Wednesday 26 January 2011

Video of jelly babies thriller



Picture of jelly thriller

Thriller Audiences.

- Thrillers released in 2009: 31 out of 503.


- Action,Animation & Comedy count for 52% of the blockbuster. Why?
These movies appeal to a wide audience. Adults & children can both watch these genres and enjoy. For example Toy Story 3 everybody wanted to buy a ticket an watch it and it was being advertised everywhere!





Thrillers take a low proportion of UK Box Office (only taking 4%) because there is not enough advertisement around thrillers. Also in my experience most people do not know the distinction between horror films and thrillers.

Looking at the gender by genre diagram 55% women are more likely to watch a suspense thriller whilst 45% men are. But when considering cross genre's. A action or Sci-Fi thriller are more likely to attract men whereas females are more likely to watch romantic or costumed period movies based on a thriller.
If you want to get a thriller for both genders, a horror thriller will do the trick as it is slap bang in the middle on the scale!



Most thrillers certificate are for an older audience so thrillers have already lost children for an audience.

Thriller audiences



Popular movie, Toy Story
Out of the 503 film released in the uk in 2009, surprisingly 31 of them were Thrillers.
The primary reason why action, animation and comedy films made up the 52% of the box office in the UK during 2009, is that these genres appeal to a wider audience ranging from children to adults.  When you combine the number people engaged by these genres, it will produce a great outcome.  Also, another particular reason is that one type of film can entice different audiences together.  For example, well known Disney animation film Toy Story will predominately attract children but also also the parents that accompany them to watch it at the cinema.
Thriller hit, Angels and Demons
Thrillers are one of the most entertaining genres with successful films such as "Angels and Demons" and "Harry Brown" but in 2009, thrillers represented the 4% accounted in the box office, which was very low. This could have ben due to the fact that Thrillers attract a small audience of mostly women of an older gender which makes thrillers have a specific set target audience. Also another reason would be that as thrillers are for older generations because of the thrilling scenes which would not be suitable for people probably under the age of 15.


The information that can be depicted from this 'Gender by Gender' diagram is that suspenseful thriller film are slightly on the female side rather than the males and comes as a popular third choice by females after Romance and Period films. Looking at this as a percentage scale, 55% of women would be attracted to females and 45% to the males who are not. This demographic still would be a reason why thriller films account for the small percentage in the UK box office.  If sub-genres were placed on this diagram there would be different outcomes.  For example, costume/period thrillers would be watched by a female audience and also supernatural thrillers as well. 
 If it was an action thriller males would be more likely to watch it rather than a female audience. So when it comes to the target demographic, it actually depends on the sub genre.  
Looking at the different thriller films, the one thing that they have in common is that they would be targeted for an older audience because of the scenes featured which would not be suitable for a younger audience and also the features in a thriller film would not appeal to them.  

Thriller Audiences

Question- How many suspense films were released in 2009? How many films were released altogether last year?
Answer- In the year 2009, 31 Suspense/Thriller films were released. In the last year, 503 films were released.
Question- Action, animation and comedy account fro 52% of Box Office in the UK in 2009. Why do you think these genres are so popular?
Answer- Action, animation and comedy genre form 52% of Box office account in the U.K in 2009 because they appeal to a wider audience. It is watched by both adults and children, male and female.
Question- why do you think Thrillers account fro quite a low proprotion of UK Box Office takings (4% in 2009)?
Answer- Thriller genre form quite a low proportion of U.K Box office in 2009 because its audience are quite small in comparison to the the whole population. It appeals to the adult population than the children population.
Question- Looking at the 'genre by gender' diagram above, what information can be derived about Thriller audiences and gender?
Answer- From the above diagram, It is obvious that the genre appeals mostly to the female population than the male  with just a tiny little bit difference.

Thriller Audiences

1) In 2009, 503 films were released in 2009, only 31 of them were suspense/thriller films.

2) Action, animation and comedy account for 52% of Box Office in the UK in 2009. These genres are popular because these are films that you can watch with the whole family, so the target audience is reached out and therefore more viewers would tend to watch them.

3) Thrillers account for a low proportion of UK Box Office, with their takings being 4% in 2009. This is because it does not have such a range of viewers like the genres above. The certificates tend to be for people of an older age as the content is not suitable for younger people. It is suggested that more quanity of males would watch thrillers rather than females, and parents would be unwilling to take their children to see it due to moral reasons.

4) According to the Diagram, thriller audiences tend to have more males than females. This is because the male section tends to have more action and crime, and females tend to watch calmer movies such as romance and period dramas.

5) Due to the age on the certificates on the thriller, older people are more likely to watch thrillers as younger people would not be allowed and parents would not allow them to watch them until they are older.  In terms of

Watching - Documentary

1) The seduction is used to tempt audiences and keep their attention. It could either slowly introduce drama and keep the suspense rising or could have continuous drama. If it were to be full of action and drama, it would need to begin from the start of the movie. Also, there needs to be an instant impact, with lots of drama so people watch the whole of the movie and not keep them bored.

Thomas Sutcliffe: "Films need to seduce their audience into long term commitment. While there are many types of seduction, the temptation to go for instant arousal is almost irresistible."

2) The risks of 'instant arousal' mainly involve answering the questions in the mind of the viewers. The problem is that they are sometimes never answered and then it is asked what comes next. The audience may expect more drama if all of the action is crammed into the first part of the movie, therefore it is wiser to start slowly and have the drama later on, so that the audience can feel a sense of satisfaction.

3) Audiences hope to have their moneys worth. A deal must be struck to draw the rules of engagement. A good beginning would include making a judgement of how much information is given in the opening. You don't want them to walk away from the film, feeling that they know what will happen in the rest of the movie or leaving them confused. You must set enough information to foreshadow the future events, only making rules on how much you give away.

4) Kauffmann describes  'the classic opening' as an establishing shot of a place, e.g new york city (cityscape), close up of a building, then the camera window in the room to the private office and meet the receptionist and finally the important character at the desk can be seen. This makes it rational and establishes normality. This includes a normal person in the building and is in an everyday routine, but then afterwards it changes to the dramatic plot which contrasts the normality. The point of this opening to make it clear of location and introduces the characters on set.

5) The title sequence to tee film 'Se7en' creates a first impression that wakes everyone up to whats going to happen. It tells a story and foreshadows things that were going to happen. It is suggested that the opening is more influential than the film itself. It introduces us to the main character who is psychotic and has an obsessive nature.

6) He wanted to make people forget they are watching the film, without any titles, no editing, no cuts whatsoever, and use the fluidity of the camera. However universal studios made titles for it.

7) 'A favourite trick of Film Noir' means that the dramatic event at the end will be shown first. It will start the movie at the end so we can go back in time and watch the build up, looking ahead to see what is to come.

8) The screen is 'full of omens'. It remains fixed on the travelling object to show that they are travelling in the wrong direction and looks like a predator is following them. A birds eye view is used, as if camera is like a hawk watching its prey. The music getting deeper, translating that its dangerous. They are driving into an isolated area in the middle of nowhere, driving towards darkness. (e.g mountains are in darkness, meaning that they are travelling in the wrong place.)

Watching Documentary on film openings

 The film needs to instantly get the audiences attention at the start of the film with probably a dramatic opening.  There are many ways to hook the audience,  either with lots of action or to slowly 'seduce' your audience. Also this could be compared to going on a date ,where you gradually wine and dine your partner, bringing your date many unsuspectingly surprises along the way.

Director, Beineix, is convinced that the greatest opening would be to start slowly, satisfying your audience as the film goes along and then you give them the drama that they are expecting later on rather than having all the action and drama at the start. The risk of 'Instant arousal' is not a good way to open a film because doing so will make your audience expect something much grand later on in the film but you that would not happen because you have surprised them already at the start. 



 The audience plays an important role when making a film.  When making the opening of the film, you must insure that you shouldn't give away too much information at the start or otherwise it will be too predictable and unoriginal. Another reason is if all the action and drama is introduced at the beginning, when you try to create a scene full of climax would fail because it would be overpowered by the thrilling opening.  On the other hand,  at the same if little information is provided your audience will lose interest and walk away. If hints are not easily detectable your audience would be left in confusion and might views things in ways they are not meant to be.

 Stanley Kauffman describes a classic opening as a city scape, probably Manhattan or London to establish the setting to know where we are, the location. Then the audience would follow the camera as it zooms into a window, of a building which goes up all the way to a window and we reach to the level of a window,  goes inside and probably see a room and meet the first character, for example, a receptionist sitting at the desk then later on the main character 
appears. Why this is effective is because  establishes normality but at the same time we are curios to know what is happening, where is the person and so and so.


Kyle Cooper's title sequence to the film 'Seven' is so effective because it tunes the audience in and for them to be part of the transitional time.  It was able to make the audience alert and it works primarily because it is like its part of the movie. Its psychotic  energy  also introduces the obsessive and psychotic behaviour of the films main character.

 The trick of 'Black Noir is placing the end of the movie at the start which enables us to go back in time.  This grips us as we see the events build up throughout the movie. 
 Many techniques contribute the suspenseful  opening in the film 'The Shining.' The camera angle is birdseyeview which adopts the role of an eagle, hunting its prey (the car.)  A Birdseye view of a car is driving to an isolated area in the countryside.  The music builds up suspense and it hitches as the car drives along. The car seems to be going towards the mountains which is dark, this signals that something unusual is about to happen.

Watching Documentary



1) There are many ways to capture and entice audiences. The opening of the film needs to get the audience tied to their seat. There are two ways of introducing a film. one can either start all the actions immediately or gradually arouse the interest of the audience slowly. Therefore, the basic question from this analysis is that should we go for total action or drama in our clip or should we slowly seduce audiences? In my own opinion=, I am very interested in going gradually to get the attention of my audience, to keep them eager for the next action and nurse their satisfaction.
2) According to Director Jean Jacques Beineix, the risk of starting a film with total action drama or instant arousal is that where and what do you do next because your audience is expecting more action. He favours going or starting with slow or gentle scenes to prepare your audience for upcoming action.
3) A good beginning should give a limited or average information to the audience, so that they don't feel void of information and loose interest and at the same time make sure that they don't know too much.
4) Critic Stanley Kauffmann described a classic opening as a film as thus;  established shot of a place to show the location, for example a city, then a shot of a building, then a window in the building, then we got into the building to the reception desk, followed by a private office where a character is shown. We then start thinking of the occupation of the character. He says that this classic opening is to establish normality.
5) Kyle Cooper's title sequence to the film Seven was so effective because it foreshadows things to happen in the film. It also mirrors the obsessive nature of the main character. It feels like part of the same movie.
6) the trick of Film Noir is putting the end of the film in the Beginning and then goes back in time.
7) the camera is like a predator following its prey ( the car). It looks like the car is driving is travelling the wrong or bad direction because the place is isolated. The music in play also adds to create suspense.

'Watching' documentary

Thomas Sutcliffe "Films need to seduce their audience into long term commitment. While there are many typed of seduction, the temptation to go for instant arousal is almost irresistible"
- A film can either have a slow & long start to the opening or it can either get straight to the thrill! its like taking someone a date you can either have a long romantic date going to the movies, a restaurant and dancing (to get to know them) or a 30min date and then straight to the bedroom. I prefer a bit of both.

Director Jean Jacques Beineix's risks of 'instant arousal'.
- If the start of a movie has straight action and thrill , what happens t the rest of the movie? What else can you do to keep the audience thrilled? You could be stuck for the rest of the movie if all the action is at the beginning.

"a good beginning must make the audience feel that it doesn't know nearly enough yet, and at the same time make sure that it doesn't know too little"
- You shouldn't give away too much into because it will be too predictable and forget watching the movie OR if you give too little away they'll loose interest and leave the movie. Make sure the quantity is right!

Critic Stanley Kauffman's description of the classic opening.
- We get a scape of the city to know where we are or a wide shot of the suburbs.
A close-up of the building,then through a window and from the window into an office for example. You then see the secretary and the important person (who the films about)k. This establishes normality.. 


Kyle Cooper's title sequence to 'Seven' is effective.
- The title foreshadows the film and shows the obsessive psychotic nature of the main character.

"a favourite trick of Film Noir" What is the trick?
- When the end of the movie is put at the start,we go back in time. This how the events build up. The start of the film doesn't usually show up just for 30seconds.

The way 'The Shining' create suspense.
- We know the car is going the wrong way because of the mood of the music.
The fact it is going into darkness and nowhere.
The camera is like the predator and the people in that car are the prey!

Art of the title sequence & Font Analysis

Analysis of the title sequence for Scott Pilgrim vs. The World:








The first thing I noticed is the epilepsy effect inducing the opening credits. It gives a 3-D effect, including visual effects such as the lightening bolts. This links with the theme of 'Guitar hero' the opening is trying to portray, giving it a modern feel. As for the transitions, the motion is in sync with the music, in particular with the guitar beats. The actual text is seen on top of pieces of colourful, moving art work including paint and doodles. 
   The font is mainly either black or white to contrast to the background. The names are in bold and in capitals so that it stands out more. The main title, 'Scott Pilgrim' is represented with a large size, and in a font that translates a comic book/video game theme which is mainly the style of the whole film. 
   The camera zooms out from the band at the start, leading up to behind the other characters, to give the impression that the audience is viewing it with them. The opening ends with a close up, to give the character emotional impact. This opening appealed to me because I am interested in music and this clip translated a music vibe by using interesting transitions and techniques that are creative and captures attention.

  

This is the universal studios logo that appears before the video. It has been pix-elated, image and music wise, to give the visual experience of a video game, which relates with the genre. This type of opening would interest younger viewers from around 12+. 

More Font Analysis:

This font is called PALATINO. It translates a 1940's feel, and sets the scene/background information for the movie.
Franklin Gothic Heavy was chosen for this movie, as it is bold, big, strong, thick and spread out in capitals to represent masculinity. 

Font Analysis.

Title Sequence Analysis

Tuesday 25 January 2011

Lights,Camera, ACTION!





AT LAST WE ARE ALLOWED TO START FILMING BUT    HERE ARE SOME RULES..


  • Close the lens when not in use - this will allow the lens to stay clean without any fingerprints (the lens are a every expensive element of the camera).

  • Keep out of the rain - use an umbrella provided if filming in the rain to protect the camera and its lens. If you do not have an umbrella DO NOT film.

  • Use the camera and tripod cases - use these when transporting them so everything is kept together and safe.

  • Film in legal places - ask for permission before filming. Eg if grafting is part of your opening find out where its legal to do so and have proof that you do have that permission 

  • Return camera on time - there are many other people who are in need of the equipment so when borrowed out of class time keep to deadline so others work are not interrupted.

  • Battery life is up to 2 hours - ask for a spare battery if filming you are certain you are using it for over 2 hours or your work will not be saved.

  • Using the mic - If opening scene has dialogue a mic is provided to give clarity to voices. (most openings do not have dialogue)

  • Use tripod for secure filming - this can be used for panning or steadily filming instead of filming by hand.

  • Focus before filming - use an object/area with clear letters or pattern to focus on before recording, doing this can guarantee a clear picture whilst filming. However just because you focused on a previous scene does not guarantee it will be in focus again. Make sure you focus it again.

  • Make sure the shots its a good shot - a good shot is making sure there is not too much space. Eg. if there is a shot of a person the person should not have too much space above his/her head.



                                      **IMPORTANT NOTICE**
MAKE SURE WHEN BEFORE YOU START FILMING A SCENE YOU LEAVE 5 SECONDS BEFORE AND 5SECONDS AFTER ENDING SO YOU ARE ABLE TO MAKE YOUR EDITS!!

    Monday 24 January 2011

    Fonts

    As quoted by Brody on what makes a good film font he said "Fonts convey an emotion without actually having to say the words." Simply, when it comes to making our titles for our opening for our short film, we need to consider the type of font we will use as we want our audience to have a slight idea of what our film may be about, just by looking at the font. It needs to relate to our film but it should not give away too much information.  This is achievable because our audience will have different interpretation from just looking at the type of font we used.

    So in class, we learned there are two types of fonts:
    SERIF Fonts:  There are hundreds of styles, including Times, New century school book, platino and courier.  This is more traditional and formal.  This can be distinguished between other fonts, because this type of font have little marks called 'Serifs' marked on the edges of each letter.  It is also used in Letters, Typewriters and on confidential files.


    SANS SERIF Fonts: Common sans serif font include Arial,comic sans, Helvetica, Avant Garde and Geneva. In comparison to the Serif fonts, these are more informal but friendly. In typography, a sans serif typeface  does not have the small features called "serifs" at the end of the letters. The term comes from the French word sans, meaning "without". They are usually used for titles or headlines rather than the body of a text.
    Then we looked at two film posters, analysing the typography used in each one and how it could relate to the film.

    Pearl Harbour: The serif font used is called a Platino used in the promotion of the film 'Pearl Harbour.'  It gives a vintage 60's/70's feel to it because of the font used and also the placing of the mise en scene. The uniform, hairstyle and warplane hints what may happen in the film, apart from the font used.  The font sticks with the historical theme.  The title has been placed in the bottom middle, so that it does not interfere with the images above. It is in white, standing out from the dull grayish background. The white used could give a sense that there is hope in this film whilst the block capitals show the strength and courage of the characters in the film.


    ROCKY :  This monochrome poster, reveals the masculinity in men. The title is in bold, block capital letters behind a white background to stand out. It suggests the hard, big and strong characteristics some men wish to aspire. The man in the poster is topless, wearing just shorts, some gloves and footwear. This could mean his profession is  a boxer, connoting how strong and hard he is. We can obviously see this from his muscular frame. There is also a woman holding his hand, which could mean he has in a relationship which keeps him strong.  We can tell by what date this was set in because of the woman's attire.  Her bell bottom trousers and hat could suggest this film was made during the 70's era.

    Detailed analysis of Title sequence

    The art of the sequence

    Quantum of Solace

    The structure of the title sequence of quantum solace is one with the titles over a blank screen, followed by the narrative opening.
    Different types of camera shots were involved in this title sequence. A close up was used on the bullet when it was fired and also a close up was used on the gun used in firing it. Furthermore, a wide shot was used to capture the location of the title sequence.
    Certain mise en scene that are involved in the title sequence gives it certain connotations. For example, the bullets in the title sequence connotes action, shooting, danger, thus preparing the audience for fast, action and shooting scenes. Also, the location of the opening was in some sort of desert place thus making the audience think that the location of the film is in a desert.

    Analysis of a Thriller Opening (2)




    Title Sequence of 'Marathon Man':

    1. State the Production & Distribution companies. 

    • Paramount


    2. Title sequence timeline/information:

    Start
    0.00-0.01: Paramount
    0.12-0.0.13: Paramount pictures present
    0.18-0.21: A Robert Sidney & Evans Beckerman production
    0.21-0.23: A John Schlesinger film
    o.23-0.44: Man running
    0.44-0.59: Actors
    0.59-1.11: Title 'Marathon Man' slides across screen
    1.11-1.23: Next scene
    1.23-1.28: Co-starring
    1.28-1.32: Music composed & Conducted by
    1.32-1.34: Editor
    1.34-1.38: Production designers
    1.38-1.41: Associate producer
    1.41-2.03: Screenplay
    2.08: Produced by
    2.13: Directed by
    2.13-3.02: Opening scene
    End

    3. Film Title - Where exactly is this placed? 

    It is placed in the middle, after scenes of actors.

    Analysis of the Fonts.

    The type of fonts used to design a title sequence is an important aspect in film production. The type of font that is used tells the audience a lot about the film, characters, tone or mood of the film. It even tells of what kind of film it is i.e year or decade of production, film genre and so on. Here are some analysis of some fonts that have been used to design titles.
    Pearl Harbour
    The type of font that was used here is Palatino. It terms of promoting this film, it gives it an appearance that suggests that it was made in the 40's.
    Rocky
    Here, The type of font in place is Franklin Gothic Heavy. It is big, bold and hard in. It was chosen because it makes a refrence to a rock, which connotes something that is big, heavy and so on.
    Se7en

    Here, The writing looks unstable and not normal, thus making it look like it was done by someone psychotic, therefore adding to the mood of the film.
    
    

    The Structure of Thriller Openings

                       The 3 basic structures.



    1. A narrative opening with the titles opening throughout it.The title sequence is part of the main film.
    Eg. The Stepfather's opening opening makes the audience know who is the main character/killer.







     2. A discrete title sequence is a small self contained film that is separated from the actual movie's opening scene.it could be creating a whole different mood and atmosphere all together.
    Eg. Seven had a discrete title sequence which portrayed a chilling psychotic issue with extreme close ups. but the actual opening sequence was of a couple in bed.








    3. Titles over a blank screen followed by the narrative opening so the music is used to create the mood of the movie. Eg. Donnie Darcko the music builds up and the landscape scenery.






    Another style of opening is: STYLIZED EDITING
    This is when the editing used is in a certain style which usually relates to the film.
    Eg. Taking off pelham 1,2,3 he titles move horizontally across like the way a train does.

    Font analysis

    The Structure of Thriller openings

    All films follow a basic structure for an opening and vary in different ways:

    Narrative opening (with titles running throughout):


    This type of opening is connected with the main film as it gives us an insight of what might happen in the film.   In the "The Shinning" we [the audience] were able to adopt the persona of a spy, sitting in a helicopter, flying over a tranquille countryside whilst following a car .  The vast landscapes creates a mood of isolation and mystery.  Also, the music and the people sitting in the car create a mood because we are unsure of what they are up to.  



    Discrete openings:

    Much different from the other two openings that I have looked at. This type of opening is a small self contained film. An example is the film Seven.















    Titles over a blank screen (usually followed by the narrative opening):
    Titles continously appear behind a blank screem, usually accompanied with music or sound effects to make it effective. This style is used in the film Danny Darko, where the music builds up and we get a landscape scenery followed.




    Stylized Editing':
    The example we watched was 'Taking of Pelham, 1, 2, 3' where the titles moved horrizontly like a train. This is more creative and effective as it hints what events may happen later in the film, which will be something to do with trains.  The titles also relate to the film.

    The Structure of Thriller Openings

    There are 3 basic structures that an opening can have, a fourth one can also be included. These structures are:

    • A narrative opening
    A narrative opening includes the titles running throughout. An example of this would be the opening for 'The Shining'. Narrative openings tells a story, therefore it is part of the film instead of it being a separate film. This particular opening shows the tracking of a car travelling, and the immediate thought would be that the film would involve the people inside of the car.




    The opening for 'Panic Room' is also narrative, as it sets the scene for the story, with a range of shots of Times Square that can be easily recognised, along with the 3D font affect that the titles have which are on these buildings. 




    • A discrete title sequence
    This means that the opening is a separate film, which is small and self contained. An example would be the opening for 'Se7en', which feature mainly close ups and creates a strange atmosphere and therefore sets the mood to then make viewers prepared for the events in the actual film.




    • Titles over a blank screen, followed by the narrative opening
    'Donnie Darko' is an example of this, as the only aspects in the opening is focused on the music building up and the setting gradually getting revealed. Only then is the title introduced and the next scene enters. 




    • 'Stylized editing' 
    This kind of creative editing is seen in'Taking of Pelham 123'. It has mixed the scenes with the credits, and has effectively made the transitions similar to how trains start and then carry on. This is done with sound effects of train noises to continue this interpretation. 



    The Structure of Thriller Openings

    There are various ways in which film openings are structured.  Some of them are listed and explained below;
    * A narrative opening with the titles running throughout. The opening is connected or is a part of the whole film. With this structure, characters are introduced, the mood of the film is set, the location or setting of the film is also introduced. Examples of films with this kind of structure are
     The Shining



    Panic room

    * A discrete title sequence. With this structure, a totally separate film is created. It makes a small self contained film. An example is;
    Se7en


    * Titles over a blank screen, followed by the narrative opening. The titles continue to roll over a blank screen often with blank screen or with sound effects. An example is Donnie Darko where the music builds, and it gradually reveals setting from dark side to the light side.
    Donnie Darko


    * Stylized Editing. This structure is one with a creative title sequence. The title is stylized. For example in Taking Of Pelham 123, the title was appearing  and moving like trains.
    Taking Of Pelham 123

    The Structure of Thriller Openings

    There are various ways in which film openings are structured.  Some of them are listed and explained below;
    * A narrative opening with the titles running throughout. The opening is connected or is a part of the whole film. With this structure, characters are introduced, the mood of the film is set, the location or setting of the film is also introduced. Examples of films with this kind of structure are
     The Shining

    Panic room
    <object style="height: 390px; width: 640px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></object>

    Introduction to Camera skills : 2

    Tripod:
    • Pull out the three legs of the Tripod, making sure they are evenly spread out and fasten. To ensure the tripod is straight, make sure the bubble is in the middle of the circle. Also corrugated surfaces will make the tripod out of place, best results a smooth hard floor.
    • For the best filming results, use a tripod which is great for panning, tilting smoothly or zooming in and out. This will make your shots less shaky (unless that is what you intend to do.
    • When you have finished using the tripod, unfasten and fold the legs upwards and place it inside its bag so that it can be easily transported and protected.
    • When filming, make sure the tripod is not visible, as it can ruin scenes.
    • You can extend the tripod to capture high angles, but make sure the camera is on properly as it may fall and even hurt someone below.
    Camera:
    • When adjusting the camera onto the tripod, make sure it slides on backwards and makes a click. This signals that the camera is in place.  If you fail to do so, the camera may fall and would be damage.
    • If the camera is placed on the tripod properly, the camera shots will not be straight.
    • Make sure your fingers hands do not touch the lens as it may disrupt/damage it. To prevent this close the camera lens with the switch button by the side.
    • If the camera seems to be blurry, whilst turning the focus wheel, focus the camera on something with lines or letters/numbers to bring the camera into focus again. 
    • A camera bag will be provided so that our camera is protected and it also makes it easy to transport it when filming.
    Camera shot tips:
    • To get ECU, CUs it is best the person or object you are focusing on is clearly visible, there is nothing worse than seeing the top of someone’s head chopped off.
    • To get an establishing shot of a vast landscape, position the camera in a space that is free of obstacles, which would be perfect to capture a nice shot, smoothly zooming/in out.
    • Make sure the object/person uses up at least 2/3 of the camera screen.
    • If you opt to not use the tripod but handheld, make sure you use the handle for security and so that it does not drop.
    • Also make sure there are no things in the way that might allow you to fall.
    Extras:
    • If you are filming on a day that is raining. (This is not advisable, you can postpone the date) use an umbrella that will shelter the camera away and prevent it from getting damaged.
    • For that action thrilling effect, you may want your Camera to 'Chase' your actor/ress, but how would you do that if the camera is on a tripod. No problem.  Use the Tripod wheels that will be able useful for tracking.
    • Although the camera provided does have a built-in microphone, you can use an extra to get quality dialogue.
    • We will be provided with memory cards will be kept in a case with our numbers on them.  We need to make sure they have been put back after they have been used and that some are not missing.
    • The battery life lasts for a maximum 2 hours, so we should ask for a spare when we go out filming.
    Other things to remember:
    • We have been told that there are places that are restricted from filming, especially the mise en scene used in some scenes. Filming in Trafalgar square and carrying weapons such as knifes are not permitted in the public.  These scenes can be carried out at home/garden. Even toy weapons are not allowed, so we need to take this into consideration.
    • Filming Graffiti is also not allowed, unless you have permission from the borough you are filming in.
    • We will have to fill out a production schedule, so cameras have to be returned on time so that other groups will be able to film.