plot. The character is completely in the shadows, showing he has been waiting for the villain and has set a trap. How he was able to get into the building before the villain shows that he is good at his job.

The score then begins, adding more tension to the scene. The villain takes off his gloves, concluding that he is secretive and takes precautions to not getting caught, and is therefore also experienced. Artificial light is used to highlight his face whilst the area surrounding him is covered in shadows, meaning that the audience must focus solely on him and what he is saying. His confidence and dismissal of Bond is shown when he says, ‘You haven’t killed anyone.’ to Bond. It is therefore apparent that he doesn't see him as a threat, and views him as an amateur.

Bond’s experience is shown through a flash back, which is apparent through the high contrast and mainly white tones, rather than the dark ones in the previous scene. Flashbacks are used to give the audience extra information that explains the narrative, in this case showing that the villain is up against a threat despite being unaware of it. Through this technique we learn a lot about Bond, and feel relief as he is not in any danger. The flashback shows Bond and someone fighting, using quick cuts to reflect the action. The angles used start from straight on, which are neutral, to low angles of Bond - which makes him appear more dominant, and high of the man he is fighting - to show his lack of power.

Shot-reverse-shot is used as the scene cuts from the flashback to the present day. Bond appears calm and collected, as done the villain, only he is unaware of the danger he is. Foley sound is used as he cocks a gun, which makes the action appear more significant and builds tension. The audience will grow anticipated because they wonder how Bond will defeat him. The prop of a gun is a thriller Code and Convention as it is often use in action scenes, and is a symbol of danger and creates an intense atmosphere.

Shallow focus is used so that the gun is blurred, but the character's face is in focus. This allows the audience to focus on him and what he is saying, however still keeps the gun a threat as it is close to the camera. The villain’s expression then drops as he realizes who he’s dealing with, and as he feels embarrassment for being so wrong. A close up of Bond shows his confidence, how he knows he is about to win the power struggle. The conversation continues with shot reverse shots, using close ups so the audience can focus on their facial expressions. 

Shock is used, which is a common Thriller convention, when the villain is shot mid-conversation. This shows Bond’s experience and his intelligence, the audience feel relief as good overpowers evil.

Bond is then shown in a long shot, pointing a gun at the camera. This is a signature of the Bond films and successfully involves the audience in the film. An effect of blood is editing on to reflect the atmosphere and level of violence of the films. The gun also signifies the action and danger of the genre.