PRELIM TASK STORYBOARD

  

To begin this task we were split in to groups. I was in a group with Gabriel, India and Fred. We were then given a prelim task storyboard (shown above) This portrayed clearly the scene structure, the lines for the actors and the camera angles we needed to use for each shot. After the actors had learnt there lines we set up the camera and then what we did was  film the whole sequence in each angle so when it came to editing we could cut and add bits easily. Our first problem was deciding who in our group did what as we wanted to find a balance between roles. To solve this we decided that Gabriel and Fred were going to act and India and I would be behind the camera and then to balance it we would add more scenes at the end and then all switch roles. To save time we moved the camera around as little as possible so we planned the shots to link up next to each other for example we would have filmed a wide shot and instead of moving the camera we would zoom in from there to set up our next shot where in this case was a close up. Our second problem was when we were filming the over the shoulder shots and we then switched sides, we realised that this would of been filmed the wrong way and the audience would be confused as to the different sides so we then realised we had to apply the 180 degree rule so that we could film it in the right way. When we first started to film we remembered to use the white balance and focus the camera in each shot but we didn't bubble the camera and we realised this when the camera wasn't level but we soon corrected it. If i was to do this prelim task again i think planning in advance is extremely necessary because then you have something to follow while your at the location and it is a smoother process. I would plan every angle and shot to follow with the actors having learnt there lines and also having checked locations to have a rough idea of the standing positions and possible entrances/ exits.

Film review 'The Eye'

The Eye 

This poster advertising ‘The Eye’ clearly portrays the horror genre. There is a close up of a young girls face behind a window surrounded by darkness, this instantly gives the impression that there is an eery atmosphere in the film as it is a gripping image intriguing the audience in to wanting to know more.  The use of blacks grey’s and blues usually suggests the theme of death, angst and terror whereas if bright colours were used it would create a completely different atmosphere as we resemble colours with different emotions such as red with blood and black with death. Behind the girls face the infinite darkness creates mystery and there is a juxtaposition between the jet black and the young girls face as well as the use of droplets of water which run down the window blurring her face hiding elements of her features. Her black hair blends in to the dark background behind making her porcelain skin evolve and stand out. 

Due to the fact that her face is so white her prominent features are emphasized. For example her dark eyebrows and plump lips. This suggests a sexual reference. The water droplets that blurs her face behind the glass of the window creates lines of shadow that look like scars or marks on her face. This can suggest violence or pain. The most obvious feature of this poster is her eyes. Unsuprisingly considering the title of the film. Her eyes are an icy blue/white. This suggests the main base of the film.  We know that she is blind from her icy glare that has no emotion behind it.The blindness connotes that there is a secret. It is very interesting because your eyes gives away a lot of emotion and this myserious expression immediately lures in the audience. 

The denotation of the poster is the window bars. The camera has been postioned low and tilted upwards to capture this for a 3D effect. It has more effect on the audience because the way it is captured makes her look smaller compared to the window bars. It also creates a claustrobhic space which works well with the image of her eyes and they seem like they are trapping something as well and window bars are a good way of expressing this. The connotation of her hands reaching out and resting on the window also express this as she is trapped and wants to get out. It also has deeper meaning towards crime and mystery because fingerprints is what you use to detect people during a murder investigation. The idea of fingerprints being left on a window and slowly fading away is haunting, and the shape of her white hands really stands out against the black.

There are 3 pieces of text The title of the film, one line to entice the audience and the name of the main actress. The title of the film is in the biggest white font, the word ‘The’ is in thin writing as it is less important and the word ‘Eye’ is in thick writing as it is the main focus of attention and it slightly fades at the end. This represents blindness as it is blurry. Again with the title of the actress her surname which is the recognizable part is in the second thickest clearest font because it is the most important. The piece of enticing text at the bottom although it is less significant because it is smaller is in capital letters to attract your attention ‘You wont believe her eyes’ again the connotations of this suggest that she is blind and the fact she cant see creates a huge element of mystery to grip the audience until they have to whatch it. 

Overall I think this film poster suggests a lot to interest the audience but doesn’t give away too much. It’s gripping and haunting and I think it can appeal to many types of audience.

Camera Lesson 2 :180 degree rule

During todays lesson (Friday 26th September) I learnt more about camera angles and the types of angles you should use with each type of shot. For example the process of creating 5 different shots doing something simple like tying up a shoelace and making every shot work together.  We were also taught the 180 rule in order to use the camera in the right way. Its a very important rule that applies to everything in film work. In the situation where someone is walking on screen left to right the rule means they can film anywhere starting from that point and a 180 degrees around that but if its beyond that the audience watching the film would be confused as it would look like they were walking in the opposite direction (right to left.)