Storyboard

Motifs

A motif is any recurring element that has significance in the story. A motif can also create a theme or mood through its recurrence.


Motifs are often used to enhance the viewing of a film and to make it more interesting to watch. A film can include 1 motif or several.


One of the most famous Motifs, in film, is from the film Jaws (1975) directed by Steven Spielberg. In the film jaws whenever the shark is present there is a unique film score that plays. This film score is a motif because it reoccures throughout the film and establsihed its self as a tune that strikes fear whenever it is heard. Whenever this score is heard it creates fear, even if there is no image present the sound of this is enough to create a tension that most films would need images to create.





The Sixth Sense (1999) directed by M. Night Shyamalan. This film has a very obvious motif throughout the film and this motif is in the form of colour; the colour red. throughout this film the colour red appears:
Wife in red dress
Red flowers
Red lipstick
Dead cyclist has red helmet
Red doorknob at malcolms house
Church doors are red
Red balloon floating up the staircase
Anti depressant pills are red


The use of red in this film is used to give a hint into the twist at the end of the film and to make the audIEnce have this subconsious feeling about death and ghosts.




Our opening sequence will not be containing any motifs.
Although if we were to do this again we would most likely try to add in a few motifs to make the film more enjoyable for the audience.

Encoding Our Text

We are going to encode our opening sequence with signifiers that our audience will decode when viewing our sequence in order to communicate the following:


The type of product = Opening sequence for a film
We will communicate the fact that this is an opening sequence for a film by making sure that we leave the audience wanting to see more/the rest of this film and also by leaving some unanswered questions such as what is wrong with the girl, who was the girl and why was the man keeping her locked up.


The genre of this product = Horror
We will communicate the fact that the opening sequence is of the horror genre we will film a lot of low key shots, we will film a lot of extreme close ups and we will have the girl in our sequenced dressed in an ould raggy nightgown/dress. Also our locations are all abandoned and secluded or have an uncared for look.


Representation of = Gender
We will communicate the representation of Gender by having the male character in smart clothing suit or trousers and shirt, and we will shoot him with some low angle shots. the female character we will have wearing dirty baggy clothes and we will film with alot of high angle shots and extreme close ups.

Focus Group

Focus Group Analysis

To begin with in this video of our focus group, we give the 3 of them a brief idea of what our opening sequence will be. This is just so that they know what the film will be about and what will happen so that they have a basis in which they can answer our questions on.

The first question asked is "What do you think about that and what do you reckon could be improved?" The responses we were given were good. Jason asked a few smaller questions such as 'why the old decrepit house', these prompted us to explain our reasoning to why we chose the location and why the story line is what it is. These were interesting statements as it made us think more into why and what effect it would have and also why it has that effect. We also had Myles say that he thinks it could 'really really work' and that he 'can't pick any wrongs in it' which we are really happy about. Josh then added that he thinks 'it is a good story-line.' All these comments help us a lot as it means we have more confidence and belief in our idea and also that we have been made to think about why instead of just what. 

The second question asked was "What locations do you think would be good to film in?" This question is focusing more on the actual ways of improving it and what the audience and viewers would prefer and like to see. The responses from the three of them again were really good. The three of them all had the same similar idea that the best location would be to film in not just an old run down house, but somewhere where the area too is maybe abandoned, run down or even a place that the house we film is maybe on its own as it would create the sense that the man maybe ashamed of his daughters mental illness or he is isolated and trapped because of it. Jason gave us a really good idea of filming the outside of a house that is isolated, and then just filming in another different house. He even went as far as giving us a possible location which is by Oaks Park he said there are a few houses on their own just spread around that would be good to film. 

"How do you think we should end the opening sequence?" This was the third question asked, again with this question is is all down to their own personal opinions of what they would think would look good. One good answer we received in reply of this question was that we should build the tension up and up to a climax, and then just cut it off. This would leave the viewer wet at the mouth and wanting more as it would create more suspense and mystery. 

Another good reply was that it all depends on how we think the story will end. For example, if we think she will be taken away and put into a mental asylum or the dad will be killed would alter how we should end the opening sequence. This opened our eyes more so to speak as it meant we have now had to go away and think more into the ending of the story in order to create a good and interesting ending that makes the viewer want to watch on. 

The fourth question we asked our focus group was; "Out of the horror films that you've seen, what would be the best opening sequence that you've seen?" Jason replied with The Shining as he likes the way it is just a car driving up to this isolated hotel with music playing in the background. He said it builds tension, and that our idea is similar. This is a good comparison as we can look at The Shining's opening sequence and see how they have done it and take ideas and techniques from that. Josh then said how he likes the Saw 1 opening sequence as the variety of camera angles and editing techniques help to build up tension, Josh prefers opening sequence to be more action based than just one or two things. 

Myles' answer was that he really likes the film Se7en and the opening sequence to that film is one of his favourites as the way that it gives you slight hints to what could be happening but leaves a lot  unanswered really creates a thirst to know more and that means you want to watch more. 

The fifth and final question asked was; "Is there anything in film opening sequences that you dont specifically like?" The groups replies were all centered around the same idea; that you shouldn't give too much away as it leaves little to the imagination. Another thing that they said they do not like to see is the killer's face. The don't think the killer should be seen in the opening sequence, unless it is going to start off with him killing someone or whether the story is going to start from the end and work the way back, in that case it would make the film a non-linear narrative.

The aim of this focus group is to find out others opinions on our ideas and how we could improve them to make it a better viewing for the audience. The answers we have received really helped us to see other aspects that could work and maybe make the opening sequence better. This focus group was a success as we have gained more ideas and views and it also required us to think more of how we can keep the viewer interested and intrigued and wanting to watch more. We have had to think more into why as well, this is important as it allows us to really understand and evolve our story a lot more so that when filming and editing we really have a clear idea of what we want the film to look like as a finished product. 

Audience Questionnaire Results

Audience Questionnaire Results

Audience Questionnaire

Description of Target Audience

The age of our target audience would be the age of 15 to 30, the reason why this age is because young people would enjoy this film as this sets a chilling vibe down their spine. The reason why we chose 30 year olds is because they would still keep a keen interest in a horror films. 

More male's would keep a interest in our horror films as female's would be more scared. The reason why our target audience is more male to female is because it is a known fact that men prefer horror films as women prefer more romantic films.

The social demographic we would give for our target audience is C1 C2 D E, the reason of this is because the upper class will not watch films in a cinema or at home because they are into tradition forms of entertainment such as opera and theatre. So this is the reason why we chose C1 C2 D E as this is more towards there life style and hobbies as they would get their entertainment from their television. So the occupation: of the target audience watching would be students, full time job's, and unemployed. 

The hobbies and interest that are target audience may be interesting in is on average the same as everyone else so football and more men would take up this sport, maybe going to the gym as our target audience would more likely to go gym as they are in the range of 15 to 30. Education would be a interest as this would appeal to some of the target audience such a Sci fi, watching horror films or different Genre in the Cinema and as well watching it on the television. 

The typical Style the target audience would be wearing  would be Indie, Gothic, Basic(jeans, t-shirt), and the reason of this would be gothic audience would be more interested in possession and horror films as this will attract there attention. So the Personality of our target audience could be depressing people, Gothic, metal, as these personalities would be more interested into the horror genre as this shows blood, screams, terror and a spine chilling experience. Our target audience favourite music, films are television programmes. The favourite music could be different bands such as Bring me to Horizon and You Me At Six, the reason of this is because its a rock band which shows their personality to be very dark, which gives them the reason why to like horror films. 

The target audience favourite films could very well be Paranormal activity and Saw as the genre of this is a horror, which this is the same of our opening sequence. Finally the favourite TV shows of our target audience could very well be Super Natural and Most Haunted as these shows give different impressions to different people, but mostly a spine chilling one as this connects well to are film opening sequence. 

This is offering the target audience entertainment as this offers the audience the forms of fear and excitement, through moments of shock and tension. This film allows the audience to escape from their daily "grind" because it contains forms that are not everyday experiences. This film also allows the audience to escape because the film has a supernatural atmosphere which they cannot relate to. 

Editing Idea

Grudge tape scene



The clip shows a girl moving towards the camera but flickering as she comes closer to the camera, this I believe has been done by speeding up her movements and missing some parts. This clip has inspired us to use this in our own work as it builds suspense and creates a sense of supernatural characteristics and danger. We will use this when shooting Lucy in the basement. 

Group Opening Sequence

Exactly what is going to happen on screen

• You first are introduced to the opening sequence with a long shot to zoom on a abandoned building where there is chipped paint, rubbish, cracked glass etc. This is also a panning shot to establish the location of the sequence. 
• There is then a long shot and slight tilt on a long corridor where it is shown to be run down and not cared for. There will be a light hanging from the ceiling which is seen to be swinging on it's own. This will be low key lighting to set an eery atmosphere
• There is then a close up of the light to show the swinging
• A medium close up is then shown pulling a pull light on.
• Then there will be a medium shot of a man facing away from the camera to be walking down a steep set of stairs into some sort of basement. At this point he is at the top of the stairs
• A fast flashback shows an extreme close up of a girls eye where her iris is completely white and you can only see her pupil. Her hair is over her face and shown to be ratty and dirty
• It then goes back to the man walking down the stairs of the basement but he is now further down
• Another flashback shows CCTV footage of a girl sitting in a corner of a dark room hugging her legs and slightly rocking. There are buckets and rubbish around the room. On the CCTV footage there is a time and a date shown. The effects on the CCTV will flicker just like that of 'The grudge tape scene' which is shown on my blog. http://hannahwoodsmedia.blogspot.com/2012/03/editing-idea.html
• A close up is shown of a large lock of the basement door which is rusty metal. 
• You see the girl at the bottom of the stairs again hugging her knees and rocking
• Then there is a cutaway to a wall with scratches all over it, and hand marks.
• It then cuts back to the stairs, but this time she is no longer there
• A cutaway of the CCTV footage is then shown of her still sitting in the corner, again with the correct date shown.
• Another cutaway is used to see the expression on the dads face which is seen to be scared but also extremely angry. This is a close up.
• The final shot of the opening sequence is of the CCTV footage but again she is no longer there. The dates at the bottom flicker and then change to zero throughout. 

Ideas for Music/Sound

• The music/sound throughout the first part of the clip will be high pitched chants of either girls or boys. This chant will be the Lords prayer. 

"Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name.

Your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil."

• We may also do the chant in Latin as this sounds extremely eery and sets a mysterious/supernatural atmosphere. 

Group Film Idea

Title
The title of our film is malignant. We chose this title because it means something bad or something trying to cause harm and our film is about a girl who is possessed by a demon that wishes to cause harm to the living.

Genre

The genre of our film is Horror because we are creating it in order to scare people although it could also be classed as a supernatural film. Because of the fact that this film is a horror and contains strong threat and menace we gave it a certificate of 15; we only made it a 15 because the horror is not of a sadistic or sexual nature.

Characters

There are two characters in our opening film sequence: Katey and John (Katey's farther). Katey is a quiet and strange girl who's actions and mannerisms give you the impression that she has a deep psychological issue. In the opening sequence she is just a mysterious girl that has been locked up by this strange unknown man. Later on tin the film you would actually discover that the strange man is her farther, John, and that he has only locked her up to keep her safe because she is actually possessed by a demon. In the opening sequence John comes across as being a powerful and dominant character; you get this impression because of the fact that he has this strange girl locked up in the basement. Later on in the film you would see more characteristics of John e.g. due to his daughters possession he is touchy, snappy and he shows signs of depression. You would also find out that John is actually a very successful doctor and looks at his daughter as though she has psychological issues rather than possession.

Lucy is played by actress Lucy Hyner.
John is played by... George Wilson


Location Setting
Our film Sequence is set in the Modern day in a large secluded House and the basement of that house.
The actual filming siete varies between different locations although all around the area of surrey although  it is possible that we may do some filming just outside of surrey or london.
The majority of our filming will be low key, 'cold' looking rooms with lots of shadows and beams of small amounts of light.

Storyline - Beginning, Middle and End
At the beginning of the film you see a girl locked in a basement in a secluded house. Her farther locks her in the basement for her safety because he believes she has psychological issues but you later find out that she is actually possessed.

Initial Ideas

Horror


Main character
- Young school girl who is a stereotypical popular American cheerleader who cares about her apperance, and is quite selfish
Other characters
-A male wearing dark clothes and hidden from the scene. He is shown to be phyiscally disabled with scars on his face
Setting
-A forest that is abandoned, quiet and empty.
-I may also include a large house which is shown to be also abandoned and quite old and eery.
Storyline
-Girl has been kidnapped from unknown male character
-Woke up to laying in a dark forest
-Clothes ruined and doesn't know what has happened to her, memory has gone
-Male has control over her and she is forced to look after herself in basement in the house

Representation In Films

Gender
Men:

Men within horror films are seen to be the more dominant character. They are strong, powerful and quite fit and healthy. They could either be the protagonist in the film where they save the damsel in distress and kill the murderer, or in contrast they could be the antagonist within horror films which would normally be the killer. 

One example of this would  be Brody from the horror film Jaws. This screen shot shows him to be shooting the killer Jaws. Therefore it shows him to be strong and brave as he facing such a deadly creature, also due to the fact that many people have been killed throughout this film means he is risking his life. Also many men throughout horror films end up falling in love with the main female character to try and protect them from the killer and so on.

Women:
Women are however shown to be the complete opposite to men in horror films. They are normally the first people to get killed or terrorized by the lead serial killer/antagonist in the film. They are seen to be weak and fearful, this is why they are the first on the killers list. This could be because they are more interested in 'a boy' or their own appearance to really take notice of the killer or the dangerous situation that is happening at that time. However in many films, there will be a girl that will accompany the male protagonist almost as a helper. One example of this 

is Evelyn from 'The Mummy' as she and her husband go out to try and destroy the Mummy. On the contrary to girls being weak and being saved by the male character, or being killed. Some movies feature a final girl, this is the female who remains til the end of the film and is the last to confront the killer. One extremely famous final girl is Laurie Strode from Halloween whereby she confronted the serial killer. 


Ethnic Groups:
White people within horror films are seen to be as  the more dominant character and seen to be more intelligent than any other ethnicity. They are normally seen to be the protagonist within the films and tend to be those that kill off the 'bad guy'. However quite a lot of the time they are the actual serial killer in horror films, one example is Hannibal Lecter. 
Those that are seen in horror films quite negatively are black people. Stereo typically they are the least intelligent ethnicity group within the film. In horror films they tend to be the one killed first. One film where this occurs is Deep Blue Sea where Russel (Sameul L Jackson) is the first to be killed by the killer creature. 




Age:
The main age group that are seen to be negative within horror films are teenagers. They tend to be the main victims for the serial killer or antagonist. They normally are shown at the beginning of the horror film and set themselves up for danger, for example they will go camping in a forest just for the excitement and thrill of being a fearful environment. 'Friday the 13th (2009)' is one example where a group of teenagers go camping in an abandoned camp, two of the group explore. As they put themselves in danger, all but one are killed within the first few scenes. 


Adults are not seen regularly as the victims within horror films (although there are some exceptions), they tend to be the antagonists/serial killers. Or they occasionally are the heroes that save the victims. 'The last house on the left' is an example of both of these representations. The antagonists are adults in this horror film and the parents of one of the victims are the ones that finally kill them. 


The final age group that are varied within Horror films are the elderly. The elderly are either seen as extremely weak or are seen to be evil or possessed. One example is the film 'Drag me to hell' which features an old woman that puts a curse on another main character. Another being, 'The Devil Inside' which an slightly older women is shown to be possessed and has to under go and exorcism. 


However, some films are very stereotypical when it comes to the elderly and they are killed off very near to the beginning as they are weak. One example is 'The Stepfather' where an elderly neighbour has suspicions on the serial killer and a conversation the killer over hears leads to her death. However, the police just assume that she had an accident whilst falling down the stairs because of her age.