Narrator Research

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xqr8yPipfJ8&feature=related

This clip is of the first episode of The Inbetweeners. Our film is a first person narrative therefore I have chosen the Inbetweeners for inspiration, as it is narrated by the main character, Will.

What i've noticed about this narrative is it firstly, it's a voice over. This helps to show the audience information whilst been told about it; almost like we're reading the character's mind. This makes the audience feel like they know more about the story than the characters themselves. Additionally, the film cuts between Will walking into the building (which is the present) and flash backs as he quickly reviews his life. This is for a change, also helps the audience know more about the character and situation, and the change of tense and scenery maintains audience interest.

Throughout the clip, the narrative leads up to the present to the point in which Will starts talking within the present tense. This helps the audience know exactly where they are within the clip and maintains continuity.

The structure of narrative begins with the character introducing themselves quickly, then leads on to tell the audience about themselves, using flashbacks as examples. Then it goes onto explain what has happened in their life to lead them up to their current position. This, also, helps with continuity, audience knowledge and interest. 

Detailed film poster research

As part of my film poster research i have chosen to look in detail at several aspects of film posters. What was instantly noticeable to me is that while some posters feature a wide range of information including  Film titles, Release dates, cast information and production/distribution company logos. others are a lot more simple and only feature the films title and maybe one lead character or a quote from the film. all the screen shots below show the most informative posters i was able to find. when looking at the posters below there are several aspects we could include in the design of our film are the use of short one line featured ofter underneath the films title to grab the audiences attention 'the future begins" & 'absolutely nothing in moderation" are just two examples of this. Each of the six posters below all feature either a release date or a coming soon tag line along with a web adress of the film. to make our poster more professional we could take this idea and apply it to our designs. 

The first thing i looked at when analyzing the posters is the text of the main title here both the font and the colour is essential to the overall feel of the poster. as it will be the largest tex on the page designers can be more creative with this font and are able to reprisent the feel of the film more. two good posters to look a in this post are the rum diary and casino royal. the way rum diary represents the film is the slanted style drunk text highlighted bye the difference in colour. casino royal on the other hand features a motion blur possibly representing the fast pace and car chases included in the film.

The next thing i choose to look at was the main body of text after some research ive discovered that the font used is called steel tongs. whats interesting about this body of text is the difference in size between important and minor filler text  words such as "and the as" are all in a smaller size than the name of the actors or key characters.

Finally i looked at the bottom line on all the posters, this normally features the logos of all producers and distributers that contribute to the production of the film. to make our film more representative of a true movie poster we will need to include this information in ouf film poser.

Final Poster Idea

I like this poster the best because

Camera Shoots and Angles

This post is all about possible camera shots and angles that as a group we may encounter or want to use as part of our film i think it is important that we learn these shots as there may be some that we do not know but would be extremely useful in our final film. 

EWS

The EWS is often used as an "establishing shot" - the first shot of a new scene, designed to show the audience where the action is taking place.

It is also useful in scenes where the action is very spread out. For example, in a war movie an extreme wide shot can show the scale of the action.

The EWS is also known as an extra long shot or extreme long shot (acronym XLS).

WS

In the wide shot, the subject takes up the full frame. In this case, the boy's feet are almost at the bottom of frame and his head is almost at the top.

MS

The mid shot shows some part of the subject in more detail, whilst still showing enough for the audience to feel as if they were looking at the whole subject. In fact, this is an approximation of how you would see a person "in the flesh" if you were having a casual conversation. You wouldn't be paying any attention to their lower body, so that part of the picture is unnecessary.

The MS is appropriate when the subject is speaking without too much emotion or intense concentration. It also works well when the intent is to deliver information, which is why it is frequently used by television news presenters. You will often see a story begin with a MS of the reporter (providing information), followed by closer shots of interview subjects (providing reactions and emotion).

MCU

The medium closeup is half way between a mid shot and a close up. This shot shows the face more clearly, without getting uncomfortably close.

CU

In the closeup shot, a certain feature or part of the subject takes up most of the frame. A close up of a person usually means a close up of their face (unless specified otherwise).

Close-ups are obviously useful for showing detail and can also be used as a cut-in.

A close-up of a person emphasizes their emotional state. Whereas a mid-shot or wide-shot is more appropriate for delivering facts and general information, a close-up exaggerates facial expressions which convey emotion. The viewer is drawn into the subject's personal space and shares their feelings.

ECU

The ECU (also known as XCU) gets right in and shows extreme detail.

You would normally need a specific reason to get this close. It is too close to show general reactions or emotion except in very dramatic scenes.

OS

this shot is framed from behind a person who is looking at the subject. The person facing the subject should usually occupy about 1/3 of the frame.

This shot helps to establish the position of each person, and get the feel of looking at one person from the other's point of view.

It's common to cut between these shots during a conversation, alternating the view between the different speakers.

POV

This shot shows a view from the subject's perspective. It is usually edited in such a way that it is obvious whose POV it 

Camera Angles

The term camera angle means slightly different things to different people but it always refers to the way a shot is composed. Some people use it to include allcamera shot types, others use it to specifically mean the angle between the camera and the subject. We will concentrate on the literal interpretation of camera angles, that is, the angle of the camera relative to the subject.

Eye-Level

This is the most common view, being the real-world angle that we are all used to. It shows subjects as we would expect to see them in real life. It is a fairly neutral shot.

High Angle

A high angle shows the subject from above, i.e. the camera is angled down towards the subject. This has the effect of diminishing the subject, making them appear less powerful, less significant or even submissive.

Low Angle

This shows the subject from below, giving them the impression of being more powerful or dominant.

Bird's Eye

The scene is shown from directly above. This is a completely different and somewhat unnatural point of view which can be used for dramatic effect or for showing a different spatial perspective.

In drama it can be used to show the positions and motions of different characters and objects, enabling the viewer to see things the characters can't.

The bird's-eye view is also very useful in sports, documentaries, etc.

Slanted

Also known as a dutch tilt, this is where the camera is purposely tilted to one side so the horizon is on an angle. This creates an interesting and dramatic effect. 

poster research

In order to create a film poser for our project i decided to research into the posters of films with a similar genre, The first poster i looked at is from the film Alice in wonderland. I chose this film because like our film it is a modern twist on the traditional tale. Like most film posters this one features a key character from the plot and is situated in a location that you would expect to see in the film. What i particularly like about this poster is the build up of layers, initial what you notice is a lead character and then one by one several other aspects become more noticeable, for example the castle in the background of one of the other minor characters perched on the top right mushroom. You can clearly see from this poster that the genre of this film is going ti be a fairy tale with both the typography style of the text and CG I graphics used.

This image is another example of  a poster from a fairy-tale, what is instantly noticeable about this poster is its similarities with other posters of the same genre, when you look at this image and the one above you can see that both posters feature a similar text and a large picture of a lead character. Another similarity is that the background to the poster is the location of the film in this case Christmas in pairs  the colours used on this poster mean that the text is ensured to stand out and be noticed i could take this idea for use in my posters by using contrasting colour to make important detail stand out.

Compared to the other posters of the fairytale genre this one is rather more dark and dull looking. you can tell from this poster that the plot is therefor more dark and not the happy magical genre you would expect. similarities however include the featuring the lead characters on the poster and the style of font used on the title. This poster uses like many others uses digital images as part of its design and its background is also the main location for the film. since our film features more of a dark plot instead of a magical fantasy theme this poster would be a good one to look at, eliminates we could take from this poster are its colour scheme and layout.

Shot List

Location Recce: Location 3

Risk Assessment: Location 3

Title Sequence Reference

For our film, we require a short title sequence that has to entice the audience to want to watch the rest of the film; however with the film only being 6 minutes long, the title sequence can't be too long. Here is a short film we've already used but the title sequence is short and sweet.



I like the title sequence as it is short and to the point. It begins with an opening introduction to the company who made the film. This acts as an advertisement purpose. Secondly, it says this company presents the film. This acts as a welcome and in the background, the sound of a child laughing along with the music gives the effect that something is happening or going on, and makes the audience what to find out what it is. Then the title comes up in an animated effect and fades off screen with the volume of the laughter and music increasing, creating tention in the audience who want to know what's happening. Lastly, all these combined create a very professional finish to the sequence.

As the first scene appears, it is music playing over what appears to be a flashback. The limitation of sound implies this; as if it's not really happening. As this scene continues, the first credits appear on the screen; the director, who it's starring and the editor. The use of flash-backs at the beginning with the title sequence also makes the audience want to continue watching to find out what's happened. This is the use of the .... theory where the film begins with a memory so the audience has limited knowledge without watching too much of the main film.

Film Poster 3: Initial Ideas

This is my third design for our movie poster. I have chosen the colour blue, as the film's topic is, overall, rather somber. Though it doesn't appear that way at the beginning of the film, this poster will foreshadow tragic events.

For the main focal point, i have chosen the main character. This is so the audience know exactly who the film is about. I have also layered over the main character a smashed window effect to reflect the film title, "The Last Shards". Layering this over the character's face is to make the audience ask themselves what it could be about: whether it's because the character is trapped, or miserable, or an out-cast etc. By not giving away too much information within the poster, it makes the audience question and want to watch it to find out what it's about. 

However, one aspect i dislike about this poster is because there's only one of the characters in it. This means it doesn't give away enough information for the audience to be interested and be engrossed by it. In my next design, i will include the secondary main character.  

Film Poster 2: Initial Ideas

Film Poster 1: Initial Ideas

Film Poster 3 Initial Ideas

Film Poster 2 Initial Ideas

Film Poster 1 Initial Ideas

Final Script Completed!

Final Script

Act 1 Scene 1 [Close up of Ella]

Ella: (narrative voice over) My mum once said to me: Get busy living, or get busy dying. That’s why I decided to go to Seth’s after prom party on the 30^th of June, 2012. I’m Ella.

Title: The Last Shards

Act 1 Scene 2

Ella is sat on her bed, cross legged, reading a text

Ella: (narrative voice over) I’ve never been able to fit with people my age. I don’t binge drink, I don’t bitch, I hate shopping and my family are poor, which seems to annoy everyone else. So instead of trying to interact with the population knowing I’m going to be shunned, I keep to myself.

Act 1 Scene 3

Ella is sat reading alone outside her school on a bench. Nicole, her sister, skips joyfully towards her and sits down next to her.

Nicole: (cheerfully) Hey (sits down next to Ella)

Ella: (narrative voice over) that’s my sister, Nicole. She’s in the sixth form now. The complete opposite to me. Out with her mates all the time, she’s hardly in the house.

Nicole: (enthusiastically) Watcha doin?

Ella: Just reading.

Nicole: (interested) When are you not reading. (chuckles). You fancy coming shopping with me? (Ella raises her eyebrow at her) I know you hate shopping, but we could get something to eat if you want? (Smiles, hopingly)

Ella: (Smiles in agreement) Sure, why not.

Nicole smiles pleasingly, pushes herself up and exits the shot. Chez the chav walks up from behind and taps her on the shoulder.

Chez: (cheerfully) Oreyt, youns! Fuckin’ ‘ell like, fancy fuckin’ seeing you ‘ere! (nudges her shoulder then puts hands in pockets)

Ella: (slight annoyance) Oh, hey Chez. (continues reading)

Chez walks away disappointed and does up his zip and hood. Ella looks up in front of her and notices Seth. Seth glances over at her from a few yards away and the corner of his mouth turns up slightly at her. Ella gives a small hand gesture that was meant to be a wave.

Ella: (voice over narrative) That’s Seth. I’ve liked him for years and he hardly knows I exist. Get the odd “hi” every so often. Haven’t got a chance in hell with him.  So life’s not too bad so far. Well, when I say not too bad…

Act 1 Scene 4

Scene cuts to Ella walking up a path when the two bullies walk up to her, facing their backs and Ella’s front

Bully 1: Look who it is! It’s the she-male!

Bully 2: (patronising and sarcastic) Do you have a penis, Ella?

Bully1: (sarcastic happy) Coming to the prom, this year? Oh! Forgot, you can’t afford a prom dress. I’m sure there’s some bin bags lying around. Don’t see why you’ve even got a phone; no one wants to talk to you.

Both bullies shoulder barge past Ella, with Bully 1 in front

Act 2 Scene 1

The flashbacks end and cut back to Ella’s room where the camera shows what the text says. Ava’s mum knocks on her door then enters her room.

Mum: [the door is open; mum knocks on door then enters the room] Ell? What’s up?

Ella: [sighs, looks from text to mum, then back to the text] Nothing

Mum: Is it because you can’t go to the prom?

Ella: (shakes head) Nicole’s asked me to go to Seth’s after-prom party.

Mum: Well go! You’ll have fun! Isn’t he that lad you like?

Ella: Everyone’s going, though. Those two will be there, Chez probably will be… (sighs)

Mum: You can’t keep running away from every problem you face. Bullies have a lot of hate in their lives with nothing better to do. They will be jealous of you. Stand up to your problems and live your life! It’s the only thing standing in the way of a kind, intelligent girl like you. Stand up to those two and I promise… they’ll leave you alone!

[Ella looks at mum hopefully]

Mum: Get busy living, or get busy dying.

[close up] Ella smiles at her mum  then looks away with a triumphant look in her eyes.

Act 2 Scene 2

Chez is in the kitchen, looking at a photo he took of Ella. The camera pulls focus from a kitchen knife to his face in medium low angle shot.

Act 2 Scene 3

Ella arrives outside Seth’s house. She knocks on the door and is greeted by Nicole and Seth. Ella says nothing and simply smiles

Nicole: You made it! (takes Ella by the hand and drags her in)

Seth: Come in! You must be cold.

Ella stumbles into the house and Nicole walks away. Seth gestures to Ella to come into the next room and she grins.

Seth: Ella, I…

Camera catches Bully 1 behind Ella

Bully 1: Oh my god! (Ella slowly turns round; Seth puts his hand to his face with embarrassment) Looks like the she male found a bin bag after all!

Ella: (pins bully 1 up against the wall, speaks quietly but angrily) Shut it. Just shut it! I’ve had enough of your bullshit. You ever come near me again; I’ll shove my fist down your throat.  

Ella lets go of bully 1 and walks away, leaving bully 1 stunned who shamefully walks out of the room and scene. Ella sits down and Seth sits next to her.

Seth: Ell, I need to tell you something… [cut off]

Ella: Well, I need to tell you something…[cut off]

Seth: I love you [blurts out]

Ella: [pause] what? [Chez looks on angrily in the background]

Seth: It’s true. I’m sorry I’ve never shown it before.

Ella: You’ve no idea how long I’ve wanted you to say that.

Chez intercepts the two, stands over Seth and pushes his shoulder.

Chez: Oi! I wanna word wi’ you, dickhead!

Seth: Don’t talk to me like that.

 Seth stands up, starts shoving and shoulder barging Seth. Ella quickly intervenes and pushes Chez to the ground.

Ella: Leave him alone!

As Chez falls to the ground, a bloody knife falls out of his grasp onto the floor. Everyone begins screaming, when Nicole points at Ella

Ella: [exclaims and pointing] Oh my god, Ella!

Ella looks down to see she has been stabbed. She falls to the floor as Nicole and Seth rush to her aid.

Seth: Call 999! Get an ambulance here, now!

Seth holds Ella’s arm as she looks up at the ceiling, struggling to breathe then blood starts dribbling from the corner of her mouth

Ella:  (narrative voice over as screen fades to black) Get busy living, or get busy dying

Character Profile: Seth (played by Joe Smith)

D.O.B: 10 November 1995
Gender: Male
Interested in: Women
Relationship status: Single
Religious views: Atheist
Political views: Labour
Home town: Barnsley

About: Seth is friendly and loves to help out any way he can. He is care free, laid back and loves to get along with people. He's out going and enjoys hosting house parties. His favourite food is curry and his favourite music is Alternate rock. You'll often find him around the town centre with friends or at Meadowhall... with more friends. He secretly has a crush on Ella, but has always been too shy to say anything, as his emotions run deep within him.

Within our fairy tale, Seth is the prince charming and the hero. 

Theories of Narrative template

Theories of Narrative

Plot:

Everything presented on the film, diegetic/non-diegetic

Story:

All events: both those presented and those implied

Story consists of:

 Inferred events – Explicitly presented events – plot – extra non-diegetic material (credits, titles etc.)

Cause and effect

One thing happens which leads to another chain of events which in effect creates the whole film, for example: Bruce Willis takes his socks off to get rid of jetlag, when in building, the terrorists shoot glass to injure him. Bruce Willis kills Heinrick, which makes Karl want revenge, so he goes after him, but after acquiring Heinrick’s gun, the two have a battle.

Time

Screen time: Shortest. How long something is on screen for (2 hours approx.)

Story time: The longest. As it goes form the earliest implied event (a story that origins 300 years ago to present day)

Plot time: Second longest. Everything you see on the screen (a child’s birth to it growing up to be an adult)

Narration

The way that part of the story arranges information and feeds it to the audience.

Range:

1: Unrestricted: The audience know more than any of the characters in the film

2: Restricted: Know no more than what the characters do or than what’s been seen.

(Most narratives are inbetween)

Depth:

1: Objective - object

2: Subjective – people

Claude Levi Strauss Binary Oppositions

Looks at sets of opposites in them. Binary means there are two, then it’s opposite. Obvious with:

Good verses Evil (Fairy Tales)

Light verses Dark (Martial art/redemption films/horror films)

Up verses Down (buildings, house stories)

Nature verses Industry (The Simpsons)

East verses West (racism, hip-hop, cultures)

North verses South (Braveheart)

Clean verses Dirty (Jeremy Kyle)

Syd Field’s Three Act Plot

Act 1: Set up (Introduce to the film, get the audience interested, quick insight to what the film is about)

Act 2: Confrontation (longest part of the film, main story and climax)

Act 3: Resolution (Hero/Villain controls the situation, gains a victory/loss, prize, recognition)

This research will help us within our film, as half of our film is purely narrated flash backs and a very important feature that links the two halves of our film together. Our film plot corresponds with the Syd Field 3 Act Plot and restricted narrative.