Evaluation

Update- Creating titles in After Effects

After Editing our film, and adding in some basic titles, we decided we weren't happy with the outcome. We thought that because we had spread out our titles throughout the opening sequence, it looked a little bit too much like a trailer, rather than an opening sequence. 

I started off by opening up a new project, then created a new composition. I had to change the sizing of the composition to 1920 and 1080. Then I added a new text layer. I typed 'Starring Georgia Stacy as The Baron' to start with, and changed the font to 'Chiller' However, I decided I disliked it, because there was too much text so I edited it to 'Starring Georgia Stacey' then changed the font size and colour. 

After I had created a text layer, I clicked on effects and presets. I browsed the presets menu, and came across a menu called 'animation in' I then browsed that menu until I found a preset that I liked. My personal preference was 'Raining Characters In' I dragged the preset onto the text, which added it to the text layer. This now allows my text to animate onto the screen.

After that, I pulled the timeline selection tool to the time I wanted the text to go off the screen. Once Selected I went back into effects and presets, and browsed the menu until I found 'animation out'. In the animation out folder I found a preset called 'fade out slow' which I thought looked good in contract with the chaotic style for the animation coming in. I dragged the preset onto the text, so I now have text that will animate both in, and out of the shot.

After that, I added a new text layer. In order to stop the layers over lapping each other, I had to drag the timeline selection tool to where the previous text layer fades out. Once I have selected the area I want the text to start, I browse through the effects and presets menu, until I find 'Raining characters in' again, and once again drag it onto the text. I then dragged the timeline selection tool to where I want that text to fade out, and add the 'fade out slow' preset.

I repeated these steps for every title I wanted to include in my opening sequence so that they all followed on from each other, rather than being spaced out throughout our opening sequence. This helped us to avoid it looking too much like a trailer.

First Cut

First cut- Baron Samedi



This is the first cut of our Film Opening. So far, we have included basic edits, and very basic titles. Upon reviewing our first cut, we decided that our opening sequence looks a little bit like a trailer. In order to improve this, and make it obvious that it is an opening sequence, and not a trailer we will go on to add music, record a voice over with some narration to introduce the film and also continue developing our titles further.
 We plan on re-creating the titles in Adobe After Effects to allow us to add animation to the text, such as a fade. We then want to layer our titles on top of our footage rather than cutting in to black. This will help our opening look a more like an opening sequence rather than a trailer. 

Update- Editing progression.

Once we had filmed all our shots, we imported our footage into Premiere pro and we are now, currently in the process of editing.

We started editing by dragging our shots into our intended order, and then cutting them down to the length we wanted them. We then added basic titles in between our shots.

Title research

These are images of the titles from the opening sequence of the film Se7en. I personally like the way this title has been presented because I believe that the overlaid, handwritten style adds emphasis on the 'horror' aspect of the film and is perhaps even symbolic to the rough, gritty nature of the film. I believe that the way they have layered the titles over certain shots gives emphasis on the 'horror' aspect of this film because it portrays insanity, and gives the sequence quite a disturbing feeling to it. This gives the audience a sense of suspense and curiosity throughout the opening sequence, using the titles alone. It leaves their mind to wonder what disturbing experience they will be in for. The idea of portraying the nature of the film within the titles has influenced me. I will take on board the way they have portrayed a dark, and disturbed feeling with their font choices when I begin to create my own titles.

These are images of the titles in the opening sequence of the film The Conjuring. I like the way they titles have been merged with the shot that is being shown on the screen, for example, they use newspaper articles to include titles such as who the film was written by. I feel as though this gives the opening sequence a more realistic feel, The shots they have decided to layer the titles upon are all based upon photographs and newspaper articles. I think this is a clever way of introducing the film throughout the title sequence. Although I am fond of how they have used their opening sequence and title sequence together, I don't personally like the font they have used for their titles. I think that the font is very simple, and gives no emotion therefore draws away from the emphasis on the horror, and chaotic aspect of the film. I am inspired by their use of incorporating titles with shots, and I hope to experiment with this technique.

representation in horror inc characters in my film

What is representation?

Representation is the description/portrayal of someone/something in a particular way. Everything on the TV is represented by the media - it is also the meaning attached to the stereotyping represented for the audience. The media can change a stereotypes reputation over time - the media also exaggerate on certain stereotypes. 
Representation is forced through the media in three different ways:

• Audience Position

• Audience Interaction/Propaganda

• Cultural Ideology

The main use of representation is through stereotypes. A Stereotype is a portrayal of people or places through a few obvious characteristics. 

Representation of characters in Horror films:

Characters in horror film are usually represented based upon gender.

Women:

Traditionally- women are represented as the damsel in distress. They are attacked by the killer because they have been represented as 'weak' and 'delicate.' This however, has chanced somewhat over time. It first started out when women had less rights and men were seen as the dominant ones. With the rise of feminism, and changes in society, such as women receiving equal rights, these representations have been getting altered. An example of this would be in the film 'Scream' when one of the female characters outsmarts the killer. This shows that following the changes in society, people are moving away from the traditional representations, and moving with the times to create up to date representations. Women are now seen as being able to outsmart the killer and solve mysteries in present day films.

Men:

Traditionally- Men are represented as being strong, and heroic. They are usually the ones to save the 'damsel in distress' In contrast to this, they are also represented as the killer or the 'bad guy' This is usually a representation of their strength, and power. Although, once again following the movement of feminism- women are now beginning to be represented and being equal to men. Some films have done a gender reversal, having a woman as the killer, and having men seen as the weak targets for the killer. This is evident in the film 'Jennifer's Body' when the character of 'Jennifer' is possessed and turned into an evil monster that hunts down, then seduces men, and kills them. 

General stereotypes:

Stereotypes are used lots within horror films. They tend to differ from role to role, however most horror films tend to follow very similar stereotypes. Here are a few examples of common stereotypes used within horror films:

• A hero trying to conquer evil, and save the group at the same time.

This is a helpful stereotype because it gives people someone to look up to as a role model, a figure to relate to, or someone to lust after. 

•   A hysterical character (typically a woman) too scared to move

This is a helpful stereotype as it often provokes a response of empathy, as people relate it to their hysterical tendencies, however, this stereotype is becoming more of a problem following the feminist movement as it portrays woman as being weak, and dominated by men.

• Young attractive character (usually young, blonde female)  

This can be a helpful stereotype as it makes the film more appealing to a wider male audience, however it is becoming an ever increasing problem both following the feminist movement that say that films are displaying women as 'objects' and to the public eye, as it portrays that women past a certain age, weight, or as simple as having a different hair colour are not 'attractive' to men. 

• A cocky non-believer/doubter (typically male)

This is a helpful stereotype because it gives the audience someone that will reassure them and give them a voice of reason. Although, when this character dies/gets killed it gives them the feeling that all security has gone. This stereotype is very good for keeping the audience on their feet.





Our film will use all the aspects of representation we need to tell the audience what type of characters are in the film. We will try to stick to the conventions of the Horror Genre as close as we can so that the audience can tell it is the right genre of film, for example our main character, Baron Samedi follows the common stereotype of a male killer. 

Risk Assessment

What is a risk assessment?

A risk assessment is a procedure that is enforced by the law, it is an operation where a company for a film will have to go to the area that they shooting the film beforehand and look around the area for any hazards or dangers that could possibly occur whilst shooting the film. If this is not done and someone is injured then this can be taken to court and it can cost the company and considerable amount of money to pay of the charges accused against them.

When is a risk assessment used?

A risk assessment is used by governing bodies at by the company who will tell the film producers before they film to go and check the scene for any risks however if this is not implemented by the producer and the risk assessment is no complete then he or she themselves will be sued and charged for the hazards that have happened.

Who is a risk assessment used by?

The producer is the main person to use a risk assessment in terms of film making. This is because they are the ones who actually  They use it to analyse the risks that may occur within the filming of the film.

Why do we use risk assessments?

It is very important to carry out a risk assessment before filming your shots. Filming is a job and the set of a scene can be called a workplace.This means that The Health and Safety At Work Act (1974) is applicable to all crew and cast involved in the film. The act states that all employers or responsible persons on the workplace must carry out a detailed risk assessment to assess the hazards and risk of the hazard harming any person on that workplace in open hours. This makes it a criminal offence and against the law to not carry out a risk assessment. If a risk assessment is not carried out before going onto to set, if an accident happened to any one on set then you would be liable. This means it would not be the company’s fault and all the responsibility would be put on the management of the set.

Our Risk assessment for our film: 

Hazard / Risk	Action
Broken or uneven pavement could lead to a risk of tripping up. This area will be in use frequently and all crew and cast are at risk.	Highlight the Hazard – Use a cone to highlight the broken/uneven areas. If area becomes more defected barrier off the area, and make land owners aware of the need for maintenance.
Wet, fallen Leaves on the ground cause lead to a risk of slipping over. The area will be in frequent use and all crew and cast are at risk.	Ensure leaves are swept back, out of the way prior to filming and maintained frequently. Cutting back, or removal of trees is not an option
Bad weather such as strong winds, and rain could lead to a risk of injury. All crew and cast are at risk.	Check weather forecast regularly prior to filming. Ensure disposable rain ponchos are at hand in case of rain. If weather is too bad i.e. strong wind, hail, thunder and lightning postpone filming.

These risks and hazards could happen during any point during filming as all locations we will be filming in are outdoors, and have a brick pathway that could have broken/uneven areas.