Evaluation Activity 1 - 9 Screen frames

Evaluation Activity 1

In what way does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products? (i.e. of film openings)

Shot #1- The title of the film.

The first of my nine screenshots is of the title screen. The name of the film is in Bradley Hand ITC and is flashing around the screen. We created the flashing effect to speed up the pace of the film. We added music to the title scene to help and build up the tension for the film to add suspense for when the film starts. The font is white over the top of a black background. We chose to make the title in black and white because it needs to stand out so that the audience can read it and know what they are watching.

Shot #2- Special Effects.

Shot number 2 is one of the first special effects we used. We tried to create the effect of somebody being drowsy and unaware of their surroundings. The camera shot that we decided to use was a Point of View shot so that we could see how he is feeling.

Shot #3- Setting / Location.

We chose to start the horror opening in a stereotypical horror setting. The graveyard was used because it connotes death and death is associated with horror. The graveyard was used because it could create some confusion in terms that it could suggest something could happen or something has already happened.

Shot #4- Costumes and Props.

For Costumes and Props, we used pieces of surgical equipment such as Needle’s and scissors. We chose to have the needles in shot because many people have phobias of needles and if they are visible throughout the film the audience are automatically going to associated it with a horror.

Shot #5- How characters are introduced.

I decided to use this screenshot because it can establish exactly what type of character is going to be used introduced. He is seen to be dressed in a hooded jacket and armed with a baseball bat. This shows the audience that something bad is going to happen and makes them un-easy. Being a teenager the attacker has entered the scene in stereotypical clothes.

Shot #6- Title font and style.

The names of the cast that pop up during the opening are in the same font to the title of the film (TAKEN). We chose to keep the font so that it is the same all of the way through and so that it didn’t distract people from the film. The font that we used is called ‘Bradley Hand ITC’. In the shot we used a white font so that it was easy and clear enough so that it is easy to read. Along with the font we added some music because the music can help to create an atmosphere and emotion on the overall feel. Mixed with the title screen they both work well

Shot #7- Camerawork and Editing.

After we see the victim sitting tied to a chair, the camera cuts to shot 7. In shot 7 although the audiences are supposed to be watching the Dr. they can’t help but notice the props that are clearly visible on the table.

Shot #8- Story and how the opening sets it up.

For screenshot number 8 I have chosen the image of Dalian (The Victim) being followed by David (The Attacker). I decided to choose this screen shot because when David attacks Dalian, anything is possible to happen. The shot helps to suggest the story because it is a shot that shows somebody carrying a weapon whilst following the victim. This tells the audience that something bad is about to happen.

9.   Genre and how the Opening suggests it.

All throughout our media product the genre is suggested. In the screenshot I chose to show this is one of the different props that were used within the film. In the shot are the needles and other surgical equipment that we used. The screenshot helps to suggest the Genre of our film because it is of needles and many people associate needles with phobias and horror. In the shot the props seem to be highlighted to make them stand-out amongst the rest of the shot.