SUMMARY - The Making & Commentary

Here is a video which summarises the Making of the film and runs a commentary over the original video. Some parts have been put in slow motion so more description could be fit in.

CAUTION: YOU MAY NEED TO TURN THE VOLUME UP TO HEAR THE COMMENTARY CLEARLY.

Final Product COMPLETED - THE RED-FIELD PROTOCOL

Here is the completed Edit and final Product of our Video Production Media Coursework for AS.

THE RED-FIELD PROTOCOL

Completed by:

Angus Bentham (my-self)

Jessica Lyon

Lauren Simpkin

Andrew McFadden

(Other Cast-names are made up to make it seem more Authentic)

FAKE: MATTHEW SMITH (Made-up name)

FAKE: JAMES CLARKE (Made-up name)

Title

We chose this title as it had a more Cryptic sound to it. The 'Red-Field' part of the title could be a hint to some kind of massacre, where much blood is spilled. The word 'Protocol', suggests some kind of Militaristic Initiative or Project which is to be executed without Mercy or Sympathy. We didn't think it was necessary to have the title entirely fit into context of the opening, because a lot of the time we don't even discover why a film is called what it is until much further on into the plot. The Film, 'Gladiator' Directed by Ridley Scott, does not even have a reference of Gladiators until much further into the film, before it becomes the focus or driving force of the plot.

We had the Title Bleach in from a dip to white that was edited in Adobe Premiere, to make it have a more interesting appearance and not look boring. This was also accompanied by a Metallic sound and the continuation of drumming on the soundtrack.

Technologies - Camera and Tripod

We used Advanced, Modern, Contemporary technology to produce this film opening, including an advanced HD Panasonic Video Camera and a High Quality Tripod.

TRIPOD

 Here is a close up of the Tripod we used. It's height could be adjusted to anywhere between 2ft and over 6ft. It's panning capabilities were really efficient, so we could get very subtle,gradual and barely noticeable pans, as well as Fast-Action Dramatic Whip-Pans, if we wanted.

This Photograph shows the full tripod, with adjustable pieces along the legs for the height. Here it is standing at about 5ft.

This Tripod was used for all the Radio Mast Shots, and for the Interrogation Scene. The Shaky-Cam moment at the end of the opening was filmed without using this tripod, but rather it was a hand-held shot.











CAMERA

This photograph shows the side of the camera. It had been attached to the Tripod.

This photograph shows Lauren Simpkin (Producer and Camera Operator) preparing the Camera for a test shoot.

Here is another side-shot of the Camera, showing it's other side. It had an adjustable Focus Pull dial at the front, attached to the lens. The Camera was DIGITAL and used a 7GB SD Card to store the Video Footage we collected.

Here is another Photograph of the Panasonic HD Camera.

Technologies - Microphone & Sound Mixing

Here are some Photographs of the SOUND RECORDING equipment we used to record the Radio Broadcast at the Beginning.

Attract & Address Audience

Here is a screenshot of comments we received on the film opening, after it was uploaded to YouTube.

Target Audience

Our target Audience would probably be 16-24 year old's, the most common target audience for modern Hollywood Films. At this age, people are willing to go and see films at the cinema; they may be students or have an active teenage social life, therefore entertainment is an important part of every day life. We do however expect our audience to be the more mature teenagers and adults as there is little or no comedy within it and much of it's cinematographic style is meant to be artistic, but not to the extent of this being an art-house film.

Overall I would expect this film to receive a 12/15 age-certificate from a company like the BBFC (British Board for Film Classification). If the film were to continue there would be many scenes of devastation and war as seen in the Concept Art I created in the post about Genre.

 

Representation of Social Groups - Gender

We did look into the ways which we could represent social groups for this film opening so we decided to cast the interrogation victim as a girl, she would be subject to the interrogators that were to be Males. The representation of Gender is conventional here, as she is sat on a chair; therefore she is lower than the male characters in terms of space-relationship.

We also stayed loyal to the convention of the hero being a male, saving the female victim. Andrew, who was thought to be on the side of the other interrogator, turns around and shoots him, providing a twist in the storyline and allowing an action-style close the opening.

The villains are all male and the voice at the start, on the radio, is an authoritative male voice. We considered voicing this broadcast as a gentle females voice at-fist, to juxtapose it against the imagery and make it look more ironic/subjugating/brainwashing.

Genre Confirmation - Post-Apocalyptic/Sci-fi

We took interesting elements from films which we thought linked well and stayed within the Dystopia/Post-apocalyptic genre. Our film is set 10 years in the future (from 2012 to 2022), and it is implied that some kind of event has happened which has lead the world into some kind of dark age, with a Martial Force attempting to bring order through sinister methods.

The influences for Genre included, 'Schindlers List', '1984' and 'V for Vendetta'. These all have sinister imagery for inspiration in visualisation. 1984 and V for Vendetta in particular were good inspiration as these were also Science Fiction Films.

Here is some Digital Art I made to illustrate some of the events which have happened in the back-story. This was created on PhotoPlus 0.9, an art programme very similar to Photoshop (if not more primitive). I used a Graphics Tablet to create this image, twisting the appearance of the original photograph so it looks Chaotic.

Special Effects

There were no spectacular special effects added into this video as it went through post-production. We included some minor adjustments to certain clips, such as the one where a character is running across a hill, with bellowing smoke towering over them, far in the distance. This was meant to be the terrorist attack which had been carried out, mentioned in the Radio Speech and has been suggested that it was carried out by Jessica's character.

We used colour adjustments in Adobe Premiere to make the scene look more fiery. The actual columns of smoke rising behind the hill in this scene is real, but it is just steam rising from a Power-Station in St-Helens, early in the Morning of January 28th 2012. Lot'f of stock footage was taken of this effect but in the end we could only pick one, to keep the video short.

One thing we thought had a good effect in this shot was the transformation of the figure into a silhouette, this makes it look much more enigmatic and therefore more dramatic.

Soundtrack - Music in the Opening.

The soundtracks in this were not original scores.

The Music is from 'Modern Warfare 2', an Activision Game produced by Sledged Hammer Games and Infinity Ward. Hanz Zimmer produced the score.

This music was selected as it created the right atmosphere, suggesting that something under-cover, enigmatic, or low-profile and Militaristic has happened. This Enigmatic score was well suited to the visuals of the film opening.

Playing quitely throughout the moment where Jessica is sitting in the hall, waiting for the Interrogators to enter, we also included Mozart's Lacrimosa. This however, has been slowed down to 20% of it's original speed, so it sounds completely different and is barely recognisable.

Interrogation Scene - Camera Techniques

The Camera techniques in this scene are also kept simple, there are a lot of still shots and not much shaky cam until the last few seconds. We used a dolly/moving tripod for some of the shots but most of them had to be cut out, to shorten the length of the video. We had one shot of the dolly crossing the 180 degree line just in case we broke the 180 degree rule at any point.

 This is an extreme close-up of Jessica's eye. She is looking down so her actual eye is not visible, holding back her personality/character from the audience.

It might have been more effective to get an even more extreme close up of here eye, to accentuate it further.

 This Security-Cam shot was filmed using the same HD Camera but then altered in Adobe After-Effects to have a static effect and an outline with a Frame, Words, Numbers, a logo and a 'REC' Notice.

The Flashing Red-Dot was created using 'Key-Frames' in After Effetcs. The boxing within the frame was designed on paint and altered in Adobe Photo-Shop, before being exported into this scene.

This shaky-cam shot needed to increase the tension and suspense after Andrew had Shot the other Interrogator who I acted as. He is helping her get her freedom, and escape the force of authority which a captured her.

This shaky-cam moment is meant to contrast with the slow-paced nature of everything which came before it.

Interrogation Scene - Props

There was one main prop for this part of the Opening, which is the Gun, held by Andrew (Interrogator 2).
This Gun was not exactly what we were looking for, as I thought it would be better to have a modern pistol with an attached silencer. Instead we stuck with what was available; a Western-style Revolver.
We kept the gun hidden in darkness throughout the scene so it is not obviously an out of place prop. Even when it gets pointed directly into the Camera, it is still not clear that the prop is out of place in the setting/genre.
It was interesting to use Adobe After Effects and get a Lens-Flare Flash from the Pistol, making it look more authentic, as if it really fired.

For this shot below, we wanted to portray a divided personality. We did this though lighting so it implies that he is going to change sides. With half his face in shadow, his imminent betrayel is justified, cinematographically.

This was inspired by a shot from one of Don Siegel's 'Dirty Harry' Movies, with the Gun pointing right out into the Audience for Dramatic Effect.

Interrogation Scene - Cinematography

The Cinematography was also very basic in this scene of the opening. We wanted to capture an interesting frame-composition in each shot to keep the audience focused on the screen. So we kept things simple. Much of the Frame Composition inspired by the Story-Board.
In one shot, we considered trying out a method of symmetrical framing, with Jessica in the Middle, below the Light, and with the two interrogators on either side, surrounding her.

This style of framing has been used by Stanley Kubrick in many of his films and was inspirational for this particular shot.

Kubrick's 'Full Metal Jacket'


Kubrick's '2001: A Space Odyssey'


Kubrick's 'The Shining'

Interrogation Scene - Lighting

For the Interrogation scene, we had to be very selective about the light. We wanted the faces of the Interrogators to remain unknown and shrouded in darkness, this way they would seem more Enigmatic and Intimidating. There is just a highlight of light around my face, in a similar shape to a crescent moon, as I am one of the interrogators, so I needed to look dehumanised.

The first appearance of Marlon Brando in 'Apocalypse Now' was part of the inspiration for this shot, as only part of his face is visible, leaving the character to look more mysterious.

I was one of the Interrogators, and after I got shot I made sure I fell out of the pool of light in which the interrogation took place and into the surrounding darkness, this was to make the death seem more dramatic.

Interrogation Scene - Mise-en-scene

ROOM
The room for the interrogation is the College Sports Hall. We wanted a Large Space, with all lights out except for the interrogation light, so the Victim (Jessica Lyon) Could be Surrounded by Darkness. The Floor is party disappointing because the sports courts can be seen on the floor. We were not able to cover these using something like a Turf, so we continued do without anything. It has, however, created a nice cinematographic effect in terms of parallel lines. They are lined across the floor to create an interesting perspective, as Jessica sits in the interrogation seat.

COSTUMES
The Clothing had to be all Black, so the interrogators could blend into the darkness and so that Jessica looks like she has just committed an attack of some kind. We would have proffered official looking uniforms with Logos and Badges, and to have the interrogators walk in with Batons.

SET-LAYOUT
We had Jess sit on a chair facing towards the interrogation light, this way it was clear that she was to be subject to whoever the incoming characters are, which would be the Interrogators.

TRANSITION - Radio Scene to Interrogation Scene

In accordance with the Screenplay and Story-Board, the Radio Scene transits to the Interrogation Scene via a Dissolve. This Dissolve, importantly, is from one circular object to another; a circular Radio Mast object, to the interrogation light of the next scene. The Shot of the Light is already enlarged greatly using 'Adobe Premiere', but I do feel the shapes could have been more similar in size, as the Light seems smaller in comparison to the Radio Dish. Either way, it has turned out fine in my opinion.

Radio Scene - Camera Techniques

The Camera was mostly still in the shots of this opening. The Camera was panning on the opening shots of clouds, and then on some of the shots of the Radio Mast there is a gradual pan. There was one shot before the scene transits from the Hill to the Interrogation Scene, where the Sun is shot within a Padlock. This is to symbolise an entrapment of freedom and hope. And as the Voice says "Freedom", the light dyes down. It is a pessimistic look on the world within the film.

Radio Scene - Props

There was one prop in particular which was important in the Radio Scene; the old, shredded 'EVACUATE' Banner. This was one of the first things created for the Opening, with the purpose of making our Films Back-story more concrete. It suggests that something has happened in the world of the film, to make people scarce and divided. Parallel in sound to this Post-Apocalyptic Imagery is the words of the Radio Presenter, who says there was "chaos which took place across the country 10 years ago".

The Imagery was partly inspired by '28 days later', as the protagonist is wondering through the streets of london and discovers a news paper which says there has been an evacuation following some kind of crisis.

Above: Newspaper from '28 days later'.

Radio Scene - Cinematography

The Cinematography for the Radio Scene was very basic, I wanted to capture a montage of interesting shots which would keep the attention of the audience, as things would not look bad. There is no intentional Shaky-Cam effect in this part and the main focus was to establish the world of the Film. The Build up is slow, as we progress towards a more climactic Ending. We wanted also, to contrast the outside world, with the interrogation scene which would follow, but also make them both look imposing.

In the Process of making this opening, I discovered a Film technique called 'Foreshortening'. This technique is accomplished when you zoom in, to give a similar effect of a telephoto lens, and make it look as if a foreground, middle-ground and background are closer together than they really are. This effect is also disorientating for the Audience as they listen to the Radio Monolgue.

Here is an example of Foreshortening in our opening:

Radio Scene - Lighting

For this Radio Scene, we really had to consider making a strong impact, holding the attention of the audience throughout the rest of the opening. For this, we filmed the Radio Masts in early Morning, to create a more interesting visual atmosphere. We also Made sure that there was a lot of shadow, and that the Radio Masts were shot in low-angle, so they look more intimidating, along-side the authoritative voice on the Radio.

This screenshot shows the dark shadows of the Radio Mast.

Sound Recording - Radio Monologue

For the Radio Broadcast we wanted a voice with an authoritative tone, to set the scene in an Authoritarian State, or Militarised Country. It is hinted that whatever Authority is in charge has an Empire, with the dialogue line "You are listening to Imperium FM". This word was discovered when I used Google translate to find the Latin word for Empire.

This Radio Broadcast was recorded in a Sound Recording Room, and is the Voice of Stephen Brennan.

Editing Sound.

Sound will be very important throughout the scene, to create a Post-Apocalyptic atmosphere with a totalitarian-like broadcast coming from the Radio Tower. The Voice is Authoritative and Formal, to further emphasie this. There is a great amount of White-Noise which has been downloaded from SoundDogs.com which will be spliced into the Radio Broadcast with constant variations in sound volume.

The Radio Noises will cut between Hissing White-Noise, Frequency Varaition sound and Faint Voices or Music that is being picked up as part of the background radiation. Some of the Broadfcast Sound Files can be copied and pasted into separate Audio Tracks where they will be Adjusted in various ways, such as with the pitch, speed and Volume.

Editing Video.

Adobe Premiere is the Editing programme we use for Editing. With it we can upload high quality video Footage and Edit the clips together Easily. Continuity between shots is the primary focus with this Editing, to keep the Audience drawn in throughout the opening scene.

Between Logos there will be a fade into and out of black, before bleaching into white and fading onto the first shot, which will show the sun and clouds. At first there will be dissolves between the shots onto thew Radio Towers along side the White noise. As the Setting sinks into mind, basic cuts will be used to speed up the base and put emphasis on the present time of the Radio Broadcast.

The Dossolve into the Interogation Scene is done to suggest a 'meanwhile' atmosphere for the audience. Once in the Hall, most of the editing will be basic cuts, all the time considering the 180 degree rule. This is because the short Interrogation is taking place in real time, any Dissolve will suggest a leap in time, as the character who is subject to the coming Interrogation will be waiting around for a long time, in front of the Dazzling light.

Here is a screenshot of the Editing in progress:

LOCATIONS 2

The second Location will be the College Sports Hall, for the interrogation. We will shoot the scene after 4pm so the room is not being used and we can have all the lights off. The Sports hall was selected for this scene as it is the best location I'm aware of that the characters can be shrouded in Darkness. One disadvantage, however, is that there are the markings of Badminton and Basketball Pitches on the floor. They do, to an extent though, allow for interesting frame composition as the parallel lines in shot make the perspective of the shots seem more interesting and dramatic.

The light, for the interrogation, is a "Red-Head" and will be focused on the Collaborator character who is to be interrogated. The Two interrogators will stand on either side of the collaborator, not fully visible due to High-Key light, resulting in shard edged shadows on the edges of the Interrogators faces. The intention is to make the interrogators look dominant and the Collaborator to look Vulnerable.

LOCATIONS

There are two main locations in this film opening. Billing Hill has some Communication Towers which are ideal for shooting  footage of. Early Morning footage will be taken so there are no people to interrupt the sequence. There are barbed wire fences around the towers which can be taken advantage of in shot to make the film opening seem more intimidating and photographically interesting. Manual Focus Pulls will come in useful for when Close ups are put against a distant background.

Here is an aerial photograph from Google Maps of Billinge Hill where the first half of the opening was shot:

PROPS

Some Props will be used in the film opening. Like an Evacuation Sign to expose some back-story. Also, the actors in the scene will be wearing black, so when the scene in the hall takes place, the atmosphere is more enigmatic.

One gun will be needed for when Interrogator 1 is shot by Interrogator 2. ADOBE AFTER EFFECTS will be used to make this shooting seem more authentic and real.

FILM OPENING - SPIDER-MAN 2

I like the style of the spider-man 2 opening. It provides back-story through art similarly to how our film opening will present back-story with the Radio Broadcast.

Symbolism in the opening.

There is some use of symbolism in the opening scene. The barbed wire symbolises entrapment and harsh authority, like in a Military facility. Also, the ripped up "EVACUATION" banner is used to expose some backstory, implying that something has happened many years ago, which caused people to leave whole areas behind. Lastly, there is a shot which pans right across a tall gate, overgrown with a padlock in it. The sun is in the centre of the padlock, symbolising a lack of light (metaphorically) in the world.

Radio Towers and the Broadcast

To set up some backstory, a Radio Broadcast will be used. It is important that the audience is made aware of the time in which this film is taking place and the genre. Radio will convey to the audience that this is happening in a modern time, or not too far in the future. The cinematography, when combined with the words on the radio is intended to portray some kind of totalitarian state whichy has been set up. There will be a Juxtoposition with the speach on the Radio, to the imagery on screan. Such as Barbed Wire and a harsh, metal ridgid Radio Towers. The Radio Towers will all be shot from Low angle to create a sence of inferiority throughout the scene.

Clouds in Opening shots

The first two shots of the opening will show clouds. This is to set up a peaceful and calm atmospher before things are darkneded by the authoritative Radio Broadcast. Contrast in atmosphere is what we are aiming for, as things get more and more sinister throughout the opening.

The sound of wind will accompany these shots and run from the start of the logos, through to the end of the Radio Tower scene.

NEW PRODUCTION COMPANY LOGO

RED-X-SCAR seemed to be a difficult a name to say and didn/t sound right when put into a sentence. A more interesting logo which remains simple and sounds better is 'NEXUS'. Our new production Company will be called this so in the opening logos it will say;

MIDNIGHT PICTURES presents

In association with FALLOUT FILMS

A NEXUS production

The new 'NEXUS' logo will look like this;

It would be interesting if we could use Adobe After eEfects to put a proffessional style onto these opening logos. Earlier, I thought this would be unlikely to achieve, but now that I am aware of Adobe After Effects, this will need to be explored and experimented with.

FINISHED SCREENPLAY

ORIGINAL FILM OPENING SEQUENCE - PART 1

OPENING TITLES:

(COMPANY LOGOS)

MIDNIGHT PICTURES PRESENTS

IN ASSOSCIATION WITH FALLOUT FILMS

A RED-X-SCAR PRODUCTION A NEXUS PRODUCTION

DIRECTED BY ANGUS BENTHAM

PRODUCERS:

Angus Bentham

Jessica Lyon

Lauren Simpkin

Andrew McFadden

WRITER Angus Bentham

EDITOR Andrew McFadden

CINEMATOGRAPHY Lauren Simpkin

INTRODUCING

Jessica Lyon

Andrew McFadden

Angus Bentham

Lauren Simpkin

>> ACTING CAST NAMES NOT FINALISED

TITLE – THE AGENT OF CHAOS (POSSIBLE)

EXT. RADIO MASTS ON HILL – MORNING

Howling wind bridges THREE moving cloud Shots and into the rest of scene 1. Setting provides peaceful atmosphere which is then broken by an incursion of WHITE NOISE from a Radio Transmission. Still establishing shot of Radio Masts (at Billing Hill). White noise fades away and the Radio Speaker provides a voice-over for setting’s brief exposition.

(WHITE NOISE)...Good Morning, it is Friday the 18th of March 2022, and you are listening to IMPERIUM FM. To start with...

(WHITE NOISE)...Increased Gale-Force Winds so you can expect to see thunder Storms by the early hours of tomorrow morning. We advise you keep...

(WHITE NOISE)...The terrorist is alive. We are still reminded of the chaos which took place right across the country 10 years ago?

(WHITE NOISE)...collaborator has been detained. It is thought that he may have useful information concerning the location of their leader. You should remember that we are your protectors and we will ensure that (WHITE NOISE)...Our role illuminates your future; a future of freedom, prosperity and peace.

(WHITE NOISE)...Play LACRIMOSA by MOZART

>> MUSIC BRIDGE INTO NEXT SCENE

DISSOLVE – Circular radio dish to circular pool of light

INT. BLACKED OUT HALL WITH SMALL POOL OF LIGHT – Collaborator Character is sat at a desk here, bashing her head on the table rhythmically.

Lacrimosa is fading away, being replaced with a Low Bass Rumble sound effect. Distant intercom voices in the background.

She is sat at a cleared desk with only a lamp on it, alone.

Stream of light comes across the hall to the victim on the floor. A low Angle Medium Long Shot of interrogator one followed by a High Angle Medium Long Shot of the Criminal Collaborator. Interrogator slowly approaches with echoing footsteps. Victim is still bashing head against the table, as if insane.

1.       BLACK AND WHITE security camera shot.

2.       Back to Normal Cam.

Collaborator

(Little laugh) ...Hi.

Interrogator just stares at her trough his sunglasses then looks to the side, where there is a suspended clock at 8:58am (Manual Focus Pull from face to clock when he turns his head)

Interrogator two enters the room and walks up to her, also wearing sunglasses (Echoing footsteps). The two interrogators stand there (one on either side of her – interrogator 1 on her right and two on her left) and she gets up onto her knees and smiles at them.

Collaborator

...Do you think that I could perha...

Interrogator 1

Shut up...we’ll be asking the questions.

You killed your entire team and then went on to demolish the first power station in 10 years...

Collaborator

How were the fireworks from where you were? My head’s still ringing a little bit to be honest.

FLASH BACK – POWER STATIOR – Morning (Camera Shake)

Interrogator 1

Your head will be more when ringing by the time we’re through with you (pulling gun out) I’m not allowed to kill you, yet. But, I don’t think they’ll mind if I shoot you in the leg...

Interrogator 2

By tonight, we will know our Victory is much closer than it ever has been before.

CLOCK SHOT – 8:59am

Interrogator 1

I don’t know about that. She’s just a collaborator to the Real threat...We need to get information out of her which will probably take days. It’s a good thing we caught her when we did.

BLACK AND WHITE ES security camera, goes static and black.

Back to Normal Cam.

Interrogator 2

I wasn’t talking to you...(to interrogator 1)

Interrogator 1 looks to no.2 and is shocked to see Interrogator 2 pointing a gun at him.

Collaborator

(smiles menacingly)

CLOCK SHOT – 9:00am

Interrogator 2 shoots no. 1 and kills him.

Collaborator

The security cameras...have you dealt with them?

Interrogator 2

Yes, now let’s get out of here. It’s 9 o’clock, the power will be cut, the facility will go on Red Alert, and we will have our opportunity to escape.

The collaborator stands up.

CUT TO

Interrogation light goes out.

Corridor - all lights go out.

Staircase - tilt down, all lights go out.

Corner of Building, with clouds passing by – Red Alert Ambient Sounds.

FADE TO BLACK >> END

OPENING LOGOS PRELIMINARY

Our film will begin with some original opening Logos, they will appear with a simple animation and over some kind of overlaying sound. This sound could either be some form of ambient noise, like the wind, or music, as it is in this clip. Lacrimosa by Mozart may be used at some point in the opening, so just for an experiment it was included in this clip which we made.

I am considering changing the Production Company name 'Red-X-Scar' to something a little easier to say, and more natural sounding, like 'Poison Arror' or 'Nexus Maze' productions. All this is just playing with interesting words and titles which sound cool and could make for interesting logos.

Finished Opening Logos

I have designed some original logos of made-up companies which will appear at the beginning of this film. The programs used to create these were 'Paint' and 'Photo Plus 09'. When it comes to adding them to the film opening, they will appear with a simple animation to make them look more interesting and official, after all, companies like 'Universal' have a highly elaborate opening animation for their logo. We will do without any animation on such a professional scale for this short film opening.

MIDNIGHT PICTURES (A Titan-Mind Company) Presents

In association with FALLOUT FILMS

A RED-X-SCAR Production

ORIGINAL LOGOS (Thoughts)

The Distribution Company is essential for any Films success. They supply vast amounts of money which go towards all kinds of marketing, making sure the target audience is aware of the films existence by the date of cinema or DVD release.

1. Warner Brothers is a company which is responsible for the distribution of films like 'The Dark Knight', 'Inception' and 'Harry Potter'.

2. Twentieth Century Fox is a company which is responsible for the distribution of film like 'Avatar', 'Titanic' and 'The Day After Tomorrow'.

These Companies are often subsidiaries to a Parent company. For example, Warner Brothers is a subsidiary company of Time Warner.

For our Film Opening, original Logos will be Required, along side these names.

MIDNIGHT PICTURES - Distribution (Subsidiary to TITAN-MIND)

RED-X-SCAR - Studio

FALLOUT FILMS - Separate Studio

The logos for these are still to be designed.

INTERROGATION INSPIRATION 2 - The Dark Knight

THE DARK KNIGHT

In Christopher Nolan's 2008 Blockbuster, 'The Dark Knight' there is one very interesting Interrogation Scene where the Joker has been captured by the Police and is to face Batman who need information out of him. This is a key plot-point in the film and is of a very violent Nature. This scene can be seen below (From YouTube) and I will analyse the techniques used for this interesting and sinister scene, giving information on how the scene was Filmed and why it was done this way.



The Room is in complete Darkness at first, presenting a dark, enigmatic and sinister backdrop for the interrogation. The Joker's face is alone (As if suspended) and shrouded in shadow, which is in contrast to the white face-paint on the Joker. The room is plain and the table is plain so there is nothing to catch the audiences attention other than the Lamp, the Joker and the Police Commissioner. The lamp is the source of the (minimum) light and acts as the medium between the characters, setting them both up as the predominant characters in this scene.

The basic 180 degree rule is applied throughout this scene. At first the Joker is kept on the left side of the frame and the Commissioner on the Right. This shifts around once the commissioner leaves and is replaced with Batman, suggesting that Batman will have different methods of extracting information from the Joker than the commissioner does.

One feature of this scene which catches my attention is from 4:19, when the Joker is on the floor, therefore at a Low-Angle, implying he is in a vulnerable position. And the Batman is at a high-angle, conveying his position of superiority over the Joker, while he is beating him up. The thing which I find most interesting is the positioning of the Batman's hands when the Joker is in shot. Both hands are so close to the Jokers face and clenched while Batman breathes heavily (Anger), this makes the Arms look much more deadly and enhances  the merciless feelings which Batman (the interrogator) must be having. Also, the Batman remains a dark silhouette so he is an enigmatic threat, looming over the Joker.

INTERROGATION INSPIRATION 1 - Dead Space 2

The 2010 Video Game 'Dead Space 2' has an interesting interrogation scene in it's opening. Although this is not film, this opening shares many similarities to what could easily have a been a film sequence, e.g. the 'over the shoulder' perspective which we see throughout the interrogation. However, there are no cuts in this sequence, something which must be included in the film sequence which I am directing.
The echoing sounds are effective in creating unease and the small pool of light around the interrogation limits the border of the area in which this ordeal is taking place. This limit, makes the scene seem enigmatic and claustrophobic.

SCRIPT PLAN (First half of the opening)

ORIGINAL FILM OPENING SEQUENCE - PART 1

OPENING TITLES:

(COMPANY LOGOS)

MIDNIGHT PICTURES PRESENTS

A RED-X-SCAR PRODUCTION

IN ASSOCIATION WITH FALLOUT FILMS

AN ANGUS BENTHAM FILM

TITLE --- (For Discussion among Group)

>> CAST NAMES

<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.       <!--[endif]-->EXT – SCATTERED CLOUDS OVER BILLINGE HILL – MORNING

Howling wind bridges THREE moving cloud Shots and into the rest of scene 1. Setting provides peaceful atmosphere which is then broken by an incursion of WHITE NOISE from a Radio Transmission. The Camera then pans down from clouds onto a Radio Mast (at Billing Hill). White noise fades away and the Radio Speaker provides a voice-over for setting’s brief exposition.

(WHITE NOISE)...Good Morning, it is Friday the 18th of March 2022, and you are listening to IMPERIUM FM. To start with...

(WHITE NOISE)...Increased Gale-Force Winds so you can expect to see thunder Storms by the early hours of tomorrow morning. We advise you keep...

(WHITE NOISE)...We are still reminded of the chaos which took place right across the country 10 years ago?

(WHITE NOISE)...collaborator has been detained. It is thought that she may have information on the whereabouts of Britain Most Wanted; the infamous General McMillan. You should remember that we are your protectors and can make sure that all criminals meet their just deserts. Our role illuminates your future; a future of freedom, prosperity and peace.

(WHITE NOISE)...Play LACRIMOSA by MOZART

>> MUSIC BRIDGE INTO NEXT SCENE

<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.       <!--[endif]-->INT – SHADOWED HALL WITH SMALL POOL OF LIGHT – Character is lying down here (MOST WANTED).

Low Bass Rumble sound for uneasy atmosphere along-side classical music which is fading into an echo. A silhouetted tall figure enters the hall - Use 180 degree Rule with the slow, suspenseful approach. 

FILM OPENING ANALYSIS 2 - EDWARD SCISSORHANDS

This opening sequence is interesting because of the design of the sets, it shows that much thought went into every detail of the features within the frame (as Tim Burton likes to do in his film Openings). The most important thing about this film opening to my research is the way in which it incorporates the Titles and credits over the video. An example of this is when the title overlays on the scene saying 'A Tim Burton Film', just as a door opens. This effect creates the impression that we are entering the world of the film that Tim Burton has Created.
This method of showing the cast names and production team names will be the primary inspiration for the manner in which the titles are showcased in my own film opening. However, the style of Tim Burton's openings, such as this, are far too elaborate in terms of set for me to create. The genre of our own film opening will not be so similar to this one.

FILM OPENING ANALYSIS 1 - BLACK HAWK DOWN

This is the opening sequence to 'Black Hawk Down', Ridley Scott's 2001 War Film. This opening sequence is interesting because of it's use of colour to emphasise the early time of day. This effect could have been done using a filter or perhaps as a digital effect.
The audience is immediately drawn into the film because of the all the bodies lying around on the floor. An enigma is created as it makes the audience question why so many have died, and more importantly why they are not buried. There is smoke and dust blowing across the landscape to emphasise a chaotic, apocalyptic, and wild setting for this film. Also, the ambient sound of howling wind can be heard behind the soundtrack which seems to be a song inspired by the culture of Somalia.
Another important feature of this opening is the use of 'Info-Boards' to explain the exposition. This information reinforces the bleak imagery of corpses which are in the scene and does not leave everything to look random.

There are no real opening TITLES or CREDITS in this sequence so my next post will be subjecting a film opening which actually has these included in it.

PRELIMINARY VIDEO AND ANALYSIS

To begin the AS Media coursework on VIDEO, I contributed to the production of a Conversation sequence. This is the Preliminary to the Final Video we will make and it's primary purpose is to demonstrate an understanding of the 180 degree rule with shot reverse shots and matching on action. I was behind the camera and did not take part in the acting for this sequence.

There are somne problems with this clip which caught my attention; I think it should have had more dialogue, to demonstrate the 180 degree rule further. I also believe there is a moment where the girl who is leaning on the wall (Chartlotte) turns to pick up the bag, and a medium shot of her is missing.

I'm happy with the sound bridge (of the door) over the cut as the girl enters the room. I also think the 180 degree rule worked well and the cutting on action as the bag was thrown to the ground.