Target Audience + Genre Conventions research

Before we even started to plan our film opening in any detail, we had to decide on a target audience. As we decided to make a horror film, it was almost impossible to have the age rating as under 15 because horror films are almost always scarier and more intense than any other genre. As well as this, we looked at our sub-genre, supernatural horror and took inspiration from their age rating certificates.

Some of the big supernatural horrors at the moment and their minimum age ratings are:

• The Possession - 15
• The Conjuring - 15
• The Exorcism of Emily Rose - 15
• Paranormal Activity - 15

Clearly, a common age minimum is set at 15. This means our target audience ranges from 15-25, teenagers to young adults as this would seem most appropriate for our film genre. 

So what kind of content can we show and what can we do to attract the target audience? 

• As we have quite a young age group (15) it would be more appropriate for there not to be as much gore as a slasher film and also this would not be conventional for our genre
• We also have no swearing or foul language as this would make it age appropriate and allow the 15 rating.
• We also decided to use a little girl as the main character as this is conventional and would attract the intended audience. Another convention we stuck to is the use of a 'jump' at the end of a long sequence, to thrill and shock the audience, which is something the audience expects.
• We also decided to name our piece 'The Possessed' as this is clear and conventional, the article 'the' is a conventional word to use in the title for a supernatural horror and so it is clear to the audience the genre of the film.

How can we represent the social group (age)?

• We are using a young girl in our piece and so we wanted to think of ways to represent her. One commonly accepted view of little girls is that they are vulnerable and so need protection. 
• Clearly, a possessed girl shows huge signs of vulnerability and perhaps the audience will feel sympathy at first.
• But during our sequence we wanted to make it seem like she was no longer a little girl on the inside, so we used non-diegetic growling noises, non-diegetic bone clicking noises. This all helps the audience see the little girl as a threat and as dangerous instead

Titles | Research and Practical

Our task for this week was to improve our titles and begin to implement them into our opening. We started by researching different ways in which we could make movements within the titles and took inspiration from the following (Whitechapel):

We liked the way the editors manipulated the text so it would flip, suddenly flash up, become larger and smaller etc. We wanted to recreate this type of text for our own opening.

We found this tutorial whilst searching for different effects we could use and we was interested in trying to replicate some of the movements, however we discovered you have to pay to get this software included in Final Cut Pro and so decided against it, instead we decided to use it as inspiration for our own movements:



We began by using a simple text box in Final Cut Pro, which was basic and plain, starting with the text in the bottom corner. We then put on the effect 'Bad TV' as we use this frequently throughout our opening and we wanted to keep a constant theme throughout, we changed the amount so it was a bit more noticable.

We changed the font to 'Trajan Pro' as felt this looked similar to real horror film titles. E.g. The Conjuring. As you can see below in the screenshot, we put in the actors name and applied the effect. We then manipulated the text in a different way.

 We copied the exact same text but as two different strips of video. Then we put one tiny short clip of text, which appeared for a fraction of a second (saying the same thing) in between.

 In the inbetween one we moved the position of the text to the opposite corner and applied the effect 'Bad TV' for a very short period of time but as a much higher amount, so it looks like it flashes up and goes very jolty and shakey.

Following this, in the longer 3rd clip we applied an effect which looks like a film burning out called '...' which can be seen in the video.

Here is what we made:

Evaluation
We are very happy with this style of title as it looks professional and very similar to the 'Whitechapel' title that we were trying to recreate. To improve we would like to make the text jolt backwards and larger and smaller like in the Whitechapel opening sequence. We also want to try adding in more quick flashes up or in slightly different places just to make it look even more impressive. However, this would require more professional skills and we'd have to download or install other software which could be costly. For now, we are happy with the results.



Evaluation of filming

Today we met at 5pm to film a few extra shots that we felt needed to be re-done and also a few more shots we decided to add, just in case. We started by setting up the set just as before, the mattress, the restraints and the pallets. We also had to set up the light exactly the same, luckily, the bucket we used to place the light on was in the exact same place so there should be no continuity errors.

We also decided to use make up on the arms this time. We added a dark foundation and purple eye shadow for a bruising effect and also a little fake blood as this is a common convention for a horror film. We decided not to re-shoot everything as the light makes the makeup seem a lot lighter and we thought that it wouldn't be seen through much of the 'fast' possession shots. Instead, we refilmed some of the close ups just in case the arms could be seen. 

We tried a variety of shots, some which can be seen below:

This first shot was a kind of tracking shot as it moves up Neve's body, which we used before but wanted to re-shoot to include the new make-up.

This was a new shot from a high angle looking down, which we didn't film before. We just thought it would be good to have more angles of the possession and this was one we hadn't experimented with before.

Evaluation:

Shooting today was successful as we got the re-shoots that what we wanted to do done, with added make-up, as seen above. We managed to do this promptly with no fuss which meant we kept to the schedule and finished on time. We also filmed a few extra sequences which we may or may not use in our opening, depending on the length. We also discussed using fast straight cut edits between different angles of possession, which is something we will look at when it comes to shooting. We were fairly good when it came to mise en scene this week as we managed to set up almost identically to how it was the first time we met to film. Next time we will shoot the beginning scene with the exorcist as Mia's dad was at work this time. Also we would still like to do some shots of objects moving so that is something we can look to do on our next day of shooting. 

Priest Collar

For my practical this week I attempted to create a Priest's collar ahead of filming on the weekend. After doing some research I attempted making the collar. In our opening we wanted a Priest to set up to camera and then start reading scripture or something similar, so we have to think about costume and what is the best way to get it across to the audience who the character is.

I watched this tutorial by a real priest to see if he had any tips on making temporary collars out of paper:

I tried his method:

I started with an a3 sheet of paper and folded into several times until it was about 1.5 inches wide and completely flattened it so it would be quite thin. I bent it a bit so when it was put round the neck it would be a smooth circle and not have creases. Then I stuck down the sides with sellotape as the priest instructs, and apply tape to one end so I can wrap it around my neck:

At this stage the collar doesn't look very convincing and is too big for my neck.

Evaluation: 

After putting a shirt over the top, the collar looks a lot better and more realistic. Obviously, in the real thing the priest character will be wearing an opaque black shirt so hopefully the collar will look quite good. The handy thing is, that with low-key lighting and hardly any time actually focused on the collar, it should look quite authentic in our final piece.

I also looked online for existing priest collars that we could consider purchasing, for example, I saw these on eBay which could help the costume look more realistic:

However, I think the homemade one will suffice as it would be a waste of money to spend £5 on a collar when we can easily replicate it with a piece of paper, especially as it will hardly be seen during our film.

Exorcismus Deconstruction

Trailer for film

Possession scene

• Low key-lighting casts shadows, quite conventional for this genre. Special effects are used to make her eyes seem completely white - makes audience believe she is possessed, as this is a conventional trait for a possessed person. The close up shot of her face highlights this.
• Non-diegetic, edited dialogue of the girls voice is heard - a lot deeper, different tone - seems like a demons voice - completely the opposite of her normal voice.

• Close up of wound on leg - special effects. In the shape of a crucifix which is obviously religious and so relates back to the genre. It is also a deep, bloody wound to make the audience shocked. The close up shot also emphasises the wound.
• The leg restraints are also seen here, part of the mise en scene. It looks like belts tied to a chair, which implies that the girl becomes unnaturally strong which will scare the audience. 

• Establishing shot of the room to show the audience how the girl is restrained, also just to set the scene. Not as typical to have her in a chair, but maybe for an older girl it is more acceptable. 
• Otherwise the room looks completely normal (lamp, fireplace, desk), which might frighten the audience as it makes it seem more realistic.

• Two-shot of the exorcist and the girl to show that it is an exorcism, and the girl is shouting and screaming, apparently in pain (diegeitc dialogue). Also the image is edited to make it look like a camera has been set up to film. There is a grainy filter with lines like an old video camera.
• The girl appears to be breaking out of her restraints which makes the audience fearful as they do not know what is going to happen next. 

• Back lighting makes her seem like a shadow so you can't make out her facial expression. Her costume is just a pair of 3/4 length jeans and a stripy long-sleeved top, making her seem like a normal teenage girl.
• The man is obviously a priest because he wears a long black robe with the white collar
• At this point she is calmer but there is still non-diegetic dialogue, as mentioned before.

• Again, the editing helps show that this is a camera that has been set up as there is the 'play' text in the top left as well as other words.
• She appears to be contorting her body which is something possessed people do in films.
• The priest has a bible which is a conventional prop and adds to the mise en scene.
• Low key lighting with slight back lighting casts shadows.

• Clearly a symbolic sign - the cross. It is conventional to include religious symbols in films about possession.
• She seems completely taken over through her body language - her head is down and she seems unresponsive. 
• The priest just looks in shock - showing he's never seen anything like this before. The audience then deduce that this a serious case and adds to the scariness of the sequence. 

• Here, the girl cuts deep into her hand using a knife, which is something quite conventional in possession films. She also does not flinch and her body language seems like she enjoys it, so the audience concludes that something is wrong with her. The close up shot helps to show the audience the depth of the injury. Also, special effects have been used to make it look like the girl is really cutting into her hand.
• This is something we could explore during our own opening sequence.

• A high angle shot shows the girl apparently worshipping a deity on the floor surrounded by her own blood painted to look like a demonic symbol. This completely reinforces the fact that she is possessed to the audience. It seems completely demonic and also uses the conventional religious symbols to get across the point that she is possessed. 
• The blood seems to stand out as it is a dark red colour, compared to the rest of the bathroom.

• In post-production they seem to have morphed the face through clever editing techniques. This distorts the face and makes her look more possessed.
• Low key lighting also helps cast shadows which can further distort the way the face looks.
• As well as this she appears to be screaming in a demonic way (non-diegetic) which is conventional for a supernatural horror.

Editing + Bone clicking

For my practical I decided to look at possession, but in particular, the unnatural bone clicking that seems to occur frequently during this sub-genre of horror. I took inspiration from 'The Devil Inside' when a woman clicks her bones and seems to pop out of her natural body, implying possession. It also seems to 'freak' the audience out slightly as it seems like amazing special effects have been used. However, I think the true horror is down to the non-diegetic sound they use to create an illusion.

And also here, from about 1.06, in The Last Exorcism. The sudden movement with the non-diegetic sound makes a huge impact and is sure to make the audience jump.

From this I started experimenting with Final Cut Pro after having a lesson from Jack, who has produced excellent trailers and other sequences. I firstly filmed my friend Ella in the drama studio as she moved her arms in ways that might make clicking sounds for a possessed person. I went on freeSFX.co.uk (pictured below) and searched for breaking bones sounds. I also ended up using a 'snapping a bread stick' sound. After downloading these, I imported them to my project on FCP. I muted the sound on the original footage and put in the breaking noises where appropriate. It could be difficult trying to put in the sounds at exactly the right place, but after learning how to zoom and use FCP properly, it became simpler as I went along. I put the effect of a video camera over it as well as 'Bad TV', which is another effect. I altered some of the colours slightly, just to make it seem like it was a 'found footage' style sequence, with a girl cracking her bones. 

This was my first result:

After this first attempt, I decided to use other footage to see if I could sync the sound any better. I also altered the volume of the different cracks...

I think that firstly, her movement seemed scarier and more unnatural, compared to the first video. Also, the different volumes and variation in breaking sounds also made it seem more realistic and so my second attempt was generally better than the first. If I were to re-do this, I'd film in a better location to add to the horror part of the genre. However, this was an initial attempt to try and see if I could use Final Cut Pro to edit sound and visuals. I'd definitely like to try and make some of my own breaking sounds and play around further with mise en scene to try and create a really terrifying 'bone cracking' scene.

Production Company Practical

 

• The original video was filmed by Jake using a type writer he owns.
• We decided as a group to use the name 'Fright Films' as it has catchy alliteration and is also short and appropriate for genre.
• Jake gave us the video, and we cut the clip so it was 5 seconds long and less shaky.

• We then sped up the clip x2 so it was then 2.5 seconds long.
• We trialled many different sounds that had a spooky edge to compliment the clip.
• We decided on two different sounds which we layered on top of each other, after lowering the volume of the original clip.

This is an initial result.

  After having a lesson in Final Cut pro with Jack, we managed to re-do our production company sequence with a better speed and then edited it further in iMovie, here are the results:   Final cut pro:

This is how we changed the speed, instead of only have x2, there was an option to drag the speed so we slightly increased it.

On iMovie, we re-added the sound.

Evaluation

Overall we are pleased with the finished product as it looks professional. To start with we had trouble mastering the technical side of iMovie as we had few skills but we have managed to develop them in order to prepare us for when we come to edit the rest of our opening. Perhaps if iMovie allowed different speed levels below x2 we would be happier with the result as we wanted it to be slightly slower for effect, but still faster than the original. We could have also played around with more visual effects to add to the clip but at the same time we did not want to decrease the quality.

Then using Final Cut Pro, we managed to solve this speed problem and then go back to iMovie to re-add the sounds.

 
 

MHJG Survey

As further research towards our supernatural horror film opening we created a survey for members of the public to fill out about what type of opening they'd like to watch and what they would expect to see from a professional one in the cinema. We made 8 questions for them to answer and after tweeting it several times from our personal twitters and also posting it on Facebook, we managed to recieve 76 responses so we could get a clear idea from a large variety of people about what they would expect to see. These are the results we collected:

The results showed that the prefferred location for our opening would be an abandoned building, this means when considering locations we will try and find some abandoned buildings to look at and consider using them once we know what plot we want to use.

The results showed that the majority of people would prefer there to be no dialogue in our film opening. We were already considering not using dialogue as we want to make it look as professional as possible without proper actors.

The results showed that most people would want our villain to be a little girl, this means we will do more research on possession as this was an approach we were also thinking about.

The results show that most people want a build up to be used in our film opening, this means we will have to think about our plot carefully, as well as certain sounds we use and special effects to create a scary atmosphere for the audience.

The majority of people said they wanted sound and music to be a main factor featured in our film opening, this ties in with wanting our plot to be a build up. We can use the sounds we put in to our advantage to make it as scary as possible to fit the supernatural horror genre.

The results showed that the majority of people wanted one of our props to be a religious object for example a bible, we can use this in many different ways and we can now do research about different props used in supernatural horrors to see which ones are most conventional and are the most effective.

We asked people what their favourite supernatural film is, out of the options we gave the most popular one was 'The Conjuring' we also gave people the option to write a film down that wasn't featured in our options, we received 14 comments suggesting films such as 'Insidious' 'The Entity' 'The Exorcist' and a few others not related to genre.

Finally we asked whether religious elements should feature in our opening and more people said no than yes although it was quite close. This contradicts the prop question as most people said they wanted the prop to be a religious object, we are still going to be looking into religious elements going into our opening and will carry out research shown in other films to do with that. 

Location: Outside + Inspiration

I started off by looking at locations used in many different supernatural horrors. I researched into different supernatural horrors and the typical locations used. These are them:

• The woods
• Basements
• Old family homes
• Mental hospitals / insane asylum 
• Abandoned buildings

The Conjuring

This is the old family home from The Conjuring, in the film it is haunted by many different spirits/entities. If we are to make a ghost film, then a haunted house would be a conventional route to go down.

Session 9

The film Session 9 is set in an abandoned mental hospital. Although it has supernatural twists, it is also a psychological horror film and so it plays tricks on the mind. The use of tunnels is also explored in this film and a major part is finding old tapes in the hospital. This is a great location as it has lots of negative connotations behind it. And naturally, people would assume many troubled people lived and died here, making it that bit spookier.

The Blair Witch Project

The Blair Witch Project is mainly filmed in the woods as well as a creepy old house they find towards the end. This film was hugely successful and one of the first to use the documentary-style, which has become very popular in supernatural horror. It helps add to the realism of the movie. They use the location to their advantage - they attach a spooky story to it which instantly makes the audience feel like something bad is definitely going to happen. They also create fear by doing simple things like shown in this picture - making "witch" symbols out of twigs which is something that we could consider if we were to shoot in the woods.

Grave Encounters

This is a screen cap from the film 'Grave Encounters'. They investigate an abandoned asylum as part of a ghost hunting show. Again, this film is shot in the documentary-style as mentioned above.

After looking at these conventional supernatural locations I decided to venture around my local area to see if anything similar was near-by... I went to

• Bexley Woods
• A Church in Bexley
• Abandoned garage type area in Bexley

Here's what I found...

The woods

The Church

The Abandoned Place

Evaluation 

I think that the last location I looked at is the most convincing and scary-looking. It is also easy to access and not far away. However, although the area is public, this particular bit may be privately owned and so we might have to seek permission to film there. On a plus side, the location looks like it could have some history which we could build into our plot for our own opening. 

The woods location doesn't seem scary enough in daylight but I know that at night the trees and darkness can play tricks on you, so it might be interesting to look into that further. However, woods are quite cliché and we don't just want to end up copying The Blair Witch Project. It is public though and so we would not have difficulty filming there - except of course if the public were around when we are filming!
The church is quite large and impressive so we could use it for out-side shots if we want, it also has stained-glass windows which add an eerie effect and make it seem particularly religious. If we decide to use religious elements, like demons and possession, we could look into filming the church.