Soundtrack- Thriller opening- Research/Analysis

As a group we sat down and had a discussion about the types of music we should include in our opening sequence. After listening to a couple of sound tracks and talking to others, we decided that the best sound track for our project is ‘’Roll over Beethoven (Knowing soundtrack)’’.The sound fits well with the first scene of our thriller opening sequence. However we noticed that the soundtrack is copyright, meaning we would have to find a copyright free soundtrack that is similar to this.

In addition another soundtrack that went well with our opening sequence is the ‘’Insidious theme soundtrack’’. We noticed that it would be suitable for the part of the film where John discovers that the notes on the wall of his room has disappeared. 

Final location- Crime scene- Shot angles

We discovered a new location to film the crime scene at and we are positive that this location will give as the best possible results. The name of the location is Cremone. Just like all the locations we have visited this location is also near the river but this time we decided to film on top of the bridge rather than underneath it. After asking permission and experimenting on the site we decided that our scene will look better if we film in this location. We decided to enact the scene at the location to give the actors an idea of what we expect from them. We also experimented with different angles and positions.

Firstly the scene will start with a Point of view shot (POV). John and his mate ''Jack'' will be looking over at the dead body. This technique will shows us what John and Jack are looking at (represented through the camera). It is usually established by being positioned between a shot of a character looking at something, and a shot showing the character's reaction (shot reverse shot). The technique of POV is one of the foundations of film editing. I think this is a good way to introduce the scene because it grabs the attention of the viewers and adds suspense because the viewers will be anxious to see what the characters are looking at. However we faced an obstacle. We noticed that from that angle John and Jacks face will not be visible due to the lack of lighting.

 The next shot is a long shot featuring Jack and John.  In this shot we could use continuity editing and match the audio to the long shot of the characters. The long shot shows the viewer the whole secluded area which adds to danger. However the viewers will not be able to see the facial reaction of the characters. I brought up the point that it is important for the viewers to see the facial expression of the characters due to the fact that it helps them empathize with the characters

The next shot we experimented with was full body shot. In this shot the camera will remain stable whiles the characters walk past it. The body language of the characters is more noticeable in this shot. However their facial expression is not very clear in this shot.

After discussing this further we decided that the best technique to use on the bridge was the tracking shot. The two videos bellow shows the two different methods we could potentially use to film this scene.

Sound- Research - Thriller project

    Sound is a very important element when it comes to films. Sound in thriller films can help add tension and suspense which will help keep the audience at the edge of their seat. The music helps to build up and emphasize on the climax when approaching a scary bit of the film. An example of this is synthesized music; this is the technique of generating sound, using electronic hardware or software from scratch. We commonly use synthesised music to generate interesting and unique sounds or timbres incapable of being produced acoustically. This adds a unique effect to the sound. Also it can be used to recreate or model the sounds of real- world acoustic instrument or sounds. Furthermore it can be used to facilitate the automation of system and processes. 

Diegetic sound

Another type of sound that is present in many thriller films is diegetic sound. It can be described as any sound, voice or piece of music that comes from within the world of the narrative. The source of the sound is visible to the audience on the screen or the source is implied to be present by the action of the film. For example voices of the characters, sound made by objects, music represented as coming from instrument in the story space. One may argue that Diegetic sound is very crucial due to the fact that is serves as a link between the audience and the characters. It can serve as an emotional link because the audience will be able to hear and feel what the character is feeling. 

Non diegetic sound

Non diegetic sound is sound such as music or a narrator's voices that come from outside the space of the narrative which helps create dramatic effect. These sounds are normally added in the editing process. For example music is added to highlight the climax and also to build the tension and suspense. Changes in the music pattern can give the viewer the impression that something is about to happen, and sometimes it can help reveal the emotions of the characters. 

Voice-Over 

Voice- over is a piece of narration in a film or broadcast, not accompanied by an image of the speaker. Voice overs can help guide the audience through the film or certain parts of the film. It’s also helps the audience understand what is going on in every scene.

Dialogue 

Dialogue (sometimes spelled dialog in American English) is a literary and theatrical form consisting of a written or spoken conversational exchange between two or more ("dialogue" means through or across) people. Dialogue is very important in thriller films because it can help set the tone of the film. The dialogue can help the audience separate the protagonist(s) and the antagonist(s). The dialogue can give a sense of authority or portray weakness.  In addition to this the audience can sense fear or braveness by listening to the dialogue.

Location research- Crime scene- Pictures

We found a place to film the main scenes of the opening (Donna's House). However In the second scene the main character (John)  gets a flashback of the days when he still had his job. His flash back is of him carrying out an investigation on a crime scene with his colleague (Jack). We decided that the crime scene should be in an old rough looking area. Also we wanted the place to look semi secluded. The first location we thought of was an area near Chelsea Harbour. We noticed that the area had a very strange look. The windows have been sealed up and many of the building are undergoing renovation. When the construction workers are not on site the area is completely empty and the old fashion building adds to the effect we want. Further more There are many restriction signs and red tape which makes it resemble a crime scene.  In addition, the area is completely safe for us to film the scene. 

The second location we thought of was also around the Chelsea Harbour area. We found a bridge near

 the river and at sun down the area looks very secluded. The sound of the river gives the impression that it is raining. We will set up the crime scene right under the bridge. This idea was influenced by the opening scene of the neo- noir film ''Brick''. 

The third location we visited was an open space near a trainstation in imperial. From the right angle the area looks secluded  and at night time the light from the trainstration gives a good neo noir effect.  There are many trees and plants near by which covers the surrounding buildings thus making it look isolated.

The potential crime scene was on top of a bridge. This bridge is right next to and old factory. Just like the first area we went to the windows were all sealed up which gives it a dodgy look. This area is not far from our school which will make it easier for us to get the actors and the equipment there. Furthermore the fact that it is on top of a bridge with an old factory right next to it will give the audience the intension that it is a dangerous location.

Final script- Group work- Illuminati

Revised screenplay.docx

Group Meeting- Planning- Filming Schedule over view

We sat down as a group and thoroughly planned every scene. We decided to film most of the INT. Shots in Donna's house because she has most of the props we need to make this opening sequence come alive. We also brained stormed the names of the characters and come up with finale names. We also decided on a location for our exterior scenes and decided that the best place to film this was the area behind Chelsea Harbor not far from our school. We also decided to replace the actor we already booked for the main role (John) because we found someone who closely represented the image of John we had in our heads. Secondly we discussed the types of music that will be appropriate for certain scenes. 

After planning the film schedule we had a discussion about the props we could use in each scene. 

For day one, scene one we decided to collect audio for the start of the scene and record the voices that will be present in the scene. 

On the second day of filming we decided that the whole team will come together to make the opening sequence. The main character will appear on the screen for the first time but the audience will not be able to see his face just his hand writing on a piece of paper. The props we will need for this scene are pens, paper and images. This implies that John has done a lot of investigation on the topic thus giving the audience the impression that he is obsessed.

On the third shooting day we will film scene one (John,s apartment).  At first we decided to film this scene in school (Chelsea Academy). But after thinking carefully we changed our minds because we want the place to look like a home so that the audience will be able to distinguish between the office scene and the apartment scene. We will use a swivel chair, Desk, Pictures, notes and articles. All the pictures and notes will be about the illuminati thus putting more emphases on the idea of obsession.

On the fourth day we will film the second scene (Flashback of John and his friend Jack at the crime scene). This scene required a lot of planning for example we had to go out of school and look around for the perfect crime scene.  We also had to ask permission to film at that location.  The props we need are:

Masking tape

 To make an outline of the dead body on the floor. To make the scene look more like a crime scene.

Detective hats, long coats, gloves and magnifying glass

 This will make the actors look like detectives on the crime scene.

On day 5 we will film the third and final scene of the opening sequence.  This is the scene where John’s apartment gets broken into. We will need all the props from the first scene and:

A fridge

We decided that the main character (John ) will get up and walk to the fridge and take out a bottle of milk. This will give the audience the impression that he is at his own house thus making the audience sympathize with him when the unidentified people break into his house.

Mobile

John sees shadows and starts to panic. He then picks up the phone to call his friend Jack.

Illuminati symbol

After the break in John quickly returns to his home office and notices that all his research and his work were gone. He then notices an illuminati symbol. This gives the audience a clue about the people behind the break in.

Shooting Schedule

Film summary- Seven- Thriller

Seven is a conventional thriller film made in 1995, written by Andrew Kevin Walker and directed by David Ficher. The film stars Brad Pitt (Mills) and Morgan Freeman (Sommerset) as two intelligent and keen homicide detectives. Their main objective was to hunt down a vindictive serial killer (John Doe) who seeks revenge on the world due to the ignorance of human beings. His main victims where people who he found guilty of committing the seven deadly sins which are Pride, Envy,  Gluttony , Lust , Anger, Sloth. Mills is a short tempered detective who recently transferred to a new department and a new city with his beloved wife Gwyneth Paltrow (Tracy), his wife doesn't seem to be delighted with the idea of moving to a new city. The film gives us an insight of the work life of the two characters as well as their personal life which helps us the viewer’s empathize with them and also helps us see things from their point of view. John Doe the serial killer is absent from most of the first half of the film however we the viewers are fed with images of his victims thus giving us a sense of brutality. In the film Morgan Freeman (Somerset) plays a more mature detective who was on the verge of going into retirement but lured back to solve one last case.

Opening Analysis- Brick 2005- Neo noir

The film greets the audience with a calm and steady sound. The volume of the non-diegetic sound starts off quite and low pitched it also sounds like western music, this gives the audience the impression of loneliness and isolation. The sound which plays through the first scene sounds very mournful which signifies death and grief.  The sound has a feel and overall texture of noir films. It features traditional  instruments such as the piano, trumpet and violin. In the second scene we hear school bells ringing and faint noises of children in a play ground in the background which gives the impression that the scene was filmed on school grounds. The diegetic sound of the school bell is an example of a sound bride where the sound carries on into the next shoot. After the shocking scene that the audience have just seen. In the next scene we hear a phone ring. The ring of the phone sounds old fashioned and is almost identical to phone sounds in many noir films like ''Double Indemnity'' and ''Maltese Falcon''. The dialogue also resembles the noir film style. The Lady on the phone who we later find out is Emily, sounds concerned about the main character. At first she asks him how he's doing and he answers ''Status quo'' but as she goes on we notice that there is a sense of fear and regret in her voice. Her voice grew more and more fearful as a sound of a car approached the area. The sound from the speeding car and the voice of  Emily goes well together, as the car got closer the panic level in her voice increased. This gives the impression that she was being hunted or chased and it also helps build up the excitement because the audience begin to question why she's being chased and what will happen is she gets caught.

Firstly the camera pans from the filthy walls of the tunnel to the main character. we then notice that he is squatting on and critically analysing something. The camera then transitions into an extreme close up on the eyes of the main characters face (Brendan) This hides information from the audience. His eyes are glued to the dead body in front of him which gives us the impression he is in a mental state of shock. But one may argue that his lack of emotion was due to the fact that he was a brave character. The camera then transitions to a mid shot of the tunnel and it suddenly becomes clear to the audience what the main character (Brendan) is looking at. He was deeply staring at the dead body of a girl lying at the entrance of the tunnel. The camera then goes back to Brendan but there is still no expression on his face. The eye line match  used here shows that the two characters had something to do with each other and that Brendan might have had something to do with the girl’s death. By using the eye-line match, the audience can see that the Brendan has no change in reaction as he is looking at the girl.The camera then shows us a close up on the girls features like her shoes and half of her hidden face and also her hands. We then experience a graphic match into the next scene. This shows the changes in atmosphere to one that is normal and familiar to teenage viewers. This seen when the audience are shown the girl's hand with the bracelets on in the water which cuts to a shot after the title of the hand putting a note into the locker. The camera then focuses on a young boy approaching the locker. We quickly notice from his shoes that he is the boy we saw at the tunnel. The camera then transitions to a wide angle view of the entire locker area as the boy looks around to see if anyone was around. The whole entire area is empty which emphasizes on the fact that the boy is lonely and isolated. 

Mise en scene is the arrangement of scenery and properties to represent a place where the scene takes place and it also helps the audience understand. In the first scene we see and extreme close up on the main characters face. We notice he is wearing round old fashion glasses which gives us the impression that he is cryptically analysing something or perhaps he could be a detective. We are then shown a dark tunnel with a dead body of a girl lying right at the edge of it. This implies that there is something dark about the death of the girl. We are then shown the features of the dead girl, her skin is very pale and she wearing a dress and a pair of high heals, perhaps she is what is commonly known as a femme fatale. Right before the scene ends we notice that the dead girl is wearing a bunch of distinctively blue bracelets. In  the next scene we see an arm with the same bracelets putting a note in a locker. By using the same blue bracelet the audience get the impression that the girl putting a note in the locker is the same girl who was found dead by the edge of the tunnel.The note gives the audience the impression that the girl with the blue bracelets has some secretes. The title then appears on the screen written in white on a black background which resembles the film noir ''white of black'' tittle sequence. After the tittle sequence we notice a young boy approaching the lockers, he opens the locker a find the note asking him to meet up in ''Sarmentoso''. In the next shot we see a sign reading ''Sarmentoso'' confirming that the boy obeyed the orders given to him in the note. 

The lighting in the first scene of the opening sequence is very low-key like in many film noir/ neo- noir films. This gives the impression that something shocking has just happened. The mood and the darkness of the tunnel implies that there are dark secrets behind close doors. The mood changes in the next scene. The light becomes brighter, the lockers and the sound of children in the play ground gives us a sense of school environment. In the next scene we notice that the light is lightly dimmer which goes well with the empty road because the both give the impression of lonesomeness.

Neo Noir - ''Brick 2005''- Fillm Summary

Brick is a 2005 film written and directed by Rian Johnson. The film 'Brick' is a great example of neo-noir thriller films due to the way its presented to the audience and the typical film noir characters it features. like most neo/film noir films the story is never clear while it unfolds which creates suspense and leaves the audience at the edge of their seat. Further there are many twists in the film which can be easily compared to the classic film noir film 'Double indemnity'.

The film's narrative centres on a hard-boiled detective story and like many classic gangster movies it is set in California. The film stars Joseph Gordon Levitt (Brendan)  a fearless high school student who isn't afraid to speak out and is ready to back up his words with actions. This becomes evident to the audience when he hid the body of his former girl friend in a tunnel and vows to track down her killers and revenge her death . Brendan is the protagonist in the film along side his acquaintance Brian. Brendan embarks on a journey to solve the murder of his former girlfriend after he found her dead at the entrance of a storm tunnel. It all started when Brendan finds a note in his locker from his former girlfriend Emily who wanted to meet him near a phone booth on a solitary road. Brendan then receives a phone call from a petrified Emily who begs him to help her just before hanging up due to passing car, from which  a distinctive looking cigarette was thrown. But before Emily fled she left Brendan clues about the issue that was causing her to live in fear as if she knew she was going to die. The clues where ''brick'', ''poor Frisco'', ''tug'' and the ''pin''. The investigation led Brendan through dangerous territory but he never gave up which signifies the love and affection he still had for former girlfriend Emily, he later found out that she was three months pregnant with his baby which made her death even more heart wrenching.


 

Script - ILLuminati Thriller Project- First edition

INT. DAYTIME

Firstly, we see a dark screen and we can hear strong deep voices in the background that gives the viewers a sense of torture. 

VOICE ONE (V.O)

                          (Deep voice. speaks with anger )

YOU ARE FIRED 

At this point all we see on the screen are pictures of the illuminati and other flash backs of images related to the topic. This will give the viewers a clue of what the voice overs are talking about.

VOICE TWO (V.O)

     (Whispers)

They are real. They are coming to get you. YOU better stop now.

VOICE THREE (V.O)

                        (Voice of a curious man speaking to                              himself. He sounds well educated and old                        fashioned but there is a sense of hatred and anger in his voice)

NO,NO,NO I need to investigate this further. I can not fail. I mustn't. I need to get to the bottom of this for the greater good of man kind. 

At this point the main character is introduced to the audience (JOHN). At first glance JOHN appears to be a very stressful man. He has the old detective look. We see him sitting in his chair thinking about life in general. At this point the camera pans 180 around him to show a wall full of papers, posters and pictures of his research. The Camera then zooms in onto individual pictures. This will give the impression that JOHN is OBSESSED with his investigation. Further more there will be a hidden message planted amongst the posters which will give the audience the sense of danger. This will also help build up the tension and suspense. John then lights a cigarette and looks at the wall with a serious face like he's on the verge of a great discovery but then his facial expression quickly changes back to sad and depressed. The screen then goes blank and the opening sequence appears.

In the next scene JOHN has a flash back to when he was still 'sane' in his flash John sees himself working on a case with his mate Jack. 

EXT. DAYTIME-FLASHBACK 

Jack

       (Jack sounds worried)

You need to rest John. You look more and more depressed ever day. I can take over from here.

John tries his best to ignore Jack but he can't hold it in much longer.

INT. DAYTIME - FLASHBACK

JOHN

                                                      (John sounds like he is confessing to jack. He looks around quickly them moves closer to Jack )

I have been hearing voices. The voices are torturing me. I can't even close my eyes without hearing voices giving me clues about how to expose the illuminati. I think they want me to find out more.

INT. HOUSE- NIGHT TIME- BACK TO PRESENT DAY

         (The flashes back then fades away and John is left there in his seat. John then decides to get up and get a drink from the fridge. He makes his way down a long hall way with the camera behind him. The camera follows him into the kitchen where he opens the fridge and takes out a bottle of milk. And  at that point he notices shadows of people trying to break into his house. He starts panicking and he reaches out for his phones and call Jack. Jack thinks he's just being crazy and tells him to have some rest.)

JOHN

Jack I think they are here. Jack they found me and I don't now what to do. I need help. I need help now.

JACK

John stop over reacting there is no one there. You are acting crazy. I hope you have taken your medication.

Jack then hangs up the phone and a distressed John quickly walks back to the previous room with the poster. He notices that all his research has been removed off the wall. (wide angle shot of the whole wall).

Storyboard (Thriller film)

Film opening analysis ('The life of others'. Donnersmarck)

Title: The life of others

Director: Donnersmarck (German)

           

Sound	Lighting
·        Marching (military ) ·        Voices of actors ·        Aggressive voices ·        Airplane ·        Tape running ·        Crying/weeping (signifies misery) ·        The tape suggests the ideas of hidden listeners, or ambiguity.	·        Dark ·        Getting lighter ·        Dull mood ·        Washed out and the actors look pale (suggests illness) ·        The interrogation was filmed in darkness with a red light on the table ( This signifies danger, danger, danger)
Cameras	Mise en scene
Opens a long tracking shot behind prisoner and guard, walking down the corridor. Caption in white on black(WOB) Long hall gives a daunting feeling as if the main character will be in prison for a long time. (we are watching him disappear from his life) Slow pan Impassive expression on faces	The prison guard is wearing a green military uniform which links to the green tint and sound track. (this shows authority and discipline) The main character was wearing own cloths which shows us that he was picked up straight from the streets and thrown into prison. Old Fashion tape recorder Red desktop signifies danger.