Our media product was a film called 'Pulled From the Rough'. Our film is a romantic drama that explores features of mourning, recovery and friendship. We used the stereotypical conventions of a film and the romantic drama genre as well as challenging the conventions.
Genre:
Moves away, keeping distance
Since our film genre is romantic drama, the main conventions we stuck to included:
- Conflict between the main protagonist with themselves or another character.
In our case, the conflict is what challenges the main, which is the death of her boyfriend. This controls her feelings, causing her to feel separate from the world.
Many romantic drama films explore different types of love, including; 'love at first sight', unrequited love and tragic love. In our film we explore the love of past relationship (Jess towards her dead boyfriend) and unrequited love (Alex's love for Jess).
We used Claude Levi-Strauss' binary opposite theory in our film to emphasise the differences between the two characters:
AlexJess
-Optimistic -Depressed
-Boy -Girl
-Energetic -Apathetic
Narrative Structure
We followed the classic narrative pattern of Todorov's Theory:
Forms and Style
Comparison between Remember Me's film opening(Allen Coulter, 2010) and our, 'Pulled From The Rough'
The music we used as the background score, helped convey the emotions of the sequence.
We used 'Up'(Pete Docter, Bob Peterson, 2009) as a reference. Despite it being a cartoon, it was able to make their audience feel the emotion of the characters without any dialogue, which we wanted to do in our film opening.
(start at 03:21)
In terms of editing;
-For our titles, we used a simple font to make sure the audiences attention was not directed away from the drama going on in the sequence. As well as following the independent film style.
As for the final title of the film, we used a font called 'Noir-Et Blanc'. The way the font extends at the tips connotes a reach for something. In our films case, a reach for help or a reach for love. Just having the outline white, instead of with a white fill still emphasises it as much, it also subtly hints a sense of coverage of emotions.
-For the grading, we use David Mullen's 'The Quiet' as a reference.
Dark grading in our film opening
The Quiet
In the dark night scenes in our film opening, we wanted to indicate a sense of Jess' emotion via the grading. We had to tint it blue to show that it was in the dark but also to connote her depression as well as using the music to back up the feelings.
In our opening sequence, we focussed on the representation of gender, age and race, we tried to comply with the stereotypical representations to allow the audience to relate to it as well as challenge some conventions, despite the challenging theme.
Gender:
Nick from New Girl
Boys:
Schmidt from New Girl
-Usually represented as sex-obsessed and rowdy, such as Schmidt from New Girl.
-However in our film opening, we have represented Alex as a caring gentle friend like Nick from New Girl. We filmed our opening sequence in a bedroom and had Alex knock before coming into the room to check on her; showing his worry for her well-being and her education.
-Romance between two main characters: At first, Jess and Alex seem to be just friends, but we have hinted that Alex has a romantic interest in Jess. This happens in many films and television shows, like New Girl. At first Nick is Jess' close friend, then later on in the series, a romantic relationship is formed between them.
Skyler White from Breaking Bad
Girls:
Jess snaps at Alex
-Usually represented as the more emotional and unstable character like Skyler White from Breaking Bad, which we have followed to keep the character realistic and relatable, also due to her 'trauma' she is put in this state of mind. We represent her as emtionaless at first, with her monotone clothing, but then as she interacts more with Alex, she becomes more unstable and in the end, snaps at Alex despite him only wanting to help.
Age
The youth in the society are branded as ignorant, antisocial and rude. Many drama follow this stereotype, for example, 'Misfits', which represents the 'youths' in a negative way.
-In our film opening, we have two representations of the youth.
Alex, is portrayed as a caring friend that just wants to help Jess carry on with life, and help pick her back up.
A similar character is Finn Nelson from My Mad Fat Diary. He is caring and still makes mistakes but tries to be understanding, while the girl he likes is having troubles.
Jess is the stereotypical teenage girl and she is the 'damsel in distress' character, with her distress being the passing of her boyfriend.
A character that we used as a reference included Rae Earl from My Mad Fat Diary as well. When Rae was going through her worst stages, she would isolate herself to avoid any contact with people. Also the way she thinks that her friends don't understand what she's going through.
To make sure the audience were able to identify that she once used to be a normal teen, we had the regular props that a regular female student would have in their room.
Items places around the set
The youth is also represented as irresponsible, which in this case is being shown through Jess neglecting her studies and not attending her lectures.
The 2 major companies are the production company and the distributor. These are mainly based on the film's genre.
We would apply for 'Funding for first-time directors' from the British Film Industry(BFI) to receive a grant. We would not be able to suffice from just the grant received, therefore we would use some of our own money to contribute to the film making as well as creating fund-raising events, like cake sales. Despite that being maybe tedious but we could also use the events to advertise our film.
Our main focus is on the UK market since it would have less appeal to the foreign markets due to it being independently produced and distributed as well as it having British iconography to target the domestic audience.
Primary Audience:
Profile of our core audience
Our film is from Jess' point of view, so our core audience may be able to relate to the situations that happen throughout the film. It may also be aspiration for them, when the resolution of the problem is shown in the film.
Secondary Audiences:
However there may be potentia foreigh markets like USA and Europe, since similar films like 'Silver Linings Playbook' has similar themes and storyline and was able to take $95m internationally and $132m in their domestic market, USA
How we used the Uses of Gratification theory to attract our audience:
Survey Results:
We asked a range of people to watch our film and complete a survey. Over 70% of the audience was part of our core audience and our results showed that they were mainly attracted to our film opening.
Overall we received a good feedback from the public. But we noticed some trends.
One of the female's survey answers
One of the male's survey answers
On the left is the answers from a male audience member and on the right is the answers of a female audience member. We noticed that most of the females gave an 8 or 9 for the last question, however the males gave a rating of around 5 or 6. We were able to successfully attract our core target audience, but our secondary audience, the males, were not as impressed. We were able to create a good atmosphere, which most romantic dramas need to be able to create some suspense that the females liked, but the males wanted to know more within the opening sequence to give more reasoning to the characters behaviours.
Throughout the project, we used a range of different technologies including:
-Hardware: a camera with a shotgun mic and headphones, microphone, tripod and lighting kit.
-Software: Adobe Premier Pro, Adobe After Effects and Livetype
Camera: Canon HV30 with Shotgun Mic and Sennheiser HD201 Headphones
Small LCD screen
Blue Yeti Microphone
Lighting: Arrilite 750 plus
Adobe Premier Pro
We used this software to edit together our animatic, test edit and film opening. Since we were used to using it, it was fairly easy and quick to use when editing our film openings.
While using Adobe Premier Pro, we learnt new techniques to help us work more efficiently:
-Selecting and capturing clips
-Adjusting sound levels to emphasise on certain part.
-Colour grading using ProcAmp and Three-Way-Colour-Corrector
Advantages:
-Multiple tracks: so it was easier to see where to cut to from each clip as well as editing match-on-action shots.
-Locking track: this allowed us to not accidentally delete clips that were useful and set in place.
-Instant preview of the sequence: helped us pick out the flaws quickly
Three-Way-Colour Corrector
Disadvantages:
-Rendering: we had to continuously render the sequence which was very tedious and slowed the process of editing.
-Colour correcting: since we had no previous experience on it, and the format of it was confusing.
Adobe After Effects:
We used after effects for the Frozen Productions indent. It would have been hard to use if we didn't know what to do, but since we followed a tutorial, it was easier for us to make it.
We used social networking to converse with each other, allowing us to be able to discuss with each other when we're not together.
Whatsapp/ Facebook group:
Facebook Group
Whatsapp Group
-We were all able to use it anywhere at any time since we all had mobile data. Different media was able to be sent via Whatsapp, like audio, video and pictures.
-On Facebook, we were able to share links. For example on the left, it shows me linking a font for my group to look at and give their opinions on it.
As a film maker, I am glad that there is a sudden burst of new technology. Because of technology, small film-makers like ourselves are able to make small videos that we can share with one another on easily accessible websites like Youtube and Facebook. Learning more about the new technology that has been created, makes film making more fun and interesting.
For the preliminary, I worked with Josh and Yssy to create the 1 minute video posted below.
In our preliminary task, we were asked to make a 1 minute continuity sequence where a characters walks into a room towards another character whom they exchange dialogue with. This helped us with our film opening as it gave us the basic knowledge of how to film and edit a sequence so it made sense, by following the rules of continuity.
Pre-production:
During the pre-production of my preliminary, we had not done much planning of the sequence, since it was a simple and straight-forward task. However for our full product, we had to create a storyboard for the animatic then we used the animatic to create a more visual shootboard and storyboard that we can use for our main shoot. This proved very helpful when filming the sequence, and when directing, i was able to use the storyboard and to make sure that we had a good continuity throughout the shots. The shootboard proved useful by putting together the shots that needed continuity, ensuring that we would shoot with continuity throughout the shots.
Pulled From The Rough's storyboard
Pulled From The Rough's shoot-board
Page 1 of pitch
Page 2 of pitch
So that we knew exactly what we were filming, we had to plan and research a lot before the actual test shoots. We then had to pitch our ideas to the teachers. For that I had to know every aspect of the film's idea. I learnt that when planning a film, you did not only have to know how to shoot it but also to use research to help you understand it more in detail.
After making a pitch, we were given feedback on our ideas and we had to make changes to it. Then we made use the feedback to create our treatment, which we presented to get more feedback on whether she need to change anything or not. On the treatment we wrote out our storyboard described briefly for the teachers to be able to visualise how the film opening would look like.
Treatmet page 1
Treatment page 2
The problem we had for the prelim was that we didn't do the blocking of the location we were going to film in. Therefore when we came to filming it, we realised that we had limited amount of space, which limited our creativity with the camera. So to prevent that from happening again, we made a floor plan of the location we were planning on filming in as well as picture of the room.
Floor plan of the bedroom
Location reccie photos
Production:
In our prelim, we used a lot of match-on-action, and I was able to use this in our film opening. As shown in the gifs below. For these math-on-action shots, we had to note down how the actors did the action. For example, the gif of Alex throwing the clothes, we had to make sure he was using the same hand when filming the shot from different angles. This taught me the importance of note-taking while filming, ensuring the shots flow well with continuity.
Opening of door from prelim
Alex throws clothes
Jess slams clock
For the prelim, we did not realise that we had a close in the background, so while we were filming, the clock was keep ticking and it would be a different time in each shot. So for the film opening, we had to remember where everything was placed to have a good continuity. To remember, we took pictures of things to make sure we knew how to put it back in the way if something was to mess up.
Post-Production:
For the prelim, we did not do as much editing as we did for the film opening. This is due to the fact that we had to grade the shots to make it look visually nicer for the audience.
However we were able to use techniques we learnt from the prelim for the film opening sequence edit. For example, we were able to use the audio levels to make sure the audio sound is the same throughout each shot that is necessary.
To make sure that everyone in our group was able to edit either by themselves of with another group member, we made a edit schedule.By working on the edit separately, we were all able to use our own knowledge of editing to use, but we also put times where we worked together as a group to allow time for discussion as well.
Edit schedule
In hindsight:
In hindsight, I would have chosen a location that did not reflect the light so much, since it gave us a lot of trouble when grading the shots. The room was purple and it reflected the light, making some of the white objects look pinky.
However overall, I think our final piece was quite a success, considering it was our first time using softwares like after effects. To be able to make a two minute and a half film opening sequence that had a fairly good feedback, from making a one minute continuity sequence, I think that I have learnt a lot about film-making. As a prosumer, i would love to make more shorts like this using the knowledge that i have gained from this project.
When planning out our sequence, we ensured that we discussed and made decisions on our use of conventions with genre, narrative structure, form and style. Our film is a Romantic Drama named "Pulled from the Rough" that surrounds the life of Jess, as she struggles to come to terms with the death of her boyfriend and how it affects her in her everyday life.
Genre:
Researching conventions of genre were essential in allowing us to be aware of how we were going to use/develop or challenge these conventions. The conventions we show in our sequence:
- A convention of romantic dramas is that there is initially a lot of ambiguity; the audience only tend to see who the main character is without any background context. "Silver Linings Playbook" is an example of where this method is used in a film similar to ours; although slightly different the effect obtained is the same. In "Pulled from the Rough" we show our main character asleep with no dialogue or movement, this identifies Jess as being the central character in our film. In "Silver Linings Playbook", they fade into footage of the main character's back with a voice over from the main character; this shows the audience that the person in shot is an important character, but doesn't give us a lot of context yet.
"Pulled from the Rough" opening compared to that from "Silver Linings Playbook" (David O. Russell, 2012)
- The protagonist will tend to be in conflict with themselves or with other characters. This can be seen in our product with Jess. She is conflict with (1) herself as she changes herself to try and get over the death of her boyfriend (2) Alex as he does all he can to help her get out of her rut, Jess is constantly in conflict with him as she rejects his help countless times. In "Now is good" Tessa Scott has conflict with her father as she goes against his wishes and lives her life to the fullest, even if it includes doing things which are illegal.
Tessa from "Now is Good"
(Ol Parker, 2012)
Inspiration for Jess came mainly from "Tessa Scott" in the film "Now is good" (A British Teen Drama)
Anna from "My Sister's Keeper
(Nick Cassavetes, 2009)
As well as "Tessa", we looked at "Anna Fitzgerald" from "My Sister's Keeper"; she is a girl who was raised to be what can only be described as spare parts for her terminally ill sister. She is in conflict with herself as to whether or not she should stand up for her sister when she challenges their parents.
Holly from "PS I love you"
(Richard LaGravenese, 2007)
Another reference we looked at is "Holly" from "PS I love you", both Jess and "Holly are going through mourning and initially react in the same way i.e. isolating themselves by staying in their beds alone.
Inspiration for Alex came from "Adam" in the film "Now is good".
As well as from "Finn Nelson" in the television programme (teen drama) "My Mad Fat Diary", he is very caring for his best friend Rae and is always there for her whenever she is having a hard time.
Now is Good
Alex (Left), Tessa (Right)
Finn from "My Mad Fat Diary
- Generally because the characters in a romantic drama go through a variety of emotions, the score used fluctuates in terms of volume and pace according to how the character is feeling. In our piece when Jess' emotions reach their peak the music reaches its peak, the pace and volume both increase to reflect Jess.
The track used in "Pulled from the Rough"
This is the full uncut version of the track; in the opening sequence this was shortened.
"Remember Me" would be an example of where a score which adjusts according to the character's emotions is used to enhance the scenes mood. This was used as inspiration for our track and the concept of having the music change according to the characters emotions was taken into account when it was being created.
The track used in "Remember Me"
(Allen Coulter, 2010)
Narrative Structure:
When conceptualising the narrative for our product, we applied various theories:
Todorov'stheory of equilibrium:
In our piece, the equilibrium is negative; Jess is in mourning after the death of her boyfriend
The disruption is triggered when she has to go back to university for the start of a new term. She begins on a downward spiral, drinking, partying and skiving off her lectures.
Alex steps in and pulls her onto the correct path by making her realise she isn't being true to herself.
Jess returns to her normal self and becomes much closer to Alex.
The two become a couple and decide that the best way to honour her boyfriend's death is to plant a tree in their back garden.
Barthes Enigma Codes:
These enigma codes were set up which allow the narrative to continue to flow smoothly
- Why is Jess upset with Alex? - What is the Jess' relationship with Alex? - What is the off screen event that they are talking about? - How will she react to being forced into the world?
Levi-Strauss' theory of binary opposites:
Alex is Energetic as he barges into Jess' room and begins
shaking Jess. Jess is Apathetic as she wallows in her despair.
Form:
In our media product we chose that it was best to conform to the expected form of film openings, because it is a sound method adopted by many films that ensures the audience understand the film opening. As can be seen below, we ensured to introduce institutions i.e. production companies, characters and setting; this makes sure the audience are aware of what is happening.
What "Remember Me" did What we did in our sequence
The diagram shows similarities between our film and "Remember Me" which is of a similar genre
Style:
Titles:
Our titles are very simple; they were designed to reflect the film's nature and the actual name of the film.
The main title from our film opening "Pulled from the Rough"
The font used is elongated, this represents Jess being pulled out of her personal darkness, out of her rut. Essentially being "Pulled from the Rough".
The main title from the opening of "Remember Me" (Allen Coulter, 2010)
The title appears bit by bit and doesn't stay for long, this gives the appearance of memories.
The main title from the opening of "Submarine" (Richard Ayoade, 2010)
The title is spread over multiple lines/levels; there are multiple levels to the main characters mind as well as his emotions constantly moving to different levels. Similar to a submarine, constantly sinking and surfacing.
Grading:
In the scenes in Jess' bedroom we used two different types of grading, each to convey different things.
Dark grading in our film
For the shots in the dark, we chose to add a blue-ish tinge to the footage. This gives her room quite a cold feel, as though at the moment Jess is devoid of all feeling. As well as this, it is a convention of films in general that night shots are tinted with blue to shot it is night. What makes it specific to our genre is that Romantic Dramas use shots in the dark frequently as it conveys the characters inner emotions or lack of.
The Quiet (Jamie Babbit 2005)
Inspiration was drawn from Jamie Babbit's "The Quiet" that also uses this type of grading when the main character is sat all alone with her mind running ragged.
The grading in our film
The shots when the lights are turned on in her room are graded in a way that makes Jess look unkempt. The contrast was increased to make Jess seem much paler in this section of the film, it shows that she has turned into a very cold person and is emotionally drained. "Submarine" is an example of where this is used.
Submarine (Richard Ayoade, 2010)
Our piece conforms to many of the forms and conventions set out in media products that are similar to our film opening in terms of genre, narrative structure, form and style . We felt that if we were to stray too far from these conventions, then it would in fact have a negative impact on our piece and lead to the audience becoming confused in regards to the narrative. That is the reasoning behind many of our choices seen in our film opening and is what drove us when coming up with the entire concept.
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-For our titles, we used a simple font to make sure the audiences attention was not directed away from the drama going on in the sequence. As well as following the independent film style.
As for the final title of the film, we used a font called 'Noir-Et Blanc'. The way the font extends at the tips connotes a reach for something. In our films case, a reach for help or a reach for love. Just having the outline white, instead of with a white fill still emphasises it as much, it also subtly hints a sense of coverage of emotions..jpg)
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