Task 4 The Pitch-" How to Kill a Dead Girl" Synopsis

'To kill a dead girl' is a thriller following the life of a young woman around her 20's. She has followed a life of abuse and physical harm from a mystery figure who she never thought she would be able to escape from. 5 years on from her torture, she lives an average life, she owns her own house, runs her own business, she is her own woman...but she can never escape the torment and distress that she was put through, it haunts her every day. 

'It's over.' - She would tell herself every day, but as the police soon discover when she is found dead in her house one afternoon, it was far from it.

Task 4 The Pitch- Headlight Productions Title Sequence

  

How to Kill a Dead Girl 

This is the title sequence for our film featuring our original GIF and our orignal studio logo. It features the appropriate codes and conventions for a Thriller title sequence and follows typical codes and conventions of a Hollywood title sequence. 

This meant that first we inserted our  company logo followed by the title of the film. For the title of our film we used the colours Red, white and black as white symbolises innocence and the word 'Kill' was highlighted in red to symbolise violence/blood. The font that we used suggests it would possibly be found in a book or be written using a typewriter, this shows that the storyline of the film is about Lucy (the main character)'s life as it is almost as though it is an autobiography about herself and what she has been through.

Task 4 The Pitch- Studio Logo

We made a title sequence of which would be appropriate for our film. The title sequence featured a GIF which was our studio logo. 

To create our studio logo, we used an app called 'Hyperlapse' and filmed a busy main road at night. We then slowed down the hyperlapse so it created a slow motion effect on the video which made the lights appear as though they are blurred. We then used movie maker on IPad to add the 'headline productions' title.

Our title meets the codes and conventions of typical film logos such as Lionsgate. This is because it has motion and moves, the Lionsgate logo is similar to this as it conveys the idea of the gates opening therefore by using motion in our logo we was meeting the codes and conventions of the film industry logos. 

Task 3 Research into Genres- The Christian Metz model of genre development

The Christian Metz model of genre development 

Christian Metz formed the ‘model of genre development’ which was later named the ‘Metz theory’. The theory involved the idea that films of the horror genre have four ‘phases’ of horror. These include phase 1- the experimental phase,  phase 2- the classic, phase 3- the parody and finally phase 4- the deconstruction.

Phase 1 is the experimental phase, this is when it is determined whether the film will be popular in the film industry and whether it will make a profit for the studio. An example off experimental phase films would be ‘The cabinet of Dr Caligari’. The cabinet of Dr Caligari is a silent horror film made in the 1920's, the film mirrors the book 'Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' as it was about a lawyer who underwent an investigation of the two murderers of both Jekyll and Hyde.

Phase 2 is known as the classic phase. The classic phase uses the codes and conventions of the genre specific genre the film falls into, for example Horror. An example of a classic horror film would be 'Dracula'. Dracula formed an iconic image which then continued to created a lot of stereotypes for the typical antagonist in a horror film. Dracula is typically represented as a male with a mild European accent. Typically wears a long black cape, has fangs, drinks blood and cannot walk in sunlight. This stereotype is now used throughout TV and within the horror film genre. 

Phase 3 is known as the parody phase. This is when a remake is made of a classic film. An example of a parody would be "Sean of The Dead" which is based on the classic "Dawn of the Dead". The parody had humours effects which acted as an ironic pun as well as the humorous twist on the name (Sean rhyming with Dawn).

The deconstruction is phase 4. The deconstruction phase combines the generic themes of a genre and combines it with another genre. An example of a deconstruction is 'scream'. Scream is a deconstruction as it combines the two genres; thriller and horror. Scream was a film which had the purpose to scare the audience yet also have a realistic aspect due to it involving relatable situations and relatable setting (young girl who is home alone who continuously and gets phone calls from a mystery person). 

Task 3 Research into Genres- Stereotypical Representations

  Stereotypical representations in the Horror and Thriller genre

Representations have been pre-established in genre films such as Horror and Thrillers. Certain representations used in the Horror and Thriller genres have now become stereotypes or an archetype (typical example of a certain person/thing). Some of these include, 

Count Dracula- Bran Stoker the original creator of Dracula formed Dracula with typical features of which is still used in relation to Dracula nowadays. Bran Stoker gave Dracula very specific qualities to meet his overall character some of these include his age, gender and social class. Dracula's social class is something that has remained part of his character despite the modern remakes. Dracula's character is given an upper class aspect through his name 'Count Dracula'. Count being a term assosiated with Aristocracy. Dracula is typically presented as a white male often with a Eastern-Europeon/Broken English accent. There are certain dennotations Stoker formed upon his creation of Dracula these include his abandoned caste, bat like features and cape. These features continued to be part of Dracula's imagine despite the beginning of remakes during 1931 Hollywood. 

Another typical representation within the Horror and Thriller genre includes the stereotypical antagonist  middle aged male, within this genre this representation is generally the dominant representation, many horror films feature the typically middle aged male some of these include...

-Freddie Krueger from Nightmare On Elm Street

-Mike Myres from Halloween 

-Norman Bates from Physco

Horror Movie Heroines are generally typically single, white virginal females, they are typically the archetypal victim in the film. However the 'femme fetale' roles have evolved from being the typical damsil in distress victime to the aggressor. Examples of this modern day envolvment in films include,

Tomb Raider and Resident Evil. 

The representation of Gender/Ethnicity in the genre

Hollywood is culturally bias as generally the actors have always been male. In the thriller genre it has always been common to have a white male protagonists, yet the 1990's Thriller 'Se7en' broke this typicality through the casting of Morgan Freeman (well known black actor) playing the detective of which was typically a 'white' actors role. Similarly to being culturally bias Hollywood is also heterosexual bias due to Homosexual/Lesbians being rare within Hollywood films. 

Task 3 Target Audience- Analysis of BFI Data Genre and Classification

• As part of research into films in order to look at  different genres of film and to gain an idea of their popularity in terms off number of releases, % of all releases, gross box office (£ million) and % of total box office, we looked into the BFI statistical yearbook. Animation was the most popular genre among the UK cinema within 2013, with action second and comedy third. Animation was also the highest earning genre of 2013, accounted for only 5% off releases but took 21% off the total box office. This figure shows us how profitable the Animation genre is. Moreover within 2013 the six top performing films by genre were UK films. 

We focused on table 4.1 which showed us the relative popularity of different genres at the box office in the UK and Republic of Ireland. The popularity of the genre is usually determined by the number of high grossing releases.

Table 4.1 Films released in the UK and Republic of Ireland by genre 

• From looking at the table we can draw the conclusion that the Thriller Genre is more popular in terms of the number of films released in comparison to the Horror Genre. There were 64 Thrillers realised in 2013 whereas there was only 37 Horror Films released. In terms of profitability the Horror genre actually earns more money. The Horror films made £57.5 million, where as the Thriller genre only made £29.1 million. This shows that the Horror genre is considerably more popular in comparison to the Thriller genre, meaning that it is more profitable. Moreover the Romance genre gained both less releases with a smaller total of 34 films being released within 2013 and a considerably less profit of £13.9 million. 

When considering what genre of film we wish to use when creating our own films we must consider there popularity and profitability however must also consider that although the Horror genre made more profit, the Thriller genre had more releases this may be because the storyline and conventions are more versatile, leaving more opportunity to create and use original ideas. 

•  We also looked into table 4.2 about the films released in the UK and Republic of Ireland by genre, 2013 (ranked by average widest point of release). This table allowed us to identify the average number of sites which showed the film at the widest point of release, in other words the amount of cinemas which showed the genre. From the table we was able to conclude that the Horror genre had more cinemas showing that genre of film during the widest point of release with a total off 145 sites, this helped contribute to the high profit of the genre. Whereas the Thriller genre had less cinema's showing the genre with a lower total of 89, during the widest point of release, this would then cause a lack off profit. 

Table 4.2 Films released in the UK and Republic of Ireland by genre 2013 (ranked by average widest point of release)

• Moreover we then looked at table 4.3 of which showed us the films released in the UK and Republic of Ireland by genre, 2013 (ranked by average box office gross per site) in other words shows us the profit the films make for the sites which show the film e.g. the cinemas. The Horror genre had a high average box office per site with a total off 10,708 in comparison to the Thriller genre of which generated a lower total of 5,127 on average box office per site.

Table 4.3 Films released in the UK and Republic of Ireland by genre, 2013 (ranked by average box office gross per site)

• Table 4.4 shows us the UK films released in the UK and Republic of Ireland by genre 2013 (ranked by gross box office) from the chart I can gather the information that there are more UK film releases of Horror films (17) in comparison to the Horror genre (7). However despite the UK horror film releases being fewer than Thriller they Horror genre manages to be more profitable with a £14.8 million gross box office whereas the Thriller genre having only a lower total off £4.1 million gross box office.

Table 4.4 UK films released in the UK and Republic of Ireland by genre, 2013 (ranked by gross box office)

• Table 4.1 show us the proportion of box office by genre for all films, UK films and UK independent films, 2013. From the table I can draw the conclusion that the Horror genre makes up more of the proportion of box office in comparison to the Thriller genre. Horror films make up 5.2% off the Box Office whereas the Thriller films take up a smaller figure off 7.6%. This means that the Horror films provide more profit in comparison to the Thriller genre. However as shown in table 4.2 proportion of releases by genre for all films, UK films and UK independent films, 2013 we are able to see that despite the Horror genres providing more box office profit the Horror genre has less proportions of release than the Thriller films. Horror films are 1.3% of releases whereas the Thriller genre is 1.3%. From this we can conclude that although less Horror films are released they are more profitable than the Thriller films despite the Thriller genre having more releases.

Task 3 Research into Genres- Film Noir Genre Codes and Conventions & Analysis

Study of the Film Noir Genre

The genre Film Noir is a genre about crime and violence which uses dark shadows and lighting (Chairo-Scuro) as a way of showing the complicated moral nature of the subject, Film Noir has a violent nature of which incorporates the ideology of typical underground crime.

Where did the genre originate from?
Genres of films were first integrated into the film world during the 1920's. Genres mainly came from traditional stories of which were grouped into categories to form genres. During the up rise of the Hollywood film business, the Hollywood system created genre films so they were able to re make films as part of commercialising. Studios especially the main five dominating studios of the time, would remake genre films in order to ensure they would make a profit. By remaking the films the studios were given a form of guarantee that they would be popular amongst the audience and ensure they would make a profit. The Film Noir genre originated from the historical on goings of the 19th century on goings, between the Great Depression and the start of the cold war Hollywood channelled the worlds weary and dark on goings and incorporated it into film, therefore creating Film Noir of which translated as "Black Films". Film Noir's minimal lighting and dark surroundings became a stylistic norm of the genre. 

How did the 'Golden Age of Hollywood' reinforce genres?
The 'Golden Age of Hollywood' reinforced genres by as explained above, making the same films over and over again. This was all audiences ranging from young kids to adults. The huge amounts of profit the films would generate allowed the studios to create additional movies. An example of this would be the James Bond films of which was very successful amongst audiences therefore creating a high amount of profit this then encouraged production of further James Bond movies.

Which genres became popular in Hollywood?

As Hollywood was so pronoun for their films many genres became popular in Hollywood. One popular genre would film noir. There were many Films Noir films created in Hollywood such as films like The Big Heat produced in 1963 & Kiss me Deadly produced in 1955. Film noir was popular amongst audiences originally in the 90's yet have continued to be popular during films nowadays. Newly produced film noir films such as Sin City and The Batman Trilogy are examples of film noir adapting into modern films. However film noir was not the only popular genre in Hollywood, genres such as musicals and detective films also became popular. One of the main reasons the genre of film noir proved so popular in Hollywood was due to the historical factors, for example in 1930's America the big '5' studios (20th Century Fox, MGM, Paramount, Warner Brothers, RKO Radio Pictures) found themselves producing more technical films by building on the advancements of film making in the 1920's by e.g. developing synchronised sound, panchromatic filming and creating smaller and more controllable lighting. During this period of time the great depression and economic decline of America began to set in, however the studios found themselves more popular than ever as people were going to the movies as a way in which to escape the economically troubling society. The 1930's proved an era of profit and popularity for the studios and was even described as their 'Boom-time'. By 1959 there was over 15,000 movie theatres, making there more movie theatres than banks. 

Why do audiences like genre films?

Audiences since the initial introduction of genre films have always liked genres as it gives an aspect of expectation. It gives audiences an idea of what the film will consist of before they even watch it. This is because when a film becomes part of a categorised genre it shares the same stylistic norms, for instance in Film Noir the stylistic norm of which defines the genre is the dark/low lighting, underground criminal on goings and its overall dark nature. Due to certain factors being consistent to a genre if a audience likes certain aspects of this genre by seeing a film of the same genre they are guaranteed to see similar if not identical aspects and/or features. For example, audiences when going to watch the film noir genre will expect to see a typical dark underground setting, with obvious criminal on goings.

Identifying Codes and Conventions-

• A sense of alienation, bleakness, corruption and violence.
• Often feature characters such as the Hero and Anti-hero/Villain. The Hero usually consist of a detective or police whereas the villain typically is the gangster/killer. Film noir also features a Femme Fatale whom usually seems to manipulate characters or takes an alternative form as a desperate and loving “damsel in distress” of which is usually a stereotypical representation of women.
• Film Noir often features props and atheistic features such as guns, knives and often alcohol to give the sense of non-law abiding corruption.
• The location of film often feature an alleyway or underground secretive hide out. Something which gives the element of secrecy. Its normally set in a place of abandonment. Stereotypical Film Noir settings are mostly rural locations, bars/clubs, urban cities e.g. New York and empty streets. 
• Darkness, gloom and fog are normally associated with film noir swell, giving a mysterious and dangerous feeling.
• Costume aspects such as guns, trilby hats, trench coats, smart suits, cigarettes, red lipstick and smart polished shoes are all linked with the mise-en-scene aspect of the genre. 
• Regular use of centred angles and low lightning, add to the gloomy feeling.
• Heavy, jazz music is normally used within noir films to give the film an edge of sophistication. 
• Themes set the movie in motions and allows audience to have an idea of what the film is going to be able. Film Noir themes are commonly love, betrayal, jealously, murder and corruption. 
• The narrative’s of Film Noir include, voiceover narration and first person narrative.
• Film Noir cinematography is often distorted and uncomfortable to look at, putting the audience at a sense of unease.  
• Visuals are used to add darkness and mystery to the film, some of these include using a blocking shot (taken between blinds), low key lighting, shots through mirrors/frosted glass, silhouettes and ominous facial expression.

 Examples of famous Film Noir films include, 
-Maltese Falcon (1941)
-Double Idemnity (1944)
-Mildred Pierce (1945)
-The Big Sheep (1946)
-The Killers (1946)

Neo-noir examples include, 
-The French Connection (1971)
-Chinatown (1974)
-Miller's Crossing (1990) 
-Barton Fink (1991)
-LA Confidential (1997)

Sin City opening scene analysis, identifying typical Film Noir conventions and codes

Alike many Film Noir's there is Ambient Sound within the opening of the shot. These sounds are of things which are likely to create the underground and dark sense of the film, these sounds mostly consist of police sirens. There is also Incidental Music of slow jazz, this gives a element of sophistication to the film something which is typical to the genre. Within this scene we see the typical characters of the film noir genre being represented, the typical sexualised representation of the femme fatal is shown through the mise-en-scene of the female. The female wears a red dress. This red dress is very symbolic to the audience this is because red, as a colour, as many connotations. Some of these include the symbolic belief of red being believed to be something of a dangers nature moreover red can also symbolise love and lust, with its romantic connotations. The colour red can also be linked to the famous "Scarlett Women". The Scarlett Women gives red a sexualised aspect, the red dress is symbolic to being a women whom "gets around" and someone whom finds a identity within sexualised representation.  The Scarlett Women gives an alternative connotation to the red dress however due to the multiple connotations of Red, the audience are left with their own interpretation. The red dress also acts as a contrast to the darkness of the Black and White filming, this puts emphasis onto the femme fatal and gives her character, the red dress, a bold statement. 

The protagonist, the typical corrupted private detective, demonstrates common film noir mise en scene through his costume and conduct. The detective is dressed smartly, in clean and smart suit. This form of costume emphasises the representation the protagonist in film noir of which is present the detective as smart and edgy. The detective focuses on the females appearance, this is due to the way in which film noir sexualises women and represents them through this manner. Typically in Film Noir the female is presented as the femme fetal whom is in desperate need of help whereas the male protagonist whom offers this help therefore "saving the day". We see this power rivalry that is a typical feature of Film Noir through the way in which the male has dominance over the scene.

Lastly the opening scene is of restricted narrative, this means that us as the audience only know what the character informs us off, therefore when the "detective" shoots the female we gain a shock factor as this appears to be totally unexpected. Moreover if there was first person narrative of the situation, this would be omniscient narration as we know more than the character and would probably be made aware of the soon to be murder, this creates suspension and tension amongst the audience.

Task 3 Research into Genres- Codes and Conventions of a Romance Film

Codes and Conventions of a Romance Film


The narrative of a romcom is generally presented in a comical way and has a typical three part structure. A boy and a girl will meet, and usually the equilibrium of the story is disrupted as something will cause them to be torn apart then throughout the film, they will realise that they are meant to be together, then try and back to each other to restore the equilibrium. The main characters of a rom com are usually made so that the audience are able to connect and relate to them. They are often likeable which will gain the support from the audience. In some romcoms two main characters are from different social classes. This can then be the thing that keeps them separate and acts as a obstacle between them.  One of the characters will be from a middle class background,this makes them more relatable to the audience.

Throughout the film, there is a strong theme of true love, that is portrayed as "conquering all barriers that are encountered". The audience are usually introduced to the best friends and family members of the two main characters. Although they are there to offer their support, they are usually the main source of humour in the film. The audience can relate to the best friend in the film, and they would consider what they would do in that situation. The bestfriend acts as the "helper" to the characters. 

Majority of romcom films will have a happy tone/atmosphere, so the lighting will be used to reflect this. Romcom’s are less serious than other genres, and are designed to entertain the audience. Horror films tend to use music e.g. orchestra however in romcom’s songs are used; usually they will be well known pop songs, so that the audience can recognise them easily. The conclusion of a romcom film will be happy, with the two main characters getting back together. However, it is getting increasingly popular to show the reality that sometimes, it doesn’t all work out exactly the way we want it to.

Romantic comedies are usually set in acity. The most common place to set a romcom is London. It is a place that audiences can picture. In a place like London it is believable that the events in the film could happen. Most romantic comedies will be set around Christmas time. At this time of year, families and friends gather together. 

Task 2 Research Into Existing Products- Analysis of "Clueless"

"Clueless" is a typical Romantic film written and directed by Amy Heckerling in 1995. Clueless is an adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel “Emma”. Although it appeals to a large

audience, the target audience is actually the teenage generation and with this 

in mind, Heckling makes the protagonists "Cher" relatable to the audience.

The genre conventions are highlighted within the opening scene as we see the main character shopping, this is one of the genre conventions as it shows the stereotypical belief of girls being focused on shopping and materialism. We also see a group of girls in a car playing music, this hightlights the protagonists social life and gives the impression of her being "fun loving and popular" a trait that is often given to main characters in a romantic films. The shots shown in the pictures below gives the audience an idea of the character and her social group, the mise en scene of the props suggest that she has money/comes from wealthy background this is because the character is carrying two large sized bags, meaning she has the money to shop and spend. The car she drives is expensive looking suggesting that she can afford to have the expense of the car despite her being young, this implies she is dependant on her parents. 

We also see a shot of the characters dancing, presumably at a party, the editing of this shot is slowed down to make it seem like there pictures being taken. This is relatable to the audience as the age group the film is aimed at will be familiar with taking pictures with friends. It gives the impression of the character leading a fun life. Throughout these shots there is seamless editing, this gives the impression of the party being on going and that her whole life revolves around her having fun. 

Within the opening scene the music continues to play throughout this gives the impression of the protagonists life being an on going party, the song "Were the kids in America" by Kim Wilde is significant as it helps sum up the characters and the lives they lead, they see them selves as the kids of America who have fun and party. Despite there being music playing throughout the shots we also hear ambient sounds of laughing and chatter, creating a sense of the group being close and connected.  A lot of the shots in the opening scene are made up of handheld pans, this conveys the impression of the characters being wild and uncontrollable. 

We are properly introduced to the character through her reflection in the mirror shown through an over the shoulder shot. The character is choosing what to wear and appears conscious of her appearance, this is a typical representation in Romantic films as they focus on love and attraction, therefore the characters often want to look their best in order to impress. The idea of the character not being able to find something to wear will be relatable for the audience; the teenage girls watching the film will be able to relate the feeling as they probably have experienced it themselves. 

During these shots there is a voice over of the character giving an inner monologue, she talks about her life "I actually have a way normal life for a teenager" although she states this we as the audience she that her life isn't the norm for teenagers and its clear she is brought up in a wealthy area. Through her thinking her life is "normal" she gives the impression of being spoilt and not appreciating what she has. The voice over breaks the fourth wall between the audience and we begin to see her life from her perspective, this is often a convention of the Romantic genre. 

The irony of her thinking her life is normal is emphasis through the miss-en-scene of her room, she has a computer in her room which determines her outfits for her. Something which the audience don't find "normal". There is a close up shot of the computer choosing the outfit for Cher, this is symbolic to show how she is dependent on others. Dependant on her parents for financial support and dependant on the computer for simply things like choosing what to wear. 

Task 2 Research Into Existing Products- North by North comparison to Se7en Title Sequence

Alfred Hitchcock is most known for his dynamic film title sequence. He is famous for making thrillers with imaginative title sequences. When researching the title sequences it is evident that his work in North by Northwest is angular and stylish in comparison with the more surreal, dreamlike sequences of films like Se7en directed by David Fitcher. Both directors' openers are disorienting, their aim being to bring us from reality into the mood of the film. Because the directors are using different techniques, they use varied ways of easing us into the dream of their movies. 

North by Northwest-
North by Northwest helps convey its disorientated storyline through the typography of the text and lines; this transitions into a busy street. The typography used here appears to be part of the landscape, it helps suggest the idea of the disorientation. The idea of things being disorientated and not always what they seem is a convention of the genre and something most thrillers recreate in one way or another. The title sequence helps forebode certain elements of the storyline therefore when creating a title sequence for a Thriller is it essential that it is subtle and gives "clues" to the audience through its editing/general composure e.g. disorientated images in North by Northwest used to convey disorientation of storyline. 

Se7en- 

Within the title sequence of se7en, Fitcher explores the fragmentation of the murders mind frame within the composure of the title sequence, the highly abstract props e.g razor blade, combined with the close up shots edited to quickly transition helps give the ideology of instability. The juxtaposition of the text being almost random and constantly changing helps give this representation of mental instability. The way in which we never see an establishing shot helps convey the fast pace of the storyline giving it the "Thriller" feeling. Fitch brings a new motion to typography as he draws on modern editing techniques to create the intensity of the thriller genre.