Rippingale Shot Plans

 We have found a fantastic stretch of disused train track to use for our production. The former train house is still on site, and runs alongside the train track, so it will give the impression that the girl is waiting for a train to come. However, there are two trains on the tracks that cannot be moved, which may present us with some issues. The map below shows how we will overcome this issue:

Filming Day Planning

Monday, 26th November 20128:00am - meet at Bourne Cemetery to commence filming of shot 1 (8:00-9:00) and shot 13 (9:00am to 11:00am)

12:30am - meet in Bourne, where James's Dad will take us to Tallington train track. Commence filming of shots 2, 5, 10 and 12.

Sunday, 2nd December 2012

8:00am - meet at abandoned train track in Rippingale, to commence filming. Filming of shots 3, 6, 7, 9, 10, between 8:00am and 1:00pm, when James Craig (Killer) is present. Filming of shots 4 & 8 can be done after 1:00pm.

Shot List - Starter

1. Pan right through the four gravestones, with titles on each one

2. A cut away shot of the train moving – Close up shot

3. Girl is waiting at the train station with killer close behind – mid shot

4. Point of View from Killer, gagging the girl.

5. Another cut away of the train moving quickly – close up shot

6. Shot of killer gagging the girl, and lifts girl over his shoulder, walking her down the train track – mid close

up shot

7. Shot of killer putting girl down onto the train track – mid/long shot

8. Shot of the girl being tied down to the train track – close up

9. OTS shot from the killers shoulder, removes balaclava and turns to camera, at which point the girl looks shocked and recognises the killer – close up

10. Another shot of the train moving quickly – close up

11. Killer runs off leaving the girl helpless – close up

12. Side on shot of train coming, indicates death – close up

13. FTB, final shot shows mourner walking up to gravestone and laying flowers – mid shot

Questionnaire Results

I asked 10 people, including both males and females, aged between 11-17 a questionnaire to help us improve our thriller opening. The results can be seen below:

The results from question one show that people like Comedy films the most, followed by Horror films and Thriller. This shows us that although we are not making a comedy film, we could try and add an element of comedy into our thriller opening, to try and attract a wider audience. 

Question 2 shows that people in our target age group go to the cinema quite frequently. A large proportion went to the cinema just 2-4 weeks ago, and so we should bear in mind that our film does not need to be in the cinema for too long. 

Question three shows us that over 3/4 of the people like films to be 1 1/2 and 2 hours long. This shows us that the film cannot be too long, as the audience's attention might diminish if it is any longer. Also, it shows us that fast editing and fast-paced action need to be included to maintain the audience's enjoyment. 

The large proportion of our target audience do not stream movies online. This shows us that making the effort to make our film available on services such as Netflix would perhaps be a wasted effort, and that people would prefer to enjoy our movie via more traditional media methods. 

Question five shows us that the majority of people would like to go out with friends given t wo hours leisure time, instead of watching a movie. It shows us that we should work on promoting our film on posters, billboards, in taxis, buses and resturants, instead of working on promotions in the cinema. 

The last film the majority of people watched was Skyfall, the new James Bond film. At the time our survey went out, this film was extremely popular, and so it shows that people watch films that are 'in trend' - films that other people are watching and talking about on social media services such as Twitter and Facebook, and on the television and the news. 

100% of the people we asked said that they would like to watch a film involving death. This shows us that we should ensure we involve death in our film, and this is something that we have included in the opening of our thriller. 

Around 50% of our audience would spend between £5:01 and £10 on a film. Again, this shows our group that if we were working on selling our film, this is the price range we should base it on. 

This shows that most people would prefer to watch films where they have to concentrate on the plot. Therefore, we should work on making the plot more complex, and perhaps slightly twisted, so that it slowly becomes apparent to the audience how the film will end. 

Question 10 shows that the majority of our sample agree with the statement that they are a film enthusiast. It shows us that the people who we are targeting our film at are people who watch films on a regular basis, and therefore they will be experts at analysing and watching films. Therefore, we should work to ensure the film is as good as it can be, to provide the audience with the maximum amount of enjoyment.

Analysing Title Sequences, by Matt Bostock

 

The title sequences above are all taken from the ‘How we Built Britain’ title sequence. The sequence consists of a series of aerial/high angle pan shots of buildings shaped as the letters that make up the word ‘Britain’. Some shots were also created in the edit using 3D effects in software such as Adobe Photoshop. The shots pan the different buildings, which range from old castles to modern day skyscrapers. Two shots of each building are then edited together, and arranged to spell the word Britain.

For the final shot, each of the buildings are then edited next to each other, with the words ‘How we Built’ edited towards the top left of the shot. This then makes the whole title of the film appear on the last frame. As this is a television series, it does not feature any text overlay for roles such as director or editor, as we would perhaps more commonly expect in films of the Thriller genre.

An interesting technique used is the introduction of a Land Rover car in each shot from the A of Britain, which can be seen driving through each shot. This gives the sense of continuity, and makes the audience feel as though they are driving through, finding these letters on their journey. The car then drives along all of the letters in the final shot.

Apart from the car, no other props are used, and no obvious additional lighting is introduced. Each shot typically features the countryside, apart from the N, which is filmed in a city environment.

 

By Matt Bostock

Title Credits

 

 

Director – Matthew Bostock

Editor – James Parronchi

Starring – James Craig, Annabelle Potts & Connor Marshall

Narration - James Parronchi

Costume Plan

Killer (James C) – Black coat, black gloves, black trousers, trainers, shirt or t-shrt (although covered up by coat) possibly – used to make him look like a poor, random killer (Gang-type films), wearing a balaclava to conceal his identity, we could make him look like someone from a street gang or who doesnt have much wealth. – like he’s not a professional killer and maybe has not had previous experience.

Victim (Annabelle) – Typical damsel in distress character; clothes used to epitomise her fragility; we need to purvey her innocence through her clothes. Unfortunately this may not be possible because of the weather.

Mourner (Connor) – Average everyday clothes, quite plain to reflect his importance in the film, which is minimal.

Music

I have found a good source of free to use music that we could use for our production:

http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?genre=Horror

I think the one called Controlled Chaos on the first page would be particularly good for us to use, as I feel that it hits the theme of our film well, and is similar to the non-diegetic sound used in the opening of Se7en.


The works on the page are licenced under the Creative Commons Attribution Licence, meaning that we can use the work as we need (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/)

Props

For our production, we will need to use some props to make the thriller opening seem more realistic to the audience.

Firstly, in the abandoned tunnel near Lound, we will need to create a replica of a train line to tie the girl down to. James Craig knows the owner of Branch Brothers in Bourne, who have kindly offered to lend us the materials we need for this production. We will need to borrow 10 planks, which we will lay on the ground approximately 60cm apart. We will also need 12 metres worth of timber, to lay along the planks, to try and represent a train track as closely as possible. This would mean that we would have 6 metres of train track altogether.

We will also need to borrow a phone for one of the shots where the girl can be seen typing a credit into the phone. However, the actor who is playing this role owns a mobile phone, so we will be able to use that.

We may also need to use an old rag for the killer to gag the girl with. I am sure that I will be able to find something at home for this purpose.

Finally, we will need some rope for the killer to use to tie the girl down onto the train track. My Dad has lots of rope, so we will be able to borrow some of this.

Possible Ideas for the Narration Overlay

Idea 1:

Narration - 'Cousin Kate' Poem

To help the audience understand why the man is killing the girl, we thought it would be a good idea to include some narration. We have found the poem 'Cousin Kate' by Christina Rossetti and thought that when adapted, verses three and four would be good to use. These verses are below:

 

O Lady Kate, my cousin Kate,

 

You grew more fair than I:

 

He saw you at your father's gate,

Chose you, and cast me by.

 

He watched your steps along the lane,

 

Your work among the rye;

He lifted you from mean estate

 

To sit with him on high.

The neighbours call you good and pure,

 

Call me an outcast thing.

 

As I sit and howl in dust,

 

You sit in gold and sing:

 

Now which of us has tenderer heart?

You had the stronger wing.

 

 

 

Pitch

Possible Starting Idea for a Production Ident

 

 

 

We plan to use this as our production iden as it is fairly clear and is easy to produce and see. Also, it is quite bold and the name isn't too complicated to remember so it could work quite well. This ident actually fits the loud, bold, in your face, theme of our film which helps to build tension as well even if that is not supposed to be the intention of the production ident.

BBFC Research

 

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) are an independent body of people, not linked to the government, who provide legal classification for films sold in the UK. The body is designed to bring a degree of uniformity to the film classification industry, and although local councils can override decisions made by the body, their decision is often respected.

Each film submitted for certification by the BBFC is assessed by at least two examiners. Usually, the examiners are able to come to a decision about a film, but if disagreement or complex policies are included, then a decision may have to be made by senior directors. Examines focus on issues such as language, sexuality, nudity, discrimination, drugs, behaviour that can be copied, horror, violence and theme when making their decision, the context is something that is carefully considered. For example, if it is important to show nudity for educational purposes, then the film would usually be given a lower classification. The release format is often considered, as if a film is released on DVD or film, then there is a higher opportunity for underage or repeated viewing.

BBFC examiners have seven different classification certificates available to issue, and these are listed and detailed below:

· U – Universal, meaning that the film is suitable for all age groups. It is advised that the films are set within a positive moral framework, and that violence or horror should be reassuringly counterbalanced. Discrimination is not permitted, and only infrequent and innocuous reference to drugs and alcohol may be used. Films should only contain brief and mild scenes of horror, and none of the behaviour or actions in the film may be copied. No sexual content may be displayed, and only occasional natural nudity is permitted.

· PG – Parental guidance, meaning that some scenes may require advice and support from parents or guardians. Generally, these films should not disturb children over eight years of age, but parents should consider if sensitive children may be disturbed. If reference to drugs is mentioned, a relevant anti-drug message should be carried, and horror sequences should not be prolonged or intense. Only mild bad language should be included, and sexual activity can only be implied. Moderate violence, if justifiable, is allowed.

12/12A – The exact same criteria is used for both 12 and 12 A films, although 12A certificates are issued for films in cinemas, where no-one under this age is permitted to watch. Discriminatory work must not be endorsed by the films message. Drug use should be infrequent, and instructional details should not be given. The film should not dwell on behaviours that can be copied by the audience, and the use of moderate language is allowed, although its use should be infrequent. Sexual references can be briefly portrayed, although the activity should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. Moderate violence is allowed, although it should not dwell on gory details

·
15 – Discriminatory language or behaviour must not be endorsed, and drug misuse can be shown, although the misuse should not be endorsed. Dangerous behaviours (such as hangings) should not dwell on details which can be copied, and frequent use of strong language is allowed. Aggressive or repeated use of strong language should not be encouraged. There are no constraints on nudity in an educational setting, and violence may be strong, and should not dwell on the infliction of injury.

·


18 – These films usually observe the fact that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. Therefore, films will only not be granted licence when the material has been created through breach of a law, where material appears to risk harm to individuals or the public through the imitation of behaviour, and where the use of explicit images cannot be justified by the context.

·
R18 – Can only be shown in specially licenced cinemas, or supplied in specially licenced shops. The following is not acceptable: material that is in breach of criminal law, obscene material, material likely to encourage an interest in sexually abusive activities such as rape, the portrayal of sexual activity which does not include consent, the infliction of pain, the penetration of any object associated with harm, or any sexual threats or humiliation which do not clearly define part of the plot.

The film Seven was given a certificate 18 by the BBFC. This could have been because of the sexual references made in the film, which would not be appropriate for audiences of a younger age.

Shutter Island by Martin Scorsese was given a 15 certificate by the BBFC, which was, according to the BBFC’s website, for 20 uses of bad language which go beyond the 12/12A certificate rating. In addition, there was moderate use of violence in the film, which would have made it inappropriate for younger audiences.

The latest version of Psycho was also given an 18 certificate by the BBFC. Again, this could have been because of the use of violence in the film, and the use of nudity.

From the three films listed above, I can therefore see that thriller films are usually given one of the higher rating available by the BBFC, because of the content included, which includes violence, strong language and nudity, that makes them a thriller film. This tells me that Thriller films are likely to only be suitable for older, more mature audiences, and therefore we should target our film at older viewers.

I feel that if we were planning on submitting our thriller to the BBFC, we should be aiming to receive a 15 certificate. This is because of the fact that we are implying someone will be killed in our film, which would be classed as moderate use of violence. However, our film will not contain any sexual references or scenes, and no strong language will be used, which is why I believe that it would not be appropriate for 18 classification.

Research into a Media Institution

I have decided to research Paramount Pictures. Founded in 1912, the company are based in the Los Angeles district of Hollywood, and are the fourth oldest existing production company. Their base in the US means that if our film were distributed through Paramount Pictures, it would be able to reach bigger audiences, and it would be seen globally in countries including the US and the UK, where are if we went for a UK based company, the film may only reach a smaller proportion of our target market.

Paramount Pictures are a subsidiary company of Viacom, who are an American based global mass media company, with interests in both film and television. Again, this would be of advantage to us, as it would allow our film to receive adverts on Viacom’s television channels.

Paramount Pictures have produced many thriller films in the past, including Snake Eyes, Carriers and Hard Rain. They also have experience in other genres, including action, sci-fi and horror. Their experience in creating these sorts of films means that our production would fit into their remit perfectly, as they have experience in producing thriller movies, along with other genres which have small elements present in our production.

I feel that Paramount Pictures would be ideal at producing, distributing and marketing our thriller. Their experience with thriller films would mean that they would be able to offer lots of advice into our thriller, and their position, based in Hollywood, would mean that our film would be able to reach a mass audience around the globe. Additionally, their links with Viacom, a major television media company, would mean that our film would be able to be marketed very effectively, to the right audience

Research into Audiences

NRS – The National Readership Survey provide the authoritative and detailed research into the use of print advertising trading in the UK. Their surveys cover over 250 of the UK’s most used and accessed newspapers, magazines and print publications, and are able to produce statistics as to the size of the audiences they can achieve. Some data is available for free from their website, but for more detailed information, people who are interested can subscribe to their service.

ABC – the American Broadcasting Corporation are the leading broadcasting station in America. The company survey people in target audiences who may be interested in programmes they are producing, and by also looking at their viewing statistics, they can see which programmes will be most popular to audiences at which times, allowing them to schedule programmes to get the maximum amount of coverage to the people most interested. For example, their programme ‘The Chew’ is on at 1:00pm, as the company have obviously used data they have researched will show that the programme will be most popular to people watching at this time.

BARB – Broadcasters Audience Research Board, provide weekly viewing figures for UK television channels, and provide the official measurements of UK television audiences, for key events such as the London Olympics and the Royal Wedding. They obtain viewing estimates by using a panel of privately owned TV viewing households, taken as a sample of each BBC and ITV television region. Each home represents, on average, around 5,000 homes across the UK. The survey can measure demographics and TV viewing equipment of each home viewing a certain channel, which can be useful data for a TV company. They continuously survey householders, conducting around 53,000 interviews a year, using face to face and computer aided interview techniques. The random probability survey used means that every house in the UK stands a chance of being selected for interview.

Bookseller – The Bookseller provide information and news about the book industry, which is being ever replaced by online services, such as websites and social networking. The company analyses how the economic crisis and the move into digital technologies is affecting sales of books, and also the usage of public libraries, which are often being forced to close down as a result. This means that print-based advertising, in publications such as newspapers and magazines, is becoming less effective, and with less organisations choosing to advertise using these methods, less revenue is being raised.

Demographics

There are six groups of demographics, listed and detailed below:

· Group A – people in highly paid jobs, including politicians, bank and large business managers, doctors, lawyers, scientists and well-paid professionals.

· Group B – people who are still well paid, but not as well off as people in Group A, including teachers, middle managers and civil servants.

· Group C1 - includes junior managers, bank clerks, nurses and others in ‘white collar’ professions, who have a certain skill

· Group C2 – includes ‘blue collar’ and skilled trades, such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters & gas technicians

· Group D – people who complete manual work such as builders, drivers and post office sorters

· Group E – includes people who are on very low/no income, such as the young, the elderly and people who are unemployed

Psychographics

There are seven different types of Psychographics, listed and detailed below:

Mainstreamers – seek security. Tend to be domestic, conformist, conventional, sentimental – favour value for money family brands. Nearly always the largest group.

Aspirers – seek status. Materialistic, acquisitive, oriented to image and appearance, persona and fashion. Attractive packing more important than contents. Typically younger people, clerical and sales jobs

Succeeders – seek control. Strong goals, confidence, work ethic and organisation. Supports stability. Brand choice based on self-reward and quality. Typically higher management and professionals.

Resigned – seeks survival. Rigid and authoritarian values. Interested in the past and tradition. Brand choice stresses safety, familiarity and economy. Typically older people.

Explorers – seeks discovery. Energy, individualism and experience. Values difference and adventure. Brand choice highlights satisfaction and instant effect. The first to try new brands. Younger demographic – students.

Strugglers – seeks escape. Alienated and disorganised. Few resources beyond physical skills. Brand choice involves impact and sensation. Buys alcohol, junk food, lottery tickets. D & E demographic

Reformers – seeks enlightenment. Freedom of restrictions and personal growth. Social awareness and independent judgement. Anti-materialistic but aware of good taste. Has attended higher education and selects products for quality.

Our Media Questionnaire

Questionnaire

Q1) What is your favourite film genre? (Please circle the relevant answers)

Thriller / Comedy / Action / Horror / Romantic Comedy / Sci-Fi /

Q2) When did you last go to the cinema? (Please circle the relevant answers)

This week / Last week / 2-4 weeks ago / 1 month ago / 3 months ago / 6 months ago /

1 year ago / Never / Other……….

 

 

Q3) In your mind, what is the ideal length of a thriller film?

 

Under 30 minutes / 31 minutes – 1 hour / 1:01 hr/mins – 1 hr 30 mins / 1hr 31 mins – 2 hrs /

2 hrs – 2 hrs 30 mins / Over 2 hours 30 minutes

 

 

Q4) Do you stream movies online?

Yes / No

Q5) Given 2 hours leisure time, what would you choose to do?

Go out with friends / Have a meal / Listen to the radio / Watch a film at home / Watch a film at the cinema / Watch the television / Read a magazine /

Q6) What was the last film you watched, either at home or at the cinema?

Q7) Do you like to watch a film that involves death?

Yes / No

Q8) On average, how much would you spend on a DVD / Blu-Ray copy?

£0- £2 / £2:01 - £5 / £5:01 - £10 / £10:01 -£15 / £15:01 - £20

Q9) Do you prefer films where you have to concentrate on the plot, or where it is clearer to you what is happening?

Yes / No

Q10) ‘I am a film enthusiast’. To what extend would you agree or disagree with this statement

Strongly disagree / Disagree / Neither Agree or Disagree / Agree/ Strongly Agree

Idea C

Location: Bourne Town Cemetery, South Street, Bourne, an abandoned bridge near Lound, Bourne, and the East Coast Main Line near Helpston, Peterborough

Shot List

1) A shot of a gravestone in the cemetery, with piece of cardboard nearby that says 'Starring xxxxxxxx'
2) A shot of a train moving quickly, with piece of cardboard on the fence saying 'Directed by xxxxxxxx'
3) A shot of the girl being dragged by the killer down onto the railway line
4) Another shot of the train moving quickly
5) Shot of the girl pushed onto the railway line and being strapped down, with piece of cardboard nearby saying 'Filmed by xxxxxxx. Edited by xxxxxxx'
6) Shot of the killer securing the ropes and running away
7) Long shot shows that the girl is helpless on the tracks
8) Shot of a train, from on top of a bridge, indicating that the woman has now been killed.
9) Shot of someone coming up to the girls gravestone and laying flowers in mourning

Idea B

Location: Bourne Town Cemetery, South Road, Bourne

Shot List

1) Shot of gravestone pans upwards and left to show a low angle shot of mourners carrying a coffin. Piece of cardboard with words 'Starring xxxxxxxx' are next to gravestone
2) Shot of mourners and coffin walking through the gate
3) Cut away of the girl walking down a path at night
4) Shot of another gravestone with another piece of cardboard nearby with words saying 'Directed by xxxxxx'
5) Cut away to the girl walking down the path, with a man walking closeby behind.
6) Over the shoulder shot from the killers point of view, looking down, shows that the girl is typing the words 'Edited by xxxxxx' on her phone
7) Low angle shot shows both girl and killer, as man comes up behind her and stabbs girl in head, thus killing the girl.
8) Back to cemetery, as the mourners come to a stop on the path, turn, walk forward onto the grass, and put the coffin onto the ground
9) (Just coffin lid is placed onto the ground giving the impression that coffin has been buried into the ground) Shot from end of coffin shows mourners gathered round, as person at head of coffin says 'On one dark night, she met her end, brutally stabbed and murdered'
10) Long shot shows the burial taking place with mourners gathered round, and a man (the killer) sitting on a nearby bench observing.

Images from the Location:

Above: the gravestone that could be used for shot 1, with the camera then panning round to the left almost 180 degrees to show the mourners walking up the path.

Above: the mourners would then walk through this gate in shot 2, carrying the coffin.

Above: the burial would take place on the grass just out of shot on the right (near the person's arm) in shot 10, the killer would be sitting on one of these benches.

Idea A

Location: an abandoned railway tunnel near Lound, and the East Coast Mainline near Helpston, Peterborough

Shot List

1) Shot of piece of cardboard on the floor, with words 'Directed by xxxxxxxx and xxxxx' pans upwards and right to show shot of the girl walking towards the camera in a wooded area.
2) Brief cut away shot of the train moving quickly
3) Shot of the girl walking towards the camera, texting on her phone, with man (killer) behind her
4) POV shot from the killer's view over girl's shoulder, showing words 'Starring xxxxxxx' being typed on the phone
5) Back to cut away of the train moving
6) Shot of the girl (with man very close behind) walking towards the camera, man comes up and ties rag around girl's mouth.
7) High angle shot shows man tying the girls hands up
8) Man drags girl off towards left of shot
9) Cut away shot of the train moving
10) Long shot from the end of the tunnel, shows girl being dragged in from right of shot, and pushed into tunnel towards centre of train track
11) Cut away shot of the train moving
12) Shot of the girl tied onto the railway tracks, fighting to get free
13) Cut away shot of the train moving, through fence with piece of cardboard cable tied on saying 'Filmed by xxxxxxx'
14) Shot shows the man running off
15) Cut away of the train moving
16) Long high angle shot shows the girl tied onto the tracks unable to escape
17) Final shot of train from on top of a bridge shows that the girl has been run over and killed
18) Shot fades to black, with words 'Track Death' on the screen.

Location Photos

Above: this is the tunnel that we could use for our project.

Above: although the tunnel is not huge, we could frame our shots to make it seem that the tunnel is longer than it actually is.

Above: this footpath runs alongside the railway line, and could be used in shots 1, 3, 4 & 6

The map above shows the layout of the railway, and how it could be filmed to show continuity.