Planning: Location Planning for Opening

Location One: Park

One idea for our location was a park. The park only has some swings in and has potential to be manipulated into something quite sinister. There is quite a bit of open space within the park too.

There were some problems we came across when looking at this option in more depth. First of all the lack of trees and numerous houses around mean that it cannot be as creepy as we would lik. Also making the location appear secluded could prove difficult as there are house all around the park. Another issue is that there is not a tree or any object we could use as a memorial.

Location Two: Open Field

We decided upon location two, a local field to locate our opening of iWatch. This is due to the practicality as it is accessible for us and our cast members. The field is fairly large and open and is also surrounded by trees which is a typical convention of horror films for it to be a secluded location resulting in the film having an eerie start. Below is the field we are planning on using.

In our storyboard we have planned for the three friends to walk up towards a tree , this is a shot to show the route they will take. Notice they will be walking towards trees which look dark and quite sinister.

Above is the tree that will be used as a memorial for the victim, Josh. This tree was chosen because it stands out from the rest of the trees in the background, making it a focus point. Plus the surroundings of the tree are secluded as shown in the picture on the right.

Above was an alternative tree. This would have been a good tree to focus on as it is withered and creepy. However it is impractical to film when taking in to consideration of the surround effects and would not have the same outcome as the tree we finally chose, shown in previous pictures.

Planning: Screenplay for Opening

Exterior: Open Field: Afternoon

The audience see an empty field with trees surrounding it

DENCH Productions

Three blurry figures appear on the screen

The figure walk up to a tree and stop

They place a picture frame next to the tree

A candle is lit and is placed that to the picture frame

A Phone is playing a video and the figures walk over to it

One of them pick it up and watch the video 

They look around as they hear a rustle in the bushes

Curious, the figures walk back over to the tree and the candle has been blown out and the picture inside the picture frame has been replaced

The faces of the figures are now revealed to the audience

iWatch

Research: The Importance of Sound in Horror Films

The sound in horror films plays a huge part in what makes the film scary. This can range from sound effects to emphasise the terror or creepy music that creates a feeling of suspense. For example a person walking down the street could either be made into a relaxing and uplifting stroll or a sense of "something bad is going to happen" just by the choice of music. There are many variations of sound used in horror films but below are some of the most effective.

An example of some techniques dates all the way back to the classic horror film, Dracula. Strong dark chords and unsettling tones are one way of creating a scary piece of music for a horror film as shown at the beginning. But the use of high pitched, screechy sounds are just as effective as shown at 0.50 seconds in.

Below is a famous scene from the horror film Psycho in which it is compared with and without music. This portrays just how important the music in a horror film is, without music it lacks the build up of tension that is vital in any film in the horror genre. Use of high pitch sounds created by string instruments is very effective here as it portrays a negative mood for the whole scene. Also in this clip there are several sound effects used which make the whole thing a lot more effective.

Another iconic piece of music that creates tension is from Jaws. Only two notes are mainly used which is simple yet effective as it has become so well known. The two notes begin long and heavy gradually increasing in pace which has been said to naturally change people's heart beat to match the pace. This results in an increase of the audience's adrenaline meaning more enjoyment. Also the build up of irregular beats and high too low pitches creates a feeling of heightened suspense and impending doom. This use of change in pitch can be seen clearly below as I have used soundcloud to present the sound clip. Prof Daniel Blumstein reported that horror films commonly have a extremely high amount of abrupt shifts up and down in pitch compared to any other genre, this shows that change in pitch is likely to have a big impact on the audience.

Planning: Treatment For Opening Two Minutes of iWatch

The film starts with an establishing shot of an empty field. 

DENCH Productions appears on the screen. 

This then fades out into a black screen and the diegetic sound of the wind begins to play. 

The black screen then fades to an empty field where the music gradually gets louder. 

The next clip is three blurry figures walking up towards the part of the field where Josh's ashes were scattered. 

It then cuts to a close up of a blurry picture frame being held in someone's hand.

After that, it then focusses on the picture frame and then the audience get to see Josh's picture for the first time, identifying the victim.

This then focusses out again and blurs.

It then cuts to them walking and someone putting the picture frame down.

The next clip is an extreme close up of one of the figures lighting a match, this can be seen as a false scare.

As soon as the match is lit, the music comes to a sudden stop.

The only sound for the majority of the opening will be diegetic sounds of the wind.

They then light a candle and place it next to the picture frame.

The next clips are extreme close ups of each of the figure's face.

This helps us to show the emotion, therefore the relationship's between the figure's and the victim (for example someone's teary eyes, someone's sniffly nose and someone else's  quivering mouth)

Now it is silent, they hear Josh's voice and look at each other, then look around and discover an iPhone on the floor about 3 metres away from where they are standing.

There is a close up shot of the iPhone, not seeing what is on the screen. 

It then cuts to a point of view shot over the shoulder's of one of the figure's.

As a group, they all go to the phone and one person picks it up. 

There is a close up of that person's hand slowly picking up the phone.

A close up of the phone playing a video of Josh at a party and his face is shown in the video to identify to the audience that it's the same person.

It then cuts to an long shot of the friends crowding around the phone, but from behind them there is a rustle of the bushes and they suddenly turn around. 

The music then gradually begins again as they all walk back to the picture frame. 

A point of view shot is used focussing on the picture frame and a blown out candle. 

The next cut is a close up of the picture frame that has been replaced by a picture of a group of four people including Josh, however his face has been crossed out. 

As an audience they are now aware of the figure's identities as there is a panning shot of each of there faces in focus for the first time and they realise that they are the same people in the picture. 

Meanwhile, a heart beat is introduced when they return to the picture frame and increases as it gets closer to the opening title.

It then suddenly cuts to black and iWatch gradually appears on the screen with a picture of the Apple sign covered in blood is shown underneath it.

Here is an example of the Apple logo covered in blood which could be used underneath the title 'iWatch' at the end.

Another idea for this is to place an apple template in the a splatter of blood. Also the title could be written in blood.

Research: The Art of the Title & Timeline for the Opening Two Minutes of a Horror Film

As a group we looked at the opening of the films Night in the Woods, Thr3e and Wind Chill. We then paused at different sections to discuss techniques used, involving the titles, visuals and audio. Then we were introduced to the website Art of the Title where you can watch the opening titles of films. Below I have used Art of the Title to analyse the opening titles of a horror film.

I selected the horror film Se7en to analyse. This is the opening titles on Art of the Title.

I have made notes of the titles on a timeline and below that the visuals and audio.

This is an example of the font type. It is distorted, white and sinister looking. I think this looks effective and I may use this as inspiration for our own horror film opening. 

I mentioned in my notes that ordinary objects can be made to look odd and sinister. An extreme close up is used to do this with the sellotape. Also simple things add to this, such as the items looking old and rusty.

The colour use throughout the opening is very dark, it includes colours such as black, red, off-whites. The use of red automatically creates a negative feeling for the audience and signals that this is a horror film.

The opening contains lots of drawings and plans for mechanical looking contraptions that suggest murders are involved in this film.

Overall I like the opening titles to Se7en as they are simple yet effective. The clips are short but can portray a lot without giving too much much away. I also really like the font and the flickering effect as I think this would link in to our horror film as it is do with recording. Also I feel the audio inspired me to add in some electrical sounds to the iWatch opening as it worked effectively in this opening.

Planning: Two Possible Openings to iWatch

Opening 1

Friends and family are gather at a graveyard where he is being buried for his funeral. However the friends hear his voice and discover his iPhone, which playing a video of him at a party.

Opening 2

The friends are gathered at a field where his ashes have been scattered to pay their respects. However the peace is disturbed when they hear his voice and discover his iPhone, which is playing a video of him at a party.

Research: Target Audience Feedback Regarding Our Possible Openings

We collected 10 responses from our target audience of around 14 - 24. Below are the profiles of some of the people who gave feedback on how they would expect iWatch to open.

Giac: 17: Media Student

This response reassured us that it is a good idea to include technology related events.

Deet: 17: Media Student

Enjoys watching horror films and his response included a lot of typical conventions of a horror film.

Sophie: 14: Art Student

Also this response reassured us of the technology aspect. The repeated mention of an iPhone means we may use an iPhone for the videos to be on.

George: 16: Drama Student

This response is very useful and has some effective ideas we could use within our opening.

Sam: 16: Media Student

From this response some more conventions are mentioned and could be considered when planning the opening of iWatch.

Research: Sharing Our Pitch With Our Target Audience

Our synopsis of iWatch, which we will present our audience with:

The film is based around a boy, named Josh who has recently and unexplainably died and his friends, Lola, George and Rosie are visiting the place where his ashes have been scattered. All 3 of them go silent to pay their respects and all of a sudden they hear the voice of Josh who has died. They look around and discover what they think is Josh's iPhone on the floor playing a video at a party that he took before he died. One of the friends picks up the iPhone and he looks through all of the videos that he has on the iPhone. As they scroll through, they find videos of each of them in their everyday lives. Thinking it was Josh being weird and taking videos, they find another video that was taken of Josh, which is filming him getting ready to go to bed. The friends are really confused about what they just saw and now know that it wasn't Josh that was filming them, it must have been someone else...

We have created a question on survey monkey to find out what an audience would expect the opening of iWatch to be. We decided upon using survey monkey as it seemed the easiest way to allow people that fit in our target audience when we ask them to put their ideas forward. You can see the question by clicking here.

Planning: 60 Second Pitch

This is a rough script for our 60 Second Pitch on 'iWatch'

Becca: My name's Becca.

Tayla: My name's Tayla.

Holeigh: And I'm Holeigh and this is our 60 Second Pitch on our teen horror film.

Becca: iWatch is the working title for our horror film and our targeted classification will be a 15. 

Tayla: We decided on this because the film is based around a boy who has recently and mysteriously died and his friends are visiting the place to which they scattered his ashes .

Holeigh: All of them go silent to pay their respects and all of a sudden they hear the voice of their friend who has died. 

Becca: They look around and discover what they think is his iPhone on the floor playing a video at a party that he took before he died.

Tayla: The friends pick up the iPhone and look through all of the videos that he has on his iPhone. 

Holeigh: As they scroll through the videos, they find videos of each of them in their everyday lives. 

Becca: Initially they thought it was him taking videos, however they find a video that was taken of the boy when he was getting ready to go to bed. 

Tayla: The friends are really confused about what they just saw and now know that it wasn't him that was filming them, so who exactly is watching? 

Holeigh: If you enjoy horror mysteries then you should watch iWatch. 

To watch our 60 second pitch click here. Our pitch is from 0:00 - 0:55.

Planning: Decision Making

We have decided of 'iWatch' as our working title. iWatch is going to be a teen-horror film and we will be targeting a classification of 15. The concept of this is a teenage boy who has mysteriously died. Whilst visiting where his ashes have been scattered his friends hear his voice and discover what they think is his iPhone playing a video of himself of a party. However looking amongst other videos they have suspicions of how he died. Each video contains the group of friends in their everyday life. Initially the friends think the videos were took by himself but they come across videos of him alone. So, who is watching?

Planning: Brainstorming Our Ideas

We have now began planning for our main task. The best way to come up with an initial idea was to produce a brainstorm. Together we came up with a few ideas and built upon each of our opinions on the general idea of the film. Also we incorporated some of the previous research we had done on horror films, in particular our questionnaire findings to find out people's preferences on horror films.

DENCH Films with our brainstorm

Photography Rules

In the technology part of our task we need to look at rules of photography in order to get good quality video. Hopefully this will result in the production of good footage for our main task.

The rule of thirds is where a picture is broken down into thirds, horizontally and vertically. This creates 9 sections. It is used by placing points of interesting at the intersections or along the lines as the human eye naturally looks at those parts first. Overall this makes a photograph much more appealing. However it is said that rules are made to be broken and many photographers don't use this rule and still achieve balanced and interesting shots.

The lines in the rule of thirds. This grid can be visible on most cameras so that it is easier to follow this rule and create a better photo.

Also the idea of 'looking space' should be put in place for portrait photography. Which is where the way a persons face is facing there should be more space that side than the other side. This is to ensure a photo not looking awkward and overall to make it appear easier on the eye.

For an example I have attempted to take a 'good' portrait photo. I did so by trying to incorporate the rules mentioned above.

This shows the use of the rule of thirds, as the eye is placed on an intersection this makes it the main focus of the photo and the 'looking space' as space is significantly larger the side she is looking than the other side.

To improve on this photo I would ensure on better lighting. For example by creating one side of the face with light and the other with shadow this could create an interesting and flattering effect.

Research: Dead Mary, Dead Wood and Wrong Turn

When watching just the first opening 5 minutes of horror films typical conventions can already be identified. We looked at the films Dead Mary, Dead Wood and Wrong Turn. We ticked the conventions we saw in the openings of each.

The conventions listed on the check-list: secluded location, characters forget an obvious threat, power is cut, problem with phone, character investigates a strange noise, character runs upstairs (not outside), character hides by a window/behind a door, character inexplicably falls over, vehicle won't start, fake scare, warning goes unheeded, someone dies in 5 minutes, x years before/later, stormy weather and character takes a short cut.

Some of the most common conventions included in these three films was a secluded location, a fake scare and someone dying in the first 5 minutes. Another convention that was not on the check-list was also seen in all three, this was the characters being one male and one female. Also the male was always more heroic and dominant than the female and both the characters had to be fairly attractive.

Below is the opening of Dead Wood however we only watched the first 5 minutes when looking at the conventions included. Out of the three films this one had the most conventions. It includes a secluded location - the woods (which seems to be a favourite in teen-horrors), a character investigating a strange noise - when the female character gets out of the tent to look for her boyfriend, a fake scare - the first clip aimed to make audiences jump is only 40 seconds in, someone dies in the first 5 minutes - even though the character who dies does so by falling and x years before/later - it says 'Friday' to move the film on.

Research: British Board of Film Classification

The British Board of Film Classification, otherwise known as the BBFC is an independent media content regulator. They operate classification and labelling of media in the UK, such as films and video games. Also they state why this is done, some reasons are they mention are to protect the public, especially children which then allows parents to feel empowered when choosing their children's viewing of media.

In our main task the audience we are targeting is teenagers therefore a rating of no more than 15 would mean we could get the highest audience as possible. A lot of films makers do this anyway, they attempt to steer away from an 18 as it reduces the audience and consequently the money they make.

U: Universal

Suitable for everyone aged four years and over.
Discrimination: None unless disapproved of.
Drugs: No reference to illegal drug misuse unless anti-drug message.
Horror: Scary sequences should be mild and brief in which the outcome is positive.
Imitable behavior: No dangerous behaviour that's likely to be copied.
Language: Unfrequent, very mild bad language.
Nudity: Occasional natural nudity, not in a sexual context.
Sex: Mild sexual behaviour e.g. kissing and references only e.g. 'making love'
Theme: Sensitive and appropriate for children.
Violence: Mild violence only.

PG: Parental Guidance
General Viewing but some scenes may be unsuitable for children.
Discrimination: Unacceptable unless disapproved of.
Drugs: References to illegal drugs or drug misuse must carry a suitable anti-drug message.
Horror: Should not be prolonged or intense.
Imitable behaviour: No detail of dangerous behaviour which children are likely to copy.
Language: Mild bad language.
Nudity: Natural nudity only, with no sexual context.
Sex: Sexual activity may be implied but only discreet and infrequent. Mild references and innuendos only.
Theme: When more serious issues feature no treatment should be unacceptable behaviour.
Violence: Moderate violence, no detail may be allowed if in context.

12A/12
Suitable for 12 years and older. However 12A is in place for cinema films in which under 12 year olds can view the film if accompanied by an adult.
Discrimination: Discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless disapproved of.
Drugs: Infrequent misuse of drugs and should not be glamorised or given instructional detail.
Horror: Moderate physical or psychological threat may be permitted. However disturbing sequences should not be frequent.
Imitable behaviour: Dangerous behaviour should not be shown in too much detail which it could be copied. Weapons should not be glamorised.
Language: Moderate language. The use of strong language (e.g. 'fuck') should be infrequent.
Nudity: Nudity is allowed however in sexual context it must be brief and discreet.
Sex: Sexual activity must be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Frequent crude references are unlikely to be unacceptable.
Theme: Mature themes are acceptable but their treatment must be suitable.
Violence: Moderate violence is allowed but should not show detail. No emphasis on injuries or blood unless justified by context. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly indicated.

15
Suitable for 15 years and over.
Discrimination: All of the content must not encourage discriminatory language or behaviour.
Drugs: Drug taking may be shown but as a whole it should not promote or encourage drug misuse.
Horror: Strong threat are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised.
Imitable Behaviour: Dangerous behaviour should not include detail which could be copied. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.
Language: There may be frequent use of strong language (e.g. 'fuck') but stronger terms (e.g. 'cunt') may only be acceptable if justified by context.
Nudity: Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail.
Sex: Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail. There may be strong references to sexual behaviour but if too strong they must be justified by context.
Theme: No theme is prohibited unless inappropriate for 15 year olds.
Violence: Violence may be strong but should not dwell on infliction of pain. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. Verbal references to sexual violence may be accepted but sexual violence being portrayed must be justified by context and discreet.

18
Suitable only for adults.
At 18 the BBFC's guideline concerns will not normally overide the princple that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. However, there are some exceptions:

• Material breaches the criminal law.
• Material appears to risk harm to individuals which may cause harm to public health of morals.
• Explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context.

R18
To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied in licensed sex shops, to adults of no less than 18 years.
The following content is not acceptable:

• Material in breach of the criminal law.
• Material likely to encourage an interest in sexually abusive activity.
• Portrayal of sexual activity which involves lack of consent.
• Infliction of pain or acts which may cause lasting physical harm.
• Penetration by any object associated with violence or likely to cause physical harm.
• Sexual threats, humiliation or abuse.

Research: Why do people like horror films?

Why do people like being scared? "No doubt there's something really powerful that brings people to watch these things, because it's not logical." explains Joanne Cantor, director of the Centre of Communication Research at Wisconsin University, in Madison, "Most people like to experience pleasant emotions." She is also puzzled at why people put themselves through negative emotions when watching a horror film when it is more common to desire positive emotions.

It has been said that "The brain hasn't really adapted to the new technology of movies. We can tell ourselves the images on the screen are not real, but emotionally our brain reacts as if they are" a professor of communication at Purdue University, Glenn Sparks suggests. So the question is still unanswered.

This question seems to be a tough one to answer but there are a few theories out there. One is that the person is not actually afraid but excited. Another is that they are willing to endure being scared for the sense of relief at the end.

It has also been said by researchers that watching horror films increases primal behaviour due to the thrill, especially in young males. Therefore teenage males may feel more dominant and 'cool' in front of friends. Sparks backs this with a study on the physical effects of violent movies on young men. A strange pattern occurred as the more fear the felt, the more they claimed to enjoy the movie.

"Were you scared?" "Obviously not!"

Going in groups to watch films is a popular among teenagers, especially around Halloween. It seems that groups of teens see watch a horror film and being scared as a social thing rather than actually having a love for fear. This has been backed up by my own research on audience's perceptions and expectations through a questionnaire, I found that 95% of the respondents preferred to watch a horror film with friends.

Overall there is not a definite answer to why people like horror films but there are a few theories that contribute towards the answer.

Research: Analysis of Audience Survey

From the survey I have conducted I have found out a number of things about an audience's perceptions and expectations on horror films as well as some personal preferences.

Perceptions

This graph shows me that the perceptions of males and females on horror films is different. It shows that most males neither love or hate horror films, however based on my results it suggests more males really don't like horror films than females. When looking at the results of the female respondents it shows more females really liking horror films.
A question that lead on from this was 'Based on the question above, why do you feel this way about horror films?' which gave me some qualitative data which meant I could get more detail from respondents and try to understand the perceptions of the audience fully. I gained some information from this by taking commonly occurring words and found that negative perceptions about horror films was due to them being boring, typical, predictable, not enjoyable and uninteresting. The reasons behind positive perceptions were that they're entertaining and interesting,  the tension, adrenaline, other peoples reactions being funny and in general respondents liking being scared or made to jump.

Preferences

This pie chart shows that over half (52.6%) prefer to see serial killers in horror films, zombies were second in favour and ghosts were third, this includes 'the unknown'. Therefore we can conclude that modern audiences expect a good horror film to have either serial killers, zombies or ghosts in.

I have print screened some of my results from three questions showing audiences preferences on where, who and when they watch horror films. It shows me that a large proportion of audiences (50% based on my respondents) prefer to watch a horror film in a cinema. Also it shows 95% of people prefer to watch a horror film with friends, only one person from my results answered that they prefer to watch them on there own. Finally from question 8, I can see that most people watch horror films monthly if they ever.

Above are all of the films that appeared in my questionnaire when respondents were asked what their favourite horror film was. The one that came up the most frequently (3 times) was Saw, no specific one was given which I think could be because of how well known the films are. The second most frequent was Sinister (2 times) which I believe was because it is a new release out in cinemas now.

Expectations

From the open question 'What is your favourite thing about horror films?' I have transformed it from qualitative into quantitative data therefore being able to create the pie chart above. From this I can see that the two favourite expected things in horror films are being scared and being made to jump. This is used in the majority of horror films and is what audiences expect but it also what a lot of people like about horror films as it creates tension and adrenaline. Other aspects of audiences expectations of a successful horror film are an interesting plot and special effects.

Trip: London IMAX and Film Museum

Yesterday, the 24th of October we went on a trip to London. We visited various places around London such as the IMAX and film museum.

First we arrived in London.

We then went to the IMAX cinema.
It has the largest cinema screen in Britain!

Then we went to the film museum.

We were shown different aspects from films.
Especially Mise-en-scene.

Research: Audience Survey

I am trying to find out the perceptions and expectations of an audience in relation to horror films.

To research this I have set up a survey which can be found by clicking here.

Research: Horror History

I have compiled a timeline on the history of horror films which you can find here. I think this is a good way to display my research as it is easy to follow, full of media and interesting.

Main Task: Introduction

Our main task will be the titles and opening of a new teen horror film for a duration of two minutes. It is important that all of the video and audio material that we use is original and produced by ourselves. However there is an exception of using music or audio effects from a copyright-free source.

Preliminary Task: Evaluation

Preliminary Task: Evaluation from beccapaynekba

Preliminary Task: Final Edit

DENCH Films have now completed the Preliminary Task. Below is the final video we have produced.

Preliminary Task: Post-Production

The following screenshots are to show how we carried out post-production and the editing we did after filming.

We had to import the clips we had filmed into iMovie. To do so, open up iMovie, go to 'File' then hover the mouse over 'Import' and click 'Movies'

Next find where you're clips are placed. We placed our clips in a folder on the desktop as this makes the process more straight forward.

The first issue that we came across was that we filmed all of our clips in portrait rather than landscape. This meant that our footage became stretched and basically looked awful.

Here is an example of a clip that we filmed in portrait. As you can see our actor appears very large and overall it doesn't look at all professional.

Therefore we made the decision to completely re-film but making sure we filmed in landscape this time! Also we renamed all of the clips so its easier to know which is which.

This is our final edit. We have added different sounds on top of different clips (we needed to mute some of the clips as they interfered with the sound added in) and slowed some clips down to make it more intense in certain parts.