The importance of Sound

Sequence 3

Cheetah Girls

Micro Analysis

Camera

• Group shot
• Two shot
• Over shoulder shot

Editing

• Fish bowl effect
• Seamless transition

Mise-en-scene

• New York- Manhattan
• Urban casual clothing
• Natural lighting

Sound

• Cheetah Girls - Together We Can
• Laughter sound effects

Macro Analysis

What is the key plot idea introduced in the title sequence?

Four girls in a group that are performing at a birthday party

In what order is the storyline introduced?

It starts with the girl group introducing their song

What characters are introduced? When and how?

All them are introduced in the same way, they are all singing the song and at specific parts the camera will zoom in on each character and show their name below

What social groups are represented? How are they represented?

They are represented positively and happy 

Title Conventions

1. A DISNEY CHANNEL ORIGINAL MOVIE
2. THE CHEETAH GIRLS
3. STARRING RAVEN
4. ADRIENNE BAILON
5. KIELY WILLIAMS
6. SABRINA BRYAN
7. JUAN CHIORAN, LORI ALTER, SANDRA CALDWELL
8. VINCENT CORAZZA, KYLIE SCHMID, DENTON ROWE
9. LYNN WHITFIELD
10. MUSIC SUPERVISION BY GREG CHAM AND DEMETRIUS SPENCER
11. SCORE BY JOHN VA TONGEREN
12. ORIGINAL MUSIC COMPOSITION PRODUCED BY SOL SURVIVOR
13. EDITED BY TERRY STAKES, A.C.E AND DEBRA LIGHT
14. PRODUCTION DESIGNER ROCCO MATTEO
15. DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY DERICK V.UNDERSCHULTZ
16. CO-PRODUCER DEBORAH GREGORY
17. CO-PRODUCER CHERYL HILL
18. PRODUCED BY JACQUELINE GEORGE
19. EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS DEBRA MARTIN CHASE, WHITNEY HOUSTON
20. WRITTEN BY ALISON TAYLOR

Sequence 2

Fifty Shades Of Grey

Micro Analysis

Camera 

• Long shot
• Cut in on shoes
• Wide shot
• Over the shoulder 
• Cutaway
• 180 degree rule

Editing

• Moving pictures
• The clouds transitions to a grey colour once the title comes up

Mise-en-scene

• Washington
• Busy streets
• Formal suits
• Business corperation
• Ties
• University campus

Sound

• Annie Lennox - I put a spell on you
• Sultry piano

Macro Analysis

What is the key plot idea introduced in the title sequence?

A man and woman are going to be united through the woman's best friend

In what order is the storyline introduced?

The man comes up first lacing up his shoelaces going for a run in a walk in closet, it then shows him running, they then show him putting on the shirt, cufflinks and a tie. After this the woman is shown coming out of a university towards her car

What characters are introduced? When and how?

The man is introduced first wearing a tracksuit and the woman walking through a busy hallway

What social groups are represented? How are they represented?

The characters are represented positively and their binary opposition in seen as rich and poor

Title Conventions

1. FOCUS FEATURES PRESENT
2. A MICHAEL DE LUCA PRODUCTION
3. FIFTY SHADES OF GREY
4. DAKOTA JOHNSON
5. JAMIE DORNAN
6. JENNIFER EHLE
7. ELOISE MUMFORD
8. VICTOR RASUK
9. LUKE GRIMES
10. MARCIA GAY HARDEN
11. RITA ORA, MAX MARTINI, CALLUM KEITH RENNIE
12. CASTING BY FRANCINE MAISLER CSA
13. MUSIC BY DANNY ELFMAN
14. MUSIC SUPERVISOR DANA SANO
15. COSTUME DESIGNER MARK BRIDGES
16. EDITORS DEBRA NEIL-FISHER ACE, ANNE V. COATES ACE, LISA GUNNING ACE
17. PRODUCTION DESIGNER DAVID WASCO
18. DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY SEAMUS MCGARVEY ASE, BSC
19. EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS MARCUS VISCIDI, JEB BRODY
20. PRODUCED BY MICHAEL DE LUCA, EL JAMES, DANA BRUNETTI 

Micro and Macro Analysis for 3 Sequences

Sequence 1

The Taking Of Pelham 123

Micro Analysis

Camera

• Over the shoulder shots
• 180 degree rule
• Three shot
• Slow motion
• close ups

Editing

• Seamless transitions
• When 'Jay Z, 99 Problems' starts it sequence goes faster and it shows the antagonists
• The credits move in rhythm with how a train generally moves

Mise-en-scene

• Train stations
• Offices
• contrast of clothing between the antagonist and protagonist for example the antagonists have tattoos and leather jackets whereas, the protagonists wear sweater vests

Sound

• Loud music( Jay Z, 99 Problems)
• Train sounds
• Ominous music
• Upbeat city sounds effects
• Diegetic and nondiegetic sound

Macro Analysis

What is the key plot idea introduced in the title sequence?

Something bad is going to happen because there is a contrast between the good and bad with is evident from the music

In what order is the storyline introduced?

The antagonist comes up first and then the protagonists come after

What characters are introduced? When and how?

The antagonist comes first and there is loud and aggressive music, then the good people come with calm music

What social groups are represented? How are they represented?

There is stereotypical bad boy music and there is a binary opposition of good and bad

Title Conventions

1. COLUMBIA PICTURES AND METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER PICTURES PRESENT
2. IN ASSOCIATION WITH RELATIVITY MEDIA
3. A SCOTT FREE ESCAPE ARTISTS PRODUCTION
4. A FILM BY TONY SCOTT
5. DENZEL WASHINGTON
6. JOHN TRAVOLTA
7. THE TAKING OF PELHAM 123
8. JOHN TURTURRO
9. LUIS GUZMAN
10. MICHAEL RISPOLI
11. JAMES GANDOLFINI
12. FRANK WOOD, JOHN BENJAMIN HICKEY, GARY BASARABA, RAMON RODRIGUEZ
13. GBENGA AKINNAGBE, KATHERINE SIGISMUND, JAKE SICILIANO
14. AUNJANUE ELLIS, ALEX KALUZHSKY, TONYE PATANO, JASON BUTLER HARNER
15. CASTING BY DENISE CHAMIAN CSA
16. COSTUME DESIGNER RENEE EHRLICH KALFUS
17. MUSIC BY HARRY GREGSON-WILLIAMS
18. CO-EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS LIN FAVILA, ANSON DOWNES
19. EDITOR CHRIS LEBENZON A.C.E
20. PRODUCTION DESIGNER CHRIS SEAGERS

What is a target audience?

What is an audience?

An individual or collective group of people who read or consume any media text, examples of this are radio listeners, television viewers, newspaper and magazine readers.

How do we define target audiences?

To define your target audience you would need to think about 6 things: Age, gender, class, ethnic group, interests and uses & gratifications.

• When thinking about age, your need to figure out what age group will enjoy and appreciate it for example if your were to make a cartoon film, the stereotypical age group would be ages 3-12 but regardless other people can watch the film.
• Gender is an major part for audience research. Media/documentary producers need to target a gender before they decide what to do so they can define their target audience any further. It usually depends on the type of documentary the producer is trying to make. For example if a producer was trying to find a target audience for a documentary about feminism, it would be mainly targeted at women.
• Class which is also referred as Socio- economic status is a method used by industries to find the right economic class audience for their target audience. For example you traditionally have three classes which are upper class, middle class and working class. This method is useless to a documentary producer because they are usually just trying to target an audience and it shouldn't really matter what class it is.
• For ethnic groups, people occasionally like to target specific groups when doing films or television documentaries involving racially charged events for example the black lives matter movement that is circling mainly around America.
• When making a film, the main thing to think about is the interests of your audience for example, if you are thinking about making a horror film the audience looks for a good storyline, to be scared and to be left in suspense. Without these things it doesnt make it a horror film.
• When it comes to uses and gratifications people look for things that they can relate to for instance, personal identity, people look someone to represent themselves in a media, for example associating themselves with characters in a TV drama and connecting with their perspective. Some people also want a diversion, they consume media to get away from their own lives and stresses and generally to relax or cheer up.

Why is it useful for a film to have a target audience?

In the film industry, recognising and appealing to your target audience is incredibly important as they will be the types of people who will be watching your film. Recognising your target audience early on in your pre-production is vital as they will determine the content of your film. For example, a film opening that is aiming to appeal to a teenage market will be different to an opening appealing to older people. Your target audience need to be able to relate and engage with your film opening.

Which audiences to you think different genres appeal to?

• For genres like Comedy and Fantasy, I think all ages can watch them and they appeal to any gender.
• Genres like Action, Drama and Fantasy are complicated because depending on what is in the film is when you can give a ages group but all genders can watch
• Horror and Thriller usually fall into the same place when it comes to age groups, they are mainly 18+, but as for gender it is for everyone.

GROUP RE-MAKE OF THE BREAKFAST CLUB

ANALYSIS OF FILM 'WILD CHILD'

 

 

 MICRO ANAYSIS

CAMERA:

 

- Medium Close up

 

-Close up

 

-Moving shot focused on the main character

 

- Framing on main character

 

MISE-EN-SCENE:

 

LOCATION: Malibu

SETTING: Bedroom

Props:

-Calendar with scribbles and graphite

-bed

-wigs

-cushions

LIGHTING:

-bright and sunny

 

SOUND:

 

- Diegetic sound:  script, yawn

-NON-diegetic sound: Calm piano music at the beginning of the sequence and loud rock pop after her lines contrasting the piano music and further emphasizing the fact 'Poppy'(main character; Emma Roberts) is a wild and reckless typical teenager.

 

EDITING:

 

- Slow motion zoom in

-Title 'Wild Child' in the foreground  as 'Poppy' walks past in background the title smashes to pieces as if it where glass hitting the floor. This indicates a sense of  damage and suggests to us that 'poppy is a destructive character who is out to cause troubles.

- No other special effects used

 

 

MACRO ANALYSIS

 

 

WHAT IS THE KEY PLOT IDEA INTRODUCED IN THE TITLE SEQUENCE?

Poppy is sleeping peacefully in bed then wakes up remembering that her step mum is moving in . Poppy being Poppy has planned a pool party on the same day allowing a huge amount of her loud teenage friends to destroy and ruin her step mothers clothing.

 

IN WHAT ORDER IS THE STORY LINE INTRODUCED ?

- POPPY IN HER BEDROOM

-POPPY IN THE KITCHEN WITH HER SISTER

- POPPY OUTSIDE HER HOUSE

-POPPY IN  THE POOL

 

WHAT CHARACTERS ARE INTRODUCED? WHEN HOW?

Poppy is introduce in the opening scene whilst she's in her bed sleeping, through medium close ups and close ups.Poppy's younger sister is introduced later on in the movie whilst in the kitchen making a sandwich. through long shots and close ups.

 

WHAT SOCIAL GROUPS ARE REPRESENTED?HOW ARE THEY REPRESENTED?

They represent the upper class teenage social group through 'poppy' the main character and the items she owns.

 

ORDER OF TITLES:

1. UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
2. WORKING TITLE
3. UNIVERSAL PICTURES
4. STUDIO CANAL
5. WORKING TITLE PRODUCTION
6. WILD CHILD

 

 





Breakfast club remake

Here Kaeja is taking a close up of the trophies this is done in order to replicate the original shot of the schools cabinet which was filled with awards and trophies.

Here sophie is taking the opening shot of our collage in place

Breakfast club remake

 STORYBOARD

Here we have our storyboards we produced before planning. We watched the opening of 'The Breakfast Club' and recorded each shot we needed to follow. This was extremely effective and was a huge help to us in the filming process as we knew exactly what shots we needed and in which order. The diagrams were also useful as it made us aware of the exact angle so we could achieve an accurate representation of the shots used in the original. We also knew what props and locations we needed so we could prepare before we went out filming. This was good practise for our final piece as it allowed us to think about what worked well and the things we may change.

MICRO AND MACRO 'THE BREAKFAST CLUB' ANAYLSIS

MICRO ANALYSIS

Camera:

 

There are a variety of shots in the opening scene. The film sequence begins with a wide shot of the high school which suggest to the audience that the Narrative will be based upon the school. The sequence continues with a combination of shots cutting into each other of school trophies, photographs, lockers, etc.

The shot types used throughout this film:

 

1. Close ups of the engraved words on class tables
2. Medium long shot
3. Wide shot
4. Medium close up
5. Long shot

Mise-en-scene:

Location-  High school
Setting- School library/Corridors
Props:

1. Stationary
2. High school lockers
3. Exercise books
4. Trophies
5. Jockey jackets
6. Student photographs .etc
7. cigarettes

The use of costume was very effective as it helped represent the very distinctive social groups within the school society for example the Jockeys, Popular girls, outcasts and the thugs each of these categories were presented through one of the five main characters.

Editing:

There are no special effects in this film.
The camera shots cut in and out seamlessly through the sequence.

Sound: 
Non-diegetic: Script/Voice over
Diegetic: Up beat Rock audio

MACRO ANALYSIS

 

WHAT IS THE KEY PLOT IDEA INTRODUCED IN THE TITLE SEQUENCE ?

 

Five students meet for detention on a Saturday at Shermer High School outside Chicago. Meet Brian Johnson, Andrew Clark, Allison Reynolds, Claire Standish, and John Bender—respectively, "a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, and a criminal."

 

IN WHAT ORDER IS THE STORY LINE INTRODUCED?

1. Different shots of the school

2. Each student arriving at the school

3. Introduction to each student and there parents

4. Entering the library

5. Introduction to detention teacher

 

Each character apart from 'John Blender' is introduced at the beginning of the sequence through close ups of themselves and there parents sitting inside there car automatically because of this we are of each characters financial status suggesting that John Has a much harder life with less access to pleasurable items. John is introduced with a long shot.Also each of the characters are seen with there parents apart from him this also tell us that he may not have as good a relationship with his family as the other characters might.Additionally the costumes of  each character define there social status in school.

 

WHAT SOCIAL GROUPS ARE REPRESENTED?

Each character represent a selection of groups within the high school community."a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, and a criminal. "which is relatable .

order of titles:

1. Universal studios

2. A&M Film channel production

3. John Hugh

4. The breakfast club

5. Emilio Estevez

6. Paul Gleason

7. Anthony Hall

8. John Kapelos

9. Judd Nelson

10. Molly Ringwald

11. Ally Sheeby

12. Jackie Burch

13. Marilyn Vance

14. Richard Hashimoto

15. Gil Friesen

16. Andrew Meyer

17. Keith Forsey

18. Dede Allen

19. John.W.Corso



MICRO & MACRO ANALYSIS OF TAKING PELHAM 123

GENRE AND AUDIENCE RESEARCH

 

 

1-WHICH 3 GENRES  WERE MOST SUCCESSFUL AT THE UK BOX OFFICE?

 Animation (21.4% )

Action (18.7%)

Comedy (13.7%)

 

2-WHICH 3 GENRES WERE LEAST POPULAR OR SUCCESSFUL AT THE UK BOX OFFICE?

War (<0.1%)

Documentary (0.9%)

Romance (1.2%)

 

3- WHICH FILM GENRE HAD THE BIGGEST NUMBER OF FILMS MADE?

Comedy

 

4- HOW MANY FILMS IN THIS GENRE WERE MADE IN 2013/14?

153

 

5- HOW MANY ANIMATION FILMS WERE MADE?

33

 

6- HOW MANY ACTION FILMS WERE MADE?

47

 

7- WHAT DOES THIS INFORMATION TELL YOU ABOUTGENRE TELL YOU ABOUT:

 

FILM PRODUCTION-

It makes it  clear that in order for the producers to gain a good profit the have to invest in a film that is successful and popular within there target audience.

 

FILM AUDEINCES-

It tells us which genres were popular within the public due to personal preference.

 

AUDIENCES-CHAPTER 15

1- WHICH AGE GROUP MADE UP THE LARGEST PROPORTION OF CINEMA ADMISSIONS IN THE UK?

15- 24

 

2- WHICH COMEDY FILM WAS MOST SUCCESSFUL WITH THIS AGE GROUP?

The Hangover part 3

3-WHICH FILM WAS MOST POPULAR WITH THE OVER 50S?WHAT GENRE WASTHIS FILM?

Quartet - A comedy drama

 

4- WHICH GENRES WERE MOST POPULAR WITH MEN?

Thriller, action, comedy

 

5- WHICH GENRES WERE MOST POPLUAR WITH WOMEN?

 

fantasy, romance and comedy

 

6- UK FILMS APPEALED MOST TO WHICH AUDIENCE TYPE?

 

The AB audience type

 

7- WHICH 3 FILMS WERE MOST POPULAR WITH THE 7-14 AGE GROUP?

1) One Direction This Is Us

2) Wreck It Ralph

3) Despicable me 

 

This tells us that there age group prefer animations because they are child friendly and interactive.

 

8- WHICH 3 FILMS MOST POPULAR WITH THE 35-44 AGE GROUP WERE FROZEN, THE CROODS AND JACK AND THE GIANT SLAYER.WHY MIGHT THIS BE AND HOW DOES THIS CONTRIBUTE TO ANIMATION BEING THE MOST SUCESSFUL GENREAT THE BOX OFFICE?

The reason animation is the most successful genre is since every age group enjoys watching them and also because in order for children to watch these animations they need to legally be accompanied by an adult which explains why animations are popular within adults.  

 

 

 

 

9- WHICH 3 FILMS WERE MOST POPULAR WITH THE 25-34 AGE GROUP?

Django Unchained

Fast and Furious 6

Rush

10-WHICH FILMS WERE MOST POPULAR WITH MIDDLE CLASS AUDIENCES (C1 AND C2)?

C1) Rush, Captain Philips, Gravity

C2) OZ The Great and Powerful, Fast and Furious, Despicable Me 2

11) WHAT DIFFERENCES ARE THERE FOR THE MOST POPULAR FILM IN LONDON AND SCOTLAND AND WHAT CONCLUSIONS CAN YOU MAKE ABOUT THE TYPES OF FILMS THEY APPEAR TO PREFER?

Scotland - About Time, Monsters University, Despicable Me 2

London - Gravity, Fast and Furious 6

Animated films were most popular in Scotland.

Action and Thriller were the most popular in London.

 

 

Target audience homework

Target audience is a specific group something is aimed at to fit the needs of that group for example this is used ina daily basis for marketing toys, films, clothes etc.

How does this exist in films?
Usually films are categorised to fit certain needs of certain individuals, for films the target audience is most commonly set up due to age. For exmaple there are rated films depending on your age.  A motion picture rating system is designated to classify films with regard to suitability for audiences in terms of issues such as sex, violence, substance abuse, profanity, impudence or other types of mature content. A particular issued rating can be called a certification, classification, certificate or rating.

Films aimed at Children have more lighthearted settings, connotations and imagery as a lot of children's films use animation and if not they usually have young characters and a storyline that will interest them which tend to be more imaginary then real-life fictional.  A lot of children's films also have a moral unlike adult films as it teaches kids in a very subtle way morals.

As the rated age gets higher for films there is more leeway in what is presented such as more violence and sexual themes are shown and more concepts that apply to teen life so it is more relatable and would attract a teen audience.

Likewise with Adult films more real life situations with adults are presented so it is identifiable with that specific audience. Adult films (over 18) are also more graphic and could harm the person who watches it mentally so there films are rated 18 so the adult is able to make their own choice whether they want to watch it or not.

As well as age classifications there is also class categories  which are layed out like
E - Unemployed, Students, Pensioners,D - Semi Skilled Manual Workers,C2- Working class - e.g Skilled Manual Workers, Plumbers,C1- Working class - e.g. Nurses,B- Middle class - e.g Teachers,A - Upper class - e.g Bankers and lawyers

 

Analysis of 3 opening scenes

Genre and Audience Research

MICRO AND MACRO ANALYSIS

When it comes to analysing films or title sequences - it is split up into two types of analysis; micro and macro.

Micro looks at all the details that are bought together overall to provide a scene; it examines the Camera (incl. shot distance/angles/movement/framing), Editing (incl. cuts/speed/special effects/transitions), Mise-en-scene (Location/setting/costume/make up/props/performance & lighting), and Sound (musical score/sound effects/wild sound/Foley sound).

Macro examines the scene as a whole and depicts the plot, the characters, the stereotypes introduced and the message being portrayed. 

THE TAKING OF PELHAM 123

MICRO ANALYSIS:
CAMERA
The scene starts of with a crane shot of the City, establishing the location immediately. We have a birds eye views of the chaotic streets of New York highlighting how the busy streets may be prevalent within the film. We are introduced to the main characters through the use of close ups. The 180 degree rule is used many times, for example when in the office - this creates a flowing conversation between two characters. A 3 shot is prevalent when we meet 3 of the antagonists; this establishes the fact that they're all part of the same group or connected somehow.

EDITING
The titles are carefully edited so they pull onto the screen then pull off almost like a train, making them parallel to the theme of the film. The titles are edited to the song in order to keep the audience engaged and aware. There is a contrast of speed when we meet each group; when we meet the antagonists its very fast paced and chaotic, however when we meet the protagonists its a lot slower. The city shots are edited by being speed up the emphasise just how busy the city actually is. Cross Cut editing is used to show a relationship between two situations and to highlight the fact that they're happing at the simultaneously.

MISE-EN-SCENE
The costume helps us as an audience to identify the contrast between the good and the bad. The smart business attire warn by the protagonists creates a warm, friendly, but also boring atmosphere; however the hats, jeans, leather and tattoos warn by the antagonists highlights a rebellious sense of nature. The sunglasses also warn by the antagonists gives the sense of mystery and lack of identity. The location is contrasted by the busy city and the calmer workplace.

SOUND
The scene opens with diegetic sound of a train screeching and cars beeping, which is typical of what you expect from New York. When we are introduced to the characters, Jay Z '99 Problems' immediately starts playing, which is fast paced song. The sound effects in the control room make the scene realistic. Many of the sound effects are parallel to the on screen effects; for example, when a title pull onto the screen like a train, a sound effect of a screeching train approaching would be prevalent. This adds to the overall tone and air of the film.

MACRO ANALYSIS :

WHAT IS THE KEY PLOT IDEA INTRODUCED IN THE TITLE SEQUENCE?
There are problems with the trains and as the people in the control room are sorting out and dealing with the circumstances, some characters who we assume are in contact with each other/have something in common, are walking around the city and one by one board the train.

IN WHAT ORDER IS THE STORYLINE INTRODUCED?
Big city chaos is introduced.
Close up of who we assume is the antagonist walking through the street.
Cuts to men in an office environment.
Continuous back and forth between the antagonists and protagonists - with occasional shots of train workers.

WHAT SOCIAL GROUPS ARE REPRESENTED? HOW ARE THEY REPRESENTED (POSITIVELY, NEGATIVELY, STEREOTYPICALLY / USE OF BINARY OPPOSITION)?
The protagonists working in the office are presented as friendly, comfortable, but also quite boring - they lack excitement in their lives, may play it too safe sometimes.
The antagonists are presented as mischievous, risky, and up to no good. They look like they may cause chaos due to being comfortable in a busy city, the tattoos are usually linked with violence and brutality; sunglasses are worn to hide identity proving they see themselves higher than others as they can see people, but they can't be seen.

ORDER OF CREDITS : 
1) COLOMBIA
2)COLOMBIA PICTURES AND METRO GOLDWYN MAYOR PICTURES
3)RELATIVELY MEDIA
4)SCOTT FREE/ESCPAE ARTS - PRODUCTION
5) TONY SCOTT - FILM
6)DENZEL WASHINGTON - MAIN ACTOR
7)JOHN TRAVOLTA - MAIN ACTOR
8)THE TAKING OF PELHAM 123
9)JOHN TURTURRO - ACTOR
10)LUIS GUZMAN - ACTOR
11)MICHAEL RISPOLI AND JAMES GENDOLFINI - ACTORS
12)FRANK WOOD, JOHN BENJAMIN HICKEY, GARY BASARABA, RAMEN RODRIEZ - ACTORS
13)GHENA AKINNAGBE, KATHENRE SIGISMUD AND JAKE SICILLANO - ACTORS
14)ALEX ALUZHSKY, AUNJANUE ELLIS, TONYE PATANO, JASON BUTLER HARNER - ACTORS
15)DENISE CHAMLON, CSA - CASTING
16)RENEE EHRIICH KLAFUS - COSTUME DESIGNER 
17)HARRY GREGSON WILLIAMS - MUSIC
18)LINDA FARICA, ANSON DOWNES - CO EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
19)CHRIS LEBZON - EDITOR
20) CHRIS SEEGERS - PRODUCTION DESIGNER
21)TOBIUS SCHLLESSER, ASC - DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
22)BARRY WALDMAN, MICHAEL COSTIGAN, FRANK KAVANAIGH - EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
23)TODD BLACK, TONY SCOTT - PRODUCED BY

I AM LEGEND

                                     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksGH1NN8TBA

MICRO ANALYSIS:

CAMERA

This opening scene begins with a birds eye view of skyscrapers and buildings and derelict streets; this is extremely effective as we see a red car racing down the street, allowing us as an audience to identify an usually quiet city. We meet the protagonist with a close of him picking up his gun - this immediately depicts the genre to be a thriller/drama. A wide shot is used to show the car racing down the road beside overgrown bushes and trees and abandoned vehicles to portray a strong sense of isolation. A P.O.V shot from the protagonist whilst he's driving through the streets allows us to feel more engaged to the scene as we are experiencing what he is, and for us to realise the derelict and destruction that has been caused. When the protagonist reaches some sort of dead end and stops the car there is an upwards panning shot - this shows the once lived chaos and havoc on the busy streets of New York and as an audience makes us wonder what happened and why it did.

EDITING

There is limited use of special effects and transitions used in this opening scene to make it seem more authentic to the audience. However, cross cutting is used when the protagonist is in the car about to shoot the rabid deer; theres a close up of him aiming his gun, then it switched to a mid shot of the deer running into lower ground, then it turns back to a close up of his reaction. This proves that each shot links in with each other and happen simultaneously. When the title appears on the screen its almost instantaneous and unexpected. The makes it eye catching and bold for the audience to grasp.

MISE-EN-SCENE

The first time we encounter the protagonist is by him speeding in a sports car, wearing leather and holding a gun - these definitely give him a sense of arrogance. The fact that the car is red makes it stand out amongst the dark and dreary debris and buildings which surround it. The location is contrasting as New York is known for being busy and manic, but this tranquil environment makes it seem like a very different place. This makes the audience familiarise themselves with the whole 'it seems quiet. Almost too quiet' scenario. 

SOUND

Firstly, we are alert to the diegetic sound of a car speeding down the street - as this is the only sound it reminds us of a race track of some sort as there are no other cars prevalent. Throughout the whole opening scene, the only sounds we hear are of the car, wildlife, and a gun. This allows us to further identify the genre being a thriller/drama. 

MACRO ANALYSIS:
WHAT IS THE KEY PLOT IDEA INTRODUCED IN THE TITLE SEQUENCE?
A man and his dog exploring the abandoned city of New York. From what we can see he is the only person there and there are many wild animals roaming the city and the protagonist is most likely in danger.

IN WHAT ORDER IS THE STORYLINE INTRODUCED?
Opening scene starts with derelict buildings and the protagonist racing down the road - giving us a sense of isolation. Close up of gun to show action and possibly danger. A herd of deer appear out of nowhere showing an usual amount of wildlife for the city. Speeding through the city and use of wide angle shots prove there is hardly no one - if anyone - around.

WHAT CHARACTERS ARE INTRODUCED? WHEN AND HOW?
We meet the protagonist in the opening as he is speeding down the road in a sports car. Then we meet his dog, Sam, seconds later as he is in the passengers seat of the car. We see other animals in this scene but we assume these are extremely minor characters as they make no real impact to the scene itself.

WHAT SOCIAL GROUPS ARE REPRESENTED? HOW ARE THEY REPRESENTED (POSITIVELY, NEGATIVELY, STEREOTYPICALLY / USE OF BINARY OPPOSITIONS)?
When we are introduced to the protagonist, he has a kind of sense of arrogance surrounding him. The is due to the fact that we see him speeding down the road in a shiny sports car, we are then show a close up of the gun he is holding and can see he is wearing leather. These three things have connotations of the protagonist thinking he is somewhat better than everyone else. However, as an audience are perception is quickly diverted as we see the protagonist stroke his dog and open the window to let him hang his head out. This creates an atmosphere of compassion. Empathy is also shown by the protagonist when he is about to shoot a lioness, until he sees her cubs trail after; and can't bear to think that the cubs would be left on their own. This changes our view on the protagonist, and makes us believe he may only kill if he believes it is just and necessary.

CREDITS:
The only credits we see are right at the end of the opening scene and they appear quickly onto the screen. It is white typography with a black background to make it eye-catching by showing contrast, it is also bold to the viewer as it takes us the whole centre of the screen. The title credit is completely separate from the film to show its significance. 

TARGET AUDIENCE RESEARCH

Target audience is the group of people of which something is designed for. It may suit their, likes, interests, day to day life, and needs. This allows an industry to follow the codes and conventions needed to target the specific audience. It offers a connection to the audience by including themes they affiliate with themselves, or simply themes they enjoy watching about. 

CHILDREN

In films aimed at children, there are common conventions used to interest them. For example, animals are used as the children usually show compassion towards them. Animated films are usually aimed at a younger audience since they are light hearted and friendly, with an imaginative and unrealistic story line, attracting a younger audience with an open mind. 

TEENS

In films aimed at Teenagers/Youths, it is common to include themes which may be prevalent in a teens life - e.g. Education, Friendships, Relationships, and life at home. This is since the audience feels a connection towards the film and has a sense of belonging linking to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. This will help to engage the audience and want them to carry on watching. 

ADULTS

In films aimed Adults, situations prevalent in an adults life is a common convention. For example, people going to work, sorting out the kids, and managing everyday life as an adult. This fits the target audience as they can identify with the situation making them engaged with the film. 

TARGET AUDIENCE DEMOGRAPHICS

A  Upper class - e.g Bankers, Lawyers, Doctors

B Middle class - e.g Teachers, Graphic Designers

C1 Working class - e.g Office Supervisors, Nurses

C2 Working class - e.g Skilled Manual Workers, Plumbers

D - Semi Skilled Manual Workers

E - Unemployed, Students, Pensioners

GENRE AND AUDIENCE RESEARCH

WHAT IS GENRE?

WHAT ARE THE 4 DIFFERENT TYPES OF FILM OPENINGS?

A NARRATIVE TITLE SEQUENCE:
The titles are integrated into the moving image, this may be presented using a establishing shot.

A STYLISED TITLE SEQUENCE:
This type of title sequence can include a range of things but usually, the typography has been integrated with special effects and filters to interest and excite the audience.

A DISCRETE TITLE SEQUENCE:
The titles are integrated within the moving picture however, its hard to determine what the actual story line/plot of the film will be.

What is genre?

DIEGETIC AND NON DIEGETIC SOUND

Diegetic and Non diegetic sound are conventional film techniques used in almost all films of this era. 

Non diegetic sounds are sounds that have been added in in the editing process. This includes sounds such as music, narration and sound effects. They are used for sharper quality to set the tone of a film, they are often used to dramatise the situation as the scene may be silent without it. By adding sound effects, as an audience it allows us to heighten our senses and become more engaged and involved with the scene. 

Diegetic sounds are from noises that are happening in the scene that haven’t been edited in, this means sounds like people talking or things like footsteps. People can usually tell which sound is diegetic from what they can see on the screen.

REQUIEM FOR A DREAM OPENING 

Requiem for a Dream, 2000, directed by Darren Aronofsky, is a coming of age drama including many philosophical themes.  This film focuses hugely on the reflection of addiction. Aronofsky uses visuals and aesthetics as a portrayal of the urge and obsession some may require. The film is not about drug use - but about the addiction and societal needs some cannot function without. 



This title sequence is effective in the sense that it foreshadows the brutality and destructive nature prevalent within the film. The sequence starts with a woman on the phone, as she says "in the end its all nice" - this air of positivity is immediately destroyed with the title 'Requiem for a Dream' falling down on the screen; the diegetic sound of a jail cell door closing makes us aware that the statement the woman made is far from the truth. This sound effect overwhelms us with a sense of isolation and entrapment within the characters and possibly their addictions; it may also establish that actions have consequences which may again foreshadow a situation later on in the film. The theme of entrapment is parallel to the title 'Requiem for a Dream'. It depicts the fact that their dreams are unfeasible and will not be reached due to their actions; as an audience we are aware that this makes the characters inevitably doomed from the moment we are introduced to them. As the title appears on the screen in white writing it hastily begins to decay, emphasising the the destructive and hopeless nature of the film. This is also presented as the music begins at a slow pace then dramatically builds up into an orchestral piece, enhancing the climatic atmosphere of the film. 

Immediately after the title evaporates, so does the non diegetic sound, and we are greeted by two characters and a tv is a run down, desolate apartment building. By their physical appearance, and the mannerism of the location - we can depict the film will explore the life of working class youths. We are introduced to the TV the same time we meet the characters, proving this has or in the future may have some value towards them - conveying the sense of a lack of possessions in these teenagers' lives. The tracking shot of the two guys moving the TV allows the audience to feel in some way connected to the characters as it creates a sense of a documentary in some way. 

At 1:30, we are faced with a low-angle shot and a lens flare from the sun and also the general location with a ferris wheel creates a sense of serenity contradicting the dramatic violins playing in the background. The ferris wheel also emphasises the fact that these characters still have youth in them and are not adults in some way or another. Their gratified facial expressions convey a sense of positivity and happiness within the characters; but as an audience we know that they are inevitably doomed, so we are enthralled to carrying on watching to find out why. 

The music is extremely effective in enslaving us as an audience as its colossal and tense dramatic nature builds up whole heartedly, yet never reaches a final ultimatum. According to direction Jean Jacquess Beineix, it is important to wait and 'future' the excitement throughout the film than an 'instant arousal'. He states that you should let the desire grow and then the satisfaction will appear. I believe that this music is a perfect example of that. It sets a dark and dreary mood in preparation for the film's plot. As we believe we are getting closer and closer to the climax of the scene our sense of hope is instantaneously obliterated with the text 'SUMMER' falling down on the screen along with the same jail door sound effect. This creates a sense that as an audience we had some kind of expectation due to the music, however it was shut down; this may be parallel to the characters dreams and expectations throughout the film. There is also a contrast in the text and sound effect. This is since we associate 'summer' with liberation, especially with youths/young adults as it means less work and no education; however that is juxtaposed to the cell door shutting - overpowering the sense of freedom with entrapment once again.

ORDER OF CREDITS:

1)REQUIEM FOR A DREAM

2)ELLEN BURSTYN

3)JARED LETO

4)JENNIFER CONNELLY

5)MARLON WAYANS

6)CASTING BY MARY VERNIEU, ANNIE MCCARTHY, ANN GOULDER

7)EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, NICK WESHLER, BEAU FLYNN, STEFAN SIMCHOWITZ

8)CO-EXECUTIVE PRODUCER BEN BARENHOLTZ

9)LINE PRODUCER ANNE RUARK

10)CO-PRODUCERS, RANDY SIMON, JONAH SMITH, SCOTT VOGEL, SCOTT FRANKLIN

11)ORIGINAL SCORE BY CLINT MANSELL

12)WITH STRING QUARTETS PERFORMED BY KRONOS QUARTET

13)COSTUME DESIGNER LAURA JEAN SHANNON

14)PRODUCTION DESIGNER JAMES CHINLUND

15)EDITED BY JAY RABANOWITZ, A.C.E.

16)DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY MATTHEW LIBATIQUE

17)BASED ON THE BOOK BY HUBERT SELBY JR

18)SCREENPLAY BY HUBERT SELBY JR AND DARREN ARONOFSKY

19)PRODUCED BY ERIC WATSON AND PALMER WEST

20)DIRECTED BY DARREN ARONOFSKY

21)'SUMMER'