Kieron's Blog
Planning
Task 1
Initial Record Of Planning
We have chosen to include fast paced music (Non diegetic). This is because this will get peoples heart rate going along with getting them exited. This will also make them feel like something is going to happen.
We are going to include background sounds. This links back to my opening paragraph. We will do this so that this will get everyone exited whilst making them feel like it is going to be action based. We felt by adding background sounds, this means it will add more of an effect than just someone speaking in the background and us acting. This would be more interesting because we felt like it would be boring without it.
We have chosen to have a narrator in our opening scene. We are going to have a narrator talking about his life as we are acting it. This makes it even more exiting and starts to build tension.
Our opening credits will be black/white background. This is because it is easier to see and will look exiting. Also, it is the most common way of making credits as most films have this sort of layout.
Filming whilst credits appear on screen. We thought this would be a good idea because it will get the audience exited whilst looking at our credits. We think it would be a good idea if we had credits in the background whilst the filming is taking place. Also, this will look interesting and different as most films do not have this technique. Most films have credits at the end or start and then start filming. We thought we could be different and have it at the start whislt we film our opening scene.
Screen with location of setting. This will be a good idea because they will get the idea of where it is set and where it is set out to be. For example, we may choose to set it out like it is America, so we will include America in our opening scene.
Credit Sequence
Our target audience would be around the ages of 18-25. This is because it has too much crime/violence to be anything lower. We have chosen these ages, because these are the people with the most disposable income meaning they're most likely to go to the cinema to spend.
How many characters
We are going to have 4-5 characters. This is because we feel it will make it better than just having two characters. It will feel like more of a story if we have more than two. If we had just two characters, this will make it boring and the story would not be properly told.
Location
We are basing our scenes in an American City. This is because most gangster films are set in these locations.
Our actual filming will be based in Bristol. However, we will need to make this look close to an American city otherwise this would look unrealistic and would probably put people off of our scene.
By doing it in the location we are means we have enough space to do our filming.
Mood and Atmosphere
Our aim is to create an exiting mood and a good atmosphere within our opening scenes.
We will do this by creating jumpy scenes and we will have a narrator with tense music in the background.
If our film is what we intend it to be, people will feel exiting whilst watching and it will start to create some sort of tension.
Our aim is for people to enjoy our film and for it to be a good gangster film. We are going to try and make it as different to usual gangster films as possible which will hopefully make people enjoy it even more.
We felt that a film without mood and atmosphere should not be a film. The whole point of a film is to get people intrigued so that they can carry on watching the films. If the mood is dull, this will make the audience stop watching the film. This is why we feel like our film needs a good/tense atmosphere and the mood has to be a good mood so the audience stays watching.
Task 2
Company Name/Brand
Why we have chosen the picture?
We have created this picture/logo because it is easy and simple. We felt that we would gain recognition with this logo as it is easy to remember but also stands out. It also suits our films due to us creating more of a modern gangster film.
By us keeping the logo black and white makes it clear and is easier to look at. better than If the logo was a brighter colour, it would not look as easy and would look less professional. We tried making different logo's but they did not fit our production name. Also, we felt by making it simple makes it memorable.
Another reason for us making this logo is because we felt that it would look good when it comes up with our filming. We have included a camera in our picture because it is linked to filming and looks professional.
Task 3
Costume Plan
In this task, we have to choose what clothing we are wearing throughout our filming. This is because it represents the modern day gangster more due to it being casual and baggy. Nowadays, the stereotypical gangster would wear joggers and a jumper/coat. By the jumper and the joggers being the same colour represents the gangster theme very well. My clothing will be a bit different because we have different clothes but it will represent our gangster theme quite well. This is the clothing that we will stick with when we are filming. Our characters will not look the same as we have different clothing, but I will wear something that looks like a gangster. I will have the same colour jumper with different joggers. For example, he will have grey joggers and I will have blue joggers. This will make it easier to distinguish our characters.
This is the style of trousers we are wearing. We have gone for more of a modern day gangster genre meaning the baggy joggers look is most suited to this. The stereotypical gangster look is most suited to what we are trying to achieve. This is different to older gangsters. We have chosen to wear this because it is perfect for our genre and is the right colour and style for the look we are looking for.
Most people who seem themselves as gangsters wear these sort of clothes.
Task 3
Costume Plan
Task 3
Costume Plan
This is the jumper we have chosen to wear throughout or filming. This is the same colour as our baggy joggers as this represents the modern day gangster look. By us wearing grey represents the gangster look perfectly especially when we are wearing the same colour with our joggers and jumpers. The brand in this picture is Nike. We have chosen nike as nike fits the gangster genre better than a brand like Adidas or Puma.
We have gone for a different colour when it comes to our shoes. We have chosen to keep the Nike brand with all of our clothing as we felt it would be better to keep it the same than to mix brands. The colour and style we have chosen to wear. The style of trainer we have chosen in our photos is a Nike trainer. Usually, the modern day gangster chooses the Nike theme instead of picking other brands.
Music And Sound
Why we have chosen the name
We have chosen the name because it is our second names. We also think it would be easier for people to remember when we show our filming. We thought that it is easy as well as it stands out. By having our second names as our company name shows people that it is us.
We have chose this font because it looks interesting and adds a bit of creativity. We thought by having a fancier font means it is more appealing. It also looks professional but presentable.
After making several logos and names, we have come to the conclusion that this fits best. It shows that we have an equal part in this production as we have both of our second names in the name.
Target Audience
Task 4
Location Shoot
In this task, we had to take pictures of the location where we are filming. This gives the audience an idea of the location and the surroundings. By the location being where it is, gives the impression that this is going to be a crime/gangster film. The location is perfect for what we are trying to achieve because a building like this suits the modern day gangster films perfectly. We have taken pictures from every side of the building and inside. The atmosphere in this location is very dull and quiet with the lighting being quite faint. This is helpful for our filming as it will increase the tension and will therefore look even more realistic. By the building being old and ran down means it is a perfect set for the gangster genre. The pictures show the different areas around where we are filming. The pictures show a run down hospital with spray paint representing the modern day gangster theme.
Click the picture
In this task, we had to film where we are going going to film our openings. In the video, we have added everywhere where we are going to film. We have also added the interior of the abandoned building. This is because we are going to film inside the building and outside of it. We are also going to film on the top of it. By creating a video, makes it easier for people to get an idea of where it is and the locations surrounding it. We have chosen to film it in this spooky dark location because it is quiet meaning it could be jumpy for many of the viewers. This will make people interested and therefore they wont find it boring. The atmosphere is very boring and will fit perfectly with our filming. If we chosen to film in a built up areawith lots of people, thefilm would not have any tension and could possibly bore people.
In this task, we had to show what props we are using in our screening. We have chosen these weapons because they are the stereotypical murder weapons that a gangster would use. They represent the gangster theme perfectly because they are murder weapons. Also, we need a murder weapon at the start of our opening which is why these are helpful. They are also easier to carry around with us and can be used as a sly weapon. These weapons will be seen throughout our filming as these are the key props to use. We will also be using a bath as a prop because that is where the dead body is going to be held.
In our filming, this weapon will be used to carry around as it will fit perfect into our pockets. One of the gangsters will use the knife and the other one will have one in his pocket. This plays a key part in our opening because it is the murder weapon and is a good weapon to use when you want a murder to be hidden. It will also be used to scare off anyone other gang members and can be used for safety or self defence. It is an intimidating weapon therefore will be a great addition to our opening. Overall, a knife will play a key part in our opening due to their being action and crime taking place throughout. It also shows that the gangs are superior over anyone else because no one will touch them whilst the knife is on them
The gun will also play a key part in our opening because this will be the weapon that is shown throughout our film opening. This will not be used as a murder weapon but will be used to show there is superior people/gangs around and therefore trouble will take place. It is used to show that there is crime and anger and that the film has many twists and turns throughout. If we would of made a full film, the guns would be our most important prop because it is the most used weapons in action and crime films as it is the safer weapon to use out of both. This weapon will be shown a lot in our opening as someone will be holding it at all times. By it being a smaller gun means that it could be hidden somewhere under clothing just like stereotypical gangsters do.
Task 6
Props Plan
Task 5
Location Footage
This is our editing schedule. Things may change due to when we are available but we have chosen these times are they are most appropriate. We have written when we are going to do our first, second and third screening. This is helpful because it gives us an idea of when we need to do it. It also helps so we don't make plans in front of our initial screening. It gives us great ideas because it shows us when we should do it, therefore we should not miss our deadlines.
Task 8
StoryBoard
This is our story board. Our first scene starts with a dead body in the bath, with the murderer standing next to him. He doesn't feel bad, and starts to smirk and laugh to himself whilst speaking how it is revenge. He soon leaves the room with a smile on his face, but drops something which could be seen as evidence. The dead persons mates soon enter the house to see the dead body lying in the bath with blood all over him. They look shocked and start to look around the house for evidence. What they don't realise is, there is a cigar lying beneath their feet which is good evidence as the murderer is someone they know and he only smokes those cigars. They realise this and the rage begins. Their first thought is finding the murderer. However, this isn't going to be nice if they do find him.
They soon leave the house and began the search. Whilst on the search they start talking about the possible murderers and starts to enter properties. They find a bench on the end of the street. Once they sit down, they start talking about where and when the murder happened and if it is an accident or done on purpose. They start to look around suspicious as the murderer cannot be far from the location.
Throughout our filming as shown on our pictures, we are going to make a ontage of us looking around different locations with music/dialogue in the background. This woll create a tense atmosphere because we will be looking for the murderer with up beat music in the background.
The montage of us walking around is the main part of our film as it represents our genre the most. For example, we are doing modern day gangster and therefore will be wearing gangster clothing whilst walking around in the rough areas.
Task 9
Shot List
In this task we had to write our shot list. This had to include everything that we were planning to do and this helps us with our filming. By us writing our shot list down also makes our film better in terms of us reading from this and making improvements. This shot list links in to our story board because it is basically explaining our story board. It tells us what the shots are and where/how we are doing them.
Establishing Shot - The establishing shot will be of the streets and houses. Later on in the film there will be an establishing shot of the abandoned building that we will be standing by. This gives the audience an idea of where the location is and what is about to happen as it suits our genre the most.
Close Up - This will be of the gangsters feet when they are walking through the streets together at the start of the film.
Long Shot - The long shot will be of the two gangsters walking through the streets as this creates tension.
Two Shot - The two shot will be introduced when the two gangsters walk in to the building and find the dead body inside the bath. It is better to have a two shot as it shows the emotion of both gangsters.
Close up - Of the gangsters looking at the body
Point of view - This will look at the body in the bath
Two shot - Will be used when they are talking to each other about who has murdered their friend and what to do.
Mid shot/two shot - Is when they are leaving the house
This is when it cuts to the other shot
Establishing Shot - Of the abandoned building, as this sets the scene
Close up - Close up of the two gangsters as they are looking around as it shows the emotion
Close Up - This will be used again when they are walking around looking for the murderer. This will be of their feet and faces.
Establishing shot - When they find the gangster who killed their friend
Close up - Of Alfie getting his gun out
Close up - Of just the gun being fired
The opening finishes with the gun being fired
We are going to have very little dialogue as we feel that it would create more of a drama. We would prefer if the audience gets drawn in to our filming and cinematography. Our story line would look better if we had little dialogue which is why there isn't much. It will also create tension for the audience and will leave them guessing of what is going to happen next. The little dialogue includes one of our actors in the background explaining his decision and this creates a mystery/exiting film.
Task 11
Title Planning
Font Of Title
We have chosen a font that looks very different to other films. This is to make it memorable whilst fitting our genre perfectly. We had chosen different fonts but only one looked good enough.
Fatal Vengeance - This is one of the fonts that we wanted to use. We chose not to use it as it is boring and looks like a font that someone uses when typing.
Fatal vengeance - We wanted to use this font but we felt that the spaces were to big and it was harder to see as it was bold and the letters were to big.
Fatal Vengeance - This was going to be our final font however we felt like this belongs in an olden day gangster film.
Fatal Vengeance - We have chosen to use this font because this suits the modern day gangster/action film perfectly. It appears professional and will stay in peoples heads.
Fatal Vengeance
In this task, we had to show our fonts and the names of our films. We had to show our different ideas and how they differ. It is important doing this because it shows us what fits best and gives us a clear idea. By showing our different ideas means we have different ranges and we could always go back and change it. By having a different range of fonts means that we can look at them and see which one fits best with our backgrounds and choice of film. Even though we have selected the font, we will keep the different ranges because they will come in handy if we suddenly get put off our font.
Name Of Film
When thinking of a name for our film. The first name that came to our heads was fatal vengeance. This is linked to getting revenge whilst having the fatal part suggesting there is a action film. We thought of having the word vengeance because it means revenge but sounds like it fits the action genre better.
We have decided to use the word fatal as this means causing death or leading to a disaster. This fits our film perfectly because death becomes an occurrence and is one of our features early in our film. It also sounds brilliant with the genre we are doing. Fatal fits the action film because it links to death.
Vengeance also refers to revenge. We have chosen the word vengeance because the two gangsters (Me and Alfie) are going to get revenge on someone due to them killing our mate (Billy)
Task 12
Music Plan
Throughout our filming we are going to have music. This is because music leaves an upbeat mood depending on the genre and the style of music they are using. In ours, we are using up beat music, especially when we look around for the murderer etc.. The different styles of music will fit the genre and will fit the appropriate scene. For example, when there is a chase scene or an angry scene, up beat/fast music will fit best because it links to anger/frustration. Slower music would link to death as this is a way of expressing bad luck and sorrow. This music beneath fits our filming best as we are trying to keep the mood and atmosphere high and tense.
This is the song we are going to use at the start of our film because it will suit our credits. This is the sort of music that will quickly build tension whilst making people exited. It also gives people the impression that something is about to happen because it is fast paced with a gangster walking through a street. This links to our genre really well because we are trying to create a modern day gangster film opening. This is the sort of stereotypical gangster song.
This song is going to be our build up song. When we are in the process of filming, this is going to be the song that we are going to listen to when we are walking about. This is going to be played just before the murder takes place. This song will link the good gangster and will be used to split the scenes from the good to the bad guy about to kill the good gangsters friend. This will build a good atmosphere. This also gives the impression that something bad is about to happen.
This song will be played when we are on the look for the murderer. It will almost create a chase scene and this music fit perfectly with this scene. Usually when there is a chase scene, the music is jumpy and very up beat. This is why we feel this fits perfect with our scene. By our music being jumpy and fast paced gives the impression that it is modern instead of the olden day gangster films.
Hazard
Risk of incident happening
Consequences
How to control it
Knife incident
Medium
If used incorrectly this could result in cuts/wounds or could potentially end up worse and would need medical attention
This can be controlled if we hold the knife correctly and use it appropriately.
Location at risk
Falling Over on set
High
Due to it being in forests and buildings there is a possibility of falling over which could result in big injuries or cuts which would require medical attention
We will keep the area lit when we are not filming reducing the risk of falling over. We will also remove any objects that could trip someone over.
There is a risk of falling over anywhere although there is more of a risk falling over in the abandoned building because it is old meaning there is debris
Falling Over tripod
High
Would not result in major injuries and would only results in negligible injuries
To prevent this, we will make sure everyone watches their step before waling around everywhere. The tripod will be located anywhere so it's key people watch their step
We will have a tripod in all of our locations meaning we are at risk anywhere. However, the abandoned building makes us at risk because we will have to put it on a flat surface which will be hard because its old meaning there will be lots of old bricks everywhere
Falling from a height
Low
Would result in serious injuries and could potentially result in death
To keep this safe, we will stay away from any where that looks like it can affect us. For example, if there is an edge, we will stay away from it.
We will only be at risk in the abandoned building because we are going on the roof meaning there is a chance of falling off. This means we will have to be extra cautious, so we do not fall.
Getting hit by a car
Medium
Would result in serious injuries and could potentially result in death
To keep this safe, we will look and be aware of cars. To do this, we will look for cars before we go on the road. This will stop us from being ran over.
We will be most at threat on the streets (outside the house) This is because we are outside near the road and could potentially film on the road.
Cutting ourselves
High
It might end up with us seriously injuring ourselves which would require medical attention. This would not result in anything worse
To keep this safe, we should look around the area before we touch anything that could potentially hurt us. This will prevent us
We could be at threat in any location. This is because we are using the knife in the streets. The abandoned building will have sharp walls and objects in there which means we will have to be aware.
Task 12
Pitch
In this task, we had to explain all of our ideas that we were doing with our film. This included explaining our title, font, ideas etc.. At the end, we were given feedback on what would make it better and even more interesting. After hearing this feedback, we have chosen to take those ideas and improve them. It has really helped us because our ideas look a lot better now.
Task 10
Script
Task 7
Filming/Editing Schedule
Task 12
Music Plan
Task 13
Health and Safety Evidence
Task 10
Script
(Starts off with billy standing in front of the bath, with the body behind him).
(Off Camera) Billy; "Hopefully this has taught them a lesson. They know not to mess with me and my family again. (Sighs) "I better go"
(He leaves the house unsighted)
(The scene cuts)
(Gangster 1 and 2 walk in to the house with confused body language, as they are confused to where their mate is)
(Gangster 1) "This isn't an accident, "I'm gonna find who's done this!, any ideas?"
(Gangster 2) "Wait, there's a cigar on the floor! There's only one person around here that smokes these!"
(Gangster 1) "Lets go and find him then mate, I want revenge!" (In an angry tone, looking like he's bout to kill)
(They leave the house fast with anger)
The dialogue then stops as I want the audience to get drawn in to our cinematics
This location will be everywhere because the knife appears in all of our sets