Independent Task

RIDE ALONG 2:

This scene is effective with the use of slow motion as it can make it funny. Even though we won't be using a car, we can still use the idea of slow motion with the integrated credits because it looks interesting.

It will be funny if we get someone to speak and use the slow motion but we need to be careful not to over use it. 

KINGSMAN:

The opening scene starts with non diegetic music while it fades into a cassette tape which then zooms out to be a boom box. As the two men are playing chess, a helicopter comes in and shoots them, this shows that this movie could contain action mainly. I like the continuous shot as the camera follows the helicopter because it flows really well. 
The main title appears in front of a building which has a similar theme to the setting. There's diegetic sound of the helicopter, explosions, and people shouting which makes the scene realistic.

The pace is kept at a constant rate which is effective as it will have the audiences attention throughout the scene. Even though there is little comedy in the scene, there are still useful ideas such as the continuous shot which will help with our idea. 

HOT FUZZ:

This opening scene starts with a long shot of someone walking through the hallway where the only diegetic sound is the footsteps. This brings a serious atmosphere as there is no music and no talking, so the audience doesn't know what's about to happen. 
He then shows his ID card (whilst doing a voice over), revealing that he is a policeman, and the fast pace music begins. 
A montage begins showing variety of shots such as close up shots of his face and his feet when he walks. There is also match on action which if effective as it keeps up with the pace. The upbeat music can suggest that the films may not be too serious (like a James Bond film. 

This film is useful as it has the theme of serious and funny moments which is what we are aiming for. An idea could be having no music/ silent pause to give a funny atmosphere when the brothers do something silly. 


My favourite scene is when they jump over the fence as one of the policemen does it professionally whilst the other completely fails to do the same. 

BFI: AS Coursework Trip

To help us get a better understanding on how to make our opening scenes better and how our coursework is marked, we went to the BFI in London as a year group. 
We were given top tips which were:

• To avoid using too many locations when shooting and control the space used.
• Limit colour palette.
• Use lighting to set the mood and being consistent with it.
• Consistency with size, colour, transitions and space.
• Don't forget negative space. 
• Have one or two fonts so that the opening scene looks professional (optional).
• Clear storyboarding.

In the afternoon, Dexter Fletcher came for a Q&A session. He is the director of 'Eddie the Eagle', 'Sunshine on Leith' and 'Wild Bill'. We watched all of his opening scenes and then asked him questions about how he approached it and how he had to face obstacles during the shoot. 

Ideas for our opening scene

IDEA 1:

IDEA 2:

Mood Board: Initial Ideas

Preliminary Task

What we did:

1. In our groups we decided that our story line would be about someone needing help with their homework and so asks the other person to get their book from their locker to show how they got the answer. We managed to include all the requirements which were: shot reverse shot, 180 degree rule, match on action and continuity editing. 

2. Next, we drew our storyboard and included every shot and wrote down the following: duration, interior/ exterior, action, shot type and sound. When it came to drawing the pictures, we used a picture frame to get an accurate visual. 

3. We then filmed each of the scenes. But we had to film it in a different order so that the camera would stay in the same position. 

4. After filming, we edited the videos successfully as we didn't need to re-film anything. 

What went well:
The match on action was done really well and we followed the 180 degree rule. The video also had different type of shots such as close up, long shot and aerial shot.  

What was challenging: 
It was difficult to film our scene because some of us got a bit distracted and couldn't stop laughing. We needed an empty classroom with lockers so that it would be quiet and also so that we wouldn't disturb other students. When filming our match on action, we had to put the camera in the locker and to make sure it didn't move or was at the wrong angle. 

STORYBOARD:

THE FINAL VIDEO: 

Analysing opening scenes from different films

HALLOWEEN 1978:

The scene opens with cricket noises in the background as the camera pans around house and a the same time, you can hear quiet talking and laughing inside the house. The quietness shows that the situation is normal and nothing scary has happened. The scene is set at night and as the audience, you can barely see what's outside which gives suspension. 

When the light goes out from the window, there is a sudden high pitch noise which increases the level of tension and could cause a bit of a shock. 

The piano playing fades in as the person behind the camera picks up the knife and slowly walks up the stairs (after the other man leaves). The music gradually gets louder as the person reaches the top of the stairs. The increase in volume of the music also brings an increase in tension for the audience as they are not sure of what's to happen next. 

Michael puts on the mask and as the audience, you can see through the mask from his point of view. He then stabs his sister constantly as she is screaming, at this point, the level of tension has reached its peak. 
Finally when his identity is revealed to the audience that he is a child and his parents say 'Micheal?', the level of suspension has also reached to the top because it leaves the audience at a cliff hanger. 

AMELIE 2001:

The scene begins with upbeat violin, with a calm voice over on top. A sudden car sound interrupts music increasing tension but continues with peaceful music throughout the scene. The colour scheme is yellow and green and seems to be a bit dull. Nearer the end of the scene short shots of different sound effects occur such as finger clapping, dominoes falling, wine glass, paper chains, string, coins. These diegetic sounds goes parallel with the close up action shots.

TRAINSPOTTING 1996:

There's a sudden start of two men running away from people, there's a variety of low angle shots of their feet and close ups of their faces, fast paced music goes with the scene. A voiceover is used to narrate, but is interrupted as he gets hit by a car but continues to laugh into the camera breaking the fourth wall. Next people are playing football which includes saturated colours and diegetic sound shouting, as the singing starts in the background Renton gets hit in the face by a football and is graphic matched with him falling over.The scene ends with him stating 'who needs reasons when you've got heroin' which leaves the audience laughing, this shows that this film could be a comedy.