Shot sequencing

This week we have been creating the sequences that our shots will go in, we have to think about the number of shots, the duration that they will appear on screen, the location that the shot will be set in, the action that happens in the shot and the costumes and props. However my scene does not fit the time limit that we have been set (2 minutes) therefore I will need to add some more shots into the sequence. 

Edit:
I have now added some more shots into the sequence so it now fits into the allotted time.

Props and costumes analysis

Edge of Tomorrow 

X-men

Audience interviews

This will help me understand more about what the audience for my film would want to see from it.

Setting analysis and Sheffield research trip

The class has recently been on a trip to Sheffield to research some possible locations for our films, as it is common for action/ adventure films to have a city setting I was able to find many suitable locations to set my film.

We were asked to choose a picture that we had taken on the trip and analyse it in class, I have uploaded my notes onto a Prezi presentation. I have also created a video on Animoto of all the photos and videos I took during the trip.

Location research

Pirates of the Caribbean opening scene setting analysis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfPYuI1cBpc

The location of this movie contributes to the adventure genre as it is remote and seems to be distant from any land. The setting of this scene is very conventional as adventure films are often set in an exotic place or in the past, both of which align with this scene.The setting in this opening also develops narrative by introducing the setting for the rest of the film as it is set mainly on the water, therefore this opening scene also introduces the setting to the audience.The location would affect the audience by providing suspense and a sense of mystery as the fog and darker lighting stops the audience and the characters from seeing their surroundings, this could make the audience wonder where the ship is and allows things to be shown to the audience slowly, which could also create a sense of intrigue as the audience would want to know what will happen next in the movie.

Again this location is obviously from a different time period, therefore in conforms to the expectations of the adventure genre. This location gives more context to the character in the frame, she is on a very extravagant ship therefore her family must be very wealthy, however this could intrigue the audience as they want to know why she is on the ship and how this links to the narrative. 


This will influence how I produce my film as I now have a better understanding of where the best location for my film would be for my genre.

Actor planning

Most adventure films feature a male in his 20's/30's as the main character, and either a younger and/or female sidekick, however some adventure films involve teams of people (The Goonies, Lord of the Rings).

Who is available?
If I am going to cast a single person as the protagonist, I may need to use someone older, therefore I may need to ask a family member or a teacher to act. However if I am featuring a team of people in my film it may be necessary to ask my friends for help as they are more accessible and would work better as there is already a suitable number of them. Casting younger people could also help the audience connect with the characters as they are more relatable to my desired audience.

What are the difficulties involved in casting?
As I could be casting a large number of people to star in my film I may have to wait for a time when all of the required people are available, which could be an issue as they have individual schedules. Similarly if I wanted my film to be set in a city (e.g. Sheffield) getting a large number of people to meet up a the same time could be an issue, as some people could be too busy to have time to get there.

Initial planning for storyboards

This week we needed to start planning what the opening 2 minutes of our film would look like and what it would involve. Before we actually started storyboarding we needed to plan certain aspects of our movie. For instance i have chosen the setting of my film to be either a jungle or a city, as this is where most action/ adventure films are set. I have decided that my film will conform to the stereotypes of this genre as i think that this would make my film more popular as people will be familiar with what codes and conventions action/adventure films will include.

Actor research

It is vital that we research the well known actors of our genre so that we know what type of people to cast in our film, according to whether we want to contrast or conform to the genre we have chosen. I have presented my research on slide share:

http://www.slideshare.net/lucy_Early/actor-research-54081407

This will influence my production as I now have a better understanding about the type of actors I will need to cast in my film.

Audience Theories video

In class we were asked to research some audience theories that will be relevant when producing our films (e.g. representing cultures/ religions appropriately and making sure not to discriminate against any groups)


This will help me to create my production as I now have a better understanding about the theories that I can use in my editing and filming when creating my production.

Analysis of shot composition and sequenceing

This shot type is an establishing shot,We chose  this shot so that the audience knows where the film is set, this could be shown at the start of the film. This shot progresses the narrative by showing where the film will take place. This shot will work in a sequence by starting to set the scene for the audience at the beginning of the film. It also shows the audience where the film is set and could give some clues about what the film could include and can make the audience wonder who the movies   protagonist is and what will happen within  the setting.

This is a close up shot, this shot was chosen as it shows some information about the character but still leaves the audience wondering who they are, it progress the narrative by showing the audience that the character is late and is rushing to get somewhere, this shot creates tension and the audience is wondering who character is and where they are going to so quickly

This shot is a wide shot,we chose it so that more information about the character and the setting is revealed to the audience, which will make them more curious about who the character is and why they are in this setting, it progresses the narrative by providing more context for the story and showing where the character is going.

This is a mid shot of the previous shot, this could also be match on action as it shows the same action happening from different angles, this shot was chosen because it progresses the narrative by moving the story inside the building at which the story started. The audience could still be wondering who the main character is and where they are, however they are provided with more setting therefore they could be more intrigued as more ‘clues’ about the setting and character are revealed.

This is an extreme close up of the time on a phone, this was chosen to clearly show the time and to show how late the character is, while also creating a sense of urgency. This shot progresses the narrative because it shows the audience why the character is at the setting and why (in the next frames) she starts running. The audience could now be curious to know if the main character gets to class on time and why they were late in the first place.

These shots are from high angles, they could also be match on action shots as they are both of the same action, these shots were chosen because they show the audience that the character is rushing to get somewhere and create more tension in the scene as the audience could be wondering if the character is going to make it to their class on time. The narrative is progressed by the use of motion in the shots this makes the two shots feel more continuous and work better  together in the sequence.

This shot is a two shot, as it involves two people, however neither of  their faces can be seen because we wanted the audience to focus on the action of the character being tripped up rather than their face we also didn't include the other characters face so that the audience is more likely to wonder who the person tripping the character up is and why they are doing it. The other character also takes up more space in the shot than the protagonist, this has been done to show who has the power in the shot, the narrative is progressed by this shot because a disruption is created by tripping the character up (which aligns with Torodov’s narrative theory).

This shot is a high angle shot as the character is seen at a low angle, this has been done to show that the character is in a vulnerable position as they have just been attacked, this shot is designed to make the audience feel sympathy for the character as they look powerless, the audience could also be intrigued as to why the character has been tripped up and who did it. This shot progresses the narrative by making the audience more emotionally connected to the character and showing the characters reaction to the disruption.

  

The transition between these two shots would be a zoom, as the first one is a wide shot, which shows more of the characters surroundings and the second is a close up on the two characters which shows that they are the most important thing in the setting, as the wide shot goes straight to the characters. This progresses the narrative by showing the audience a third character who helps the protagonist of the story and shows more of the setting to the audience. The shot could make the audience root for the main character as they are being helped by a secondary character and because they have  prevailed against the disruption caused by the other character. 

The shot type for this shot is an over the shoulder shot, this was chosen to show both the setting and character simultaneously, and so that the audience can see where the character is going, while also seeing the movement of the door being opened. The narrative is progressed by showing the characters moving from one setting to another, the audience could be intrigued by this shot and wonder where the characters are going and why.

This shot is a two shot, which was chosen to show the friendship between both characters and to provide a sense of consolidation for the protagonist, this shot is also a parallel of the two shot that was seen earlier in the sequence, however this time the power balance is equal. This shot progresses the narrative by showing the relationship between the characters and restoring order to the scene, in alignment with Torodov’s narrative theory, this shot helps the audience to feel pity towards the main character and happiness as the secondary character is helping to comfort them.

The final shot is a extreme close up, which focuses on the emotion in the protagonists face, as their face is covered by their hands, they could suggest that the character is crying or in distress. This shot was chosen because it shows how upset the character is and helps the audience connect with the character emotionally but also keeps them wondering what is going to happen next. This shot does not conform to Torodov’s narrative theory as no equilibrium is reached and the scene still feels quite tense.


This will help me to create my production because I have a better understanding of how to create a more effective opening sequence by using shot composition and sequencing

Gender representation in the adventure genre: female

Female gender representations:

Women are normally featured in action/adventure film as the passive characters as they aren't involved in the conflict of the film. Women are also seen as the ‘prize’ for the protagonist to win by defeating the antagonist. Women are also usually the sidekicks of the protagonist and normally provide problems for the main character to solve. It is one theory (by Laura Mulvey) that female characters are only included in adventure movies for the male gaze.  

The main stereotypes of women in movie are: The Dumb Blonde, The Bitch, The Mother, The Tart, The Housewife, The Femme Fatale and The Cougar

The Glamorous Ideal theory by Germaine Greer can also be applied to the representation of women in action/adventure films as she says that the media uphold an ‘ideal’ image of beauty in its representations and that women aspire to conform to these standards. She claims that the emphasis that is put on women to be ‘sexy’ and beautiful by the media makes women believe that they need to be ‘beautiful’ in order to be successful.

however the post feminist theory could suggest that women can assert their right to be sexually attractive and can show their confidence. 

Kill Bill (2003):  

One movie that challenges these theories is Kill Bill, this is because there is a female protagonist, antagonist and side kicks, who are all shown as being independent, and don't rely on men to save them or help them fight. This could have been done to try and break down gender roles that have been established in the action genre. However, even though most of the women are all represented as strong women it could be argued that the audience sides with the main character because she has masculine traits, which would counter the feminist theories that can be applied to this film. The Glamorous Ideal theory can also be applied to this film as all of the women align with social beauty standards and could make other women want to look like them.

Miss Congeniality (2000) 

This movie features an independent female lead who is a self proclaimed ‘tomboy’ who has to conform to the  beauty standard to go undercover. This movie contains many female stereotypes, including ‘the Dumb Blonde’, ‘the Bitch’ and ‘the Tart’. Women are also shown with the male gaze in mind, as many of the costumes are revealing. The Glamorous Ideal Theory can also be applied to this film as most of the women featured in it are conventionally beautiful which would make other women want to conform to the standards as well. However the film also contrasts with the stereotypical representation of women in action movies as the main character works (mainly) by herself and rejects (at first) the stereotypical beauty standards of women. 

The independence of the protagonist is paralleled by the sidekicks innocence, this is also conforms to the stereotypes of women as this character could be seen as the Dumb Blonde archetype in films. This character can also support the ‘Final Girl’ theory as the character is the one who stays the ‘purest’ and eventually wins the competition. However this character doesn't conform to the idea that women don’t help the protagonist or provide any information as she helps to move the narrative foreword and help the investigation.

This will help me to create my production as I am now more familiar with the stereotypes of the female gender in the adventure genre, therefore I can more easily avoid or conform to them.

Gender representation in the adventure genre: Male

The male representation theory: Stereotypically, the male gender is often seen as the dominant one, especially in adventure movies, as they usually have a solution to the challenges that they face in the movie. Typically men are also represented as being the ‘saviour’ of the movie and usually working alone, implying that they are capable of handling any situation on their own (e.g. James Bond). 

Men, especially the main character, of action/adventure films are normally portrayed as ‘metrosexual’ and tend to look very muscular physique and are stereotypically attractive, this is done by the casting director to make the audience more likely to want the character to succeed, this could also be pandering to the female gaze to make the film more accessible to everyone.

The 'Boys to Men': Media Messages About Masculinity report states that there are 7 stereotypical representations of masculinity in the media: The Action Hero, The Big Shot, The Strong Silent type, The Metrosexual, The Jock, The Joker. 

Earp and Katz also produced a theory stating that ‘while the media are not the cause of violent behaviour in men and boys, they do portray male violence as a normal expression of masculinity’ which could mean that the portrayals of hyper-masculine men in the media could be causing boys to think that violent acts are normal for men.

Three Kings (1999): 

An example of a male character that conforms to these stereotypes is Archie Gates from the 1999 movie ‘Three Kings’. Throughout the film he leads the team of soldiers and has a solution to every problem that team faces, he also conforms to the ‘alpha male’ stereotype that is often seen in action/ adventure movies, as he is consistently sure of his actions. He is also very active in the conflict of this movie which is also very stereotypical. 

However, there are other male stereotypes in this film, as Conrad Vig is the movies comic relief, this also conforms to adventure film stereotypes as there is normally one character who's purpose it is to relieve tension throughout the film, the comedic character also normally dies sometime before/during the climax of the film as they motivate the main character to fight the antagonist. This is usually done by the casting director so that the audience will be more passionate about the antagonist of the film being destroyed, as the comic relief character is normally more loveable and innocent than the other characters which makes the audience fonder of them and want the main character to avenge their death. 

Scott Pilgrim vs. the world (2010):

However an alternate lead male to Archie Gates would be Scott Pilgrim, who is not the stereotypical lead male of an action/ adventure movie and does not conform to the hyper-masculine themes that are normally seen however his character does align with the ‘joker’ stereotype from the 'Boys to Men': Media Messages About Masculinity report as he is often used to diffuse the tension in the movie, Scott also defends the female characters in the movie when they get into trouble and ultimately saves and ends up with the leading lady (who is shown as a ‘prize’ throughout the movie). 

However Scott is shown to be the underdog of the movie, as he has to defeat Ramona’s ‘7 evil exes’, this could be done to make Scott more relatable and make it easier for the audience to root for him and be on his side as he battles the antagonists.

Moreover the movie presents Scott as a ‘beta male’, a man who avoids risk and confrontation. He also lacks the physical presence and confidence of the Alpha male. This could also help the audience to relate to Scott, as because he is not hyper-masculinised, he can be portrayed as more like some of the viewers,this could aid the audience in escaping the problems of their lives by making it easier to imagine themselves in the movie. 

Alternatively, another character in the film, Lucas Lee conforms to the alpha male stereotypes that are common in the action genre, this is because he is sure of his actions, confident and acts alone, which shows that he is capable of handling any situation. The casting director could have done this because the target audience from this film could see alpha males in their real lives as antagonists, which could also add to the films objective of taking their audience out of their world and making the characters relatable so that the audience can imagine themselves in the movie more easily. 


This will help me to create my production as I am now more familiar with the stereotypes of the male gender in my chosen genre, therefore I can more easily avoid or conform to them.

Class notes: 12th October (Prop and costume research)

Class notes: 6th October (Composition research)

Class notes: 1st October (Research into Media Audience Theory)

Class notes: 28th September (Use of SFX in movies)

Transitions and editing rules: James Bond Skyfall

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrSJP2PtAP8)

 45 degree/ Cut on motion rule:

The 45-degree rule states that camera shots need to be at least 45 degrees different to make sure that the shots aren’t too similar. This type of editing keeps the audience engaged in the story and also allows them to see the focus of the shot from multiple angles. These types of shots keep the narrative moving while also pointing out something of interest to the audience. 

Match the scene:

The match the scene rule means that if something is happening in one shot, it must continue to the next one (e.g. if someone is holding something in one shot, they must have the same thing in their hand in the next shot). This rule makes the scene more realistic and believable and provides continuity for the audience to feel more involved in the movie. The narrative of the movie is slowed down by this transition, however it can allow the audience to focus on certain details of the scene. 

180 degree plane:

To include the 180-degree plane rule in a scene the subjects in the scene have to be seen 180 degrees away from each other, this makes the scene feel more natural and makes it easier for the audience to follow the interaction that happens in the scene. The 180-degree rule allows the narrative of a movie to continually flow and look more realistic, and can often increase the pace of the scene (depending how long the sections of dialogue are).


This will help to impact the production of my film because I now have a better understanding of what transitions and editing techniques need to be included in my film.

Audience research mood board