Final script

Teacher - Do the work you didn't in period three, im going to photo copy this.

Shaun - F*** this im going

Music starts to create tension

Shaun - Leave me alone, F*** off, just leave me alone

Music starts again as the killer re-enters the scene

Shaun - ahhhhhhhhhh

Update

We are planning on filming after school because when we try and film during school there always seems to be a class in there. This has damaged our filming time which means we don't have long left to film.

Up Date On Progress

Yesterday we did a rehearsal of our opening scene. This was so that we could see how everything was going to work and all the props and things we needed to include. It helped us with deciding which camera angles and movements we wanted to use in different parts of the film. We think that it all went well as we were able to film most of the scene without many problems. We are are going to edit it and make sure everything looks perfect, we will then start to film our actual film.

Questionnaire findings

After receiving all our research from our questionnaire we have found out that male audiences tend to enjoy horrors, comedy and action films whereas females prefer horror, comedy, romantic comedy's and chick flick films. Most of the audience said that the opening scene of the film is very important to them because they will be able to get feel of whether the film is going to be good and whether they should carry on watching it. A selection of peoples favourite films were Halloween 1 and 2, American pies, Anchorman, Dark knight and Mean girls. It varied between whether people wanted to go to the cinema or watch it on a rental DVD. This was because some preferred being at home and being able to pause and watch the film in there own time. People who preferred to go the cinema wanted that experience with the surround sound system, big screen and great graphics.

Questionnaire

Age? ............

Gender? ...............

Favourite genre? ....................

Favourite film? .........................

Is the opening scene of the film the most important part of the film? (yes or no) ................

Why? ..................................................................................................................................................

Cinema or Rental DVDs? .....................................

What do you like most about your favourite genre? why? ....................................................
................................................................................................................

Mark so far

There is proficient research into similar products and a potential target audience.
There is excellent organisation of actors, locations, costumes or props.
There is proficient work on shotlists, layouts, drafting, scripting or storyboarding.
There is a good level of care in the presentation of the research and planning.
Time management is good.

Overall - 13/20 Level 3

Targets:
More work needed on audience profile. Compile questionnaires to poll the interest of your target audience. Look at the Pearl and Dean website for help with audience profiling (see Therfield Media blog for link).
Ensure your video diary is kept up-to-date. Every lesson should be accounted for on this blog - make sure you are constantly updating what you have done.

Production Company

We have decided to use Rogue Pictures for our production because they are the main production for creating horror films. They have created films like The last house on the left, Shaun of the dead, Seed of chucky, The Strangers and White Noise: The light.

Most of the films that they have produced our low budget. They have ranged between $1,000,000 and $45,000,000.

We have decided to make a draft poster that could possibly be our final version for the film. The poster is very effective as we have an extreme close up of someones eye. The eye has cuts and bruises around it which show pain and distress. The picture is bold and takes up the whole of the cover. We have decided to do this so that it will draw in the audience. The will make the audience feel like it is looking at them and wanting help.

On the poster we have the up the top the acting credits in white writing, just underneath that is our production company then below is the name of the film, 'Detainment' in big red capital letter so it stands out and people know what the film is called. At the bottom of the page we have the film release date so that all our target audience will be aware of when the film is coming out. finally at the bottom of the page we have included the production team and the age certificate.

Possible scripts

Shaun walking to his detention

Shaun - I got a detention now so I'll be out later.

Friend on phone - Alright mate. see ya

Shaun enters the room

Shaun - Hi Sir

Mr Oswick - Sit down Shaun

Silence

Mr Oswick - I've just got to go to the staff room to pick something up

Shaun - Alright

Door closes as Oswick walks out, Shaun sits waiting, but then decides to get up and try and leave.

Shaun - The damn doors locked

Shaun pulls harder and harder try to open it, the lights flicker and go out but then come back on. He turns around as there is a sound from behind him, there's a message on the board.

Shaun - oh s***

He tries harder to get out. Amplified sound of foot steps coming up behind him. loud screaming of agony.

Audience profiling

I have used the pearl and dean website to get ideas on how other film profiled there audience. This will help us and show us how we can present our film to our target audience.

The Unborn - audience profiling















Halloween - Audience profiling

Sound/Music

We have reseached many film theme tunes to try and get some idea on how they create tension and make the scene interesting. We felt that as we were creating a horror film that sound would be the most important elemnt when making producing the film.

Here are a couple of films that are within our genre and have some connection with our own film.

Halloween have used this very famous theme song, they have used it throughout their film during different stages. This sound track has also been used in many different horror films.



This what the grudge have used as their theme song. The track is high pitched and builds tension which makes the audience anxious and worried.

Sound/Music

We are trying to found out what type of sound or music we need to in our film. We were thinking that we will use non diegetic sound for the opening of the film. As a group we feel that the music will be the most important aspect of creating a good movie. If the music isn't eerie and spin chilling the whole scene will lose its effect of being a horror film. In all the great horrors films that have been made it is the sound that brings everything together to make it such an amazing film. The sound creates tension and nerves within the audience which keeps them watching and also not wanting to watch at the same time. The music/sound that we plan to use will start off calm and normal but as things start to turn for the worst, the music will because jumpy and quick. This is because the shots will be moving quickly to make the audience unsettled. We are either thinking of creating a track ourselves with our friends studio that he has or we may search the Internet to try and find something that we like.

Story Board

We like this shot because it adds mystery to the clip because the audience will be unaware of who is in this clip.

We have decided to place the camera in a hedge because it will make the audience feel that somebody is watching the main character. It will create uncertainty

We liked this shot because of the sign on the door. This will make the viewers think that something is going to happen.

This shot is just of the character sitting down in the class room waiting.

The clip is of the teacher explaining something to the pupil. This is just to show who else is involved in the scene

The shot is of the pupil looking up towards the clock waiting for the time to pass by. In the real film we will have a close up of the clock so the audience can see what exactly he is focusing on.

This shot is of the teacher leaving the room. This will make the audience think that something is going to happen.

The shot of the door closed. SHowing that there is noone exept Shaun in the room

Shaun trying to get out of the door and go home early.

A close up of Shaun trying to get of the door. Only for him to find that it is locked. He frantically trys to get out.

The lights go out to make the audience worried and the tension starts to build.

Shaun turns around as the lights come back on only to find that someone has left him a message with blood. He starts to worry even more.

We have gone for a high angle so that the audience can see everything happening. Also it is a good angle to show the killer coming up behind Shaun.

final location

We looked at a lot of different locations around the school and as a group we have decided that this location will be the most suitable for our film. This room adds an eerie and spooky look to it as it is one of the older buildings in the school.

This our final location that we have chosen. We have chosen this because we think it will add a spooky effect also it has the right props that we need to film our film. We also liked this location because it is one of the buildings on the school site. The interior is dated as you can see in the photos above. The room is a science laboratory so it has lots of chemicals and equipment with lots of other randoms things which makes the whole setting seem a bit strange.

costumes

Shaun McGee (Matt davision) will be wearing normal clothes so show that the film is modern and up to date. He will be wearing a hoodie/jacket, jeans and trainers.

The killer will be wearing dark old clothes to show that he maybe can't afford the latest fashionable clothes. He will wear a big black jacket with a hood to cover his face. He'll be wearing old ragged jeans and old trainers. So he will be completely the opposite to the victim Shaun McGee.

Mr Oswick will be wearing smarter clothes compared to Shaun and the killer. He will be wearing shirt and tie maybe a blazer, trousers and smart shoes.

Reasons for choosing the cast

Shaun Mcgee – Shaun is being played by Matt Davison. Shaun is 16 years old and lives local to the school in a rough area. Living in rough area and not having a great upbringing and is usually singled out by others because of this. He is regularly finding himself in trouble at school either fighting or being caught smoking.


Killer – The killer is being played by Chris Marskell. The killer has no relation with shaun McGee. This is so that it will add mystery to the film and it will enable the film to carry on and have some type story to it.

Ben Horley (Teacher) – Ben will be playing this role as he looks the oldest out of our group. He will be wearing black trousers, shirt with a laboratory coat over the top to show that he is a science teacher. The reason why Shaun is in his room is because Ben has made him come back after school because he failed to hand his coursework in on time and therefore he has to do it after school.

Shot List

1. Tracking shot of Shaun walking towards the class room

2. Medium shot of him walking to his chair and of him sitting down

3. A close up of Shaun looking at the clock

4. Medium shot of the teacher telling Shaun that he has to leave

5. Tracking shot of him walking towards the door trying to get out

6. Close up of the handle with him frantically trying to get out

7. Low angle of him looking up towards the lights as they start to flicker before suddenly going out

8. Hand held camera of him then looking around panicking

9. Camera then arcs round as the lights then turn back on

10. Zoom towards the board where a message is written

11. Close up of his face to show the emotion

12. Hand held camera again of him trying to get out

13. Medium shot of Shaun with the killer coming up behind him

14. Zoom of the knife going towards his throat

15. Establishing shot of detainment

The Cast

Shaun McGee - Matt Davison


Killer - Chris Marskell


Mr Oswick - Mr Oswick


Director - Dan Zammit Lewis


Producer - Ben Horley


Music created by Jamie Gamache

Detainment plot

Shaun McGee is a 17 yr old boy who has been held back for detention after school with Mr Oswick. Shaun walks through the door ands sits down disinterested and annoyed. There is and awkward silence before Mr Oswick breaks the silence when saying he’s got to go to the staff room to collect something. He walks out the door. Shaun looks up as the clock and thinks I better get home before my mum finds out. So he walks up to the door and tries to get out only finding that it is locked. He doesn’t worry. He goes to turn back and the lights flicker and then go out. He starts to panic but then the lights come back on and he turns around only to see that there is a message left for him in blood on the board. He turns to the door yanking on the handle, the lights flicker again. The killer slowly walks up behind him before slitting his throat. Shaun hits the floor with a thud. Then in bold the name of the film comes up “DETAINMENT".

key Information

We have decided that we are going to film our film in school, the reason why we are doing this because it is a prime location and it will be a lot easier to film inside school rather than filming outside in a different location. the name we have decided to use for our film is "Detainment". we are going to have 3 actors, the teacher, student and the killer. We are going to have to make sure that we work hard on creating a good sound because that will make the tension high and the audience anxious.

Settings and location

Here are a couple of photos that we have taken of around the school, these could be possible locations for us when we start filming. We liked these locations because they will add a scary effect to the scene.


We are going to locate our film in the school; the scene will be set in a class room that preferable has two doors so that we can include our killer in it. We will be filming after school so that the school will be empty and very quiet. This will add tension to the scene. We are going to have a teacher, pupil and of course the killer. The settings will be light at the beginning of the scene but then darkens as the clip goes on. The lights will start to flicker and then go out.
We have decided to use this location because it is a perfect setting for someone who has got a detention and it will also give a scary effect, which means it’s perfect for a horror film.

Pictures of possible locations

This is a possible location for our film, we liked this because it had a booming echo. They also offer a scary effect which is perfect for us as we are creating a horror film.

180 degree rule

The 180 degree rule is a renowned method in the film making industry. states that two characters (or other elements) in the same scene should always have the same left/right relationship to each other. If the camera passes over the imaginary axis connecting the two subjects, it is called crossing the line. The new shot, from the opposite side, is known as a reverse angle.

Ratings

The same criteria is used to classify '12' and '12a'. These catogories are awarded where the material is suitable, in general, only for those aged 12 and over. When the film is classified it shows that it may upset and distress children under 12 or there parents may believe it is unsutiable for them.

The '12a' category is specific to cinema films and gives the parent or gaurdians the ability to decide if they believe their child is mature enough to watch the film and understand its contents.

Preliminary Task

This was our first task that we were asked to do. We had to film a conversation between two of us. We feel that the task went well because we were able to use the cameras and try out different camera angles and shots. We also used Adobe Premier Elements which meant we got to try out all the editing techniques which will help will us when we have to film our proper film.

Camera shots, angles and movement

Shots

An extreme long shot contains a large amount of landscape. It is often used at the beginning of a scene or a film to establish general location (setting). This is also known as an establishing shot.

A long shot contains landscape but gives the viewer a more specific idea of setting. A long shot may show the viewers the building where the action will take place.

A full shot contains a complete view of the characters. From this shot, viewers can take in the costumes of characters and may also help to demonstrate the relationships between characters.

A mid shot contains the characters or a character from the waist up. From this shot, viewers can see the characters' faces more clearly as well as their interaction with other characters. This is also known as a social shot.

A close-up contains just one character's face. This enables viewers to understand the actor's emotions and also allows them to feel empathy for the character.

An extreme close-up contains one part of a character's face or other object. This technique is quite common in horror films, particularly the example above. This type of shot creates an intense mood and provides interaction between the audience and the viewer.

Angles

A bird's eye angle is an angle that looks directly down upon a scene. This angle is often used as an establishing angle, along with an extreme long shot, to establish setting.

A high angle is a camera angle that looks down upon a subject. A character shot with a high angle will look vulnerable or small. These angles are often used to demonstrate to the audience a perspective of a particular character.

An eye-level angle puts the audience on an equal footing with the characters. This is the most commonly used angle in most films as it allows the viewers to feel comfortable with the characters.

A low angle is a camera angle that looks up at a character. This is the opposite of a high angle and makes a character look more powerful. This can make the audience feel vulnerable and small by looking up at the character.

Movement

A crane shot is often used by composers of films to signify the end of a film or scene. The effect is achieved by the camera being put on a crane that can move upwards

A tracking shot and a dolly shot have the same effect. A tracking shot moves on tracks and a dolly shot is mounted on a trolley to achieve the effect in the example above. This camera movement is used in a number of ways but is most commonly used to explore a room such as a restaurant. By using a tracking shot or a dolly shot the composer of a film gives the viewer a detailed tour of a situation. It can also be used to follow a character.

Panning is used to give the viewer a panoramic view of a set or setting. This can be used to establish a scene

scream analysis

combination analysis

The very first clip of the film is of the word "scream" which is the title of the film, the font used is dark red which connotates blood. At the the same time we can hear screams in the background which make the audience unsettled.

While drew is on the phone the tension is building within the scene, this is because she is feeling some uncertainty from the caller. While this is happening the popcorn is growning every second which can relate to the tension growing.

A combination of sound and Mise on scene was used quite frequently, the best one was when, the shot went outside the house. There was an amplified sound of the rope swinging from side to side which shows us that someone had just been sitting on it watching the house. This creates a sense of danger and scariness which keeps the audience on there toes. The sound is key to this clip because it make the whole clip seem so much more scarier.

The first sign that Drew gets is when the killer says "i want to know who I'm looking at" At the same time there is a loud bang which is an effect this is when Drew suddenly realises that she is in danger, it is like a penny dropping and she knows she is no longer safe. The camera quickly shifts to the left now looking outside but with drew still in the shot, this was so that the audience could see if someone was outside.

There is a clip outside in the garden where the camera starts at the top of a tree, we can her a rope swinging and crickets in the background which tells us we are in the middle of nowhere. The camera starts to tilt downwards slowly which makes us as the audience scared and wanting to know what is coming up. As the camera gradually gets to its end point there is no one on the seat which shows we have just missed them, the location is dark and gloomy therefore tells us something bad is going to happen.

The camera seems to zoom onto her face a couple of times, at the beginning of the scene she is all happy and relaxed, but as the scene progresses she becomes scared and her facial expressions become worried.

scream opening scene

The ring, opening scene

This is a good opening scene because It gets the audience focused on the movie. The music is really good because it sets the tension within the set. The camera shots that are being used during this scene are close ups, medium shots and establishing shots like at the beginning.There are a few close ups to show the facial expression of the character, this is so that you can see how they are feeling at the exact point in time. They are using camera angles like a high so that the camera is looking down on the character to make them look small and scared.
The lighting in this scene is dark which is suggesting that the character is home alone worried. This is the prime place for an incident to happen. She is wearing her school uniform, black skirt and white shirt. This suggests that she has just got home from school and is wanting to sit in front of the T.V and relax, but this is not the case.

The sound has been used very well in this scene because they have used creepy music which creates tension and uncertainty. As the tension builds so does the sound, it gets louder and louder then suddenly stops. A Good example of this is when the T.V turns on automatically, as she runs towards it the music increases in volume but then suddenly stop as she pulls the cable out. This is done so that we know the tension is over for now. Otherwise during then scene it is very quiet suggesting that she is home alone.

This opening scene is a bit of a cliff hanger because just when you are about to find out who or what is in the bathroom the screen goes all fuzzy which shows us that it may come back to that clip later on in the scene.

halloween, opening scene

I think that this is a good opening for the start of a film because you able to see who the main characters are and what they are like.
You can see that the boy with the mask (Micheal) has something wrong with him as we see him kill his pet rat. You can tell by the first couple of minutes that the older man is not there father because he talks about the kids as if they weren't his.