Preliminary Task Reflection

The task went really well. However, there was some issues. When watching back a shot that we had just taken the camera either glitches or the sound was not loud enough. This meant that we either could not hear what we were saying and we had to re shoot certain shots so that we could hear what we were saying. We re-filmed some scenes a few times if we were not happy with the outcome, for example, if the sound quality was muffled or if somebody laughed. Besides that, the task for us went really well, we didn't have an major filming issues. However, if we were to re-film again I would make sure that I spoke louder and clearer so that I am able to be heard more clearly on camera. I would also, potentially use a dictaphone instead next time and then add it tot he shots taken.
In my opinion this task was useful because now I know to be mindful of the sound quality and lighting when we film our main task.

Lastly, the only main difficulty which we did face was, when it came to editing shots together. For example, there was a shot where I came from a different angle (in two different shots) and it would have looked strange because in the previous shot I came from another angle. However, fortunately with the editing, we were able to make this look invisible.

Preliminary Task - Global SnapChat

Common features of Opening Credits

This may not be correct for all films, but my research has shown that this is the common order in which opening credits are in:

Name of the studio - The name of the production studio or distribution company, for example 'Columbia, Lionsgate and Marvel Studios'
Name of the production company - The group of companies who have invested into making the film. There names would follow with "In association with" or "A (studio name) production"
The producer or directors name - "A film by.." or "A (name) film"
Starring - The names of the main actors who appear within the film, the main stars, for example 'Bradd Pitt' or 'Johnny Depp'
The Films title - The name of the film, for example 'Juno', 'A New York Winters Tale' and 'Elf'
Featuring - Other actors who star in the film, usually not as well known as the 'starring' actors.
Casting by - the casting director(s)
Music by - the composer of the music for the film, original
Production design -  these vary dependant on the genre of film but can include:

• Set Design
• Costumes or Costumes BY
• Hairdressers
• Make-up artist
• Sound Recording (older films)
• Visual Effects Director or Visual Effects By

Editor - the person who edited the movie

Director or photography
Producer/produced by/executive producer - sometimes contains co-producers or 'Also produces by'
Based on the book/character by - if the movie is based on a novel the name of the novel will appear
Writers/written by - name of the person who wrote the screenplay
Director - usually one name, this credit appears last

Mind Mapping - The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2

Mind Mapping - The Hunger Games Catching Fire

Scream 2- Opening Sequence Analysis

The opening of scream is 4 mins and 15 seconds long, much longer than the opening sequence we were told to make. This means that any ideas that I think would be useful in my own production would have to be condensed down into a shorter length of time. The title of the production 'Scream' is displayed in white writing, this could connote innocence, there is a pleonastic, amplified scream which implies that in this film there is going to be death.
The opening sequences colour scheme does use a variety of shades of colours, however the sequence is set in low lighting which gives this sequence a sense eerie enigma. There is a house displayed in the sequence which gives the element of horror because it conforms to the conventions of horror which is that most of these films are set in huge mansions. The camera pans over the house, additionally on the house there are shadows which also makes the
The music which is played during the sequence is 90's pop music, this music contrasts with what we are seen perhaps to make the audience more sceptical.
The camera then displays a master shot which introduces the audience to the different characters, the first master shot is of the main charater
The house phone is the main prop used within the film, it creates tension because it is used as a gateway between the protagonist and the antagonist. The non-diegtic voice over that is on the opposite end of the phone speaks in a mysterious low tone which gives this sequence

Opening Sequence Film Analysis - Death Of A Ghost Hunter

Release Date: 28 October 2007 (USA)                                                                                     Country: USA                                                                                                                             Opening Weekend: $3,648 (USA) (12 June 2009)   Gross: $3,490 (USA) (19 June 2009)

The opening for this film begins with eerie, creepy music. This film does not contain any credits, It just merely shows the production company.
Once the camera has faded out from the production company, the opening then fades into a blackout and displays this message "In 1982 Minister.." Whilst this is displayed, there is no sound, this highlights to the audience that this is a very important message which has meaning to the production. The screen then flips into black out and immediately a date relating to the film is displayed and at the same time a amplified noise is played, this isn't necessarily scary but the the way in which the producers did this would scare the audience because it is so unexpected and it relates to being a horror.
The first shot is an establishing shot of the front door and the porch of a house, the camera at this point is in low angle, connoting that perhaps something bad has occurred within the home or something negative is about to happen, it also sets the scene for the horror film.
The camera then begins to display different areas of the home, zooming in from a low angle into a window and then changes into a master shot then occurs at 42 seconds of the sequence introducing us to a character within the scene. The prop which is held by the first character introduces the audience to the horror genre as they are holding a knife. The knife connotes the idea of 'death' or 'murder'. The character holds the knife in such a way where they do not look afraid to use it.
Furthermore, props such as, a bible, a gun and a crucifix. This implies that the film is going to be centred around this idea of a paranormal horror where God has go fight the Devil.
Whilst this is all occurring, within the background of the different camera shots, there is the sound of an old fashioned camera being played, it makes flickering noises, it is also a very harsh non-diegetic noise which can be depicted as scary because it makes you feel as though you are unsure of what is going to happen next. This noise also shows that this is perhaps old footage.
The genre of the movie is well established through mise-en-scene of the film, the horror element is prominent through the use of the very dark colours and the use of blood, from the beginning. The use of blood reinforces this idea of it being a horror film.The first character who is displayed within the film is only seen through high angle shots. This shows that they are powerful and perhaps the film centres around them as a main character.

Opening Sequence Analysis - Soul Surfer

The film opens showing clips of the main character growing up from a baby to a teenager.
When the opening of the film begins the video quality is good but it looks slightly glitch. This is perhaps to emphasise that this is an old clip from the past and it also signifies to the audience that we are about to see a progression of the main character and we are going to be told a mini story of the her life.
The opening, however, does show a lot of bright colours, for example, the ocean is a bright blue and the bathing suits are either multi coloured or aluminous blue. This is perhaps to reinforce the title that she has a bright and powerful 'soul'.
A lot of the opening shows the surroundings as being outdoors, for example, on the beach front or in a field. This gives the audience some background knowledge and shows that she has a love for the outside world.


At the same time their is a ascynchronous voice over whilst the clips are being shown. The main character talks of her love for the ocean which is ironic, hence the title of the film 'Soul Surfer'. The film then displays the title of the film and displays that it is based on a true story. The opening then displays the main character as a little girl, she introduces her two older brothers within the videos. It is clear that these videos are key memorable moments for the main character. She shows herself enjoying life and playing sports with her brothers. To which then she introduces her best friend. A lot of the clips are shown around the ocean The non-diegetic music in the background.

During the times that the clips of the main character are played, when she is shown as a child, non-digetic childlike, nursery rhyme music is played in the background. This is to perhaps reinforce the youthfulness of the baby being shown, and to show the audience that the film is going to be cantered around her.

Preliminary Task Storyboard

The storyboard is a plan of what we hope our final preliminary task will look like. We will use the storyboard as a base for our filming. After discussing what different camera angles would be effective and the dialogue that we would use this is what we came up with.

Preliminary Task Mind Map

Preliminary task mind map from Monique Jackson

Shot List of Preliminary Task

Preliminary Task Scenario Ideas

Preliminary task ideas from Monique Jackson

Preliminary Task Planning

The task which we were given was to create a short sequence which utilised various camera shots and angles. My group was informed that we would have to include: a shot reverse shot, adhere to the 180 degree rule, exchange dialogue at a table and a match on action of a character coming through a door.

Before my group could begin filming, we analysed a number of other Preliminary Tasks on YouTube, then debated potential scenarios. We eliminated the ideas which we did not think would be as interesting and decided on our top three ideas, which we liked and felt created enigma. We then chose our final idea.

My group were able to complete shooting our preliminary task as we allocated roles and discussed storyboarding; scripts and a potential camera shot list.