Title Research: Get Out

1. There are 21 titles that are displayed into the 2 minute opening sequence. In the opening there are a lot of trees and wind. Towards the end of the 2 minutes you start to see things like people, animals, and cars. From the images the audience is able to infer that something is going to happen. The images give off an eerie feeling. The beginning made us feel like we were going on a road trip and looking out the window. The genre is reinforced through the uneasiness; the movie is foreshadowed by the opening sequence. The uses the lack of music in the beginning of the opening sequence to entice viewers to continue watching. The missing music makes viewers wonder why there isn't any music. 

Title Research: Twisted

Our group chose to research the movie "Twister," because it fit our genre so perfectly. Only 4 titles were displayed in the movies opening sequence. In the opening sequence you can see images of leafs, wind,  and pieces of metal and wood spinning around. The beginning made us feel like we were in an actual tornado. The genre is reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset by introducing a feeling of uneasiness; the sequence kind of foreshadowed what was about to occur. From the beginning we know that it’s going to be a massive tornado, which creates some anxiousness in the viewers. The opening places the audience in the characters position; then after the tornado stops it goes off to show an oil drill, and in the distance there's a sunset. The director appeals to the target audience by doing somewhat of a point-of-view- shot, they made the audience feel like they were  experiencing something, then they completely switch scenes, so it'll keep you wanting more. Technology was definitely used perfectly, the titles flew onto the screen as if they were being tossed by an actual tornado. The editing made you feel like you were spiraling inside of a tornado, it made you feel scared, and it made the movie feel real.

Title Research: Hostage

Today to start our title researching we watched the opening of the film “Hostage” . There was 30 titles displayed thought the 2 minutes of the opening sequence. There where a lot of images prioritized in this opening scene, such as guns, buildings, and soldier like characters. All these images tied in together to create a pretty cool looking opening. All these pictures led me to presume that there would be fighting, blood, and the use of guns in this movie, These images have off a savage vibe. The genre is reinforced through the symbolic and technical codes from the outset, because like all other thrillers, the outset of this film creates tension, anxiety, and a high level of anticipation. This outset established enigma, by the use of there male actress at the end of the outset. When the titles finished appearing, the scenes changed to a man sitting down, screaming, and the scene was cut in the middle of his sentence. Which of course makes the audience want to see more, since it was difficult for us to know what was going on. The director leaves the audience wanting to see the continuation of the scene which is how he appeals to his target audience. He makes sure there is enough suspense, so that the audience will be interested and want to watch the movie. I think technology was used effectively with how the whole outset was edited. The transitions where smooth, they weren’t going to fast or too slow with the alteration of the areas they were placed at. They were easy to point out, but did not take away from the camera angles used to display the titles. All in all, the outset of the film “Hostage” was really interesting to me, I can honestly say now I want to watch the movie.

What We Chose...

Today we started our title research process. The title sequence of a movie is one of the most important parts. It helps the viewers engage with the movie, it hints what you're about to watch. It's also used as a way to give credit to people who helped make the movie. This website helps viewers identify what title sequences are. The website also shines light on the creative minds that create these title sequences and the process behind them. This website is good if you want background on why people create title sequences and what goes into creating one. For a young filmmaker this is a very exciting website. They get to see all the dynamics and that goes into creating their very own sequence. Whenever I look back at all the movies I've watched, I realize that the title sequence does make a different. If the beginning of the movie is upbeat or reflects the scenes to come then I get really excited and I'm more engaged in the movie. My group and I are really excited to do this part of the movie because it allows everything to come together. It'll be a way for us to express our creative side, and it'll allow us to attract people to out movie project. That's why we're grateful for this website, it gives us a bit more knowledge, so that we'll be able to create the best film we possible can. I can't wait to see what we have created, I know it's going to be great, thanks to the website.  

Title Research

This is one of the sites I used to learn about the special art of titles in a movie. A job I thought had no significant meaning. I’ve always seen titles as words taking us space on the screen. Now I can  say that’s not the case at all. Today we start researching titles. We used this website because the have everything from animations, documentaries, etc. A wide range of films to watch and learn from. This site looks like it would be a good way to gain knowledge of what order the titles should go in. Also, how they’re supposed to tie into the film. I look forward to applying effective titles to my film. Titles that convey a tone or theme, one that grabs the audience attention. Titles can be very effective towards a film, so I think it’s important we know how to do them correctly. With the findings from this website I believe, we’ll be doing just that. I’ve been scoping through the film’s title sequence to see which one i’m going to watch first. Wish us luck on this title research

Film Research: John Wick

Most people enjoy watching action-thriller for the adrenaline that it provides, Nothing is more exciting than watching the characters get in trouble and try and make their way out of all the explosions, plot twists, and struggles. The real fanatics are able to recognize things like camera angles, camera movements, editing, etc. In “John Wick” they use many different camera angles. They used low angles,high angles, dutch angles, establishing shot, over the shoulder, wide shots, aerial and tilt angles. By using these shots and angles it felt like the audience was there, giving them the adrenaline rush they are looking for. 

The costumes used in this film are pretty simple the characters wear suits and casual clothes like jeans and t-shirts. At the beginning his wife is in a hospital gown. For most of the movie they use low key nad hard lighting because it creates a dark and ominous mood. They are able to keep the audience at the end of their seat by not revealing who the characters are right away. They also use natural lighting like in the funeral scene. They use prosthetic sculpting to make the injuries look real. For the props they use guns, cars, dead bodies, and computers. The John Wick was filmed in Manhattan, New York you can tell by the establishing shot they use. The sound used in the film are non diegetic and diegetic sounds and also foley sounds. These sounds are heard throughout, especially the fighting scenes.

Film Research: Taken

The other action thriller we chose to look at was the movie Taken. This motion picture featured a variety of camera angles and shots. This included closeups, low angles, high angles, over-the-shoulder shots, candid, medium shots, and long shots. These shots and angles help the audience be able to ultimately view the film in a unique way and see it much more vividly. The lighting that was used in this thriller included cinematic lighting, key light, and fill light. This allows makes the audience see the movie in different points of view. The various costumes that this movie encompasses includes a leather jacket, a tuxedo, a sweater, and among many others. The locations were back and forth, however the main point of interest was Paris. The actors that were in the movie included sex trafficing workers, spys, etc. The makeup that was used in this movie was various techniques to make injuries from fighting and abuse look real. The props that were used included guns, planes, suitcases, money, telephones, and etc. The various sounds that were used in this movie included diegetic sound, ambient sound, non-ambient sound, and etc. The elements of this film allow it to be a successful thriller. It is filled with suspense, which ultimately pulls the audience in great anticipation for what’s next.

Film Research: London had Fallen

Most people enjoy watching action thrillers because they’re able to experience being in danger without actually being in danger. I felt like the perfect movie to look into was “London Has Fallen,” 2016. It has the perfect amount of danger and thriller. Throughout the entire movie the audience is faced with continuous plot twist.

The camera angles, shots, and movement shots used in this film were high angle, low angle, eye-level, oblique, establishing shots, wide shots, long shots, medium shots, medium close ups, close ups, two shots, three shots, an aerial shot, a point of view shot, zoom, flash shot, tilt, and crane.

The costumes in this film were suit and ties, bullet proof vests, nike sweatsuits, casual everyday attire, military attire, police uniform, red tunics and bearskins, and trench coats. The types of lighting seen in the film is mainly key lighting which to highlight the characters or a specific subject, but they also use natural light, fill light, practical light, hard light, ambient light, and low-key light.The actors used in the film are mainly men, soldiers, secret service guards, common people, and Japanese terrorist.The makeup used in the film are prosthetic sculpting, molding and casting techniques, to make the wombs and injuries look real. The props used are guns, helicopters, masks, cars, flags, computers, monitors, walkie talkies, statues, etc. London has Fallen film locations were London of course, Cutty Sark, Somerset House, Dunsfold Aerodrome, and Big Ben. Sound included in this movie are diegetic sound, sound bridge, dialogue, soundtrack, score, indental music, and pholey.

This film has multiple elements that we can all enjoy. It keeps views on their toes because they never know what is going to happen next. It has a  complex story line and it causes your heart to quicken and you become more alert. The film has a lot of high energy, surprises, physical stunts and activity, fighting scenes, rescues, battles, gunshots, explosions, and big crashes. There wasn’t any elements about the film that I disliked, I loved everything about it. It kept me interested the whole time, and I felt a sense of victory at the end.

Film Research: Iron Man

   We decided to look more into the thriller film genre, by watching movies and listing the comments element that associate with the thriller genre found in these movies. The first movie we decided to research was Iron Man 3 it’s a thriller film from 2013. Common Camera angels we noticed in the film Iron man 3 were wide shots, low angle shots,close-ups, chase shots, and zoom ins and outs. Lighting we seen used in this film was Key lighting to highlight the form of the actors.  costumes found in this movie consist of Iron Mans metal suit, men wearing casual black suits, a lot of regular clothing were in there, but Metal-like costumes for the heroes and villains. Common locations found in this movie were in the sky, on earth etc. it was like in between back-and-forth different locations. Set design found in this movie, throughout the movie I will see different sets, for example interior stark mansion, interior stank industries, the bed room, garage, and much more. The common elements of course found in this thriller film were story, plot, character, and setting of course action being included. South included in this film consist of soundtracks, diegetic and non diegetic sounds, incidental music, and scores. We like this movie because it was suspenseful but not too suspenseful, it was interesting and intriguing and it kept me at the end of my seat I wanted to see more. What we did not like about this movie was all the tension. Throughout  the movie it created for me personally, knots in my stomach.

Which Genre Did We Pick?

 So far we've researched the 3 genres of musicals, action, and thrillers. Three very contrasting genres of film, all having different effects on their audience. The musical genre being the more family-friendly genre. Appealing to a wider range of people. The thriller, and action genre which have a few similar characteristics, attract viewers with their suspenseful plots. We decided to go with thriller genre. We feel like this genre's characteristics fit with the pitch of our film.

Genre Research...again

The first genre we're going to explore is the Musical genre. A musical is a form of theatrical performance that combines songs, spoken dialogue, acting and dancing. It uses humor, love, and anger. Common types of lighting you would see in a musical consist of spotlights, PAR lights, strip lights, scoop lights, LED stage lights, and Fresnel lanterns. Common camera angles found in musicals are tracking shots, overhead shots, long sequence shots, close up shots that keep only the full face in frame, and wide angles that let the audience see big group dances. Movement found in musicals, sonata form which is really simple and enhances the appreciation of classical music. Slow and lyrical with a lilting song like them, and dance like movement. Common Mis En Scene in musicals are bright stage light on individuals, dancing and singing.Elements of u musical consist of timbre, pitch, texture, tempo, duration, structure, dynamics, and silence. Examples of musicals are Manna Mia, Grease, and Hamilton. Musicals are appealing because the represent an escape from everyday life, they are able to heighten passion and emotion through the display of songs and dance.

The second genre we’re going to explore is the thriller genre. A thriller is a suspense film the evokes excitement and suspense in the audience. Lighting used in thriller movies are key lighting, under lighting, and filler light. Common camera angles and shots in thrillers are high angle shots, low angle shots, canted angles, wide shots, and panning shots.Common Mis En Scene in thriller, weapons art the common props in fight scenes, which are commonly used to create tension. The thriller genre uses the elements of story(action), plot, character and setting. The story in thrillers uses tension and excitement to stimulate the viewer's moods. Examples of this genre consists of Get Out, Taken, Seven, and Unknown. Thriller films are enjoyed because it keeps the audience at the end of their seats and build suspense and tension, it entertains the audience and engages them through the film.

Genre Research

This is a power point, created by my group mates and I explained the action genre. Including, what components an action movie consists of, example films, and etc. This powerpoint gives a general explanation of the action genre, so that a person learning would be able to understand. After reading our power point you'll be able to spot an action film from a mile away. This sets up the platform of how we will research the other genres. We have decided to research thrillers, and musicals. Two very contrasting genres of movies. 

Decision day

Today my group mates and I are going to choose a pitch. There are 3 pitches, but we’ve narrowed them down to two. Hopefully the final decision is an obvious choice. I already have my mind set on one of the pitches. The one I want to do I feel is the best but of course every plan had pros and cons. One of the pitches out of the two we narrowed them down to is “ walking to Walmart with her sister, she has lost while someone is following her, then she gets kidnapped.” The other “ empty parking lot on warehouse, 2-3 girls are robbing a man. With a gun to his head there’s someone in a hidden corner a gunshot go off.” I’m interested to see who votes for what in our final decision. I know it’s going to be a big discussion, since it takes everyone in my group a while to agree.
   
So while discussing the first pitch with my group we decided a few things. I personally thought this was a great pitch and that this which should be the one we choose. But my group me pointed out of course some cons about the pitch. This is the scenario in Walmart my group mate pointed out what if Walmart does not allow us to film in their store. Also she pointed out that kidnapping is so cliché, but I recommended we do something to spice it up a little bit. In addition to these cons, we listed the process of doing this pitch. We had the right amount of actors to act out the scene we wanted to do, and we all lived in exact area of the Walmart we were going to shoot at. Moreover, I thought we could do a creative twist on this kidnapping film. I didn’t want to film a cliché and call it day. I wanted to bring something new to the table.
   
The second pitch, about the empty parking lot with the warehouse and 2 to 3 girls  I felt was all wrong for a group. I feel really strongly about this decision and I didn’t want to do this pitch. I started to list a whole bunch of cons with this pitch. For example, where are we going to find a warehouse that’s going to let us film, and how are we going to portray us robbing someone. I felt like this page was incomplete. I didn’t see how this could be a whole movie and how the movie was started like this. Then I thought how are we going to get the props for this film if we were to choose this idea, no one had a response. In that moment, I thought it pretty clear what our decision had to be. We had to choose the first pitch idea, since it made more sense than the second one and we could do it more sufficiently. I for one think we made the best choice in choosing the first.

Starting the final task..finally!

       Hi my name is Dwana, but I think you already know that from my first blog. It is a new year so better and improved Dwana. I started the 11th grade this year and let me tell you it is more stressful than any thing I have ever done. In my first blog I mentioned that my personality type was a mediator so I do not like to mingle with people. Well I like to say that has changed a little. I am now more open to make new acquaintances. Notice I did not say friends. I like to hold that title to people I feel like I can really trust and I can not really get to know a person within a couple of months. Through these last 3 months I have taken up exercising which is something I would imagine myself saying. However since taking up the new hobby I see that my grades have improved because I am less tired in school. Another interesting thing that has happened is that I got a job. I find that the "work-school balance is easy to manage so far. My group mates for this project is Jahleel Eaton, Jasmine Jones, and Jushe Henry-Gibson
       I have learned many things this school year from taking just media. One of the best thing that I learned is Procrastination is your worst enemy. I know everyone says that, but this year right off the bat I learned something was going to have to change. Doing all the research for a music video or commercial is time consuming. Add in all the planning you have to then executing your plan can get really stressful at times. After the commercial we realized this was class that was going to require to do our work ahead of time. Now I say this as I am typing this 2 hours before it is due, but I really did become better. One thing that I also learned is that I really like filming things. I like to a movie or commercial come together in my head and it come out EXACTLY how I pictured it. Now I am not saying that I am the next Tarantino but it so far has been extremely fun to take this class.
       We recently learned what a pitch was in class. Now before this the only pitch was in baseball or softball. In Hollywood a pitch is an idea where a film is summarized in 25 seconds or less. Our first pitch idea was a thriller where two sisters are in Walmart, the younger sister gets lost in while looking for her she gets kidnapped. Our second pitch idea is a action/drama where 2 girls are robbing a menu while in the middle of the robbery a gun shot goes off but we don't know who is shot. our last pitch is a teen movie where a boy who is in the closet accidentally sends a text to the whole school revealing that he is transtiong to a different gender