Shooting Schedule.

I have booked out one of the college cameras over the Christmas holidays, so I will attempt to get all my filming done in this period.

Monday 21st December – Filming of the News Reporter scene with Peri, outside my house.

Wednesday 30th December – Filming of the all scenes in Little Switzerland; in the woods and under the rail bridge.
Filming of the scene down the Alleyway, Ashleigh being followed.

Sunday 3rd January – The filming of all the scenes inside my house; Ashleigh looking at the photo, on the phone and the stalker appearing.

Health and Safety Assessment.

Risk Assessment

I have looked at possible health and safety issues that may occur when filming for my trailer.

• The area; Little Switzerland is a well known area and often has many visitors, however I must be careful when taking expensive equipment to film as some of the areas within Little Switzerland are more secluded than others. Therefore I must be careful and think about who may be around, so I will make sure my dad comes with us whilst filming to make sure we’re okay and look after equipment when it is not being used. I will also take my mobile phone in case there are any emergencies.

• Consent; I am also aware that filming in a public place can be frowned upon so I will ring the East Riding of Yorkshire County Council to ask if it is possible for me to film in the country park.

• Rain; because I am filming most of my scenes in an open outdoor space if it rains there will be no shelter. It is very important that the camera or equipment does not get wet so I will take a big golfing umbrella to cover all equipment to ensure that this does not happen.

• Fire risks; I have to be aware of fire risks particularly when filming indoors. I will therefore make sure that all entrances are clear just in case and that all equipment is turned off when it is not being used.

• Obstacles; it is important to make my actors aware that much of the ground in the country park is uneven and that they must be careful especially when running during filming. I will take a first aid kit with me as a precaution should any minor accidents happen, again, I will be carrying my mobile phone should there be a more serious accident and I need to contact the emergency services.

Location List.

My house – I am going use my bedroom and living room in several scenes. The living room will be used when Ashleigh is sat looking at the different newspaper articles. The living room will also be used later on in the trailer when she is sat on the phone to her friend, the stalker then appears and takes her. The bedroom is used when Ashleigh is looking at the photo of her and Brooke. I have decided to use my bedroom and living room for several reasons, it is easy to access these rooms if the scenes need to be re-shot. Also the rooms are simply laid out and are in very neutral colours, these stick to the convention of horror with dark and dull colours. I will also film outside my house, when the news reporter is reporting the sixth disappearance she will be reporting on location, stood outside Ashleigh’s house.







Little Switzerland – This is a public country park on Hessle Foreshore, it has lots of woodland area as well as several railway bridges which will be a perfect location for filming several scenes for my trailer because it is secluded. The area has lots of different pathways so we can film in various locations. It is not too difficult to get to the location if any scenes need to be re-filmed. I will film in the daytime for safety reasons and to ensure I get better quality as the location is quite enclosed by trees so it will seem dark anyway, I will also darken the clips when I come to editing. The location will fit in with the conventions of horror, a lot of horror films are always in deserted, spooky and remote areas, and Little Switzerland will portray this perfectly.











Alleyway/Cut through – There is a long alleyway on the way to Little Switzerland that will be good for filming the scene when Ashleigh is getting followed. It is long enough to get a good shot of her walking down with the Stalker behind her. Again, like Little Switzerland, there is a feeling of seclusion which is a convention of horror trailers.

Prop and cast list.

Props
Rope
White mask
Newspaper articles
Mobile phone
Microphone
Photograph

Costumes
Ashleigh - Jeans and a coat. For the scene when she is walking home, casual clothing.
- Joggers and a hoody. For the scenes when she is at home, also for the scenes when she has been kidnapped, slouching clothes.

Stalker – Dark jeans, black hoody, and white mask.

News Reporter – Grey suit trousers and blouse, smart clothing.


Cast list
Ashleigh – the protagonist, she is an 18 year old girl who is trying to find some clues about her best friend Brooke’s disappearance. She is a smart and determined character, however after she is taken she soon becomes neurotic and apprehensive. I will get Beth to play the part of Ashleigh because she does not mind acting in front of the camera and doesn’t get embarrassed.

Stalker – the stalker is male, not much is given away about this character, he is mysterious, creepy and unemotional. Audiences assume he is behind all six disappearances. My brother, Ben, will play the part of the stalker, I chose him to play this part because he is doing drama GCSE and I need someone who will be prepared to re film if necessary. He does not need to do much acting because his character keeps the same demeanour throughout, he is also stood watching or walking, he never runs when chasing Ashleigh. My brother is a very laid back person so I thought he would play this role very well.

News Reporter – a 30 year old woman who is reporting about the sixth disappearance that has happened. She is normally a bubbly character but is anxious and looks worried about the unsolved mystery of the disappearances. I will get Peri to act the role of the news reporter as she has a distinguished voice and it important that I get someone who will speak clearly and properly when representing a news reader.

Script/Screenplay.

Evanescence – screenplay

Text block: Dimension films.

Scene one
EXT. INFRONT OF ASHLEIGH’S HOUSE. DAY.
A NEWS REPORTER is reporting a story about the disappearances because another one has happened.

NEWS REPORTER
(Talking into a microphone and looking anxious)
This makes a total of six disappearances in the last two months. The mystery remains unsolved.

Text block: One Girl

Scene two
INT. ASHLEIGH’S LIVING ROOM. DAY.
ASHLEIGH is sat on the sofa reading a newspaper article with other articles surrounding her. Tracking across the room to see what ASHLEIGH is reading, over the shoulder, zooming in to see the newspaper article. “Five disappearances” is the headline.

Text block: One Friend

Scene three
INT. ASHLEIGH’S BEDROOM. DAY.
ASHLEIGH is holding a photograph, the camera changes to a point of view shot to see the photo she is holding is of her and BROOKE.

Text block: Six Disappearances

Scene four
EXT. DOWN A CUT-THROUGH. DAY.
Tracking as Ashleigh walks, a figure behind her becomes visible in the background following her.

ASHLEIGH
(Walking down the cut-through and occasionally turning around but does not notice the figure following her)

Scene five
INT. ASHLEIGH’S LIVING ROOM. NIGHT.
ASHLEIGH is sat on the sofa talking on her phone.

ASHLEIGH
(Sitting on the sofa, talking on the phone, sounding worried and scared)
I had a feeling I was being followed when I was walking back from yours!

A loud knock at the window can be heard. ASHLEIGH walks to the window. Changes to a point of view shot.

ASHLEIGH
(Suddenly stands up, dropping the phone. Walks over to the window, opens the curtain and nothing is there. Turns around and sees the MASKED STALKER just stood in the door way)
Scream

Text block: one secret

Scene six
INT. RAILWAY BRIDGE. NIGHT.
ASHLEIGH is tied up and struggling to try and escape when a figure appears in the background.

ASHLEIGH
(Struggling and panting out of breathe, trying to escape)

Masked Stalker
(Slowly walking towards ASHLEIGH)

Scene seven
EXT. THE WOODS. NIGHT.
ASHLEIGH is running through the woods, she stumbles and falls. The MASKED STALKER appears again; both characters are visible in one shot.

ASHLEIGH
(Running, looking over shoulder. Stumbles and falls over, MASKED STALKER appears in the distance, attempts to get back up and run again)

Scene eight
EXT. DEEPER IN THE WOODS. NIGHT.
ASHLEIGH is running and the MASKED STALKER is just stood watching her. Shot changes to a close shot of ASHLEIGH running, then back to the stalker just stood watching her.

ASHLEIGH
(Still running but with a limp now, keeps glancing over shoulder)

MASKED STALKER
(Just stood still watching ASHLEIGH struggle to run)

Scene nine
EXT. NEAR THE RAILWAY BRIDGE. NIGHT.
ASHLEIGH looks around the corner of the bridge.

ASHLEIGH
(Slowly peers around the corner to look under the rail bridge, looks shocked)
Gasp

Text block: Autumn 2010

Scene ten
INT. RAILWAY BRIDGE. NIGHT.
ASHLEIGH is tied up and the MASKED STALKER is walking away.

ASHLEIGH
(Struggling and screaming)
What do you want?

MASKED STALKER
(Slowly walking away from ASHLEIGH and out from under the rail bridge)

Text block: Evanescence

Storyboard.

Synopsis.

The storyline of my film is based around a group of teenage girls who have gone missing. Protagonist Ashleigh, has closely been following the reports of these disappearances trying of find some clue or link as to who is behind the disappearances in hope of finding her best friend, Brooke, who vanished some months earlier. Ashleigh starts to get the feeling she is being followed and it soon becomes apparent she is. Her stalker takes her hostage and her endeavour to escape leads her to discover more than she may have bargained for. However it is important that the resolution of the film is unknown, therefore the trailer will not let audiences find out whom the stalker is, the secrets Ashleigh discovers or if she manages to escape. My trailer will use lots of quick, brief shots to show fast pace which will leave audiences in suspense.

After looking at several different possible names for my film I have decided to call it Evanescence, the definition of which is “the event of fading and gradually vanishing from sight”. I believe this is appropriate to my plot, as a group of girls are gradually vanishing one by one with no clues.

Mind map of ideas.

I have created a mind map of ideas for my trailer and used my previous research and audience research to help me. The two most important questions I asked my target audience were “What aspects of a trailer makes you want to go and watch the film?” and “What makes a good horror film?” The top answers in response to the first question were suspense and plot and the top answers for the second questions were suspense/tension, a twist/the unexpected, believability and finally a creepy/psychopathic killer. I will try to include as many of these into my trailer as I can, so that I give my target audience what they want. I will also try and incorporate as many conventions of horror as I can, which I earlier discovered from my research. Below is the mind map I created, it is shows the development of my ideas. I will use this mind map to help me create and develop a synopsis.

Audience Research.

For my audience research I created a questionnaire to identify my target audience in order to aim my trailer at the right people. I wanted to find out who my target audience would be and discover more about their lifestyle, for example, how often they go to the cinema, what they like to do in their spare time and if they buy or download DVDs. I also asked what aspect of a trailer makes my target audience want to watch the film as well as what makes a good horror film. It was important that I found out what grabs their attention in order to make a good film trailer. Below is an example of my questionnaire and the results produced from it.

My questionnaire:

I am conducting some audience research for my film trailer and would be very grateful if you could fill a questionnaire out for me. Please circle where appropriate.

1.Gender
Male

Female

2. Age
Under 15

15-17

18-21

22-30

Over 30

3. What is your current job status?
Full-time

Part-time

Student

Un-employed

Other

4. What do you mainly do in your spare time?
Watch television

Go on the computer

Socialise with friends

Go shopping

Go to the cinema

Other (please specify)

………………………………………………………………………………………

5. What is your favourite film genre?
Action

Comedy

Drama

Horror

Musicals

Romance

Science Fiction

War

Western

Other (please specify)
………………………………………………………………………………………

6. How often do you go to the cinema?
Every week

Every other week

Every month

Every two months

Rarely

7.Would you rather watch a film at the cinema or at home?
Cinema

Home

8. Do you download DVDs or buy them?
Download

Buy

9. What aspect of a trailer makes you want to go and watch the film?
Actors/actresses

Director

Suspense

Plot

Action

Violence

Eroticism

Romance

Other (please specify)
…………………………………………………………………………………………..

10. What makes a good horror film? (circle two)
Blood/gore

Murder/torture

Suspense/Tension

A twist/ the unexpected

Zombies/monsters

Creepy/Psychopathic killer

A chase

Believable

Other (please specify)
………………………………………………………………………………………



I handed my questionnaire out to 25 people, both male and female with varying ages. Once I had collected all my results I presented them in pie charts.

1. 2. 3. 4.

5.

6.

7.8. 9. 10.
The results I have obtained have helped to establish my target audience and their lifestyle. Out of the 25 people I handed my questionnaire to, 11 where male and 14 where female. The majority of the participants, just over half, being aged 18-21. The participants in this category and those in the 15-17 tended to be students and those in the over 30 category where either in full time or part time employment.

When participants were asked how they mainly spend their free time the majority answered socialising with friends, however those who answered having a full or part time job said they preferred to watch television. Perhaps suggesting that after a day at work they prefer to relax than having to go out and socialise. Those who socialise will be my target audience as when socialising they may discuss trailers they have seen and upcoming films and may suggest going to see one.

When asked their favourite film genre a variety of results were acquired, however comedy proved to be the favourite followed by horror then drama. Most options got at least one vote, Western was the only genre that received no votes. Some participants selected “Other” and specified Thrillers and Romantic Comedy’s. Participants aged over 30 tended to vote for genres such as drama, Sci-Fi’s, war and action whereas participants aged 15-21 both male and female tended to vote for horror and comedy, with a few selecting musicals, romance, thrillers and romantic comedies.

To help me get an idea of my target audiences’ lifestyle I asked participants how often they attend the cinema. Again, a variety of results came back, yet the most popular answers where every other week, every month and every two months. Participants over 30, tended to opt for rarely going to cinema or every two months, whereas younger participants in the 18-21 category go to the cinema every week, every other week or every month. This supports the results from an early question when asking participants how they like to spend their free time. Socialising with friends was what most participants in the 18-21 category answered therefore suggesting they go to the cinema more regularly as a way to socialise with friends.

I also asked participants if they prefer watching films at home or at the cinema, two fifths of participants said they prefer watching a film at the cinema. This demonstrates the power of a trailer, if a trailer is affective it will make audiences want to go and watch the film straight away at the cinema rather than have to wait till it is out on DVD. Over four fifths of participants said they buy DVDs instead of downloading them.

My last two questions where crucial in helping me make a good film trailer. I asked participants what aspect of a trailer makes them want to watch the film. The most popular answer was the plot, followed by suspense and the actors/actresses that appear in the film. Obviously for my trailer I will not be able to get any actors or actresses that will make my film more appealing, however it will be very important that I make sure my plot will intrigue my target audience as well as have suspense in it to keep them guessing.

My last question asked participants which two things they believe make a good horror film; the top response was suspense/tension. This matches the results from the question before. Suspense and tension definitely seems like an important factor in a horror trailer. Other factors that where popular with participants where a twist/the unexpected, believable and a creepy/psychopathic killer. A chase, blood/gore and murder/torture all also received a few votes but do not seem as popular as other factors. Also when asked to specify what else makes a good horror film one participant said the cinematography and setting which is very interesting and I have taken this into account to help me make my trailer a success.

Overall my results show that my target audience are both male and female aged 15-21, they visit the cinema more often as a way of socialising with friends and because perhaps because they are open to more media so see trailers frequently and discuss upcoming films with friends. Also the cinema is the preferred way of watching a film as well as buying instead of downloading films. A key factor in making a good horror trailer is suspense and tension.

Textual Analysis of Horror Trailers.

Paranormal Activity

Paranormal Activity was released nationwide in October 2009. The low budget horror film was a huge success at the box office. The film was produced and released by Paramount Pictures. Paranormal “is a term that describes unusual experiences that lack a scientific explanation” and the trailer certainly shows audience that the main theme of the film is about the unknown and unexplainable. The trailer lasts for a total of 1.01.

Content
The film trailer contains the basic plot and introduces the main characters.

It also uses title screens and quotations in several places instead of using a voiceover to help entice the audience to see the film for themselves; it also helps keep their concentration and attention on the trailer.

Text is also used as well as a voiceover to show the name of the film and its release date.

At the end of the trailer there are credits with the name of the Producer, Director, Production Company etc.

Narrative structure

The trailer is split into three sections;
1) The basis of the plot, this sets up the problem for audiences to see.

2) The plot is extended, it shows the problem getting worse and the editing starts to become much quicker.

3) This section ends with a dramatic clip from the film and uses loud sound effects such as screaming and slamming doors but doesn’t give away too much to the audience.

Sound

Diegetic sound – dialogue from the film, screams, slamming doors

Non-diegetic sound – voice over to announce the film name and release date, music over title screens to add tension

Editing

Lots of fast paced editing is used to add to the tension, the pace of the editing starts off slow and picks up throughout the trailer and slows down again at the very end. This creates excitement and allows audiences to see very short snippets of various parts throughout the film without letting them see too much.

Cinematography

A lot of close ups and low angle shots are used, as well as lots of tilts to create a sense of disorientation.

It is a low budget film because they used hand held cameras, this made the film very effective because the viewer feels like they are the camera and makes them feel as if they are there witnessing it. This makes the film appear more believable.

Mise-en-scene

The film is set within the house of the main characters and this is shown in the trailer. Again this adds to the believability because it is set in a normal setting.

The colours used throughout the trailer are all very dark; this follows the convention of horror films. Audiences associate darkness with horror so expect to see it when watching a horror film so this has to be reflected in the trailer.

Conventions

Release date
Darkness
The unknown
Slow shots getting shorter and quicker with faster editing
Loud sound effects e.g. screaming, banging
Tension and suspense
Quotations
Credits.




Saw VI

Saw VI was released by Twisted Pictures in October 2009 and followed the success of the previous five films. It is believed that this is the last of the series of films however the ending has been left open for further films if decided. The Saw films are about the torture of people who have “done wrong” and Jigsaw gives them choices and decisions to make about other peoples’ fate and makes them fight for their own lives. The trailer is very short lasting 0.50, but gives the audience enough information without giving away the ending.

Content

The film trailer contains the basic storyline and introduces the main characters.

Title screens help the narrative as well as a voice over from the main character, Jigsaw.

Title screens are also used for the film title, release date and official website.

Narrative Structure

The voiceover helps the narrative structure; it starts by explaining the situation and then goes on to further explain the problem which occurs from the situation. As the problem is explained further, the pace of the editing increases to create greater suspense.
The pace of the last part of the trailer gets even faster and the music stronger, but the resolution is not revealed.

Sound

Diegetic sound- Dialogue from the film is used as a voice over. Other dialogue from the film is used to create panic and fear.

Non-diegetic sound- the films soundtrack is used in the second half of the trailer. Sound effects are used in between the title screens as clips from the film are shown. A voiceover is used to introduce the name of the film and its release date.

Editing

The pace of the editing picks up throughout the trailer and is very quick at the end, showing a montage of very brief/ quick shots.

There are some very sharp cuts, fades and some of the shots flicker between each other.

Cinematography

Like Paranormal Activity there are lots of close ups to show emotion.

Low and high angle shots are also used to show certain characters as dominant and others as inferior.

Mise-en-scene

The mise-en-scene in the trailer demonstrates that the film is set in an abandoned warehouse with different tasks set up.

All the shots used are dark and the colour red appears throughout to represent danger and blood.

The mise-en-scene helps reinforce the genre of the film so audiences know that it is a horror with lots of torture and gore.

Conventions

Darkness
Voiceover
Dramatic/fast paced music, from the soundtrack
Screaming
Fast paced editing/montage
Scary Villain
Suspense
Name of film and release date with voiceover
Title screens to help narrative
Credits.





Friday the 13th (2009)

The 2009 remake of Friday the 13th was released by New Line Cinemas and Paramount Pictures. The film received a lot of public attention with people having high expectations after the success of the first version back in 1980. With better technical equipment the film was expected to be much scarier and more terrifying than the first version. The film is set around a lake called Crystal Lake and is about a group of teenagers who discover Camp Crystal Lake. They soon meet Jason Voorhees who kills them off one by one. The film is a stereotypical horror with teenagers going camping in woods and splitting off into groups then one by one, it also has lots of gore and suspense. The trailer reflects all of this and lasts only 1.34.

Content

The trailer contains a basic storyline as all film trailers do. The trailer concentrates on setting and only briefly introduces the characters.

Title screens with the names of the Producer, the Director and the film.

Voiceover to help the narrative.

Narrative

A voiceover from the film is used to help explain the narrative.

The location is shown and the voiceover begins to explain the significance of the location and introduces Jason before a brief shot of him is shown.

The voiceover sets up the equilibrium and the disruption but does not give away the resolution.

Sound

Diegetic sound- Dialogue from the film is used as a voiceover. Other dialogue from the film is used to create tension, for example the sound of someone struggling and screaming.

Non-diegetic sound- The sound of wildlife is used on the tranquil, opening shot of the lake. The soundtrack from the film is used at the end of the trailer.

Editing

The editing of the trailer stays at a similar pace throughout. It is fast paced but slow compared to some of the other horror trailers I have previously looked. The pace slows down in some parts of the trailer instead of speeding up.

Both cuts and fades are used alternatively. Sharp cuts are used and they are made to look even sharper because flashes of light are used in between.

Cinematography

Long shots are used to show the location.

Close ups are also used; these are used to show the emotion of characters.

Low angle shots are used the most within the trailer, these make the audience feel threatened and scared because the angle looks up so that the audience feel inferior.

Mise-en-scene

The film is set around Crystal Lake. The mise-en-scene in the trailer shows various settings within the film such as, the lake, the Lake House and old Camp House.

All the shots used are very dark. The darkness of the shots and settings used represent the genre horror so audiences instantly know what genre the film is going to be.

Conventions

Name of the film, Producer and Director
Soundtrack from the film
Sound effects e.g. screaming
Darkness
Scary villain
Tension
Montage editing
Voiceover
Credits.