4- Evaluation and reflection of the creative process and your experience

EVALUATION

My opening sequence, ‘Dance of the Dead’ uses conventions of real media products. Based on the two openings, ‘Scary Movie’ and ‘Shaun of the Dead’ which I analysed, I found that there were many similarities between them. My ‘horror-comedy’ begins with a news report similar to a scene in ‘Shaun of the Dead’ where the protagonist sees the reports of a zombie attack whilst watching television. However, my take on the situation was rather more serious to build up tension/fear whilst ‘Shaun of the Dead’ immediately sets out humorous elements. I think ‘Scary Movie’ also played a part in developing the final outcome of my opening sequence as the movie has been familiarized for containing elements of ‘parody’

<---- news report from 'Dance of the Dead'.

zombies in film 'Shaun of the Dead'


Both images do not present the stereotypical image of zombies and are therefore for the purpose of comedy rather than horror.

I think my opening sequence presents particular social groups in an ordinary way. As my sequence did not intend to present specific stereotypes of the teenagers involved, I think I achieved what I set out in terms of representation. In the light of this comment, there were not many characters involved in my opening sequence and if I were to improve on this, I would have presented a rather more 'close up and personal' approach to a particular social group in order for the audience to become more involved within the film as well as allowing them to familiarise themselves with the characters also.

Based on the content of my opening sequence, I did however intend to present specific elements which only teenagers would understand and may relate to, in terms of parodies. For example, the judging table is represented in the style of ‘X Factor’.


The X factor judges. I took this as an inspiration for the judging scene in my film.

<------ my presentation of the judges x factor parody.

Given more time, I would have liked to have presented this clip in a more professional standard so as to present it in a more 'X factor' manner. The lighting in this particula scene is also rather dark and so this could have also been improved on.

I think my target audience, which was originally for teenagers remains the same, although after observing my final opening sequence, it could appear to also focus on a younger audience, (12+) as the content is not rude and does not use language better suited to older viewers, although I think that the comic elements are better suited towards teenagers/young adults.

I think the type of media institution that may distribute my media product would be a local institution which will focus on rather more low budget type films as my film does not present particularly types of special effects which would classify it as a 'Hollywood type' film. After completing my film, it appears to still fit in with the majority of my original methods (3.3 synopsis of opening sequence).

I attracted my targeted audience by involving teenage characters. The location of my film, the common room is also a place familiar to those who attend college/sixth form whilst presenting an ordinary, everyday scenario. Looking at some of the results from my questionnaire, a few people did not feel as though the portrayal of teenagers was adequate enough in order to make the opening sequence appeal to them so this could be an issue of improvement.

<------------- common roon scene prior to news report announcing zombie attack. (on final cut pro)

From constructing my opening sequence, I have improved on my knowledge of a range of technology. Whilst filming, not only was I able to further develop my understanding of particular camera angles in order to achieve the effects I intended. Final cut pro played a major role in the way we managed to edit our film, allowing us to present particular clips in a humorous manner.

'Dance- off' as seen on final cut pro.

In order to attract my audience, I attempted to present elements of comedy as much as possible within my film. As the questionnaire results feedback showed, that the majority of my targeted audience could see my attempt of this in my film. Although many of my targeted audience stated that they felt as though my film was more 'low budget', many of them suggested that it increased the elements of comedy and so I was satisfied with this. There were no specific portrayals of social class or groups of society and the feedback was able to tell me that the portrayal of teenagers were not offensive or stereotyped. Going back on the synopsis of my film, I had intended on creating elements which would convey particular stereotypes although I think this did not affect the outcome of the film.

The internet on the whole was a major advantage in terms of been able to research on particular methods used, for example, youtube allowed me to research on the two opening sequences, ‘Scary Movie’ and ‘Shaun of the Dead’ which further enabled me to convey particular stereotypes within the ‘horror-comedy’ genre. As well as youtube, websites such as google and ask aided my research. Blogger.com allowed me to keep a track of methods I had previously used, as well as playing the part of a ‘notebook’ in the sense that I was able to keep a record of the progression of my opening sequence.

<--------- scene from 'Scary Movie'. I was able to make an in-depth research on the film so as to use it as one of the films I chose to analyse before making my 'horror-comedy' based film.

<------- Scene from 'Shaun of the Dead'.

The internet allowed me also to research on this particular film so as to compare it with the film i created. I think my film is based more on 'Shaun of the Dead' rather than 'Scary Movie' as it follows the zombie plot storyline as well as having the name 'Dance of the Dead' as an inspiration from the name.

Looking back at my preliminary task, I feel as though it helped me to produce this task. Although the scenes we filmed were not at all linked with my final product, we experimented with lighting whilst presenting the 180 degree rule and we also used the green screen in a news report scene which allowed us to understand how it works so as to incorporate the method in our opening sequence. It was also very necessary to have done the preliminary task as it was my first major attempt at presenting 'professional type' methods of filming whilst further expanding my knowledge of specific technology, for example, final cut pro.

I felt as though there were however many flaws in my film which giving the chance I would make changes to. For instance, some of my green screening did not appear to my expected standard. Also, there were many parts in the film I would have liked to include which would have made the opening sequence to appeal to a more 'horror' standard. The zombie in my film could have had certain make up which would have made him appear to be more 'zombie-like'.

3.10.4 - Summary explaining successes in addressing target audience

Based on the results of my questionnaire, I found that I was particularly succesful in addressing my target audience as they were able to understand particular scenes which I specifically chose for them. Many of my results showed that my audience were interested in conventional elements found in horror films which my film showed. For example, the 'frightened' expression on the protagonists face demonstrated stereotypical elements usually found in horror films. Also, my audience also managed to pick up on the news report scene which was originally based on a scene from 'Shaun of the Dead', a film I chose to analyse.

3.10.3.20 Results tailed from questionnaire

RE: 1) what ways does your media product use, challenge, develop forms of conventions of real media products?

-The majority of results picked up on my use of effects such as the green screen which helped present a more technical approach shown in films

- 'comedy-horror' stereotypes were also picked up on.

2) RE: The film was meant to appeal to an audience of 12+...

- The majority of my results agreed with my interpretations of films of this rating.

- A few of my results felt as though my film presented elements more suited to an older audience

- Some results disagreed stating 'some scenes were more suited for older viewers'

RE: 3) What else would you like to see.....

- Many agreed on more scenes of comedy throughout the sequence

-Some felt as though the film did not present a 'horror' element to it's fullest.

- A few also felt as though clothing and atmosphere in my film could be improved so as to set out the sequence in a more professional manner. 'The zombie could have had some make up to complement the choice in his clothing'.

RE 4) What makes my opening sequence professional/not a professional standard?

- Many agreed on use of techniques such as green screen helped make it appear professional

-Some felt the acting was believable

- A few stated it was unprofessional as it was of a low budget standard, although they felt this increased it's elements of comedy.

RE 5) What impression does my opening sequence give about social groups...

- Many agreed it presented youths of today as they are.

-A few felt it did not give enough of a 'youthful impression'.

Analysis of my opening sequence: 'Dance of the Dead'

'Dance of the Dead'

CHEAL Production (2009)

My opening sequence is called 'Dance of the Dead'. The name is a play on the horror comedy film 'Shaun of the Dead' which I previously chose to analyse.

DECONSTRUCTION OF SHOT SEQUENCE

• 
  
  
  
  SHOT TYPES & FRAMING
  

Medium close-up of protagonist entering common room.

long shot of character opening the door prior to entering common room.

long shot of characters sitting in common room.

medium close up of news reporter announcing 'breaking news' .

close up on protagonist's face (connoting fear)

medium close up of zombie after entering common room .

Extreme close up on zombie's face which quickly follows onto the protagonists face (further connoting fear in facial expression)

long shot on zombie and boy before 'zombie dance off''.

EDITING

Cross cuts on zombie and boy during dance off .

shot/reverse shot of facial expressions of zombie and boy.

Green screen during the 'breaking news report' in order to add image of the zombie as well as to create a fitting background.

Green screen is also used during the 'dance off'' and lazer-type lights are added to present a 'disco/clubbing' mood further connoting element of comedy.

Green screen is used to present the television which the protagonist and other characters within the common room scene are able to see the news report.

LIGHTING

Unnatural lighting- dark lighting connoting sense of mystery (horror)

darker lighting also helps creates a fearful atmosphere as we are not aware of what is to come when the protagonist enters the common room. Possibly an element of suspence?

SOUND

'Cheal Production' opening features a voice emphasising it is a comedy-based production. (recording not a copy, original source)

'CHEAL' Production logo via final cut pro. My intention on creating this logo was to present a 'horror' feel which is then presented in our film.

'news report' style music is also added before news report is shown and during announcement. (copyright free). This also helps set a more realistic outlook on the scene.

'Dance-off' features Michael Jackson's 'BAD' (Copyright free source).

There is limited dialogue throughout the opening sequence. The majority of the dialogue is heard in the opening with the news report and the judging scene at the end.

PRODUCTION

Directed & Produced by: Enshell Cameron, Leslie Ibegbulem & Adam Hawkins. As a group, we took turns to film, edit and feature in the film.

HOW DO THESE DETAILS IMPACT ON TARGET AUDIENCE?

RATING: 12+ I felt as though my film was intended for older children and over as even though there is no particular use of strong language, violence or scenes of a sexual nature, the content within the sequence does however feature elements better suited for an older audience which also helps further understand the comic elements within the opening sequence.

I intended on creating a comic element towards my film hence the use of green screens in order to add details which may not have been possible without. the sounds along with the images are of a comic element also.

Looking at the results from the questionnaire, the majority of my target audience were not specific on the details they would have liked to see although a wide range of comic elements were preffered. Based on the final outcome of my film, I feel as though I presented the requirements although given more time, I would have preffered to include a wider range of shot types and 'horror' elements.

3.10. Questionnaire for your target audience after watching

'Dance of the Dead' Questionnaire

1)In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?




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2)This film was meant to appeal to an audience of 12+/ teenagers/young adults. 3 Things I did to address this were: demonstrate a particular 'grown up' atmosphere although being aware that it is a comedy, still manage to add humour, though not in a cartoon sense. I was also able to present scenarios (for instance, the X factor parody) which younger viewers would be more aware of. Do you agree?

____________________

3)What else would you like to see/hear in the opening sequence that would encourage you to watch the rest of the film?

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4)What makes my opening sequence professional/ not to a professional standard?

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5)What impression does my opening sequence give you about the groups of society that are in it?

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6)Does this interest you or cause you to lose interest in the film?

__________________________________________________________________

7)Would you buy the T shirt?

_________________

8)Could this be a Hollywood film, an art house film or a low budget film?

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9)What makes you say this?

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3.9 - Successes during production

12/3
Though we were not ready to begin our filming, we managed to take still shots of our storyboard so as to get a further idea on how we intend on demonstrating our film. We managed to take the first couple of shots and this will help us when we begin filming.

19/3
We were able to begin our filming. We started off with the news report scene.

20/3
Filming- We continued filming. We managed to film the first 5 shots in our storyboards, trying as much as possible to present different angles/alternate filming techniques which will make it easier when editing.

24/3

Continued to film. We attempted to present techniques which we had not previously shown. For example, the shot reverse shot and extreme close ups. We filmed this various times so as to be able to choose from a wide range of clips whilst editing. The particular shots we filmed focused on the actions prior to the 'zombie dance-off ' .

4/4

'Zombie dance-off'. We were able to film the first dance-off between the two major characters. We filmed this in front of the green screen with the hopes of adding an image during editing. We filmed several times in order to have a choice from which shots were more successful than others. We were also able to film our 'x factor parody' scene where the judges were able to comment on the performance of the boy vs. zombie.

3.8 Production Problems

3/3:

- Whilst working on the call sheet, I realised that I haven't yet found the complete cast for our opening sequence and could therefore not finish the draft of my call sheet as I had intended to do today.

- Since I do not attend Stoke Newington School full-time like the other two people in my group, Adam & Enshell, I am as of this moment not particularly sure when it will be best for our 'out -of- lesson' filming to occur and have to keep looking at the Gantt Chart shooting schedule to have an idea of possible dates of filming outside our classroom lessons.

13/3

- We were not able to film as we intended. However, we carried on with the preparations, for example, our schedule and general thoughts on how to present our opening sequence.

3.4 Shot list of opening sequence

Here is my contribution/suggestion of the shot list for my opening title sequence in the genre of 'Horror-comedy'

1. Establishing shot on school/college grounds setting location of film.


2. Long shot of students/ordinary day, Establishing shot of 'lounging area/common room'


3. Medium close up on television screen reporting 'breaking news' announcement on zombie invasion in town. (Possibly over - the - shoulder shot)


4. Close up on characters facial expressions [fear?]


5. Extreme close up on zombie's faces - ridiculous expressions [connotes comedy]


6. Students begin to panic - long shot of characters making a run around school building - shot of running feet/ stumbling/panting.


7. 1st person ('Blair Witch' effect) of students fears whilst running away from zombies. P.O.V from from runner to danger (zombies)


8. L.S on 'safety' location.


9. Characters enter 'safety' location. Zombies break in (possibly begin to break dance)


10. Split screen. Characters vs. Zombies dance off.

3.3 - Synopsis of my complete film

Based on my chosen genre of 'Horror Comedy', we have decided to present 'parody horror comedy' type of film, incorporating typical elements shown in horror films whilst adding elements of comedy in between. We are thinking of creating our film in the style of 'Shaun of the Dead'.

The narrative will begin with a breaking news report on the television reporting that zombies are on the loose. The setting of the plot will revolve around a school/college and will therefore revolve around teenagers.

Though I am not completely sure, I intend on having at least 2 main characters within the film. These characters will be of the teenage/young adult criteria seeing as it will be based on the school/college grounds. I may use particular stereotypes which follow teenagers nowadays so as to create a more humorous outlook on situations.

These expectations may impact my target audience as the characters are of the same age as my audience and therefore more likely to understand particular jokes and character behaviours.

The target audience will therefore be teenagers/young adults (15+)

Preferred reading (expectations) - I will hope for my targeted audience to be able to empathise/sympathise with the characters and easily relate to them. The plot will begin with a serious tone/element, but will eventually turn into a comedy - [parody take on conventional zombie films] which people will find funny. There will be the occasional breaks in the plot where a serious element will be seen as comedy and vice versa.

Alternate Reading- people not laughing/plot too serious without any real elements of 'horror/comedy' defying genre.

3.2 Analysis of two opening sequences - Scary Movie

Scary Movie (15)

Wayans Bros. Entertainment, Dimensions Films, 2000


The second opening sequence of my chosen genre is 'Scary Movie' an American comedy which parodies various horror movies.

Deconstruction of the titles - relationship to sound

'Scream' face about to stab girl and the' whoosh' of stab turns into title opening 'Scray Movie'.


'Screams and heartbeat' accompany title opening which eventually turns into red (symbolising blood)

DECONSTRUCTION OF THE SHOT SEQUENCE

• 
  shot types and Framing

• Medium close ups throughtout phonecall scene.
  
  Editing
  
  
  Parallel editing of girl and 'scream'

Mise-En-Scene

• 'Scream' mask - connotes mystery and fear

Lighting

• 
  unnatural/ darker lighting/tint throughout opening to present 'scary' presence /atmosphere.
• 
  
  Sound
  
  sharp tones/violins- connotes sense of upcoming danger/realisation of danger


• Sounds aldso included to increase sense of fear (even though it only presents parody of film)

PRODUCTION- Textual Analysis


Budget: $19 (estimate) Gross Revenue: $278,019,771(est).

This is a rather high budget film due to the special effects used in order to demonstrate particular humour and so it will probably appeal to those interested in special effects or more rather good comedy.


Written by: Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, Buddy Johnson, Phil Beauman, Jason FriedbergAaron Seltzer


Directed By: Keenan Ivory Wayans.

Starring: Carmen Electra, Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, Shannon Elizabeth..

How do these details impact on the target audience?

Rating 15 - Suitable for those who are 15 years and above (target audience). This film is a parody of previous horror films such as 'Scream' trilogy, Halloween, I know what you did last summer, The Blair Witch Project etc. and so those who have previously seen any of these films and my not have particularly enjoyed them in terms of entertainment value may enjoy the 'spoof' take of them in this film.

Starring: Carmen Electra - She is an actress as well as a glamour model and entertainer so those who have previously seen her elsewhere will probably enjoy watching her act.

Marlon and Shawn Wayans are both well known actors and comedians so this film will excite those who enjoy their films as well as their stand up comedy.

Having at least a few actors/actresses that are well known help to have further impact on the target audience.

How may the opening sequence address the target audience?

'Scary movie ' instantly begins with the typical expectations of a horror comedy film. At first, we are made to believe the phonecall is from a potential serial killer/monster though this thought immediately transforms into a parody of a horror film. The use of sharp tones and violins presenting danger help to bring about the idea of 'horror'. The 'scream' mask reminds the audience who are possibly already aware of the movie 'Scream' though he is given a more humorous outlook on him to underly the idea of 'horror comedy'. Since this film is rated 15, the use of specific language which is better suited for this age category and above help provide 'grown-up' humour, rather than conventional humour in cartoons for instance.

3.2 Analysis of opening sequences- 1. Shaun of the Dead

Shaun of the Dead (15)

Edgar Wright, Working Title Films

The first opening sequence I have decided to analyse in my chosen genre is a 2004 British comedy film called 'Shaun of the Dead'.

Title name 'Shaun of the Dead' written on the ground whilst 'zombie-figures' walk around and the tracking camera moves along to another scene. Relationship with Sound: 'Comic' music to the beat of walking zombies feet.

Symbolism: No specific symbolisims regarding title opening.

Technical Construction: The heading of the film has been applied unto the scene in order to make it a part of the scene without it actually playing a role in the shot.

DECONSTRUCTION OF SHOT SEQUENCE

Shot Types & Framing

• Medium close ups in conversations
• Pan on walking scene

Editing

• Eye-line match between two characters whilst conversing in opening scene.

Mise-En-Scene

There appears not be anything which is demonstrated as an important aspect of the film.

Lighting

• natural lighting during opening sequence. Setting is quite dark and this may be used to present the tone of conventional horror film lighting.

Sound

'Ghost Town' The Specials- non diegetic voiceover of characters in opening.

PRODUCTION

Budget: $4,000,000

This film is of a low budget and may therefore not appeal to those interested in special effects such as CGI. It is however a typical British film and is therefore not expected to contain any special effects in order to appeal to it's audience.

Working Title Films: A popular British production company based in London, England.

Director: Edgar Wright - An English Film and Television director.

Distributors: Working Title Films.

HOW THESE DETAILS IMPACT ON THE TARGET AUDIENCE?

Rating 15- 'Shaun of the Dead' is suitable for those aged 15 years and above, therefore those under the age may enjoy the film but are not part of the target audience.

Starring: Simon Pegg, an award winning actor, comedian and film producer who has starred in other films such as 'Hot Fuzz' and 'Run, Fatboy, Run' will appeal those who may have seen these later films and therefore may then go on to watch this earlier film. He also co-wrote this film and so those aware of his kind of humour will enjoy this film.

How does the opening sequence address the target audience?

The opening sequence of 'Shaun of the Dead' begins with a conversation begin two significant characters within the plot although we do not actually see anything which fits particularly with the genre 'horror-comedy'. It does however demonstrate various events and statements which can be considered humorous. There is use of particular strong language only suitable for the target audience age of 15 and above.

Research & Planning - V for Vendetta [plan]

V for Vendetta

Warner Bros, 2005

Shot types & Framing

Extreme close up on eyes, Wide shots of the crowd, focus pull on woman in the crowd, Over the shoulder shot of Evey- Parallels shots of V. Cross-cutting. Long shot of Guy Fawkes when hung.

Editing


Cross-cutting of V and Evey underscored by television sound bridge. Opens with a voiceover describing the plot. Sets up the romantic ideal. Eye-line match between Guy and crowd woman.

Mise-en-scene


The mask- connotes mystery and heroism about character.



17th Century costume denotes original gunpowder plot era.



Fire also represents the Gunpowder plot.



Lighting


Opening scene uses minimal lighting with minimal fill to illustrate the 17th century setting.


Brightly lit television shot takes central focus and connotes important message is being given.


Yellowish tint applied to 17th century scene.

Sound


Non-diegetic voiceover from Evey (main character)

Sounds added to increase tension. For example, when chasing Guy Fawkes and when he is dropped in the noose.


Summary: How these details impact on the target audience?

Rating 15- Suitable for those 15 years and above therefore those under the age of 15 may enjoy the film but are not part of the target audience. Starring: Natalie Portman - Those who have previously enjoyed a film with Natalie Portman may be likely to enjoy V for Vendetta. Budget: 54,000,000 - High budget film so is likely to appeal to those interested in various special effects, CGI.

The opening sequence begins with Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder plot. This instantly captivates historians/those interested in history. The fast-pace action throughout the opening will excite the targeted audience. The music corresponding with action throughout sets the action of the film. 'DC comic' fans will be interested in seeing the film adaptation of a comic which they probably would have previously read or at least being aware of. 'V' elevates his character by speaking in an educated/sophisticated manner which will interest intellectuals or well educated people.

3.1 - What you learn by doing the preliminary exercise

In the preliminary exercise, we filmed a short continuity task following a scenario where a character was meant to open a door, cross a room, site in a chair opposite to another character, whom they are to have a short dialogue with.

Though we didn't follow this example particularly, we managed to present the continuity editing by presenting three characters throwing a set of keys to each other, followed by a seated character reading out a news report. Since my film genre is 'Horror Comedy', our focus was on being able to capture a comic element as well as trying out the green screen for the 'breaking news' scene.

We all took a different role on the filming. Enshell agreed on doing the acting part on the news report and I was able to get further assistance from Maya and Cheryl who helped to present the 180-degree rule in the 'key throwing' scene. Though we did not consider lighting as an important aspect of our filming, we did pay attention in aiming to create a dark tone possibly to present the 'horror' aspect we are going to present. We were able to present shot/reverse shot as well as 180-degree rule.

The editing of our continuity task allowed me to understand how to apply an image behind the green screen as it will come in handy when presenting the news report scene I intend to add in my opening sequence. I was also able to use Final Cut Pro furthering my knowledge of the programme. We edited the filming in order to create a smoother run of events within our scenario. It did however occur to me that we had not particularly presented 'match on action' in our continuity task and therefore hope to present this during our filming.