Planning

Ideas Generation



Before I can finalise an idea I need to consider what ideas that I could potentially approach. Before thinking of my synopsis, I know that I would like to create a teaser trailer of the genre romance/tragedy. Within my group, ideas were pulled together and I created a mind map of the different possible plot lines for my teaser trailer. Once decided, I can continue with my planning and focus in detail about my preparation and how I am going to approach my synopsis to make it successful and appeal to my target audience. 

The Proposal

Now that I have established what my synopsis is I go into more depth about my proposed idea. I need to consider both the inner and outer presence of each of my characters, as well as potential props and editing styles.

The Script

A detailed script is essential for a production, especially to ensure the production runs smoothly. I can refer back to my script to make sure I am filming each of my shots how I firstly imagined them. Initial ideas such as transitions can also be referred back to in my script. The preparation of a script can also prepare me to create a detailed and accurate shot list alongside a location recce.

Script by emilyhymus

UPDATE10th October 2012 - After carrying out peer assessment, I was given feedback for my script. Some suggestions included making roses more of a prominent icon throughout the trailer. For example showing a rose in many of the scenes so my trailer has a constant connection to passion and love. Another suggestion included adding more detail to the action of characters. This will help my audience to understand the inner presence of my characters, as well as making it easier to direct on production. It was also suggested that 'fade to black' was changed to 'fade to next scene', but this is not necessary to change as our initial idea included a fade to black transition as this is where I want to fit titles into the trailer. The prominence of other characters was another suggestion. I may want to consider showing other characters from within my story line instead of basing it solely on my two protagonists. However, it is conventional for a romance to film to simply include the male and the female, as well as the antagonist who begins to create problems for the couple.

Location Ideas

For this task I had to decide where my ideal places would be to film some of my scenes. I have sketched out some of the most appropriate and idea locations, followed by an analysis as to why these locations would be so ideal as well as the mise en scene I would like.

My first ideal location is a romantic restaurant. I would like a restaurant to have low key lighting. The lighting needs to be dim with artificial filler lighting such as table lamps or candles. The low key lighting would give my location a sense of romance, especially if accompanied with props such a red roses. This is because roses also strongly connote romance and passion. Although the scene will be shot focusing on one table, I would like other tables in the background to give my scene a sense of vibrancy instead of isolation. This is so my characters appear to be surrounded by the real world during the equilibrium stage of the narrative. 

My ideal second location is a basic kitchen. This will appear during the early stage of the teaser trailer, when the narrative is portraying calmness and romance. The basic family kitchen gives the scene a sense of comfort and familiarity, for both the characters as well as the audience. This is because my target audience will be able to relate to a location such as this, which has a 'lived in' and 'family' feel to it, especially if the kitchen is slightly messy. This will be achieved by using cooking equipment with props such as a rolling pin, mixing bowls and a chopping board. Ideally, natural lighting will be used during this scene, with the key light shining in through a window behind the camera, with filler lights from smaller windows surrounding the kitchen. This would ensure the scene is high key and bright. 

The third ideal location for one of my scenes is a roadside/street. The idea I have sketched is a quiet street including minimal cars to avoid any interruption to filming. Cars will create ambient sound that my scene doesn't require and could potentially interrupt any dialogue which progresses the narrative. The idea lighting for this scene would be late evening, this is because it requires natural lighting but not so much that the shot becomes bright. This is because the lighting needs to be dim, which should represent danger and the change in mood in my teaser trailer, alongside representing the change in character behavior. Filler lighting such as street lights may be useful if the natural light becomes too dark. 

The last location I sketched was the living room. The idea of a living room gives a sense of comfort and familiarity for the characters, appearing during the equilibrium stage of the narrative. The comfort and warmth from a family home represents 'simple times' where nothing fancy is required to spend time with each other, therefore this is ideal in terms of portraying romance. This location will appear before the disruption to the equilibrium, and will show audiences the strong bond the couple share, as they are simply spending time with each other. All lighting in this scene will be artificial, as it will be set in the evening where the curtains are closed. The key light will be coming from the TV reflecting onto the characters to ensure they stand out. Candles and small lamps will be the shots source of filler lights, creating a low key sense of romance. Props in this scene will include a blanket for the characters to be underneath, which connotes the warmth they have for each other. Candles will be placed around the shot to give the scene a stronger sense of passion and romance, along with a red rose (which will feature in most scenes to portray a discreet representation of romance throughout each stage of the narrative, including the disruption of the equilibrium). 

Location Recce/Test Shots

Having sketched ideal locations, I need to finalise where I want to shoot each of my scenes by choosing appropriate real life locations. I made sure I visited each of my locations in order to assess whether they would be appropriate and and what potential hazards could arise during shoot. An idea of a location could look different in real life to what is being imagined in my head. I took a picture of each location and analysed whether there may be issues with lighting, sound and accessibility, all of which could play a part in the success of each shoot therefore need to be considered when deciding on each location.

 

Location recce from Emily Hymus

Costume and Prop Ideas

Preparing costume and props before filming will help during the production of my teaser trailer. Props and costume are an important part of the preparation and each elements are carefully thought about in order to convey the intended message to my target audience. These aspects of mise en scene help to portray ideas of theme and representation in my trailer, of which denotations and connotations add meaning to each scene and characters within them.

Casting Profiles

I carried out character profiles for why each of the actors/actresses would be suitable to play each of the required parts in my teaser trailer. It is important for each person to suit the required role correctly in order for the audience to find the cast relatable and believable. Each cast member I have chosen represent each character in a way that will drive the narrative accordingly and effectively. 

Character: Jasmine

Libby would be suitable for the part of Jasmine as she has long and wavy dark hair. This helps to exaggerate Jasmine's delicateness in my teaser trailer, portraying her as potentially vulnerable. Libby also has a slim figure and small frame, representing her as a fragile character. She is also pretty, making her suitable to play the part of Jasmine, as the audience will be able to find the idea of her and Nathan being in a relationship believable. 

Libby is also known for being reliable which will be convenient when shooting, especially as she is one of the leading characters. 

Character: Nathan

George will fit the character profile of Nathan as he is conventionally good looking, making it easy for the audience to find the narrative believable as well as relatable. He has a masculine body frame, representing him as tough and stereotypically attractive. He has dark brown eyes and brown hair portraying him as a 'stud' character that female audience members will be drawn to. 

George has experience with acting as he takes A-Level drama. This means his acting skills will be high. He is known for his time management ability therefore we trust him as a reliable cast member who will be do his best to be able to shoot when required. 

Character: Mia

Amelia is suited for the part of Mia because she has a slim figure and is an attractive female. This means the audience would be able to relate to the situation Mia is involved in throughout the teaser trailer. It will be believable that she could potentially disrupt a relationship due to her good looks. Alongside dark make up and revealing costume Amelia would definitely be able to achieve the required 'threatening' look.

Mia is a small part in our teaser trailer. Because Amelia is part of the shooting of the production anyway, it will be easy and convenient to use her to play a role in filming. 

Permissions - Actors and Locations

I need permissions for the use of locations before I start shooting. I also need to ensure I have written permission from the actors I would like to feature in my teaser trailer.

According to the BFI, permission needs to be written if I want to film on public land, public buildings and roads. For this I need the permission of the local authority before I can begin filming. If I would like to film on a public road I need to have written permission from the local police or Highways Department. Both will need to make sure the location used does not pose any risk to road users.

When filming an actor in a specific store or restaurant, I need written permission to use the location and I also need to show the chains name or trademark. If I am outside a location, I do not need permission, however, I cannot use the outside of a location if it portrays a negative image in my shoot. I do not need written permission from passers by if they were to feature in my film.

References to sources: http://industry.bfi.org.uk/publicspaces

Risk Assessment

Storyboard

A storyboard is necessary for the organisation of production. I can refer back to the storyboard during the production stages of making me film which will allow me to gain the detail I firstly thought of when creating my media product. For example camera angles and sound needed can be referred back to ensuring my final piece has followed the script and maintained constant organisation. 

Shot List

Before I begin shooting, a shot list needs to be created to according to location. This is so I when it comes filming it is clear what shots need to be filmed in each location. This is so I can be organised when I am filming and will make sure no shots are inadvertently skipped. If this were to happen it would mean going back to the location to film one shot.

Shooting Schedule

Before I start shooting, I need to create a production schedule to stick to throughout the making of my production. This is so I can hit each deadline and hopefully have a detailed idea into when everything needs to be achieved by. The schedule needs to includes dates and locations of filming, along with who needs to attend each location and when. This is so that everyone involved in the production has a clear idea as to how the final product will be built up and put together by. The schedule will include deadlines for pre-production, post-production and post-production.

Pre-Production

Production

Post-production

Audio clips and permission for use

It is important to get permission from the music producers or copyright owners of any sound I want to use in my teaser trailer. This is especially necessary because I am hoping to present my media product onto a public blog where I do not want any risk of the sound being taken from my teaser trailer. If sound was removed from my teaser trailer because of breaching any copyright laws, the overall success of my product will be limited because the use of sound is important and is an essential factor of appealing to my target audience. If sound is used without permission, the owners of any sound used have the right to remove the sound if they are not credited for it themselves.

The owners of the sound effects used in my teaser trailer has given me permission to download and use them. I used the website http://www.freesfx.co.uk/ which openly states that I able to use their sounds for free in their terms and conditions section part of their website. Below is a screenshot of their website.



This screenshot shots that the music owners are happy with me using their sounds for free.

I also want to ensure that the soundtrack I place over my teaser trailer has permission to be used. To make sure it was allowed, I emailed the producers of the music. I sent a request to use their music over Facebook email and hotmail. Below is a screenshot of the email I sent to 'Polydor' records asking for permission to use the soundtrack I want to include in my media coursework. 

The music owners have a 'terms of use' page on their website. This stated that music may be used for personal use only, as long as it wasn't used for commercial gain. Music is being used for educational purposes and will not gain any profit, therefore does not go against their terms of use. Below is a screenshot of the 'Polydor' official website stating this.

I wanted to get permission to use 'Over the Love' by 'Florence and the Machine owned by Universal. To do this I rang up the Universal Liscensing team and they sent me a form to fill in to get permission of the song use. Below is a screenshot of this form;

However, after receiving an email back after filling out the form, they stated for use of the music we would have to pay £150 for an 8 month right. Below is a screenshot of the email. This now means that we are going to have to find an alternative soundtrack to use in our production. 

Having had no response to the first piece of music by Ellie Goulding, I needed to find an alternative soundtrack for both parts of my teaser trailer. This was a shame as all audience feedback responses came from the audience when the initial two pieces of music were used, and the music was one of the strongest and most successful responses I received. A member of my group knew a family friend who writes and sings her own music. One piece was found that could be put into the first half of product. An email was sent making sure the permission for the song use was granted. Below is a screenshot of the permission received.

After finding another piece of music I noticed was used in another student production, I decided to contact the company and ask if I could use the music they produced. Below was a copy of the email I sent and the email I received back. 

Thankfully I have another piece of music which was given permission to use on YouTube.

Mood Board

I created a collage of pictures for similar genre films to my own. This now helps me to understand what kind of scenes are typically included in this genre, as well as giving me an idea as to conventional titles for a 'romantic tragedy'. 

Each of the pictures in my mood board was chosen on the basis of them portraying similar themes and representations I wish to convey in my own production. Romance is a heavy representation in my media product, which is shown during the couple scenes. The titles of romantic tragedy films vary depending on their target audience or era they were produced in. For example 'Love Actually' has modern titles compared to 'Splendor in the Grass'. This means I will need to base my title font on the age of my target audience, therefore they will be modern. An example of appropriate title styles I found is from the film ‘American Beauty’. This is because the titles give a romantic yet youthful feel, attracting my intended target audience. Much of the lighting in typical romance films are high key portraying warmth. However, much of the elements of this genre seem to approach low key lighting to connote a dull situation. 

Call sheets

A call sheet is important to give to each member of the cast in order for them to know when and where they are required for filming. Call sheets are helpful because they have a breakdown of each shot that is planned to be filmed during the shooting day. 

simplebooklet.com

Technical Diagrams

Technical diagrams are important for production because it means on the day of shooting all group members will know where equiptment and lighting equiptment will be placed. Each piece of equiptment and lighting has been drawn accurately on the technical diagrams however on the day of each shoot this may vary depending on the natural lighting on the day, and if other angles of equipment may be more appropriate for different shots. However the diagrams are clearly laid out so is important to refer back to on the day of production and gives a reasonable idea of how each scene will be set up.

Audience Feedback

I challenged some conventions of a romantic tragedy. In terms of production this may determined the overall success and appeal of my teaser trailer. The opinion of my target audience is very important because these are the people I want my teaser trailer to appeal to the most. I conducted a short questionnaire asking my target audience about the conventions that were challenged throughout the narrative of my teaser trailer, to hopefully to prove that the challenged conventions will make my product more appealing, rather than put my intended target audience off watching my product. Below is a copy of the 30 questionnaires I had completed. 

Analysing my audience feedback

I handed my questionnaire out to 30 members of my intended target audience (females aged between 16-24). The overall responses to the questionnaire were generally the same. All three questions were mostly answered with 'no'. This meant that the conventions we have challenged will not make a difference to the overall success of the film, and would not put a large percentage of my target audience off of seeing the film. In fact, having a short discussion with some of my target audience members allowed me to conclude that some challenged conventions, particularly the male protagonist, will make my teaser trailer even more appealing than a conventional female protagonist. 

The only question that was answered 'yes' occasionally in the questionnaire was 'if the film finished with a tragic death of a main character, would your enjoyment of the film be ruined?'. Although only a small majority of responses concluded this, I would still perhaps reconsider the ending to my product, so that the enjoyment for my entire target audience would be guaranteed. This may be done through a thought-provoking and suspense holding ending where the audience are unaware whether the female protagonist has survived or not. 

The responses from question three concluded that although some members of my target audience may find it difficult to relate to the character of Jasmine (some more than others), it would not mean people would be uninterested in watching my product. However a large amount would be able to relate to issues concerning the character of Jasmine anyway, for example drinking and relationship problems seem to be prominent in the life of females aged between 16 and 24. 

Overall, the questionnaire gave lots of positive feedback making me more confident in my narrative. Although mixed responses were gleamed from question two, it was not enough to change my current narrative. The majority of my target audience would find each of my challenged conventions appealing and unique, refreshing the genre. This is succumbing to Steve Neales genre theory where he believes a films originality is the key to a successful product, meaning that my twist on already established conventions will give my product a great chance of success.