Friday 26 November 2010

Friday 26th

In todays lesson we was asked to start creating our 'Production Journal'. So here goes....


In our double lesson this morning we was asked to of had prepared our pitches for our title sequences. In our group (Sophie, Sarah, Daisy and myself) we had prepared a powerpoint to sell our idea to the rest of the class. However, this was made difficult when the system went down making it difficult to get our powerpoint up. In the end we managed to get our presentation working and was told by our teacher that we 'SOLD' our idea. I think that everyones ideas in the class where very original and I am excited to see everyones finished products.


We was then given everything that needs to be added to our blogs. These were:
-A variety of thorough research is needed on our blogs before any production planning can take place.
- It is VERY important to keep up with blogging tasks that have been set - even if we miss a lesson.
- We have to remember to label all of our posts and start our 'Production Journal'.
- There is no harm in blogging too much!! But the result of not blogging enough will lower our coursework grade. Its up to us!!









We where then asked to write down the last film we saw. The last film I watched was 'Goldmember' directed by Jay Roach. We was then told what should 'typically be shown in a title sequence'. To prove these right or wrong I am going to look at the title sequence and try and gain the information.

- DETAILS OF CAST AND CREW (WHAT ORDER ARE THEY SEEN)?:
TRUE: as the cast come up in order of importance as Mike Myers name is first presented to the audience as he plays three characters in the film. The main characters names are shown in the middle of the screen but when it comes to characters that are not so important they are shown either on the left or right hand side at the bottom. The crews names are presented after the cast as I believe the audience want to see who are in the film more then who produced it.
- THE FILMS TITLE?:
TRUE: as the films title is present after the main characters name has been presented to the audience. The title is shown to be very bold and in your face placed in the very centre of the screen.
- AN INTRODUCTION TO CHARACTER OR CHARACTER TYPE?:
TRUE: as we can see by how the main character Austin Powers (played by Mike Myers) acts which is in a very happy, hyperactive state.
- INDICATION OF PLACE?:
FALSE: as the title sequence is shown on a movie set so the location is not yet presented to the audience.
- INDICATION TO HISTORICAL PERIOD?:
TRUE: as you can tell by the type of clothing the characters are shown to be wearing are very hippy like which could tell the audienc that the historical period of the film would be from the 1970s to the 1980s.
- INFORMATION REGARDING MOOD AND TONE?:
TRUE: as the mood of the film is shown to be very comical like which could connote that the film is going to be a funny uplifting film.
- INTRODUCTION TO SIGNATURE THEME TUNE?:
TRUE: as the film titles always have the same theme tune which is present in this title sequence. - INFORMATION ABOUT GENRE?:
TRUE: as it is shown to the audience that it is a comedy.
- QUESTIONS THAT THE VIEWER FIND INTRIGUING?:
TRUE: as the audience may will be wanting to find out what the film is about and what will happen in the remainder of the film.

Wednesday 24 November 2010

Tuesday 23 November 2010

Analysis of contempory titles/opening vs. older titles/opening.

As a part of my research and planning I have been asked to analyse a contempory title sequence with a older title sequence. To help me do this I have decided to compare Saul Bass' 'Psycho' (older) and Kyle Coopers 'The Orphan'. I have decided to use these two title sequences because they are in the same genre.


Here is the older title sequence by Saul Bass called 'Psycho' that I have decided to analyse. The first thing the audience are presented with are the hectic sound of the music Saul Bass decided to use. As the music starts to swell the background colour turns from black to a medium grey. This is when the sharp horizontal and vertical lines are shown in which could be seen as a stabbing movement across the shot. This could connote to the audience of happinnings that are going to take place later in the film. Throughout this title sequence the audience are presented of the characters that are going to star in the film, however there names do not appear easily at first glance. The characters names are unscrambled which could also give some information to the audience as the unscrambling of the characters could connote that there is hidden information that will be made present.


Here is the contemport title sequence by Kyle Cooper called 'The Orphan' that I have decided to analyse. Similar to Saul Bass' title sequence of 'Psycho' this title sequence starts off as the audience here some eery music. I believe this sets the genre as soon as the audience hear it because it will make them feel on edge and uneasy. We, the audience are then presented with the 'Warner Bros. Pictures' logo which changes from normal into UV paint splatted on it. This suggests to the audience that children could be involved in the film? The same thing then happens again on the 'Dark Castles' logo. In the first shot we are presented with what looks like a childs drawing of a bible which connotes to the audience religion will be present in the film and a childs drawing of a father and daughter. As the film is called 'The Orphan' these drawings might of be created by a child who is longing to be adopted. Also as we see this the first of the character names are present. They flash between two names which could suggest to the audience that there may be flash backs that they will need to look out for. In the second shot a second character name is present and is presented in the same way that the first names are - in a flashing motion. The background image is of another childs drawing of a person however, this time UV paint appears like before which has changed the images meaning to what seems like a destressed person which a speer through its neck with scissors also present on the person. This shows to the audience that there may be a horrific twist in the film. As this happens the character names font is changed from a normal font to what looks like a young childs hand writing. Now untill the end of the film we are presented with the same UV lighting on each of the images which reveal another meaning to each picture e.g. a building full of children on fire and a piece of ribbon. At the end of the title sequence the name of the film 'The Orphan' is revealed. The typography is bold and black. This makes the title sequence stand out and be seen easily by the audience.

These two title sequences are very different in style even though they are from the same genre class. I think that the title sequence which is more effective would be Kyle Coopers 'The Orphan' as there are many different images presented to the audience which gives the audience some information of what the film could have in store. However, I do think that Saul Bass' 'Psycho' is still effective for its time as it is very simple in style but gets the right message across and leaves the audience in suspence.

Monday 22 November 2010

What title sequences are and what they MUST need.

What a title sequence is and their job:

- They are the first impression
- Outlines the film makers intentions
- Takes responsibility of displaying the movies title, studio brand identity, the name of the director, and establishing the hierarchy of actors.
- Establishes the mood of the film and visual characters of the film.
- Set the tone, providing the mood and for shadowing the action.What title sequences should do:

- A successful title sequence should draw the viewer into the movie and to provide an introduction so that when someone goes back to the film they can have the 'ah' moment as they realise the proleptic value of the sequence.- Should get the audience hooked and excited to watch the film.

Juno



















We looked at this title sequence 'Juno' as a group. Here are the things we came up about it:
The title sequence shows us:
- Genre of the film.
- Title
- Tells the audience who produced it, etc.
- Show casing who is going to be the star in the film.
- Introduction to main characters.
- Draws audience in through the change of real life to cartoon.
- Shows us the setting.
- Should attract their selected target audience.


Seven



















We then looked at the Mise-En-Scene of this title sequence 'Seven'. After watching this sequence I felt disturbed and on edge about the rest of the film. It also made me think up the questions of 'who is the murderer?' and 'why is the person doing this?' I think that this is what the producer wanted the audience to feel like when watching the title sequence.
Here is what we witnessed throughout the sequence:
- Characters not clearly shown
- Location was not obvious
Props used:
- Old looking objects
- Old book
- Blade
- Hooks
- Pen and paper
- Tape
- Old tapes/film
- Eery pictures/developing photographs
- Sewing paper

Class Essay on the title sequence Seven

Mise-en-scene

A title sequence is the first thing the audience sees when the film starts, this being that it is very important that it gives of a first good impression. Within the film Se7en there are many things to consider in its title sequence, one of which being the mise-en-scene. Throughout this truly chilling title sequence there is no exterior or landscape shown which automatically leaves the audience with lots of questions in relation to the background information; the basic facts an average audience member would expect to know. We see a constant close up of the characters hands, never their face or body. Although we can see clearly sharp objects being used and there movement is very much the focus when they are involved in the frame. There are many different props used throughout the sequence which include: sharp objects, pen, paper, needle and thread and many old photos. Throughout the entire sequence the colour remains desaturated which we can only interpret as it having some relation to the forth coming events about to take place later on in the movie. The whole title sequence is film in a dark light setting, this suggests that the life is being drained out of the film this is also linked to how the character treats his victims. The final thing that sticks out in the sequence is that various things are highlighted in the props such as “homosexual” and “Transsexual” as well as cutting out the name “GOD” out of a clipping, to perhaps show the theme of religious belief and the connection to the person in the sequence; also the precision the person in the sequence has cold possibly be giving the audience an insight into the characters personality.

Purpose and character

From the close-ups we can’t tell what or where the location is, but we can guess that it is in a confined room. The reason why I think this is because the person who is making this book doesn't want anybody to know about it. I thought that the location was very secretive, and because the shots were so close to his hands and almost zoomed in on everything it makes you feel almost claustrophobic; which I think helped to make it feel eerie and scary. I also thought that the person was a man from the look of his hands. From this title sequence I think that he was trying to get rid of his identity by scraping off his finger prints, which made me feel really uncomfortable because it was an image I really didn't like. This suggests that he could be a serial killer and has planned things through to not get caught also this person seems to know what they are doing. There are images of dead people and it looks like he is creating a scrapbook which he has put the picture in but we aren't sure what the scrapbook is of. I also thought that he would have been a perfectionist because everything was done with his own hands and it clearly showed that he took time and care with his work and it was obviously thoroughly planned, I could tell this from the way everything seemed so precise, he seems to document his work very obssessively, but with patience. I thought that the person was religious, because they cut out a piece of a dollar bill that had the word ‘God’ written on it and also at the end of the title sequence the song ended with ‘gonna get me closer to God’, this made me think that they are killing people for their deadly sins and that they were killing for God. He crosses out words such as "transsexual" which also makes me think that he is religious. I got the idea that it was the seven deadly sins because there are two 'sevens' in the title and because the first shot after the title sequence says 'monday' which could explain one of the sevens.

Cinematography

'Seven' title sequence uses a lot of extreme close ups, this is used to create tension for the audience as it makes you feel very uncomfortable and it puts you in discomfort. Also all of these shots are still, we are only able to see the movement of the peoples body features and some of the objects. Due to the fact of these extreme close ups being still we are unable to see the surroundings and where everything is set, this is to create a big mystery which people may want to reveal by watching the whole film. Most of the lighting in this title sequence is dull; this is to create a scary and an unpleasant atmosphere. Not only the lighting is dull but also the colours included are rather dark such as brown, black, dark blue, grey. These colours give the whole title sequence a very unpleasant effect. Rays of light have been used for the main features and objects to stand out. Some of the photographs are very shaky as well as lightning has been added to them, this is to create a more unpleasant effect towards the audience, as this type of effect may reflect a scary storm at night. Fast pace has been also included to flick through a lot of things creating excitement towards the movie, leaving the audience wanting more. This title sequence also includes flashes of red which create an effect of danger. Layering is one of the things that has been used but not so much, it shows photographs fading out onto other photographs. The letters and numbers are hardly visible as a flash has been added to them which creates a mysterious side of the film. Looking at just cinematography you are able to get an idea of what the film may be about and the uses of cinematography are very strong as they create different emotions towards the audience leaving them wanting to see more, and that is the main aim of the title sequence.

Sound

The sound of the title sequence creates a disturbing feel. At the beginning it shows the character preparing to sleep, a clicking sound is used as the background which could be connoting a ticking clock counting down, showing that it is a countdown for something that is going to happen. In the sequence the character is crossing out words and pictures, every time he crosses something out you hear a scratchy screechy sound. This could be implying that the things he is crossing out are his next victims, as the screeching sound could be the person screaming and the scratchy sound could be the way they are killed. By putting this disturbing sound track in the background of the sequence with the close up images it creates a sense of confusion, as the audience has to take in the creepy sound and the glimpses of images together trying to make sense of them both at the same time.

Sunday 21 November 2010

Article:The Art Of Film Title Design Throughout Cinema History

Click here to view the article.

"Film titles can be great fun. In them we see the bond between the art of filmmaking and graphic design — and perhaps visual culture as a whole. They have always served a greater purpose than themselves: to move the overarching story forward."

This is a very important quote that has been used in this article because it tells us everything we need to know of what a title sequence is. A title sequence is the first glance the audience gain of the film they are about to witness. I believe that title sequences are fun because it can give the audience a sneak peek of the ideas of the film and will keep them wanting more. Title sequences give us a lot of information in such a short period of time which can also make them fun to watch because you have to be aware of all the clues given in them e.g. Location, main characters, story plot? etc.

"Whether you are a motion graphic designer, a digital artist or a connoisseur of design, we hope you are inspired by these film titles and the ideas they suggest to your own creative endeavors."

I find this point very interesting because it tells me that title sequences are targeted at everyone as everyone should understand them and find them interesting. As it says we should all be inspired by them and that all title sequences should give the audience there own each individual preferences about them.

"Words and lettering played an enormous role in films of the silent era."

This point stood out to me because it tells me that words and lettering where a big part in silent films, this is also interesting because they still are a very big role in film now aswell.

Below: D.W. Griffith’s “Intolerance” (1916)

"Intolerance" known to be the greatest film in the silent era.

"It could be argued that typography lost importance in this era of title design. The imagery behind the credits received a lot more attention."

I believe that this is a very true statement which is why I decided to write about it. I think that images can be more attractive to look at rather then read the credits that appear on the screen. If I was watching a title sequence I would prefer to watch the imagery rather then read the main characters that appear on the screen because I will find this information out later on in the film.

"... titles remain an essential part of film."

This statement is very true. I believe that title sequences will always be a very important part of the film and think that even if someone else has a new idea how to start a film, it would have to be an amazing idea to over write the title sequence.

Wednesday 17 November 2010

Mise-en-scene in the title sequence: Seven

The mise-en-scene int he title sequence starts off with showing all the images to be saturated which relates to the events that happen throughout the film. There are many different probs that are used throughout the sequence which are: an old hand-book, sharp objects, pen, paper, needle and thread and many old photographs. In the title sequence there are no exterier scenery used as we cant see any buildings or the landscape where the film is set. Also from this title sequence we do not find out the main character or the location of where the character is. The final thing that sticks out int he title sequence are that when the character is highlighting and crossing words out in articles it shows his religious believes which gives us an insight to his personality.

Presentation of Kyle Cooper


View more presentations from EmilyNeil.

Kyle Cooper is an acclaimed modern designer of motion picture title sequences.

Cooper studied graphic design under Paul Rand at Yale University. Early in his professional career, Cooper worked as a creative director at R/GA - an advertising agency with offices in New York and Los Angeles. During this period, Cooper created the title sequence for the 1995 American crime film Se7en, a seminal work which received critical acclaim and inspired a number of younger designers. According to Cooper, at the time he made the title sequence for Seven, main title sequences were behind of what was happening in print, music videos and commercials. He wanted to create main titles that were raising the bar creatively.

In 1996, he co-founded Imaginary Forces - a creative agency that came out of the West Coast division of R/GA. "We have spent a long time building and refining a brilliant creative and production team ... Keeping this group together as our own company is truly exciting," commented Cooper about the name change. Too involved by the business-side of running a design company the size of Imaginary Forces, Cooper decided it was time for him to focus more on his creative work. He left Imaginary Forces. In 2003, Cooper founded the creative agency Prologue.

Prologue, initially located in Malibu, moved to offices in Venice Beach, Los Angeles, in 2008.

His work in the field of film title design is often compared to Saul Bass.

Cooper has also directed a feature film, New Port South (2001).

Looking at Title Sequences

Friends Title Sequence

Why this title sequence appeals to me?

I really love this television programme and that is why I picked this title sequence. Friends is a feel good programme as the problem always gets resolved in the end. The song used in the title sequence as well is a very catchy song which helps it attract to the target audience because when people hear the song they will think of Friends.

What colour is the text and why?

The colour of the text used is white throughout the whole of the title sequence is white. I think that they used white in the title sequence because it stands out which will attract the audience into reading what come up on the screen.

Does it fit in the overall look of the sequence?

I believe it does because its simple and Friends is all about every day situtations.

What is the style of text used?

The style of font used is quite informal and casual which also fits in with the style and genre of the television programme.

Where is the text positioned in the frame?

The text stays the same throughout the entire title sequence and is placed in the middle of the shot.

Monsters Inc Title Sequence



Why this title sequence appeals to me?
This title sequence appeals to me because as soon as I see it, it sets in that I am going to watch one of my favourite childhood films. I think that this title sequence is a great way to attract the targeted audience as it is shown as a cartoon likewise to the rest of the film. The music of this title sequence is very uplifting and light which connotes to the audience the time of film they are about to see.


What colour is the text and why?
The colour of the text in this title sequence is white. I think the title designer decided to use white as it stands out on the black background that has been used throughout the sequence.


Does it fit in the overall look of the sequence?
I believe it does because it attracts the audience into reading what is written.


What is the style of text used?
The style of text used in quite simple, however it isn't as plain as Arial font. It has a little curve to it here and there.


Where is the text positioned in the frame?
The text is positioned mainly in the centre of the shot but at some stages in the title sequence it is shown to be placed all over the shot.


Sweeny Todd Title Sequence


Why this title sequence appeals to me?
This title sequence appeals to me because it is a musical film and as I am a dancer I love musicals. It is quite eery as the first thing I hear is music from an organ. As the title sequence doesnt give much away it gets me wanting to watch the rest of the film.

What colour is the text and why?
The colour of the text used in this title sequence is white just like the other title sequences I have looked at. I believe that many title sequence designers decide to use white writing because it makes the writing stand out and easy to read.

Does it fit in the overall look of the sequence?
Yes I think it does as it goes againest the natural colours you would expect to be used in this film title - Red and black.

What is the style of text used?
Old style writing is used because it is set many years ago in the streets of London.

Where is the text positioned in the frame?
Mostly in the centre of the screen.

Monday 8 November 2010

Continuity Sequence


Continuity Sequence

This is the continuity sequence which we created for our preliminary task. Our idea was thought of by Sarah Barker, Daisy Westlotorn, Sophie Fitzsimmons and myself. We decided to base our story on a student who was about to recieve some bad news from the school nurse. This bad news is that she is pregnant. I really enjoyed this task as it allowed me to use my skills of using a video camera which will help me to improve them in the future.

Things that went well:

I thought that many things went well throughout this task as I feel that we produced a video that met all the criteria we were set. The shots we had to include were: shot reverse shot, the 180 degree rule and the match on action shot. The first shot we used in our sequence was the match on action shot. We showed this twice in our sequence - 1. When we see the point of view shot, as the character is starting to sit down, then from a different angle we see the end of the action as she is fully sitting down. 2. When the nurse opens the door. The next shot we used in the sequence was the shot reverse shot. This was used when both the nurse and the student are sitting at the desk. The 180 degree rule was a element that we tried to use all the time throughout the squence. Another element that we had to use was that one character had to walk across the room. This was showed by both characters as the student walked across the room when she enters the nurses office and when the nurse walks across to her chair from the door. I feel that we worked very well as a team and a produced a very clear and precise sequence that shows the elements needed.

Things that didn't go well:

Even though I feel that our sequence went well there were some things that we can improve on. It took us longer then normal to shot our sequence as the actors could not stop laughing. This ment that we then has less time to cut our sequence together. Another thing we could improve on is that in the middle of the sequence there is a jump from one shot to the other as the camera was not placed in the same place in both of them. This then ment that the continuous feel of the shots could not take place. I also think the sequence is too dark, which makes the story not as affective as the expressions shown on the characters are not as visible as they could be.

I believe that this sequence is a very good attempt at what we had to do and therefore am very happy with it.