Emma Devlin AS

After deciding that the genre of my film will be crime, I researched existing films that fell under this category. The reasoning behind this was to establish the typical codes and conventions, but in doing this, I also found that it inspired ideas for what I could use in my opening sequence.  It is clear from this series of images that the mise-en-scene usually features dull colours such as greys and blues. This is further reinforced by the fact that male characters often wear dark coloured suits, rarely featuring brightly coloured costumes. The lighting is usually fairly dull, or scenes are filmed at night or during the winter to create a more sinister tone.  Famous locations and busy cities are also popular places for crime films to be set. This is because crime rates are often high in these areas, and criminal activity can be more easily disguised in a large, busy city in contrast to a small town. For example, The Wolf of Wall street is set in the infamous ban...

When choosing a genre, I thought about what kind of films I enjoy watching. Although it would be straightforwards to choose to do a horror film opening as the conventions are fairly clear, I myself am not a huge fan of scary films. As I watch a lot of crime films, series and documentaries, I thought this genre would be better as I not only find it interesting and exciting, but I am also more familiar with it.  To ensure I make it clear throughout my opening that the genre is crime, I made a list of all the different codes and conventions that appear within crime films: 1. Setting Pathetic fallacy is technique commonly used in crime films as the dull and dreary weather often reflects the seriousness of the story line. This can be seen in the TV series Sherlock, as it is set in London, where the weather is often overcast or raining.  There are also several locations where crime films are often shot. They include busy cities and large offices, deserted factories, dirty/empty h...

When comparing my story board against what I have filmed, it would be accurate to say that I stuck very close to my plan. In the beginning I kept my plan realistic so that I could be sure it was something I could achieve, yet detailed enough to have a solid idea in my head before I started to film. The reason why I chose to have the girl sitting on the desk, rather than a chair, was to reinforce her careless attitude, as well as to add to the informality between the two characters – displaying the fact that they are good friends. The other character however is sitting down, focusing on his work, explaining all the revision he has done. Although the conversation is not detailed, it fits the environment and relationship between them well. I ensured to include the basic requirements (shot, reverse shot, match on action editing and keeping to the 180-degree rule), as well as use techniques such as panning, the rule of thirds, point of view shots and a range of different camera ...

Here is the link to my video, posted onto YouTube: https://youtu.be/3j_UPY4kRiM

Below are images of the story board I have constructed before I start filming my preliminary task. The main reason for doing this is to ensure that I include the three main tasks of using the 180 degree rule, match on action editing and the use of shot, reverse shot. I have chosen to film my friend walking up a stairwell, entering a classroom and then sitting on the desk to talk to her friend. I decided to plan something fairly simple in order to concentrate on my filming and editing techniques above the actual action that would take place; anything too extravagant may be too distracting.  Story board (page 1) Story board (page 2) Story board (page 3)

I’m currently in year 12 studying media a-level at The FitzWimarc Sixth Form. I will be using this blog to communicate my thought process throughout the making of my coursework. My overall task is to create the opening two minutes of a film, paying attention to the typical conventions of film openings and effectively convening the genre of the film within the time frame. I must firstly consider macro conventions such as genre conventions, narrative, character, themes, and atmosphere. I will then look at the micro conventions that include lighting, font, framing, costume, props, setting and actors, ensuring I maintain consistency throughout. It is also important that I also follow the title sequence, being in the order of having the production companies first, then the lead actors, film title, star credits, supporting cast, production credits, and finally the director. I have not yet decided on a particular genre, and I hope through carrying out different types of research...