Opening Sequence

Question 3 'What kind of media institution might distrubte your media product and why?'

Question 7- 'Looking back at your preliminary task (the continuity editing task), what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product'

 Looking back at my Preliminary task I have learned a lot during the period from creating my preliminary project, to creating my opening sequence. I have gained a significant amount of knowledge with different camera edits however I mainly developed my understanding in using the camera. As you can see in the video our Preliminary project is quite poorly done. The camera is out of focus, the shots do not seem to correlate with the movement of the character, many flaws were seen in our preliminary project. However after being informed to use the equipment properly I have know learned many things which helped me record our opening sequence. Now I believe I have become better with the equipment and gained more understanding in using different camera shots and edits, and how to make them flow better whilst recording something, like my opening sequence. Since it was a chase scene we have to make the chase seem accurate and as if we they were still running. From my preliminary project I learned so much which helped me to create a better chase scene used in my opening sequence.

The framing and continuity editing in my preliminary project looks very amateur in contrast to the editing and framing in my Opening sequence. The framing is out of place with the continuity editing, and as a result it does not seem to flow well and seems unusual. However transitioning to my Opening Sequence I was able to learn from my mistakes and as result create a better opening sequence, as I was able to establish a well created continuity editing as well as the framing which we planned in order to place the titles in a unique way. In my Preliminary project the camera was out of focus and the editing and jump cuts made it seem unnatural. However as my opening sequence was based on a chase scene I was able to carry out an improved continuity editing, as before in my preliminary project I was confused and not sure what was meant by 'continuity editing'. However I was able to understand the concept and as a result created a much better continuity editing in my openings sequence. Furthermore the mis-en-scene used in my preliminary project is quite dull and boring, as we thought the mis-en-scene was not the main focus of the task. Anyhow I learned that mis-en-scene is essential in creating a unique opening sequence and I believe I have included this in the costumes (with the main protagonist and henchmen) as well as the props and lighting which seem significant in my opening sequence.
                                       

Framing in my Preliminary project. The camera is out of focus 

which was the main issue in my preliminary project.

A key framing shot used in my Opening sequence It is a unique as it is also an establishing shot which focuses on the main character. The camera is focused on the character and the colors seem vibrant. The framing is also unique as he is placed to the side of the frame in order to show a title within the opening sequence.

               









 

Question 4 'Who would be the audience for your media product?'

Question 4 from Luke_Furr16

Question 2 'How does your media product represent particular social groups'

Question 5 'How did you attract/ address your audience?'

Question 6 'What have you learnt about tecnologies from the process of constructing this product?'

Here is my evaluation response to Question 6 on the evaluation blog

Question 1 'In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenege forms and conventions of real media products?'

'In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?'


There are various conventions in an opening sequence. For example in an Action/ Adventure genre, the soundtrack is a key aspect which helps to specify the genre and also build up the storyline. The fast paced music is used to intensify the storyline of the opening sequence and also engage the audience into watching the film further. As they are witnessing a dramatic storyline building up in the beginning of the opening sequence. An example of this being used is the soundtrack in Indiana Jones: Raiders Of The Lost Ark. The music begins slowly, and as the traps are shown the music builds up and becomes more fast paced when Jones is running and trying to escape from the ruin. It reaches its climax especially when he is running away from the huge rock, and once he escapes the music then slows down again. This convention has been vital in our opening sequence, as it helps to add more action into the shots in our opening sequence. The music we used also builds up from a slow drum beat to a fast paced drum beat with strings to intensify the action. However the soundtrack begins when we first see the character who is hiding. This is important for our opening sequence as it establishes the main character's situation and makes him become aware with the challenges he faces whilst trying to escape.
Another convention which appears in an opening sequence are the titles. These titles are extremely important to creating an opening sequence to a film. Within the Action/Adventure genre titles have bold and colourful font. For instance in Django Unchained, the font is in a western style and is very bold and used the colour red to show the titles. This is extremely similar to our opening sequence. As we used bold titles with a gritty like font to relate to the genre and also the location- in a local suburb. We also used the colour red as it connotes determination, violence and anger, which are all seen in our opening sequence, from the shots and angles we used to visualize this.
Furthermore another convention used in an opening sequence is the use of faced pace editing. This is clearly seen in many Action/Adventure films. Taken is an example which uses fast paced, mainly jump cuts in the fight scenes. This is extremely beneficial as this engages the audience and makes them interested into watching the rest of the film. We included this in our opening sequence as since it is a chase scene we wanted to use fast paced editing to fit the current situation, as the protagonist is running away from the villains, and so by including fast paced editing we wanted to make the situation more intense.
Another convention which is used in an Action/Adventure opening sequence is the use of the characters. These characters are a key aspect to help develop the storyline and by using two different sets of characters we are able to distinguish the protagonist and antagonist. This is common in many Action/Adventure films as typically a storyline revolves around a protagonist searching for someone, whilst the antagonist is trying to prevent that from happening. A good example which use these conventions is Batman: The Dark Knight. Here we can immediately tell the difference of both characters through their personalities. We see that Batman is a hero who is seen as a courageous and brave, contrast to the Joker who is seen crazy and insane. We tried to include something similar in our opening sequence, as the protagonist is seen innocent, whereas the antagonist is mysterious and you do not see his face, which makes the audience question who the antagonist, intriguing them into watching the opening sequence further.
Another  convention which is used throughout many opening sequences- especially in Action/Adventure genres is the use of the storyline, not only through the characters but the overall storyline. A typical storyline in a Action/Adventure genre is that the protagonist is on quest to search a reward, however he encounters obstacles that will try to prevent him from achieving his goal, a good example which includes this typical aspect of the storyline is Indiana Jones. Through this we see that storyline is about a physical reward which Jones must search for, however whilst trying to search for this he encounters villains who try to stop from getting this. We tried to incorporate this into our opening sequence as we had the protagonist already have the reward, but however
he had to escape from the antagonists after receiving the reward.

Review of other Opening Sequence

Here I had a look at other candidates Opening Sequence's in the past, I assessed on the things I particularly liked within in the project, and the improvements these people could have made to improve their opening sequence.

Shooting

Whilst recording our Opening Sequence we took pictures of us setting up the equipment and take pictures of the set and recording within our opening sequence. We took these pictures within the locations we had chosen to film our opening sequence, and as a result we took these several photos.

 In this picture we are setting up the camera equipment to record the first scene of the our opening sequence. We are using the Cannon Digital Camera to help record this footage.

 Here is the first shot of our main character. This is how we set up the camera and recorded the footage.

In both of these pictures we are preparing to shoot another camera shot, in which both the antagonists are chasing after the protagonist, we are setting up our camera in a different part of the location, to use a various of different camera shots and angles.

Retribution: First Draft

Opening Sequence First Draft Feedback

This is a feedback response to our opening sequence. We will plan to change various things in which we will use to help improve our grade. As a result we are planning to do two edits in which we will film at different locations, and edit differently. We will then see which one is best. We will also re-record some shots as they were jarring and very shaky, as could possibly effect our grade. We will re-record certain parts of the opening sequence (especially in the beginning). We are also planning to add and edit certain sound effects to make the sequence seem more natural and flow well. We will also cut bits of the opening sequence as the storyline seems to confuse many people- due to the numerous characters used. We will change this so people will be able to understand more clearly about the storyline within our opening sequence.

Created with Padlet

GoPro Test Footage

Prior to our recording of our first draft, we needed to have an insight in the equipment we were going to use. As using a GoPro for our opening sequence we thought it would be ideal to try out the equipment and become familar with the ways in recording whilst using this equipment, and so we booked a tutorial session with the GoPro and this is our test footage we recorded. Enjoy

Animatic Feedback

Improved Animatic

We improved our animatic according to the feedback we got from our peers. One thing they said to improve was the soundtrack, they said it did not go with the vibe of the film but it felt more like a jungle themed film. We changed the soundtrack to a more gritty city based theme which goes very nicely with the style of the film. Another improvement we have to do is finish it which we did so the opening sequence will make sense. Now, the opening should make it clear on what is going on.

Shooting Schedule

For our Opening Sequence we arranged a schedule in which we planned, what days and what times we will film our opening sequence, as well as the equipment, props, costume and actors who are also going to be present during our specific dates whilst recording our opening sequence.

Credits and Titles

Location Shots

The first scene in the opening extract will be shown here when the camera will eventually zoom into a document with the protagonists name and picture on it. We want it to be based here as this location is based in a rural area and will provide a great opening. We may use a different location as we discuss the technical side of things when filming. However, this is our initial idea of where we want our first scene to be. 

For our opening sequence we decided to use a urban house, (which is actually my own home) in which the boss of the family, whose face is not seen will be located. We will use this location towards the end of the opening sequence when we are see the crime boss, as well as the various flashbacks which the main character has whilst running away. We decided to use this location as it seems quite normal and not dangerous, in contrast to the storyline of the film, in which the crime boss wants to hunt the main character down. We plan to use a close up and a medium shot within this location, as it is best suitable and you will able to see the crime boss of the family, whilst in an urban household. We also tend to use dark lighting in our recording in this specific location, as it is very mysterious and will not expose the face of the crime boss and will make the audience extremely interested in the storyline of the film.

The Taking of Pelham 123 Opening Sequence Analysis

Props List

Below is a list of the props and items we will use in our opening sequence.

Soundtrack

We decided to use this soundtrack in the end as we feel it gives more of a thrill to the audience and can fit in very nicely with the Action/Adventure opening sequence. I uploaded it to sound cloud so it can be used very easily and easily accessible for when we need it. Also, since its on sound cloud we could get comments to see how good it is.

Fonts

Costume List

Below is our Costume List post which is a list of costume and clothing items which we will use for our opening sequence. We also planned which camera shots the costume items will appear, during the opening sequence.

Creating Titles in Photoshop and Premiere Pro

Survery Response

Memento and Sixth Sense Opening Sequence Analysis

UK Market Research

Production Indent

Our group had to create a Production Indent which would best convey our genre. This is a storyboard of how the title of our Production Indent would appear in our opening sequence "JailBreak Pictures". Is very reflective our genre as 'Jail Breaking' has action connotations which is our genre of opening sequence and so the audience will recognize that it is of the Action/Adventure genre, before the opening sequence begins.

Target Audience

Audience Feedback Reflection

 From our Feedback from the audience we gathered that the areas that need to be addressed are:

-Improvement on the synopsis.
- The impact the sidekick has in our opening sequence. How he will fit in the opening sequence.
- More detail in the death of his parents.
-The personality of the main protagonist contrasting with the sidekick character.

                                                                                     The changes we are planning to make are:

 -To edit the synopsis so that it will make more sense, and will explain the death of the protagonist's parents and the impact of the sidekick character.
- Change the personality of the main character and the sidekick so they do not have the same personality, but instead contrast.
- To find a name for the main protagonist as well as the sidekick character.
-Try to find a way we could include the sidekick character in our opening sequence.

Overall the Audience Feedback was very helpful                            and interesting as we were able to see the concepts the audience would want to be in the opening sequence. And getting a general opinion from the audience will help develop our opening sequence even further and improve areas that are vital to help us create a good opening sequence.