Weekly Update 15

The third draft of my trailer came to a good reception and I have decided that this will be the final draft of my work so that I can move on and focus on both of my ancillary tasks. This final draft had good responses, specifically from members of my target audience. Now I will start work on my Ancillary tasks and should have that completed soon after the holidays so I can complete my evaluation phase of the production.

Trailer - Final Draft

Weekly Update 14

The second draft of my trailer is now on youtube and again I have had a much better response but have had a few suggestions. Now I'm in the process of fine tuning the trailer, so I am now making a third draft on iMovie which again should be released in a few days.

Trailer - Second Draft

Weekly Update 13

I have released the first version of my trailer onto youtube and have already started to hear some feedback. From this I have already started to edit and have another draft currently in progress. This should be released on youtube soon this week and again there may be some final changes if there is any more constructive criticism.

Trailer - First Draft

Weekly Update 12

So I have nearly finished the first draft of the trailer this week with both audio and film together. Now I am just fine tuning and making sure everything looks good together. I should be uploading the first draft on youtube within the next few days so I can receive some feedback and make any changes if necessary.

Construction - Trailer

 

Weekly Update 11

After getting to grips with the iMovie software I have started to create and edit my trailer this week. From the footage I have captured I am trying best to replicate the storyboard I have created however I am also keeping an eye out for good eye-catching shots with are worthy of the trailer.

Weekly Update 10

This week I have spent learning the ins and outs of iMovie and how to use the programme to its full potential. Getting used to combining audio and film was tricky but luckily for me it is quite a user friendly software and is not too complicated to use.

Weekly Update 9

This week I have had plenty of time to look at the footage I have shot and have uploaded this onto the Macs at school and onto iMovie. From here I have then exported this onto a MacBook Pro that I personally own so that I can work on it both inside and outside of school if necessary although primarily this will be done at school.

Weekly Update 8

This week I have been given permission to film via the use of a location release form and have identified the equipment I will use for filming.
Finally after weeks planning I have filmed the footage for my trailer and this went well. Unfortunately the weather took a turn for the worst later on during the day, however this gave quite a desired look to some of the shots and overall the day was a success and I have gained more than enough footage.

Planning - Equipment

Here is the equipment I have used to film with.

- DV tape to film on
Filming onto DV tapes are again not ideal as it is easier to use SD cards or camera's with hard drives. However it is small and compact and can be imported onto the Mac computers which I will use for editing.



- JVC DV cassette camcorder
This camera is not ideal as there are many other better camera's on the market, however this was the only one available to me and it films on 16:9 ratio widescreen and with reasonable quality. It films onto DV tapes and has an optical zoom so will allow me to film my trailer.

 

- Universal filming tripod
This has helped to the hold a steady shot when filming with my video camera, has allowed me to pan, track and tilt the camera with smooth movement.

Planning - Location Release

To gain permission from the school to permit my filming days I have submitted to the following letter to the Head Master at the school, to which he has granted the request.

Weekly Update 7

This week I have carried out some more preparations for the filming stage of my production by creating a shot list and risk assessment for my production team and actors. I have also given my actors 'Actor Release Forms' to fill in and given the whole production team a call sheet so that they are all fully aware of the details of the day we spend filming.

Planning - Risk Assessment

This risk assessment was used on my filming days to make sure all direct or in-immediate dangers to the filming activities were taken into account. Safety I on the day was paramount and required all individuals to be aware of the dangers of the task at hand. 

Planning - Call sheet

This is a copy of a call sheet that I have given to both of my actors and to my production team who have helped me film. This is for consent and also to make all parties aware of what the filming consists of. This kept the filming schedule organised and the filming process more efficient. 

Planning - Actor Release Form

This is an example of an actor release form that I have handed out to both of my actors, so that I have their permission to partake in the film for duty of care reasons and legal reasons.

 

Planning - Shot List

Shot	Location / Shot	Description
1	Title	“Ischt Productions”
2	Ext. LS-MS	Mark walking down stairs and then answers mobile, focus then on skyline.
3	Title	“IT STARTED”
4	Ext. ELS	Establishing shot of London skyline
5	Int. MS	Mark taking paper out of envelope
6	Title	“5 YEARS EARLIER”
7	Int. CU	Focus on picture and information on paper
8	Ext. MCU-ELS	Mark crosses road and then establishing shot of St. Pauls Cathedral
9	Ext. MS	Iqbal on moving tube carriage
10	Ext. LS	Iqbal answering phone
11	Ext. MS	Mark through bus
12	Ext. LS	Marking chasing Iqbal through crowds on road on a bridge.
13	Ext. MLS	Mark entering office
14	Ext. MS	Iqbal Overlooking scenery
15	Ext. CU	Mark looking around
16	Ext. MS	Mark taking picture
17	Int. CU	CCTV of mark in lift
18	Int. MS	Mark cocking pistol
19	Int. MLS	Mark pulling pistol from back and cocking pistol and aims down the sight
20	Ext. MS	Mark and Iqbal face to face
21	Ext. MLS	Mark Pins Iqbal to wall and points pistol to head
22	Title	“DEFECTED”
23	Ext. CU	Mark staring directly at camera as lift doors close
24	Title	“Coming Soon, Summer 2011”
25	Title	Credits

Weekly Update 6

This week I have identified where my produced trailer would be broadcast on television with the aim to target the most awareness possible within my target audience.
I have started planning for the filming stages of my production now and have created my cast notes, shooting script, score notes and location notes.

Planning - Location Notes

Here is a slideshow containing pictures of the locations that I have selected to film at. I don't expect for all of these to be in my final film trailer, however it gives me the opportunity to select the best looking shots.
Also seeing these images will give me an idea of how the shots will look so I can chose to focus on some of the shots that may look better than others.

Planning - Score Notes

I have sent this attached file to the music studio, XL RECORDINGS to ask for permission to use music in the background of my trailer. 

As this trailer is for educational purposes with no commercial intent, XL RECORDINGS have allowed me to use this music quoting "For students we grant a gratis educational usage". 

Planning - Shooting Script

Planning - Cast Notes

Curtis Jagdev as Mark Lewis
I have chosen a character which will suit this role. Dresses well in a suit and has the “sleek” spy look.
Challenging conventions having a spy from an asian background, however I feel this actor has the camera presence to fill the boots of a main character.





Ahmed Madhi as Iqbal Saleem

This character I had to chose one which would fit the role of the ‘Terrorist’. The character I have chosen fits this stereotype and I feel will suit the role well.
I have followed conventions and stereotypes when selecting Ahmed as my terrorist character. Typically most imagine a terrorist to come from a middle eastern or african background being of dark skin colour.  

Planning - Which Channel The Trailer Would Feature

This trailer has a target audience of males aged from 12-40 so any viewing of this production will take place in between programs with this target audience already watching.

So it is likely to be in the breaks between football matches, late night comedy, car shows,  where there will be a prevalence of my target audience watching. This is likely to attract the most viewers within my target audience. 

With regards to the channel being viewed on I would place it on channels such as ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and on a number of satellite channels such as DAVE or Sky One. Prime spots would include during the half time breaks in Champions League football matches and in between dramas on Sky One. However with the more popular channels, there will be a higher airing cost so it may be more profitable to place the advert on a channel such as E4 where it would be cheaper to advertise and will also attract a large number of my target audience. 

Weekly Update 5

This has been a busy week, during which I have made the script for my trailer and to accompany this I have created the storyboard. This will allow my production team to work together and understand my vision for the trailer and hopefully will aid them during the filming process.
Also I have completed my research into my target audience and identified them including gender, age and socio-economic status. This is quite in depth targeting, but hopefully this will give me the best results.

Planning - Storyboard

Storyboard

Planning - Target Audience

I have researched and identified the following Socio-economic groups:

• A- Higher managerial, administrative, professional e.g. Chief executive, senior civil servant, surgeon
• B- Intermediate managerial, administrative, professional e.g. bank manager, teacher
• C1- Supervisory, clerical, junior managerial e.g. shop floor supervisor, bank clerk, sales person
• C2 - Skilled manual workers e.g. electrician, carpenter
• D- Semi-skilled and unskilled manual workers e.g. assembly line worker, refuse collector, messenger
• E - Casual labourers, pensioners, unemployed e.g. pensoiners without private pensions and anyone living on basic benefits

From looking at these I can specifically outline my target audience profile. This includes the ages, socio-economic groups and gender of the audience.

Here you can see a typical image of my target audience. I have identified a profile that these fit into, which is males aged from 12-40 from socio-economic groups A to D.

The reasons I have selected this audience are that it is unlikely for those in group E to be able to have the disposable income to be able to afford to go to the cinema and watch the film. Also those most interested in the action genre are males aged from 12-40 which is why i have decided to pitch this film at  this audience as they are the most likely to go and watch the film.  

Planning - Script

Weekly Update 4

This week I have come up with the synopsis for my trailer. This was a storyline not just for a teaser trailer but for a whole feature film which could last up to 120 minutes.
Also I have designed a production studio logo and created a production studio name which will help viewers identify work I have produced. This also follows conventions within the industry as all trailers and posters feature the production studio of the film on them.
I have also carried out research and planning into the certification system of the BBFC and outlined the restrictions and guidelines I must follow for my film to fit within certain age classifications.

Planning - BBFC & Classification

The specific action films I have researched and aim to replicate are:

• The Bourne Ultimatum (12A)
• The Matrix (15)
• Salt (12A)
• Casino Royale (12A)

From looking at these, three out of the four are rated 12A. The matrix, the only 15 rated film, was released in 1999, over 10 years ago, during which the strictness of classification system within the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) has changed. To compete with other productions within the market I am to make my film to conform within the 12A restriction guidelines. This also allows me to widen the range of my target audience as male’s ages from 12-15 can watch the film also, increasing popularity and gross revenue of my product.

The BBFC have published the following guidelines for any film in a 12A category. I have picked out the most important items that will relate to my action film and I shall follow these to allow my film to be released with a 12A certification.

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

From seeing these guidelines I have to make sure that there are no emphasis on injuries or blood, no dangerous behaviour and moderate scenes of physical and psychological harm. Perhaps the most important point that I will have to take note of and conform to is that accessible weapons should not be glamorised. 

Planning - Production Logo

To help produce and distribute the film, I have created an easily identifiable logo and production company name. This will be a symbolic trademark, when people see this logo they can relate it to the film I have made.
This logo contains only 3 colours and is quite simple. I have tried not to over complicate the logo and often this produces the best outcomes for companies. For example Nike can be identified by just a tick.

The company title I have decided to title after my family name. This will be shown on part of my trailer for people to see.

Planning - Synopsis

The main character, Mark Lewis, is an undercover government agent (mi6). He is just living out his “cover” job when he gets a text which tells him a time and a place to meet.Here he gets the information required to take out the target. However he finds out that his target is a defected agent working for other freedom fighters and terrorist groups around the world, earning money. It is when he finds out the target, Iqbal Saleem, when the main realises that they are old friends. It is here where Mark carries out his duties as an mi6 Agent and tries to take him out. However both are cautious and hold back.
Iqbal tries to convert Mark to become a paid rouge agent too.
This turns into a story of twist and turns where Mark joins Iqbal, but this is only to infiltrate deeper into terrorist organisations. Mark is forever feeding information back to Mi6 in secret.
Finally towards the end of the story line, Mark takes out Iqbal.

Weekly Update 3

In this third week of my coursework task I have carried out my questionnaire, which I have given to my target audience to help identify what I should incorporate into my film and to see what my target audience is interested in.
After doing this I have carried out my treatment and research into theorists which again will help me when producing my work.

Research - Theorists

Todorov described narrative as having a specified, logical, cause and effect chain working within them.

Conventional narratives begin with an initial situation followed by some form of disruptions which is later resolved and in doing so the initial situation is restored (perhaps with some changes)

Most mainstream narratives can be fitted into this model and certainly Hollywood films rarely stray from this structure.

Propp, another theorist, analysed a group of Russian fairy-tales and found that all of them, no matter how widely they differed in situation in their surface details, shared certain important structural features.

These Characters are                                                Function

The hero/villain                                                            s/he who seeks               

The princess/object                                                    who/what is sought

The father of the Princess                                          who rewards the hero

The donor                                                                     who provides                   

The dispatcher                                                             who sends the hero

The helper                                                                     who aids the action

The villain/ oppose                                                       who blocks the action

The false hero                                                               who dissembles

Strauss stated that oppositions will be revealed by the analyses of narratives. He went on to say that we know and understand what one thing is because of our knowledge of its opposite. In narratives, we know and understand what the villain is like because we understand what the hero is like.

When writing the synopsis and filming my trailer I will take into account what all of these theorists have said so that my story will be valid within the media industry.

Planning - Treatment

Product

The product I am producing as part as my production company is a teaser film trailer, the genre of which I have yet to decide. This teaser trailer will also be accompanied with two ancillary tasks, these being a magazine poster for the film and a magazine front cover with the film being featured on it.

Target Audience

Looking at the action genre in whole, the main target audience are mainly of male background, ranging from around 15-40. This target audience is very important for me to identify as it will have a final outcome on my final product, especially throughout the planning and construction phases of this project. In this instance lifestyle isn’t a particularly important factor as I am to target men from all types of lifestyle, as I deem them to be all interested in films from this genre.

So in regards to these contexts I aim to target quite a mass audience.

From my research I can see that there are a number of things that appeal to members of this mass audience. The most influential items possibly being those which are stereotypically related to the action genre such as gadgets, guns, girls, pyrotechnics and fast cars. I think if I can incorporate as many of these as I can to the film, it can be successful in targeting this audience. However I have to take into account that this production has very low budgeting so it will be very difficult to acquire some of these effects for real, however I could attempt to duplicate these effects in post production such as pyrotechnics. So using as many of these techniques as possible, I feel that I can target this audience and that my product will appeal to them.

Context

The products I plan to produce are a teaser trailer, film poster and a magazine front cover. These three will combine to form part of an advertising package. Specifically the film trailer and film posters aim to advertise the film itself within the film and print platforms respectively. This is different from the magazine front cover as it will feature many other items along with the film I am producing, with less focus on my product.

Having the product on these platforms will affect my product in different ways. There are rules and restrictions for publishing on these platforms and I will have to conform within these. For example not including any profanities or anything inappropriate for all viewers even if they are not members of my target audience, such as young children.

Media Concepts

Media Languages

For all of the products I am producing I aim to follow the conventions that are being set within the current industry. Knowing how to do this is one of the main reasons I have carried out a vast extent of research. Taking note of all the conventions that occur within these film trailers will help me to identify and replicate a similar convention within my product. Within my trailer I hope to challenge and better some of the conventions currently set within the industry, by doing this I will have to push the boundaries and come up with something special or eye-catching.

Institutions

To make the film trailer fit and suit within other film trailers I will create a production company of my own, including a name and a logo that can instantly be identified as my production company. This will be the distributing company for my product and will help me to compete and market my production to others within the same industry.

Representations

Within the film representations will affect my characters, especially within regards of stereotyping. Being able to identify characters easily are very important for my film. For example putting my main character in a suit and having him wield a gun will immediately tell the audience that he is some kind of agent or spy with some air of mystery around this. I aim to follow stereotyping within this product as often going against these stereotypes can have a detrimental effect on the popularity of films creating confusion within the audience and causing them to lose interest even before seeing the film. 

Genre

I have already decided that the film I will produce will be part of the action genre and there are clear conventions which I can follow for this, that can be including stereotypical items related to this type of film or having a soundtrack that fits within the genre. The setting of the film will also be important with my film to be set within central London, an iconic city that everybody in the world knows of. Also the style of editing and camera work will be following conventions as shots are usually quite short in length and also with a number of varying shots included.

All of these different factors combined will give my film a clear indication on genre and will be easily identifiable to all viewers.

Research - Questionnaire Results

From the feedback I have received from these questions, I have found some interesting answers. I will now need to find a techno-rock song to go with my trailer. This song or soundtrack will also have to suit the trailer with the right pace and set the tension. It is quite clear that weapons are important in an action film, however it will be very difficult for me to obtain the use of any other effects with such a small budget. The setting for my film is either going to be in a  landmark city or a rural countryside. Seeing as  our school is in Greater London, I have chosen to set the filming here. As to how much information will be revealed in the trailer, I have decided to make it so that, it will tell the basics but leave out  an details. I am hoping that this will make viewers want to find out more and go and see the film. This is an important factor when making a successful trailer.

Research - Questionnaire

Now I have researched other film promotion packages, including film trailers and posters, I will carry out research into my potential target audience.
I will do this by producing a questionnaire and picking up on any vital information which I haven't already from researching other current and past promotion packages.
After some research I have found out that the target audience for action films comprise of mainly males aged from 14-30. I will have to hand out the questionnaire to members of this target audience to gain some feedback.
As I have gotten my influences and information from trailers in the same style of package and genre this audience research should have already been taken into account. Promotion packages in this style will have already taken into account the audience, and if I continue to follow these trends then I probably will have picked up on items that my target audience will find appealing.
The main contents of this questionnaire will be questions I need answers to help me plan and construct my film trailer.

Weekly Update 2

This week I have carried out my genre specific research of trailers and posters to note down any conventions used. Also I have looked at these for inspiration and hope to gain a few ideas for my trailer and ancillary tasks.
I have also made a brainstorm with a few of my initial ideas of which I hope to carry on further with the aid of a questionnaire to my target audience.

Research - Brainstorming

Research - The Matrix

Although the Matrix is now an older film, I thought I would research it to see if there were any major differences over the space of 10 years.
If anything, this poster looks more up to date than others I have looked at, with the green effects used.
Again all are dressed in black, the girl in very tight, clothing and have weapons viewable.
The main character here is clearly visible in the foreground being the main focus of attention suggesting to the audience that he is the main focus for the film.

The trailer however tells a different story to the poster.

I can see that some of the special effects are a bit outdated and not so realistic however, the themes and styles of shots have stayed pretty similar to modern action films

There are a number of fast cuts and also periods of only speech and black empty screens.

Again the film follows the same trend, of a calm slower beginning when the storyline is being established, once this is done, the faster adrenaline pumping actions scenes are shown.

This is done with a change in the pace of music and the firing of a pistol.

Research - The Bourne Ultimatum

This is another  film poster where the main character is holding a gun. Giving the audience a clue of what is happening.
Also because the main character is running and there is a blurred affect, without watching the film we can see that there is a sense of urgency and that he may be on the run.
The film title is quite in small text, and the only emphasis is on the colour.

From watching the film trailer there are a few things that I really like and may try to replicate for my production.

The first is the silhouette shot seen right at the beginning, this is a nice effect which could be used and can be combined as part of the establishing shot.

The next is definitely the text between edits explaining the story to the audience. When this is combined with music and is in sync this can give a good suspense effect.

Also the fast editing between action scenes adds to the tempo of the trailer and because of the quick cuts, gives the effect of the trailer going much faster.