Main Task: Brief

Film the opening sequence of a new fiction film, including titles and soundtrack to last approximately two minutes.


Key Points:


Opening sequence- We need to show understanding of what makes an opening sequence. To do this we looked at opening sequences from films such as Dinner for Schmucks, The conjuring, Coraline and Catch Me if You Can.

When we are working on our final task, we need to make sure that we don't tell a short story, but that we introduce the characters and setting.


Titles- We will need to include titles to introduce the principal actors and people involved in the film.


Soundtrack-We will need to include a soundtrack, which means we will have to create an original soundtrack using royalty free sounds, and possibly our own sounds as well.


Fiction-This means that out opening sequence can be any genre we like, as long as it is under the fiction category. This will give us pretty much free reign over what we do.

Preliminary Task

Here is the preliminary exercise that we have made in class.
Preliminary Task Brief

Lighting

In class we learned about different types of lighting and how they are used in film. We had to find the definitions for the following lighting terms:

Key Light: The main source of light in a film.

Fill Light: Supplementary light used in filming that does not change the character of the main light and is used to lighten the shadows.

Backlight: Lighting from behind an actor, object or scene.

Ambient/Naturalistic/Artificial/Low Key: Light not supplied by the photographer.

Chiaroscuro: Strong contrasts between light and dark.

Accent Light/ Spot Light: A lamp projecting a narrow beam of light onto a character, object or place.

Doctor Who Camera Shots Analysis

In the scene from Doctor Who, we see examples of many different camera shots and angles. These are all used to show the viewer the status of the character and more often than not relate to gender roles. 

In the scene, there are many low and high angle shots, which are used to show both the Master’s and Martha’s status. The scene starts with the high angle shot on Martha and the low angle shot on the Master, which reflects the fact that the Master had all the power and Martha was his prisoner. This reflects the gender roles of the male character being in control. This is then turned on its head when Martha gets more control, and the shots are reversed. The high and low angle shots are used in combination with the shot/reverse shot, which shows conversation. 

We also see lots of close up and extreme close up shots, which show the emotions of the characters, and changes throughout the scene. We start with the master looking quite smug, and Martha looks like she is in despair. But later on in the scene, the close up and extreme close up shots show us that Martha still has hope. These shots relate to gender roles as it shows the female character being more emotional, while the male character is charge, until the roles are reversed, then we see the gender roles being challenged, as Martha is in control whilst the Master is reduced to begging. 

A dolly shot is used when the Doctor floats towards the Master, and we follow the Master’s movements as he retreats into the corner of the room. This helps the audience feel as though they too are approaching the Master along with the Doctor, and they feel part of the action.