Evaluation: Questions 1-7

Construction: Post Production

Editing

Once we had uploaded our raw footage onto PremierPro, we picked out the clips that were of the better quality in order to use them for our opening. and dragged them into the order in which we wanted them. After we had done this, we cut the length of some clips in order to ensure that they were suitable and that match on action was constant.  We had made a scene speed up to highlight time passing and that there is no escaping danger.  

We then included transitions between different cuts to ensure that tit runs smoothly. We  mainly used the transition dip to black for the flash back to show a passing in time. The sharp cut to the flashback offers no slow introduction to the death of Abigail.

Sound

Once the clips were placed in the correct order that we were pleased with, we then started by looking on Freesound for sounds that are constantly being used in horror films. We then looked at more specific sounds, such as a 'thump' noise that emphasises the victim's death by blunt force trauma. For example, we searched for sounds of watermelons being smashed to achieve an appropriate sound for when the lump hammer comes into contact with Abigail's head.

After we had found the sounds, we then had to use them to create a score for our opening. We did this by building up layers of different sounds and over laying them to add effect.

The score at the start of the opening is more sinister as it is following the movements of Eleanor as she plans to recreate the murders. The use of piano and violin creates an ominous atmosphere which is what we are aiming to create. The score changes when the chase scene is in process, to highlight the change in mood as the victim tries to escape the imminent doom. For this, we included more up tempo music to shows the adrenaline rush that she is feeling. 

Titles

We had messed around with the placement of our titles and where they should appear and decided that they should appear on the darkest part of the screen as the font colour was white, and so that it would be more visible to the audience.

The font we used for our opening is Nanum Brush Script, which has a stylistic similar to that commonly found in a horror movie opening. 

Construction: Evidence Of Filming

Below is a display of images in which we took whilst filming the scenes for our flashback to the original murders. Despite the fact that this scene does not appear first in the opening sequence, we discovered that it would enable us to include images taken from the 'original murders' in the investigation/research board, which is featured on Eleanor's bedroom wall in present time. 

We had previously filmed this scene on another occasion, however as a result of ineffective charging, the camera ran out of battery before we had finished filming the last few shots. This meant that we had to re-film each shot otherwise the lighting may have disrupted the continuity of the finished product. 

 We began by taking establishing shots of the location, in order to set the scene and give the audience an insight into the potential danger that Taylor's character is about to face. 

The photograph above is what we used as the main focal point of the investigation board, to link it back to the original murder, which is shown through the use of various different camera shots, angles and movements. 

 The two photos above were taken when exploring ideas on how to create the effect of blood splatters. 

Due to the time of day in which we ended up filming, it began to get dark reletively soon. We thought that this may become an issue during the post production process  as it could have effected the continuity. However, it became apparent that it would not pose a problem as the scene is edited to appear in black and white. 

Construction: Raw Footage And Bloopers

Bellow is a combination of raw footage and bloopers from our filming at our two locations.

After gathering all of our footage and uploading it to Premier pro, it became apparent that it would be necesarry to re film, as there were aspects of the filming in which we could have improved on. For example, whilst filming in our first location (the quarry), the camera died before we had completed all of the required shots, therefore re filming the entire thing would ensure that the lighting and continuity was correct. 

Also, we felt that some of the props did not fully make sense or were not clear to the audience. For example Leah's character originally had a knife, as shown in this video, however we later decided that a lump hammer would be more appropriate as it's the same weapon used in the murder in which she is trying to recreate. We also used an image of the original murder victim on the research board so that the flashback makes more sense.

Planning: Filming Schedule

This is the filming schedule for our horror movie. This ensures that we know exactly when we should have filmed certain shots for our film. It is important because it helps the group know when and where certain shots are meant to be filmed.

16th February 2016 - 

From 11:10 to 11:20 we will film shots 3, 5, 9, 11 and 12 giving us around 2 minutes per shot for the close ups and mid shots, which in the final cut, would be no longer than 5-10 seconds long, but the time will be used trying to see what angles work best and making sure that the actors are in the right place.

From 11:21 to 11:35 we will film our Point of View and Panning shots (shots 6 and 7), which would take slightly longer to film because we have to make sure that the camera is in the right place and that the angles we film would work. We will film various different angles for this so that we can choose what one works best in the final cut.

From 11:36 to 11:49 we will film our tracking in and out shots (shots 2 and 13), which would take this long because there are stairs to manoeuvre around and making sure that the lighting is satisfactory and that the actors would be able to be seen. The angle of the camera needs to be considered because the stairs are curved. 

18th February 2016 - 

At 12:00 AM on Friday 18th February 2016, the group and cast will meet at the quarry to film the establishing shot of a derelict building on sight at 12:05 AM. 

From 12:10 to 12:30 we will film shots 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 12 and 13, which are the running scenes which will take approximately 3 minutes per shot, which in the final cut, would take no longer than 10 seconds long per shot. Most of the time will be used determining which angle and where to place the camera is best for our film. 

From 12:31 to 12:35 we will film shot 6 which would take four minutes because we will consider possible angles for the close up. 

From 12:36 to 12:46 we will film shots 10 and 11 which are the panning shots of the area, and we will determine which angles work best and what place in the derelict building works best for the scene. 

From 12:47 to 12:57 we will film shots 14 and 15 which are the Point of View shots of the killer killing the victim, it will take 10 minutes to film because we need to get the angles in the correct place so that the fake blood wouldn't get on the camera while filming. 

And lastly, from 12:58 to 1:09 we will film shot 15 which is a low angle shot of the killers feet walking away from the scene of the crime. We decided to film it for this long, because it will help us decide what direction the killer walks away in and how he walks away from the scene. 

At 11:00 AM on Wednesday 16th February 2016, the group and cast will meet at 272 Bath Road to film the extreme close up (shot one) at 11:05 AM.

Planning: Producing A Shot List

The reason for shot listing is that you need to have an idea of what is going to happen within your film and the order in which it happens. Shot listing allows you, as a group, to make decisions as to what is going to be done and how it is going to be filmed, so it is effective for the target audience. Using a shotlist is a great way to improve the planning of your film by helping with organisation. Shotlists are a great way to avoid missing key shots for your film and ensuring that you have filmed everything that was needed. 

Date:	Location:	Shots:	Cast Needed:
16/02/16	Bathroad	Close up	Leah Mitchell
		Track out
		Mid shot
		Cut to door opening
		Close up
		Panning
		Point Of View
		Cut
		Close up
		Cut
		Long/Mid shot
		Low angle shot
		Tracking in
18/02/16	The Quarry	Establishing shot	Taylor Tillin and Ashley Paddick
		Long shot
		Mid shot
		Point Of View
		Panning
		Panning
		Close up
		Point Of View
		Low angle shot
		Close up

Planning: Considering Mise-En-Scene

Costume

Costume is an important factor to consider when making a film because it can be hugely influential on how the audience perceives the character, as their image can be shaped by what they wear. By planning what each character wears, it will effectively help us to think about how we would like each character to be represented to the audience.

Eleanor:

 Eleanor's costume will consist of a black hoodie, black jeans and black converse. We chose this particular outfit as we felt that it highlighted the fact that she is not a stereotypical teenage girl and seems to be detached from society. Her dark clothing, in comparison to her neutral and somewhat brightly coloured room, creates a clear contrast that emphasises a substantial difference in her personality and what is expected of her. 

                                           

Abigail

Abigail's costume will consist of a long fitted navy blue coat, a smart/casual patterned shirt, generic black jeans and black and white converse. Whilst some aspects of her character could be considered to be stereotypical, we wanted to portray Abigail as more of a counter typical female. We felt that this costume comes across as being elegant and sophisticated, whilst casual at the same time. This would perhaps help to communicate her personality to the audience, as it shows that whilst she takes some pride in her appearance, it is not her main priority and is more concerned with intellectual matters. We also thought that the addition of the coat would be appropriate due the fact that the location is fairly secluded, and therefore would have involved a lot of walking to get there. 

Elijah (Original Killer)

The original killer's costume will include a band jumper, black skinny jeans and black trainers. We decided on this costume as he is a stereotypical teenager in the sense that he fulfils the public's current perception of young people today, specifically teenagers. For example, many teens are categorised thieving, knife-carrying, troublemakers who loiter the streets, which is typically what Elijah has been known for. Also, generally, you can tell a lot about a person based on what type of music they listen to. For instance, the killer's choice of music happens to be quite violent, therefore possibly expressing his violent tendencies. 

Props

Props help to form a sense of realism when watching a film, and also serve as tools for the actors to get the feel for their role, which would help improve characterisation. They can also often go a long way towards conveying the time and place of the narrative.

We gathered a range of images from Google, which included rather graphic images of past crime scenes and news articles relating to cases in which people have been murdered or have gone missing. We also included images of notorious serial killers, possible murder weapons and possible locations in which a murder could take place or has previously. We then cut them up and strategically placed them in a juxtaposition on the wall, linking them to specific locations using string and pins.

Our aim was to recreate an investigation wall, something of which you would typically associate with crime dramas such as CSI or NCIS. Through the use of this prop, we hoped to express that Eleanor's character could be classified as a psychopath. The fact that she has devised and researched such a detailed plan of ways in which she could recreate previous murders, considers to be a particularly morbid yet intelligent character.

We acknowledged the fact that fake blood is commonly used within the making of horror films, and therefore decided to make our own. To do this we purchased a bottle of golden syrup, red and blue food colouring and combined them with a small amount of water to form the right texture. We thought that the squirty-cap bottle would be useful when creating blood splatters and therefore used it to contain the mixture. When it comes to filming, we plan to use toothbrushes as a method of flicking the blood onto the face of the killer.

We decided that the lump hammer was both, the original and the copycat killer's weapon of choice, and is therefore quite a significant prop as it makes multiple appearances throughout the opening.

Planning: Changes To Casting

We decided to slightly change the plot for the film such as the time period in which it is set, and therefore made changes to the characters involved and the actors who portray them.

Stereotypically, women are seen as being the caring and nurturing gender, whilst men are seen as more prone to violent outbursts, therefore more likely to be portraying the role of a psychopath. For this reason, we decided to make the copy-cat killer a counter typical female, Eleanor. We have now casted Leah Mitchell for this role as she is currently studying A level drama, with previous experience from GCSE, meaning that she capable of accurately playing the character.

We also decided to remove the character Ben as we felt that he was irrelevant to the plot and made more sense to have just one main character as the recent serial killer.

Also, Ashley was unable to take part in our filming. Because of this, we casted George Denton to play the role of the original killer, Elijah, instead. George was fit for this role as he had similiar physical characteristics/attributes as to how we pictured Elijah. He is also not shy in front of the camera, which will be an advantage when filming.