Georgina Sheldon

2065

Primary Research

Questionnaire

Questionnaire

Questionnaire results
For our research we produced a combination of questions and then handed them out to 10 different people of both genders. The questionnaire will be beneficial when planning and filming our opening sequence.

This pie chart tells us that the most preferred film certification is 15, whereas a 12 is not very popular and an 18 is considerably preferred. People might prefer 15s as you have a greater variety of films to watch than a 12A, without the potentially extreme themes that comes with an 18. However, our opening sequence will be a 12A as it would be more appropriate for our target audience early teenager of both genders. This question is useful to our group for when we decide what to use in our opening sequence, because these findings suggest that we need to consider questioning a younger audience demographic, perhaps 12-15 year olds. From feedback on our idea a small limited age range had a common reaction by saying that it could be targeting a primary audience of 12-15 year olds, and a secondary audience of 10-16 year olds.This question has also been useful as it allowed us to think that choosing a 12/12A would be better, because our film will be available for a wider range of people. Also, the comedy and drama (the genre) is acceptable and understandable for this age range.

Questionnaire results
How many times do you go to cinema a month?

"1" "2" "3" "4" "5" "6" "7" "8+"

People have said they visit the cinema mostly two times a month, and less have said they go once. I find it interesting that according to the research group of 16 17 year olds people of this age group do not go to the cinema as often as I had previously expected. It is stereotypically assumed that teenagers at both ends of the spectrum are out-going and the cinema is a regular place to attend. This can have an affect on limited budget films at the moment; and if ours or their film was to go into the cinema this might be a reason for low ticket sales, as people would rather watch the new blockbuster. This question will be useful to our group when planning the opening sequence as we need it to appeal to our target group, so in the short amount of times they go it will be the film that appeals to them the most.

What genre do you watch the most?

Comedy, drama and action/adventure are the most watched genres. This question has been beneficial as it suggests that our group is heading in the right direction, because we plan on doing a comedy for our opening sequence.

Drama Action/Adventure Thriller/Horror Romance Comedy

Questionnaire results
Our research shows an action-comedy hybrid is most preferred and then drama. However, our opening sequence is leaning towards being a comedy drama. This question is useful because it shows that comedy drama is still a favourite sub-comedy to be watched. Also,our group is under the pressure of a limited budget and little amount of time. This makes this question helpful, because by heading in the direction with a sub-comedy of drama the audience will still find the film engaging.

What is your fav ourite comedy?

S haun of the D ea d H angover T he I nbetweeners M ovie B rides maids T ropic T hunde r H ot F uzz

The favourite comedy film is Shaun of the Dead and then Bridesmaids. Both of these films from the question are useful and appeal to us, as they can be used as inspiration when producing our opening sequence. Their usefulness is due to both the films them having a sense of drama between people, but with the comedy element. (comedy drama is our likely genre). This shows that this questions is useful because we can withdraw some of the techniques that these films use and incorporate them in different ways into our own comedy drama.

Questionnaire results
W hat is your f avourit e direct or? J a mes C ameron S teven S pielberg P eter J ac ks on D anny B oyle

Directors James Cameron, Peter Jackson and Danny Boyle all were the favourites. This question has been helpful because we can now research and learn from each director and their different film techniques that they use. This is very useful as we can then employ them into our film, which will be beneficial for our sequence. This question has also been very useful because it shown me that out of all of the directors Danny Boyle, to me, is the best and the most inspirational to follow. This is due to his individual style with the camera. Also, he creates independent British films that become successful internationally to spite the limited capital input, whereas the other directors have a big US finance to produce their films. All of this makes this questions beneficial because it has given me inspiration for the opening sequence.

How important is an opening sequence to you?

V ery important impo rtant N ot muc h N ot a t a ll

The majority of people thought that the opening sequence was very important. This shows that this questions is extremely significant to our group for the coursework, as it means our opening sequence needs to be produced to a professional high standard finish; with a clear engaging narrative, and excellent cinematography (editing, sound, mise-en-scene, camerawork) that the audience will be captivated by.

Questionnaire results
In an opening sequence three characters is the amount mostly preferred that the audience would find satisfactory to follow. This question gives the group beneficial information, as it means when planning our narrative for the opening sequence we know how many characters to incorporate. This will help when regarding practicalities of our shoot, managing time efficiently; also with several actors involved there is the risk of running out of time when shooting and potentially hindering the quality of the final product. All of this shows this question to advantageous because when it comes to writing the comedy and drama it will be easier to divide it between the characters. But, also it will help to limited how far we take the comedy and drama. In this way it is so we do not go over board trying to make it funny. This question is very useful as it highlights the importance that mise-en-scene, camerawork and editing are all the most significant for an opening sequence. This is advantageous to our group when producing our opening sequence, as it evidently connotes to us that these elements have to be done to perfection to make it appeal to audiences and be successful.

Evaluation of Questionnaire Results

Preparing and analysing this questionnaire has highlighted the importance of researching and planning before producing a film. Consequently, it has become beneficial in making me think about what we select and why we choose certain techniques and criteria to be incorporated into our film opening; and to remember the effect it has to have on the audience. The most popular film certification was an age 15; however this would close off potentially untapped audiences from viewing our film. It would be more appropriate for our film opening to be a 12A, as the audience will be able to relate to themes included and will be legally able to consume the film in cinema, DVD or through any media platform which is convenient to them. Two times a month is the most often that people go to the cinema, which tells us that our film has to be likeable for the audience to want to watch it and spread our film to their peers by, word-of-mouth. The preferred genre is comedy, drama, and action/adventure; also the favourite sub-genre is action. However, I am going to be producing a film in the sub-genre of drama as I think this will effectively show comedy through our film. As there were three preferred genres this gives me an advantage of going down different paths and deciding the best. Both Shaun of the Dead and Bridesmaids were the favourite films, this presents gender as not an issue to be concerned with. This means that the film can be more focused at the target audience (12-15 year olds) we are appealing to. The favourite directors were James Cameron, Peter Jackson and Danny Boyle, directors who are renowned for the unforgettable quality of the films they produce. With this inspiration and my personal drive I know that the final product must be finished to a high standard and professional quality.

Evaluation of Questionnaire Results

My questionnaire also revealed that the opening sequence is very important, which means using three main characters (most popular) or two needs to be done carefully so the audience can easily follow and understand the opening sequence. This also clarifies to me that in my project the comedy needs to gradually build up so the audience can gain trust in the characters and the opening sequence. Mise-en-scene, camerawork, and editing are evidently of significant importance. These elements will create the sense of comedy, narrative, and drama that our film opening requires to be successful. The mise-en-scene is very important, from the costumes to the setting. The costumes will stereotypically display the characters personalities, which will attract the comedy. The location of the school corridor clearly illustrates to the audience that this is a teenage comedy drama, and therefore will appeal to our target audience as they can relate and feel like they can be vicarious through these characters. The camerawork and editing determines the way the audience experiences the narrative, and will be the element that draws them into the comedy and the characters.

Secondary Research

Top 10 directors of Comedy

(Main sources imdb and wikipedia)
1 & 2. Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton Charlie Chaplin is considered to have played a critical role in the early days Hollywood. As well as a director, he was also an actor and writer. Chaplin is well known as an icon of the silent film era. He used mime, slapstick and other visual comedy routines in his films. Charlie Chaplin is best known for his role in The Tramp (1914), and films such as The Kid (1921) and The Gold Rush (1925), City Lights (1931), Modern Times (1936) and The Great Dictator (1940). Buster Keaton is said to be the greatest actor director in the history of movies; and is famous for his trademark physical comedy. The best Keaton films were in the 1920s when he created a variety of the most remarkable and ingenious films of the silent era. Keatons roots, surrounded by Vaudevillian comedians influenced his artistic style and comedy that were illustrated through his films. Some of his most successful and notable films are: One Week (1920), Cops (1922), Our Hospitality (1923), Sherlock Jr. (1924), The Navigator (1924), and The General (1926). Both of these directors have the same common techniques of using slapstick or physical comedy and producing their films in silence. These traits are a great influence on our work, as our opening sequence will also be in silence and the comedy will be illustrated through body language. This will give us an idea of how to create a powerful sequence through the camerawork and body language of characters so it will be effective on the audience. Another trait that Charlie Chaplin always used is highly descriptive facial expressions. This is a helpful technique for the group to include into our opening sequence, as actor will need to use this to make our narrative more realistic and believable. From Buster Keaton we can be influenced by his technique of using the camera to help produce comedy. Such as, when Keaton created the effect of a rocking boat in the beginning of The Boat (1921). This means our comedy will have more effect on the audience.

Top 10 directors of Comedy

3. Laurel and Hardy Laurel and Hardy were one the most famous double acts in the early days of the classic Hollywood era. Composed of the Englishman Stan Laurel and American Oliver Hardy they became popular during the late 1920s to mid 1940s for their slapstick comedy. Over 100 films were made by the double act, with a mixture of films produced in silence or with sound. They are best know for their films: The Music Box (1932), Sons of the Desert (1933), Babes in Toyland (1934), and Way Out West (1937). One trait of they have is their engrossing narratives and funny scripts; this influences our opening sequence to include a simplistic narrative, that will be engaging and comedic so that the audience can follow. A technique used by Laurel was his completely vacant stare into the camera. Hardys techniques was the "slow burn, this is when he looked into the camera, sometimes with an exasperated expression suffering from what his partner has just done. These techniques can be useful in our comedy drama is shows how you can use body language and the camera together to create comedy. Another trait could be their use of creative, trademark and stereotypical costumes. This can be influential for our opening sequence as our characters need to be very clear and iconic due to it being a silent film; and to achieve more comedy.

Top 10 directors of Comedy

4 & 5. Ben Stiller and the Farrelly Brothers Ben Stiller is a film director, as well as an actor, producer and writer. Stiller has directed and starred in many films, all of them being successful comedies. He is known for directing Reality Bites (1994), The Cable Guy (1996), Zoolander (2001) and Tropic Thunder (2010). Other films he has starred include: Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004), Along Came Polly (2004) and Meet The Focker films (2004-2011). Peter and Bobby Farrelly are directors and screenwriters of top comedy films. The Brothers use slapstick and toilet humour, and normally include upbeat light rock songs in their films. They also commonly incorporate flashback scenes, which unveil a past traumatic event that affected a character. They have directed films such as, Dumb and Dumber (1994), Kingpin (1996), There is Something About Mary (1998), Me, Myself & Irene (2000), Shallow Hal (2001), and Fever Pitch (2005). These directors both have the same common technique in their films of using original stories and some crude humour to appeal to their audiences. This is influential to my group, as it will make us think in a more creative way when producing our opening sequence.

Top 10 directors of Comedy

6 & 7. Dennis Dugan and Peter Segal Dennis Dugan is an American director. Dugan is well known for his partnership with Adam Sandler, and he directed films such as Happy Gilmore (1996), Big Daddy (1999), I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry (2007), You Dont Mess with the Zohan (2010), and The Benchwarmers (2006). Peter Segal is an American film director and is known mostly for his comedy genre. He also does a lot of work with Adam Sandlar. He is most known for directing the Nutty Professor 2 (2000), Anger Management (2003), 50 First Dates (2004) and the Longest Yard (2005). These directors have the technique of using star persona (Dyer 1979) (or recurring cast) in their films to attract audiences to watch them. This could be influential to us as it conveys that having a successful formulae of cast or crew can be beneficial when in production, and makes working together a harmonious task. A technique used by Peter Segal is that his narrative films usually centre around prestigious characters who took their fame and power for granted and try to redeem themselves. This can be helpful when making our narrative for our opening sequence, because one of our characters, the popular one, learns to appreciate those who are not. Dennis Dugan uses traits such as characters getting hit in the face by an object and exterior crane shots. This is advantageous for our opening sequence, because our nerdy character needs to fall over and this could he help influence it to look more realistic and comedic.

The crane technique will be useful for our opening sequence, as it helps the group to use different shots so the audience can see the comedy in an alternative style.

Top 10 directors of Comedy

8. John Hughes John Hughes is an American film director, producer and screenwriter. Hughes directed some of the most successful comedy films in the 1980s and 1990s. John Hughes is well known for his comedy films such as, The Breakfast Club (1985), Weird Science (1985) Ferris Buellers Day Off (1986), and Uncle Buck (1989). A popular film technique of Hughes is his use of filmic devices like characters working with the fourth wall idea (common in Ferris Bueller). Hughes also used freeze-frames in his films at the closing shot leading up to the end credits. This is influential for me as it illustrates that I should explore a variety of camera shots and editing techniques to make my opening sequence viewed in a more interesting light. Also, we could use the fourth wall idea in our sequence to bring in more comedy. Another trait Hughes uses is close-ups of two characters locking eyes with each other. This is can be beneficial for our comedy drama as it will create more of a sense of realism between the two main characters; and there will be additional tension which will add comedy.

Top 10 directors of Comedy

9 & 10. Richard Curtis and Edgar Wright Richard Curtis is a British film director, screenwriter, and music producer. Curtis is especially famous for his genre of romantic comedy films that have British cultural context, such as Four Wedding and a Funeral (1994), Nottinghill (1999), Bridget Jones Diary (2001), Love Actually (2003). He has also done a lot of TV work like the hit sitcoms Blackadder, Mr. Bean and The Vicar of Dibley. Edgar Wright is a Britsih director, as well as a writer and actor. Edgar has made some successful British films such as Shaun of the Dead (2004), Hot Fuzz (2007), and has lately developed into directing big budget US films like Scott Pilgrim vs the World (2010). Both of these directors have techniques of using the same cast members for star persona to attract audiences; and another is that they produce comedies that are culturally British (some have only small budgets), but will appeal to international audiences. This is influential for my group, as it suggests a British narrative with a Hollywood twist, like our film can be successful, because mass audiences can be engaged and understand the comedy. A trait used by Edgar Wright is his fast action style editing, sometimes when mundane tasks are taking place, including whip pans and crash zooms that add comedy. He also repeats lines or snippets of dialogue for comedic effect. This is beneficial when creating our comedy drama as gives my groups inspiration to find ways of making the sequence have more comedy.

Genre Grid
Film: The School of Rock Release: 2003 Director: Richard Linklater
Plot

Certificate: PG

Genre: Comedy Drama

Wannabe rockstar Dewey Finn is booted out of his banned. He needs to find a way to pay his th room rent, so he takes a job a s a substitute 4 grade teacher at a private scho where he ol comes across talented music students. With his class and the new band they enter the competition "battle of the bands." Jack Black Dewey Finn Mike White N ed Schneebly Joan Cusac Principle/Rosalie Mullins k Miranda Cosgrove Summer Hathaway Joey Gaydos Jr. Zack Mooneyham Angelo Massagli Freddie Jones Dewwy Finn - A wannabe rock star that needs to pay his r ent. He becomes a substitue teacher and begins a band with his students so he can win money from a competition. Ned Scheebly Is Dewey Finns room mate and friend. He is the one that was supposed to be teaching the class. Rosalie Mullins The uptight principal of Horace Green Private School Za ck Mooneyham A student that plays guitar in the band. Freddie Jones The drum player Buckley Country Day School I.U. Willets Road, Herricks, Long Island, New York, USA ( The School interior) The Cargo Cafe, Staten Island, New York City , New York, USA (Bar scene with Jack Bl ack and Joan Cu sack) Edison, New Jersey, USA Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, USA Los Angeles, California, USA Northsix - 66 North 6th Street, Williamsbu rg, Brooklyn, New York City, New York , USA (interiors) Rahway, New Jersey, USA St. George Theatre, Staten Island, New York City, New York, USA Staten Islan New York City, New York, USA d, Union County Arts Center - 1601 Irving Street, Rahway, New Jersey, USA Wagner College, Staten Island, New York City, New York, USA

Actors

Characters

Location/Setting

Genre Grid
Mise-en-scene Costume/Props Props Instruments: Drums, Guitars (classical & electric), Bass guitar, Keyboard, Microphones School equipment Tables, chairs, textbooks, blackboard Costumes Dewey Finn wears a blazer, bow tie, white pattern t-shit, and brown trousers. Students All wear school uniform (Navy blue jumper, white shirt, grey blazer, grey trousers) DTS Dolby Digital "For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)" by AC/DC (Dewey uses the lyrics in a speech to the class) "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple (riff Dewey plays to Zack "School of Rock" by School of Rock "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Roc k 'n' R oll)" (AC/DC cover) by School of Rock "Math Is a Wonderful thing" by Jack Black and Mike White Lights and pyrotechnics were used when the bands were performing on the stage The opening sequence is shot handheld cam from a P.O.V perspective. Through this there is variety of shots because the movement feels like it is coming from a member of the crowd. Shots like close ups of instruments, mid shots of people and the band have been done especially to show this perspective. This is gives the scene a sense of realism, which is what our opening sequence wants to achieve. The editing is rhythmical to add pace on the chaotic atmosphere the band is creating in the bar.

Sound

Special Eff ects Film Techniques Cinematography (What is used to tell the narrative Camera shots, angles, and movement, Editing)

Textual Analysis
Ferris Buellers Day Off is a comedy drama. This is a beneficial opening sequence to use for my secondary research, as the narrative revolves around a teenager who hustles everyone and always gets away with everything, and my opening sequence has the same type of idea. The uses and gratification theory could be seen as the reason for why comedies are made and loved.

In this way Ferris Bueller is a great film to use as individuals who consumed this film could be looking for entertainment, diversion, help with personal relationships, or need to find their own personal identity. Through this film and all comedy dramas, these reasons of consuming the text help the audience and persuade them to be engaged into what they are viewing.
The film begins with graphical editing of credits rolling in bold blue font that stands out on a black background; while at the same time there is a radio playing (nondigetic). The font and style of the credits match the idea of this genre being a dramatic comedy, as it is very bold and fun. The radio acts as a voiceover with the dialogue speaking about approaching good weather for the rest of the day. This is foreshadowing to the audience that there is a full day of drama, action and fun ahead. When the title is shown, straightaway we hear what we see Ferris The digetic sound of the mothers voice is to engage the audience into wanting to see what is going on, who is Ferris, and what has he done, if anything. Especially when the mothers dialogue turns to screaming. A sound bridge is used to add emphasis on the mothers voice, into the next scene of the house and in the bedroom to alert the audience. This is also done to create an atmosphere with the sense of trouble in paradise due to the pleasant setting of the house that is later shown. At the same time there are sound effects of a dog barking and synchronous sound of running footsteps. The establishing shot of the location was at an eye level angle to produce an image of the average American family lifestyle. Through props (mise-en-scene), like the big beautiful house, cars, and freshly mown lawn, this scene portrays a peaceful friendly neighbourhood. A comedy drama is being represented here through the characters and the technical codes, even before we have even seen them. Hughes has done this create an effect on the audience of the trouble and havoc Ferris causes.

Textual Analysis
Mise-en-scene is also used in this film opening to represent the characters through their costumes. The parents are wearing smart outfits illustrating them as busy hard working business people. This is to foreshadow and make events more plausible that they would be out for the rest of the day, which is the only way the film could have worked. Also, Ferris is wearing his pyjamas, which add emphasis to the sick image. These costumes provide verisimilitude to the film, which appeal to the audience, as this could be an everyday family problem with their child pretending to be ill so they would not have to go to school.

A close up of Ferriss shocked expression and wide opened eyes at a canted angle is first shown to emphasise the act that Ferriss is putting on to fool his parents, and to introduce the audience to the scheming protagonist. A low angle of the parents looking down at him is done to portray Ferris as the superior one in this relationship, because of his innocent act. This appeals to the audience and the genre, as Ferris is getting away with his plan. An over the shoulder shot when the mother is trying to push Ferris back into bed is used to create a comedy feeling, as Ferris is tricking his parents and they are completely falling for it. This part of the sequence has also been edited in a continuity style to reflect Ferriss smoothness in hustling his parents. This is also shown through his dialogue, I have a test, i want to go to a good college so I can have a fruitful life. This attracts the audience to the character and his comedy as he is easily fooling his parents, which draws the viewers in to loving this streetwise and witty character. In the way that the parents are tricked into believing Ferriss

story about him being ill, the audience is manipulated by the creator of the text (the director - Hughes) to change the way the audience behave and think of things. This is the hypodermic needle theory from the 1920s. The comedy drama element plays a part in this theory, as it makes the audience easily agree with what is going within the narrative.

Textual Analysis
Jeanies shoes tapping (synchronous sound) the floor are presented in high angle mid-close up that then quickly cuts to an extreme close up of her hands tapping on her hips, and then to a close up of her angry face. The director has represented her temper and impatience at her brother getting away with missing school once again, through a fast cutting three step move along her body. The audience is forced to feel the tension between the siblings as shot reverse shot editing is demonstrated between Ferris in bed and Jeanie. One way this shown is through a POV shot from Ferris at a low angle focus pulling in and out. Not only does this create the image to the viewers of Ferris being ill, but it also displays Ferriss comedy, because they feel like they are him and can truly see his fake acting at work. This is then followed by an exaggerated body expression in a mid shot of Ferris falling back into his bed like he is dying. A final close up of Ferris winking (sound bridge of the mother and Jeanies conversation runs over the scene), adds comedy because Ferriss facial expression makes the audience laugh about Jeanie not getting her brother caught.

Textual Analysis
In a high angle over the shoulder shot of Ferris with his mother rubbing his belly, incidental (non digetic) slow piano music is played at a low level to create an emotional and loving scene. This appeals to the audience as the comedy of the score represents Ferriss smoothness of tricking his parents. A long shot of the empty bedroom and the door shutting (digetic synchronous sound) concludes to the audience that the mission has been accomplished.

A mid-close up tilts up following Ferris getting up from bed and stops on his happy and fully awake face. Ferris then says, they bought it, (digetic dialogue) directly at the audience to engross them into his big day off that is about to happen. This is caught in a freeze frame. Through John Hughess fourth wall idea the genre of comedy is used to appeal to the audience. As, through this idea, viewers can see how Ferris plans his scheming. It also illustrates to the characterisation of this protagonist that represents him to be brilliant and flawless in his scheming. And this is what gives the audience no choice but to love this character. The comedy genre in

this film can certainly be seen through the reception theory (198090s). This is as the audience are left to decode the film while the text has already been encoded by the producer (based on Stuart Halls model). In this way the audience is made to encode the film to withdraw similar or different messages. Or, they could be interpreting the comedy at either ends of the spectrum, like or dislike.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyq2oqN4Vuk Starts at 1 min 50 seconds

Titles
(from the film of the textual analysis)
Typography The font of the opening credits in Ferris Buellers Day Off is an cartoony bold blue font that highlights the boldness of the character Ferris and his big day he has ahead of him. The font matches the comedy genre as it connotes a fun image, which is what this film is all about. Colour and Size The colour blue represents consciousness, confidence and intellect. It is also stereotypical masculine colour. All of these traits are similar to the characteristics of Ferris and his comedy, which need to be powerful to have an impact on the audience. The font size is between 24-28, this helps the audience to clearly read and see the words. Transitions and Effects The transitions are relatively quick to match with the the narratives slowly building pace that shows the comedy in the sequence. To illustrate the credits the words start by just popping on to the screen and then the dissolve effect is used to for when it goes. This reflects the comedy genre again, as the fun and big adventure idea of the film is portrayed. Ordering of the Titles The ordering of the titles: Paramount presents, A John Hughes Film, Title (FBDO), Starring(cast names), Producer, Editor, and finally Director. The order depicts the comedic style as the title has been placed at the beginning to engage the audience straightaway in the film they are watching. This is different a film such as a horror or a thriller where the title would appear at the end of first witnessing the opening sequence to alert the audience what is in store for them.

Titles
(from the film of the textual analysis)
Ordering of the Titles The ordering of the titles: Paramount presents, A John Hughes Film, Title (FBDO), Starring(cast names), Producer, Editor, and finally Director. The order depicts the comedic style as the title has been placed at the beginning to engage the audience straightaway into the film they are watching. This is different to films like a horror or a thriller where the title would appear at the end of the shocking event in the opening sequence to alert the audience what is in store for them.

Certification
Certification of the opening sequence is a 12A. Our opening sequence agrees with the part of the criteria that requires no discriminatory language or behaviour being endorsed, the use of drugs to be infrequent and imitable behaviour being not showed in detail or implied. The opening sequence easily abides this bit of the 12A criteria, as there is no use of discriminatory language in the film because it is a silent film. Also, there is no discriminatory behaviour, drugs or imitable behaviour in our sequence, as these elements would not fit into the context of the narrative. During our opening sequence and in the film as a whole there are no sex scenes or nudity in the narrative. This clearly means we are sticking to the regulations, even though the BBFC say if there are any of these scenes they must be in sexual context and be discrete. And, there are no sexual references even with the characters that are teenagers, because it would not fit into the context with our film. The themes in are our opening sequence are only slightly mature, but therefore acceptable under the BBFCs criteria for a 12A. The only violence in the opening sequence is when one character trips the other up. We have stuck to the BBFCs rules as this scene is portrayed in moderate way and the detail is not dwelled upon. Also, there is no emphasis put on the character having an injury.

Group Evaluation
For our pre-production coursework, we were given multiple tasks that consisted of different types of research. We had to conduct both primary and secondary research. The primary research involved us designing questionnaires for us to hand out to other students and we would then evaluate the answers we got back. For the secondary research we had to research 10 comedy directors whilst also designing a genre grid for a film. From the openings of the films that the members in our groups have seen, we have noticed that in comedy genres the protagonists are shown within a few seconds to the extent that you know what type of personality they possess straightaway. In Shauns analysis of Johnny English: Reborn, he gathered that techniques are used to build up pace immediately with many fast cuts. Whereas, in the members who analysed other films, they started slowly and gradually became faster as tension started to rise. From Ginas analysis of Ferris Buellers Day Off, we can learn the trait of having the actor interact directly with the audience. This can be beneficial in making our opening sequence more comedic, and is also a way of getting the audience more involved. In Elliotts textual analysis we gathered that the use of different camera angles helped create a mood towards the audience and keep them entertained. The genre grid has been helpful to allow us to understand how to break down a film and evaluate it to see how it is put together using the technical codes, which relates to us during the planning and producing of our opening sequence. From the genre grids that each member of our group did we realised this - Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead, and Hangover. When researching for our genre grids they aided us to see that comedy films contain similar techniques to other genres. In these films and most comedies, there are hardly any visual effects to create a more realistic setting, which means the audience can follow the narrative easier. Overall, looking at how all the components work together to produce a film shows us that each category is important in helping us to complete our opening sequence. Along with the research, we also had to design many different forms that were all related to the production of our opening sequence. They consisted of planning what will be in our production along with a script; storyboards were design to show how the footage will be captured and permission slips were created in order to use certain locations, equipment and students. All of this will be extremely helpful for when we finally start to produce our film, as we will know exactly what we want to achieve, in terms of what camera shots we want, the sound, editing and mise-en-scene we desire. The overall gathering of these tasks has sincerely helped us with the pre -production of our opening sequence. The questionnaires helped us dramatically due to the fact that we could gather information from reliable sources that would then be looked upon, evaluated and put towards the pre-production of our opening sequence. The questions allowed individuals to put their opinions on paper, which we were then able take into consideration and use for our production, which helped us bring the entire project together.

Pre-Production

Treatment
Title: Switched Certificate: 12A Running time: 2 minutes 30 seconds Location: School Synopsis: Eric Ainsworth is the nerdy kid at school who never gets away with anything and is always doing his work. Jack Hudson is the complete opposite to Eric. He is the popular kid at school that all the girls fancy and teachers love, and the teachers let him get away with almost anything. Jack consistently bullies Eric and makes his life a living hell. But, when the two of them both wind up in detention together, they realise the ways they could help each other to do the things they failed at before.

Treatment - Key Scenes of the Beginning, Middle and End

Start: Titles start - Black background with Talented Studios Presents. They scroll onto the screen from the left and then softly fade out. The film title, Switched, bounces onto screen and also then fades out. An establishing shot of Erics face sweating (extreme close up) cuts quickly to the clock ticking in slow motion (close up). While Eric is deep in concentration (medium shot)(canted angle) people walk by and knock over his books. A wipe transition then takes us to the next scene with Jack in the common room. As we are watching this part of the sequence the cast names are appearing and fading out at the top and bottom of the screen. The scene opens with the camera panning around Jack in the common room surrounded by girls (over the shoulder shot high angle) telling them a joke. All the girls laugh. The camera then zooms in on (medium close up) Jack smiling; he then winks directly at the camera. A freeze frame captures that shot. A superimposition then transfers the scene from the common room to the corridor scene. A close up of the school bell establishes the corridor scene in the opening sequence. There is a close up shot of the nerdy boy Erics shoes from the front, the camera then slowly tilts up revealing the characters whole body showing his costume and the brief case he is holding. He is wearing trousers, shirt, glasses (80s style) and a tie. As Eric is walking down the corridor there is a two shot of the girls faces looking at him with a shocked expression. Opposite walking towards Eric is Jack (long shot), the popular person, that gets all the girls and all the attention he wants. As he comes walking down the same corridor there is a tracking shot on Jack, who is wearing casual clothes (jeans, t-shirt, jacket, and headphones), as he carries on walking there is a close up/shallow depth of field of a girls faces blushing as he walks past. It then jump cuts to Eric walking down the corridor (panning shot following him.) Jack trips up Eric, who falls face first (tilts down as he falls - mid long shot from high angle to low angle). There is then a panning shot of Jack casually walking past Eric while he is on the floor. A fast cut then takes us to Erics eyes watching Jack walk past (low canted angle point of view shot) seeing a close up of Jacks face . Out of nowhere a card slowly drops in front of Erics face (the camera tilts down keeping track of the card). Eric then picks up the card, this is caught in a mid-close up shot (the card has Jacks Hustler details). Eric reads it (overthe shoulder shot to a zoom in with a point of view shot). The sequence finishes on a freeze of the card, setting up the plot for the rest of the film. The screen then fades out with the circular effect. When all the characters are in the corridor the final titles start to materialise, such as the editor , producer and finally the director. Middle: 2 hours later there is a close up shot of Jacks hands against Erics chest pushing him into the girls toilets. It then cuts to a mid-shot of the girls toilets and there is a long-shot of all girls running out screaming because Eric is in their toilet. There is then a mid-long shot of Eric coming out the girls toilets then jump cutting to a close up of Erics face looking around showing his shocked face expression. As he comes out he starts arguing with Jack and asks him why he pushed him into the toilets (two shot of them arguing). They then find themselves with the head teacher next to them and he decides to give them both detentions for interrupting other classes around them. They then meet again in their chemistry class for there next period. At the beginning of the lesson like always there is a panning shot of the teacher going round the class asking students for their homework. It cuts to a mid-shot of Eric handing in the homework but because hes the nerdy one he gives in some extra work. The teacher then goes up to Jack (over the shoulder shot of the teacher) and says Jack can I have your homework please. It then cuts to a close up of Jacks face and he replies I forgot it miss, with a sad expression on his face with watering eyes. As soon as the teacher notices his eyes she says to Jack well, ok then, Ill let you off this time. It then jump cuts to a close up of Erics face in astonishment thinking to himself how the hell did he get away with that! it quickly jump cuts to a close up of Jacks face winking to Eric in a sign of jealousy and success. Its now the end of the day and they both remember they have detentions with the head teacher, so they go down to the detention and sit down in silence. There is then a two-shot of them starting a conversation in the back of the room. Jack asks Eric if he would help him with homework and class work and in return Jack will show Eric how to get girls and to get away with things he wouldnt of dreamed doing. There is then a close up of Erics face, he looks at Jack with a determined face and says, Yes I would be glad to help the camera then cuts to close up of Jacks face with a surprised expression and says Cool lets do business. Then there is an over the head shot of Jack, who says I will see you tomorrow and walks out. Then this leads on to the most exhilarating and exciting part of our film Switched. There is then a superimposition that takes the audience onto the next scene.

Treatment - Key Scenes of the Beginning, Middle and End

End: The Superimposition carries on from the last scene to now. For the last week the pair have been helping each other with their problems. A montage of scenes will be shown of them working with one another. As the week has progressed their friendship has become stronger and there is a long shot of Eric standing by the door of a maths classroom waiting to hear from Jack about his results. An over the shoulder shot of Eric looking into the door window to see Jack get his mock test paper back is shown at a high angle. When the lesson come to the end there is a panning shot of Jack leaving the classroom (extreme close up of Jacks face Sad expression). Cross-cutting of close ups of each boys face to convey the unhappiness of Erics and Jacks face. There is then a two shot of the both boys and Jack bursts out laughing. This then jump cuts (tracking) to a mid shot of Jack holding up a test paper, it then fast cuts to a close up of Jacks paper in his hand showing he got an A. In slow motion in wide shot the two boys embrace each other and quickly let go and walk down the corridor (tracking shot Dolly). This then leads to a fade out to the next scene. In a long shot to point of view shot from a low angle at the end of the school day, Jack notices Eric flirting with a girl (her costume includes glasses, braces, hair is in bunchies, shirt tucked into high waisted skirt and tie) and sees him walk off with his arm around her. The camera steadily zooms in to the back of Erics head as he slowly turns around. The camera stops in a close up of his face, Eric then winks directly at the camera. There is then a freeze frame of the wink. This tells the audience that both of their problems have been solved, and they now have a good friendship. Fade out. Credits Roll.

Treatment - Character Profiles

Name: Jack Hudson Gender: Male Age: 16 Name: Eric Ainsworth

Gender: Male
Age: 16 Ethnicity: White/ British Occupation: Southgate sixth form student Interests: Books, space, mythology, physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, maths, chess, classical music, computer programming. Hobbies: Model building, going to the library, playing World of Warcraft, drawing, playing the harmonica. Personality Trait: Eric is a very lonesome and excluded individual and this is mainly because he is a nerd. Eric enjoys doing a lot on geeky activities which eliminates him from the crowd because they see it as weird and not normal. He spends most time on his own doing what he does best whether that be building a model ship or completing a piece of homework. On the brighter side Eric is incredibly intelligent and clever. He is an A* student and gets top marks in every subject which he does. He studies and takes care of himself though this doesnt seem to be right in other people eyes hence him being dispatched from everyone.

Ethnicity: White/ British

Occupation: Southgate sixth form student Interests: Partying, women, BMX-ing, snooker, football, rugby, boxing, cars, R&B, dubstep, rap, picking on nerds. Hobbies: Hustling, playing poker, bowling, relaxing, getting into trouble, hunting. Personality Trait: Jack is a very popular and accepted individual because he is seen as a casual and awesome guy. He easily has his way with the ladies due to his manly charm and good looks. Jack is a very free and energetic character; he doesnt care if he gets into trouble and does what he wants when he wants because its his style and it is what he is known for which is causing havoc. Jack spends most of his time hustling people because its what he enjoys. It gives him the reputation he has which make him greater to others hence his popularity. On the downside he isnt the sharpest knife in the draw, hes not that very intelligent when it comes to his school work hence why he disrupts the class so he gets out of doing it.

Treatment
Target Audience & Certification The film certification is going to be a 12A/12.The target audience for our film will be aimed at both genders of 12+ year olds. This is as the film is a comedy drama that contains appropriate material suitable under the criteria for a 12/12A of the BBFC. Both genders of this age are the target audience, because the narrative can appeal to both genders, and there are boys in the film that the girls can crush on. Also, the main characters in the film are teenagers which means that both genders of the target audience can relate to the school life and the problems that the characters experience.

Production Logo
Our Production Company has been called Talented Studios. This logo was made using Adobe Photoshop, by overlaying different shapes, filling in the background effects and adding the text. We named and designed the logo in this way to convey a modern, energizing, optimistic image to audiences.

Script

Script

Script

Storyboard

Storyboard

Storyboard

Storyboard

Storyboard

Storyboard

Storyboard

Storyboard

Storyboard

Storyboard

Pre - Production Schedule

Date 19.10.11 Activity Devel opi ng an idea for an openi ng sequence Treatment Treatment Location E51 Equipment required Paper, Pen Computer (iMac), Word E50 Computer (iMac), Word Personnel Everyone i s brai nsto rming. When an idea i s completed begin treatment together. Elli ott - writi ng the character l ist Shaun - descri bin g our target audience Gina - writing the shots for the begi nni ng part of the film Elli ott fi nis hing off treatment Shaun Completing the drawings of the storyboard Gina Completing scri pt Elli ott Letters Shaun Risk assess ents m Gina Completing the storyboar detail s d Scri pt to be work on by everyone when fi ni s hed the other task are fi nis hed Elli ott and Gina- Recces Shaun Risk assess ents m Elli ott and Shaun Set designs Gina Producti on schedule Elli ott Booking forms Shaun Completing set designs Gina Conti ngency pl an

2.11.11

9.11.11

Scri pt Storyboard Fi nali si g treatment n

E50

Computer (iMac), Word, Celtx, Storyboard sheets

16.11.11

Letters of permi ssion Risk asses ments s Storyboard Scri pt

E50

Computer (iMac), Word,Celtx Storyboard sheets

23.11.11

Recces Risk asses ments s Producti on Schedule Set designs Set Designs Conti ngency Pl an Booki ng forms

E50

Computer (iMac), Word Paper Computer (iMac), Word, Computer (iMac), Word

7.12.11

E50

16.1.12

E50

Production Schedule

Production Schedule

Post-Production Schedule

Post-Production Schedule

Contingency Plan
A back up plan to fall upon is significant to withhold if an occurrence comes to light that would interfere with our group when in production. The contingency plan has been created for this purpose. During production cast, crew, equipment, location and rooms might be unavailable and things will not go to plan. For this reason I have made a plan of what the group will do in these circumstances.

Camera, Tripod, Dolly, Lights and Microphone: Our group will be borrowing equipment from the media department. We will need to book in advance to use the equipment, and all members of the group have been asked to sign a sheet regarding that if anything happens to the equipment we would have to pay for damages. Furthermore, if a circumstance occurs when no equipment is available we would work on a different area of our project, such as the soundtrack or editing. Also, we could attempt to film the opening sequence using our own microphones, tripods, and by using a camera that records with high quality; however the microphone quality may not be effective enough pick up the sound. One possibility with the equipment and especially with the lights, is students walking past who may touch or knock over the equipment causing it to break or be damaged. To prevent this happening when students are moving between lessons, filming will be stopped and the equipment watched and guarded. The lights may be a problem as someone might touch them before they have cooled down. In this case we will send them straight to medical if there is anything serious. Another problem that may occur is the dolly could be knocked into wall or fall over on something on the ground. The only prevention of this is to be careful when moving the dolly.
Memory card: The cameras record in high definition (HD), this will result in the memory card being able to hold only 2-3 hours of footage. In the event that we need more space on the memory card, the group will need to upload the footage already recorded onto a computer in the editing suite. A disadvantage of this is that it is a slow process that will take up our production time. However, the media department only has limited equipment, so there are not enough memory cards available for all the groups. Another possibility could be that our information is deleted from the memory card by another group, because we have not uploaded the footage straightaway. In this very unfortunate case we will have refilm the scene to just as good quality. One of other possible occurrence could be that during filming on location the memory runs out of space. All of our scenes are film in different locations within the school. So, if this happens we will have to quickly get to the media department to upload the footage or use another card depending if one is available.

Contingency Plan
Location: When filming our opening sequence we will be using three locations, the east wing corridor, sixth form common room and the school library. We have written to the media department and the departments where we will be filming outside to ask permission to film in that area, which they have granted us. In the unlikely event that the east wing corridor will not be available, we can use an identical corridor on the opposite side of the east wing building. If we cannot use the sixth form common room we would film the scene outside in the east wing courts. Also, in the circumstance that the library is not available we will use the room E51. If all corridors are made unavailable then will have to postpone filming to another day or film a scene in a different location (if we have not film the scene yet). Otherwise, we will use the time to work on a different area of the project, such as the editing or sound. A possibility that could occur in all the possible locations is students and teachers making noise and walking into our scene. In this likely case we will need to stop filming until all the students have got into their lessons. Or, in a scene with an outside location (the establishing shots) we can take advantage of the opportunity and extras that will create a more realistic school atmosphere. Cast and Crew: The cast that has been selected to play certain roles have returned permission slips from their parents allowing them to be filmed in our opening sequence. In the event that one of them is unavailable on a shooting day, we will have to postpone filming until another date; as all actors are essential and therefore cannot be replaced. In the case that one of the actors is not available we could always film a different scene with another actor. If a member of the crew fails to be available for filming, another person will take over and film a different part of the sequence. But, if we are in the position where this cannot happen, filming will be postponed to a date that has been finalised.

Weather: The biggest problem with the weather could be with our establishing shots. However, these shots only need to be done once, so any day that is sunny it will be fine to film on and if it is raining or grey will just wait for a good weather. The other possibility we may come across is that on a grey day the corridor that has skylights to let in natural light will be dim. In this situation we will put on the lights and use extra lighting.

Contingency Plan
Props/Costumes: We are not using that many props in our sequence, but that are props that are a significant part of the sequence. For example, the Erics briefcase. In the situation that it is not available we will have to film the other scene with Jack, or if we can not do this filming will be rescheduled for another date. In the case that the briefcase breaks, we will have to mend it or find a way to disguise the damage. If we have not yet filmed the briefcase then we can find another one. Another prop we use is the Jacks business/hustler card that appears at the end of the opening sequence. In the event that this rips or is lost all we have to do is print out one from the computer. The prop we use is books in the library scene that get knocked over. These books have been borrowed from the library, so there could be the situation that these books are not available. To solve this problem we have ask permission to take borrow these books until we have finished the opening sequence. This is as we may need to refilm certain parts of the scene. A possibility that we may come across regarding costumes is the likely case that our actor has forgotten about filming and they have turned up in different clothes. Or likewise, they are wearing a different costume. In this situation we will have reschedule filming to another date. Another problem we have with costumes may be having lost part of it. In this case we will have to find something similar that looks no different, however this may ruin the continuity of the opening sequence.

Set Design

Set Design

Set Design

Set Design

Recces
East Wing Corridor The corridor is one of the best places to record for our opening sequence due to it establishing the setting pretty easily as a school comedy. The corridor has a lot of doors and is narrow which will create a feeling of suspense due to it being a small compact area and so something could potentially happen. There are also windows at the top of the corridors which will allow natural light to come through and so no artificial light will be necessary. Also the corridor is the perfect shape and size for recording as the camera will be able to fit whole scene which will allow us to record easier and quicker.

Recces
Sixth Form Common room The sixth form common room is another scenery we will be using. Like the corridor, it has a lot of windows which again allows us to have natural light coming through, so artificial light is not necessary. It also is the perfect size to shoot one of our scenes, as it is a reasonable sized area with many props such as tables and sofas already in place and this means we will not need to borrow anything in order to start recording with our scene. Due to it having these sofas, chairs and also a vending machine, it will help create more of a school atmosphere, which will benefit us due to it expressing the genre even more.

Recces
Pathways library The pathways library is our first scenery we will be using for our opening sequence. The library like the other scenerys has many windows in it so again it will provide us with natural light. The library will also help stereotype one of our characters that will benefit us due to it making our opening sequence a lot more entertaining and appealing. It also is a great size for us to record in and we can pick many locations within the library to record from. The library also has many props, which are already within scenery and so again we will not have borrow props from other places which will save us time.

Recces
Editing Suite
The editing suite will be used to put our production together due to it containing Mac computers that have the required software to put everything together. We will be using programs such as Final Cut pro to paste all our scenes in the necessary order whilst also using Garage Band to create the sound track for our opening sequence. We will be booking the editing suite so we can use it with permission whilst also having it to ourselves without any distractions. We will also be creating the creating our soundtrack in the editing suite. The space inside is enough for us to move around and do what we have to do, its also a compact room so its sometimes packed. E50 also has a green screen next door if its needed in our opening sequence.

Recces
East wing Hallway The Hallway is where we ill be filming part of our opening sequence. The East wing Hallway is a great place to film as it has the requires space for us to film what we need to and it has a good amount of natural light coming through the above windows. In this current scene there will be a part where Eric is going to trip over and we need a long spacious hallway so this is perfect for our opening sequence.

Risk Assessments

Risk Assessments

Risk Assessments

Booking Form

Production Meetings
19.10.11 Agenda Pre production Developing an idea for an opening sequence. - Treatment Members present: Shaun, Elliott, Gina
9.11.11 Agenda Pre-production work - Script - Story board - Finalising Treatment Members present: Shaun, Elliott, Gina

Minutes of meeting: Storyline completed Synopsis finished Characters created Title agreed upon Switched

Minutes of meeting: Treatment completed Contents of script talked about Story board in progress Camerawork discussed

Things to be done for 2.11.11 Shaun - Target audience Elliott - Character list Gina - Plan shots (beginning)

Things to be done for 14.11.11 Shaun Complete storyboard Elliott Finish treatment Gina Complete script

Production Meetings
16.11.11 Agenda Pre production work - Letter of permission - Risk assessments Members present: Shaun, Elliott, Gina

Minutes of meeting Letters of permission in progress Risk assessments in progress

Things to be done for 21.11.11 Everyone Letters of permission completed and risk assessments

23.11.11 Agenda

Members present: Shaun, Elliott, Gina

Pre- Production work - Recces - Risk assessments completed

Minutes of meeting Risk assessments completed Recces in progress

Things to be done for 28.11.11 Everyone Recces to be done

Production Meetings
7.12.11 M e mbe rs preent: Shaun, Elliott, Gina s Agenda Pre production work - Production Schedule - Set designs Minute s of me eting Production schedule completed Booking forms completed Set designs in progress Things to be done for 16.1.12 Eve ryone Set designs

16.1.12 M e mbe rs preent: Shaun, Elliott, Gina s Agenda Pre production work - Contingency Plan - Booking forms Minute s of me eting Contingency plan completed Booking forms completed

Letters of Permission

Letters of Permission

Letters of Permission

Letters of Permission

Letters of Permission

Letters of Permission

Letters of Permission