Further Title Research

Se7en

We have analysed 'Se7en' on many occasions and we believe that the titles have a great impact on the thrill element of the opening sequence. The titles appear very untidy therefore suggesting that it is the protagonist is writing the titles due to the very slow writing of the words and poor handwriting which could only be associated with a person. Thus, creating the audience to feel on the edge of their seat and promote their vulnerability, as if it is the Protagonist in control of the opening sequence. Consequently, creating an eerie, intimidating atmosphere within the film. 

Shutter 

We really found the opening sequence  of Shutter extremely intimidating and the titles contribute to this. The titles appear upon a black background. Black links to darkness which is associated which is when most bad occurrences happen, therefore with the titles on a black background acts as an enigma code for the rest of the film. The title is an old fashioned style of writing which creates a mystery as the film is in modern day but the writing is old fashioned which could imply that it is the deceased ghost of the film writing the titles. Subsequently, this creates create thrill and vulnerability within the audience. 

Woman in Black 

Woman in Black (2012) trailer is extremely effective and immediately creates sense of jeopardy due to the chilling soundtrack (which we have took inspiration from due it's pure thrilling element), the hard lighting and also the titles. The titles are in a very inconsistent with the size of each letter varying, suggesting that it is the insane 'women in black' writing the titles thus promoting the thrill of the film.  The dark black titles are on a jagged grey background which shows uncertainty as a grey is a very mutual colour, whilst it could also reflect the fog at the beginning of the film in the form of pathetic fallacy. 

Storyboard

This is our storyboard put into action. The drawings are not good quality but the actual storyboard can be found further down.
Slide 1) This shows Laura walking her dog, with a reverse shot to Charlie and then a shot back to Laura walking her dog.
Slide 2) This shows close up of Laura walking to her destination of threat to her life, to a close up of her taking the lead of the dog, long shot of the dog running into the forest
Slide 3) This shows a close up of Charlie taking photos, a flash of saying actor's name "camera flash", medium shot of Charlie being creepy
Slide 4) This shows fast flashes of Charlie's work, to a typewriter of actor's name, close up of Charlie back in the forest stalking Laura
Slide 5) This shows actor name "camera flash", medium shot of Laura walking through the forest, medium point of view shot showing Charlie following Laura
Slide 6) This shows Charlie behind Laura, typewriter to actor's name, zooming to Charlie taking photos of Laura's scarf on a fence
Slide 7) This shows "camera flash" and typewriter to Mr Grevor - the name of the movie

In our opening sequence, when filming, we kept to the storyboard as a brief outline but added in a few more shots to create an atmosphere and a sense of danger towards the protagonist.

Video Influences

This is another video influence as we used some of the camera shots and editing displayed in this trailer such as the zoom towards the camera in the beginning of the trailer and the camera flash to startle the audience. In addition, our thriller opening sequence is based around camera as is Shutter.

Storyboard

Title Research

Title research

Mr Grevor – Bauhaus 93

Mr Grevor – Apple Chancery

Mr Grevor - Chalkboard

Mr Grevor – American Typewriter

Mr Grevor – Modern No. 20

Mr Grevor – Engravers MT

Mr Grevor – Thonburi

Mr Grevor – Century Gothic

Mr Grevor – Desdemona

Mr Grevor – Gloucester MT Extra Condensed

Mr Grevor – Lucida Fax

Mr Grevor – Ayuthaya

Mr Grevor – Edwardian Script ITC

Mr Grevor – SimSun ExtB

Mr Grevor – Papyrus

Mr Grevor - Rockwell

We decided to use American Typewriter because it was quite traditional and fitted with the effect of Charlie typing on the laptop. It seemed quite ordinary just like the name 'Mr Grevor' - there is no immediate danger relayed to the audience at this point. 

We also decided to go for a traditional 'white writing on a black background' so that we could add effects such as a camera flash or a typewriter effect. 

Production Diary

Video Influences

Seven is an influence to our thriller because of the flashes of enigma codes, the dramatic music and the way the titles are embedded in the opening sequence. We liked this because it was unpredictable and keeps the audience guessing as to what is going to happen in the movie.

Initial Idea

Team members - Sarah Adnams
                         - Laura McLean (actor)
                         - James Knuckey
                         - Charlie Boyden (actor)
                         - Jasper Adnams (dog actor)
Laura and Charlie were perfect for our Thriller opening sequence because we felt that they were "typical" protagonists and antagonists.
With Laura as the protagonist; we felt this was very stereotypical. Laura is blonde which is a very 'girly' aspect for a protagonist.
Charlie has dark hair which adds to the mystery of our thriller as you never see the antagonist's face

Proposal

Proposal

With this opening sequence we are hoping to create a conventional and stereotypical thriller including a stalker. The audience is gathering information of each character and is immediately introduced to both of them. With flashes of Charlie's plans the audience have a grasp of his mind set. The fact that it is a stereotypical "stalker thriller" the audience knows what fate lies for Laura.

Camera shots such as close up shots hint to the viewer the main enigma codes, danger and create a dramatic atmosphere of suspense. Using long shot of the brook expresses vulnerability and also establishes the setting of the movie. Where it is set. 

Treatment

Treatment - Mr Grevor

Itʼs a normal day; Laura is walking her dog at the brook, Charlie is watching her. Laura doesn't see Charlie but the audience does. This alone is an enigma code expressing that Charlie has something to do with Laura. This opening sequence is from an outsiderʼs point of view. The audience can see what is happening to the characters but they are unaware of each otherʼs circumstances (dramatic irony.)

The purpose of the film is to thrill the audience; build anticipation and to keep them guessing resulting in a satisfying ending. This opening sequence is act as a cliff hanger to draw in the audience without revealing the key events of the overall film. Using enigma codes in this opening sequence; the audience can gather suggestions as to what the film involves.

Flashes of enigma codes come up as do the titles to hint to the audience what the film will include.

1. Equilibrium (calm, walking dog, normal day, nothing suspicious)
2. Interrupt (cut to Charlie taking photos of Laura, cut to him in a room, close up of eyes)

The codes and conventions of a thriller which we are going to use are 

- antagonist (male)
- protagonist (female)
- enigma codes - props (scarf, dog, camera, laptop, voodoo doll)

- donʼt see the antagonistʼs full face - identity
- lighting (shadows, hard light)
- music (scary, unpredictable, dramatic)

- titles (flash of light, camera - enigma code) - sound (diegetic and non-diegetic)
- colours (red, danger, eye-catching)

- mise-en-scene (dark, scary, unaware, unpredictable)    

Audience

Who is your audience?

16-25 year olds
Unisex
Students, casual workers
Multinational
Demographics - E, D, C1, C2, B and A. Enjoyable for people of all backgrounds. Full of enigma codes - sets up expectations and anticipation
Conventional thriller - not funny, dark, classic protagonist and antagonist
Strugglers - they seek escape from reality
Explorers - they seek discovery. They will predict the course of events within the film
Relates to Seven

Recce Report

Risk Assessment

Costumes and Props

Props

-Polaroid camera and photos
 - Green screen
- Laptop 
- Scarf (also costume)

- Dog lead 
- Voodoo doll

Protagonist- Played by Laura McLean- Costume

Casual clothes, big coat, scarf and hat (red), and wellington boots. Just the normal clothes you would wear when walking a dog, casual, yet practical. However, this casual yet practical costume, there are enigma codes, which well convey the potential occurrences in the future. For instance, the red scarf and hat symbolises danger. 

Antagonist- Played by Charlie Boyden- Costume
The key to an effective and sinister antagonist is the feel of mystery. The costume will play a vital role into making the antagonist a mysterious, sinister and dark character by hiding away facial features. Consequently, this keeps the audience unaware of who the attacker is and therefore the audience has to watch the rest of the film to discover whom the antagonist is, and why he is there.

Dark clothing blends in with the gloomy surroundings, therefore staying out of sight of the unaware protagonist, whilst the audience can see the antagonist thus contributing to the tension.
The costume will be relatable to a classic teenager; fashionable. Our target audience is from 16-25, therefore the costume would be more relatable to the target audience, making it feel more real, thus making the audience feel more vulnerable.

Mood Board