Feedback

During Post-Production:

As we were editing our opening sequence, we constantly asked for feedback. Such as the effect of the font of our title as it was to big or to small. We wanted it to be bold and in red capital letters as the colour connotes that there is blood and crime involved in this film, which creates seriousness. In order to ensure this effect was achieved, we asked for feedback. Also during the process of making the titles for our statistics, we were advised to show each fact separately so it is more pleasing to the audience's eye and make them want to read it, as it play an important role in the narrative. To solve this we used transition effects to display each fact separated as this enables the audience to easily see what is on the screen rather than a huge amount of writing we started off with before.

Main task target audience

Crime drama has become one of the most popular television genres within our world, taking up almost 20% of prime time. They appeal to their audience by dealing with themes and issues the audience are aware of through their engagement with news and current affairs. Just as important as the themes and issues it deals with are the values and attitudes presented and the view of the world it offers. The target audience for crime drama is usually teenagers to adults. Setting is very important in crime drama as it puts everything into context, enabling the audience to engage in text. Also by having characters the audience can relate to and they are more likely to engage in themes and issues presented in the film. Themes and issues are what make up the foundation of a crime drama. The people to mostly watch crime drama are people to be part of lower class which tells us that most criminals come from lower class backgrounds and they are most likely to watch it.

The age for are film will be 16-18 I think because there is crime and violence involved. I think people will watch this film that has been involved in crime before. The similar film to be is ‘Goodfellas’ which was directed by Martin Scorsese. The fans of crime or gangster films genre they would watch this film and enjoy. The director Martin Scorsese always makes a good film with a good range of conventions so people that enjoyed his genre films they would enjoy this film as well. The gender for are film would be male because we will be showing male gender actors. The gender of are film is crime drama because we show two characters with very different lives they have and in are film is very easy to spot the antagonist and protagonist and we show the relationship between the two characters. Furthermore are film will also appeal to drama genre lovers therefore are film appeals to people with different genre likes and they both will enjoy it for the reason that we have elements and the conventions of both genres such as: based on a true story and crime statistics.

Track 4

This beat has a fast tempo beat that features a couple of second pause. I chose this song because it represents the area and culture of the gangsters and the seconds pause could be used showing close-ups of the gang meaning the audience will pause and think into their lifestyle.

Track 3

This beat features a big sound base such as a drum and continues to a instrument being played later. I chose this song because it matches are opening scene the tempo of are shots.

Do the damn thing

This song has a fast hip-hop gangster rhythm to it. I chose this song because it will suit the the opening of my film because it's based in a gangster environment as it's hip-hop style.

City breakz

The rhythm to this beat will suit our film really well because it's slow with a gangter beat which will suit the location we used and time in the foggy morning in the ghetto place. The song also feels like it's telling a story especially when we see it with the film itself.

Call sheet

CALL SHEET

Production Title: Granted
Production Group: Akin, Dhara and Astijus
Date: 1.12.09
Location: Upney Station
Shoot Start Time: 7:30 am Wrap Time:5 pm

Actor(s) Character Call Time Contact Details
Iman Shafi Gangster 8:00am 07983888973
Edward Obeng Gangster 8:00am 07904106003
Matthew Parlett Gangster 8:00am 07853959921

Name Production Role Call Time Contact Details
Dhara Syal Director 7am 07949151958
Astijus Kazlauskas Camera 7am 07533873775
Akin Smith Sound 7am 02085932720


Support Staff Contact Details Location
Miss Bundy BundyL@babbey.bardaglea.org.uk Media Studio/ Editing Suite
Ms Nair NairM@babbey.bardaglea.org.uk Media Classroom/Media Office
Ms Thiara Thiara@babbey.bardaglea.org.uk Media Classroom/Media Office

Script Main Task

Script for Granted:

Shot 1: Production company title: A.D.A Productions (3 seconds)

Shot 2: Blank Screen – pause for 2 seconds - “Based on a true story”

Shot 3: Statistics (5-6 seconds)

Shot 4: We see an establishing shot of a rough area. A R&B soundtrack starts playing. High view of houses near a railway. A title rolls onto the shot “Barking, London” (2 seconds)

Shot 5: Shot of a busy main road. (2 seconds) Quick pace.

Shot 6: Long shot of a gang in an alley way then credits roll onto the shot “Sound by Akin Smith” (4 seconds)

Shot 7: Low angle shot taken in the middle of the gang, facial expressions shown. (4 secs)

Shot 8: Black background - quote is shown (4/5 secs)

Shot 9: Close up of a police line banner and credits rolled on “Camera by Astijus Kazlauskas”

Shot 10: Mid shot of the gangster’s legs and someone drops the alcohol bottle. Litter on the floor. (5 secs)

Shot 11: Wall of graffiti shown. Pan shot. Soundtrack fades away with the shot. Credits rolled on “Directed by Dhara Syal” (4/5 secs)

Shot 12: Blank Screen and sound effects of gun shots are heard (7 seconds)

Shot 13: Title fades onto the screen “GRANTED” (4 secs)

Evaluation question 7

Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the
progression from it to the full product?

I learnt a lot from the preliminary task because it didn’t come out right and we didn’t have sound so therefore I knew that I am not going to make the same mistakes again.

Preliminary Brief: Film and edit a character opening a door, crossing a room and sitting down in a chair opposite another character. A couple of lines of dialogue must then exchange between characters & match on action, shot/reverse shot and the 180-degree rule should be demonstrated.

Main Task: The titles and opening of a new fiction film, to last a maximum of two minutes (all video and audio material must be original, produced by candidates, with the
exception of music or audio effects from a copyright-free source).

The preliminary task was really simple and we knew what we were asked to include which were shot reverse shot, 180 degree rule, match on action. It was simple because it was short and clear. As it mainly focused on these rules and continuity and the editing was really quick too.
The main task was more difficult as we needed to have a specific genre and we needed to do a lot of research about the genre and films to do with that also we needed to use are creativity skills we gathered are idea of are film from the lyrics and then we developed the story from that. Therefore we had to include codes and conventions of the genre so it would be clear for the audience.

Preliminary Task:
As a group we came up with the idea of a guy getting run over by a car after we was happy with the idea we had to draw the storyboard. After we had to find the location we wanted to do in. Then we had to prepare shooting schedule so therefore the filming would go smoothly and we finish at the time we needed to. We also had to produce the script for the characters. The task helped us a lot for the main task because it had the same steps for pre-production as the main task. While we were thinking of the idea we didn’t have any problems we was happy with it and it was possible to produce in the school.

The preliminary task really prepared me for the main task knowing the steps I would need to take in order to produce are opening sequence.
The things I learned while producing the preliminary task were how to produce the storyboard and what information is needed such as length of the shot, also include an arrow if you character will move also the sound be used during the shot also to it to help us while filming to see what shots we need to take and how they need to be taken. I also learned what the shooting schedule is and how it works and helps which I used effectively to manage time as we had each of are shot timed, however we took longer than we though as we gave a little space for time slots such as five minutes each therefore in the main task we had 15min gap in order to take safety shots. The problems we had was that we couldn’t do some shots such as the panning shot because of the weather sun shining so therefore we had to come back later on the shooting day and we didn’t take that into consideration before the filming day so therefore we had to change ending also the biggest problem we had while filming is that we didn’t have sound we found this out when we were editing, however we learned that when it comes to the main task we check all the equipment and specially sound.
The other problem we had was the location we had the location but we didn’t book this should have been done in the pre-production as part of planning therefore it resulted taking two shots and then we had to find the new location which wasted a lot of time because we had to re-take the shots because it didn’t have the continuity, but again it helped us with the main task book it before the filming day and make sure it’s available on the day. Also we were short off time and therefore we ran over are schedule time for filming. If to do the preliminary task again I would definitely check the sound so we have it and also book the location so it saves time.

Main task:
The pre-production for the main task took a bit of time before we came up with the idea as we came up with the idea we had to change a louds of times to make sure it has the conventions of crime drama genre and because it shows progression. The decision with the idea were the location because we wanted to film in the house but we wasn’t able to do that therefore we had to change are idea which we did and it was possible to film where we chosen. With the pre-production I was clear of what steps we had to do before actually going to film. We produced three storyboards because we were not happy with some shots. After the storyboard we had produced the script; however we didn’t need to because we didn’t have any dialogue. We had to produce the treatment which had clear summary of are film including equilibrium, resolution and climax with the tagline and also the title of the film. We had to pitch are film once we did it just a practice and the second time we had to get it perfect. The thing I done in the main task which I haven’t in the preliminary task was the mood board; however it was simple. Another thing we had produce which was new to me was the photostoryboard which is the opening sequence in images. Also the location Recce was new to me because we didn’t produce it when we done the preliminary task. We had to do the shooting schedule which as really simple as we done for the preliminary task. Before the filming day we had to get together with are cast and explain how they should be dressed and what they will do on the day which saved us a lot of time. The key lessons that I learned in pre-production for the main task was the location Recce, photostoryboard, pitch, mood board which were part of research to gather the ideas and get the final idea. In the mood board I included pictures and text which relates to are film ideas for e.g. as we had drug dealing shot I included images of drugs.
In terms with the production chosen location for are opening sequence was outside therefore we couldn’t take some of the shots because of the sun being very bright in the shot and therefore it didn’t come the way we wanted so we had to come back later to re-take the shots. The problem we had was we had no continuity so therefore we had to change are opening sequence while editing because not just we didn’t have continuity we also broke the 180 degree rule so therefore we changed the order of are shots. We didn’t have any problems with the equipment but when we looked back at are shots the camera lens was dirty so we had to clean it and we come back to re-take the shots which again wasted time. We had some problem with cast as we filmed outside it was cold so they wanted to go so they went and when we looked back at are shots we realised that we needed them to re-take the shots. We had problems with the location because of the people walking past while we was filming so we had to wait until there was no people which really wasted time. With every shot we took we took it in different angles as we though it might not look good when it comes to post-production editing. The key lessons I learned was always keep the cast with you also take safety shots and check the location if there will be any distractions and if you would be able to film.
As the post-production every member edited so it was not difficult and also we all shared ideas and helped each other. We received a lot of feedback and telling us the changes we need to undertake such the pace of the shots and as they were too quick to read the information. As last shot didn’t come out right and we didn’t have the chance to re-take it we needed to use the editing techniques to try not to be very to spot the mistake. I learnt how to edit and use effects with the software while editing and how to create titles. The problems we had while editing was the sound when we imported the sound it didn’t work but later with teachers help we managed to make it work also every time we saved are work and then after when we opened it the shots were all mixed and not in right order and also the shots we faded didn’t have the fade. If I were to do the project again I would consider the location carefully and time when we should film.

Evaluation question 6

What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

My technical skills improved much more after the main task than preliminary task as we had lessons on how to use the editing software and camera and also sound. We used camera “Canon XHA1’’ as I was the responsible for handling and filming with the camera I had to know how to use it properly and I needed to make sure all of are shots came out they way we wanted so I learned how to use the camera the most out of all the equipment needed with camera I learned how to slow down the zoom because we needed for one of are shots a slow zoom from the flats to the road. I also learned how to use the lines so I don’t cut something in the shot and I also learned as when the sound kit is plugged you need to check the sound levels to see if you have sound and if not you need to change settings in the menu also if the sound levels are too high you might pick up sound you don’t need or you can’t pick up the sound you want. Also the tripod we used was ‘Vinten Pro Touch Tripod’ which was really easy to use and carry to the location needed as it was light to carry and the thing I learn about is when the camera is placed on the tripod you need to make sure the spirit levels which is important as if you don’t check the levels the camera might be tilted therefore resulting your shots not as effective or coming out wrong and not creating the effect or when you review you may not be happy with it and you will have to re-take them shots which would waste loads of time also tripod helped us a lot because we mainly had still shots. The sound kit we used was ‘Senncheiser K6 Microphone’ which was the good microphone because it picked up all the sound even the sound we didn’t want so therefore we had to move places. We needed the camera in order to film are footage we needed sound because we was going to used sound in are opening sequence but then we changed are minds and used a soundtrack instead. We needed to use the tripod so the shots come out right and also because we had only still shots. We needed the microphone to pick the sound because the built-in microphone in the camera wasn’t really good and it doesn’t pick up sound like external microphone. We needed the headphone in order to hear the sound levels and to make sure the sound we heard is what we needed for are product. The windshield was very important we used it because we needed to get clear sound and XLR lead in order to make the sound work and connect it to the camera.

We also used ‘Rycote Windshield System’ this helped us to have clear sound the thing I learned about it is that the fur part is only used while filming outside. We also used the ‘Senncheiser HD 205’ headphones to hear sound and to make sure the sound levels are good. In order to connect are sound we needed to use ‘XLR lead’ which needed to be plugged in the camera in channel 1 port.

The editing software we used was ‘Adobe Premier Pro’ to edit opening sequence. The advantages of the software that it is easy to use, there are a many effects you can choose from also you can add titles and the disadvantages when you save some changes undo which again you have to change them. We used the software for trimming shots putting them in order as we had many shots just to do with editing we needed to use for things such as: statistics, quotes, soundtrack, credits and also effects it was really important to use the software to reach that we also added a soundtrack making it fade in and fade out. To create credits we used ‘add title’ which was really straight forward and also we used titles that rolled on shots. Therefore by editing we made are product look really good and sharp to watch. By editing I learn how to use effects how to fade in and fade out also how to make titles and make them roll on the shot. While editing we needed to use 80 GB lacie drive to store are work in. At the beginning we also needed to firewire lead to digitize all of are shots on the software. The software was really easy to use digitizing was really simple as I done that on the preliminary task. I was a bit struggling with the titles and credits but I asked for help and from there I was confident with creating titles and credits. However we had one issue with the sound which was the soundtrack didn’t work also the gunshot sound, but at the end we managed to make it work we looked at the software’s tools closely how to import sound because that was the mistake we were making therefore the sound wasn’t working. With using effect at first it was a bit difficult but as I carried on using it, it was getting easier each time.

The filming techniques I learnt were the pan shot how it’s used and when to use it also the establishing shots to show the area. I learned panning the camera and movement also the low angle shot us we had in are sequence and I learned how to place the camera and how. It was the first time I used the panning shot and the establishing shot.

The editing techniques I learnt was using the effects such as fades also the way the title come up dissolve and credits roll on the shots. We used credits because it is part of the conventions of an opening sequence. As are opening sequence was a bit too short we had to make some duration of the shots longer as are last shot didn’t come out right and as we didn’t have any safety shots we to use fades and the duration tool to make it look better and make it as a longer shot. The key lessons I learnt while using the technology is always check the sound levels and check if the sound interference is good. Another important thing would be always check the spirit level of the tripod to make sure the camera is placed straight.

Evaluation question 5

How did you attract/address your audience?

We attracted are audience by using conventions of the crime drama that would audience expect to see in the crime drama film. We would attract are audience by putting posters in are poster would have all the characters in the shot and at the top in red letters ‘Granted’ the poster would be put in the areas that are really busy so people going work and etc would see It and consider going to watch it. Also the other place we consider putting the poster is on the billboards in the area that has most traffic so people read it when they are bored in the traffic and the last place would be on the buses people would see it as they get on the buses or walking. These publications and spaces would be appropriate for are film is because that is the common places where companies would place their film posters and in order of the audience would appeal to them would be because they all somehow go to work or etc and they would see the poster but if are target audience similar to the characters in the film always on the streets they would also see it as all areas has train stations and buses.

The first shot of the opening sequence was are production company ‘ADA Productions’ in red and black which has connotation the colour red blood, death and violence. After that we have the crime statistics in UK for e.g. violence against person ‘174,806’ this figure would quite shock them and the impact that would have on the audience is make them realise its happening and it’s a real social issue and we have the number in red letters as well and bold we made it to bold because it is the most information in the shot and we want are audience to take it in and also this is educating the audience and getting them prepared for the narrative. Then we have a ‘based on true story’ in white letters after seeing this audience will get more interested and can relate more to the film as it might happened to them or it happened and it was a big issue. Then we have an establishing shot of the area showing a train going past and showing the setting the impact it would have on the audience it would make them think as how their lifestyle is different to others and also will this ever stop and so they are aware of where it will take place and also we had at the bottom of the shot the name of the location barking London as it is typical in films not only in crime drama genres but in most different genres as it is really important to know where the narrative is taking place. The next shot is the alley way and we have the gang just smoking and talking which shows they have nothing to do in the area just to be on the street and credits camera by ‘Astijus Kazlauskas’ and tells the audience what type of people live in the area. Then we go to the other shot of the train bus the fast one this has connotation of time passing and nothing is changing. Then we have a police line shot a close-up we used the shot of the police line because it creates kind of crime/violence atmosphere and so are audience are also aware that there might be killing in the film, and we also have the credit of the sound person ‘Akin Smith’ in white letters this wouldn’t really attract audience but is part of opening sequence codes and conventions. Then we have a close up of the legs of the gang in the alley way showing the character dropping the bottle on the floor which shows the gang member don’t care about nothing the audience would be attracted by this as it shows the area doesn’t have the system to not litter also we could say no one really cares about them they are not part of society. The next shot is zooming out from the flats to the road to also show the setting and as are movie involves main character moving to the apartment by using this shot we showed where he lives and where the film will take place. After that we have a metropolitan police quote after seeing that you definitely audience would think police are involved so it must be about crime it was important that we didn’t make up the quote as we want are film also to be educating as not to follow the characters in are film and also really think about it how serious this is therefore this would attract the audience. Then we have a pan shot of the graffiti wall which also shows the area the film will take place and also it tells audience that the area is poor. Then after the graffiti shot fades out we have the director name credit ‘Dhara Syal’ and it fades in the next shot as we had a quote from one of the gang members from the film and we chose to do write it in the street slang way because we chose are target audience from 15-25 am most people this age would understand. And the last shot we have ‘Granted’ title in red letters which has a

Connotation of death, killing, crime and etc it would attract the audience because the title will get them thinking and trying to guess what the film is going to be about.

We also had a soundtrack when we had the establishing shots the sound was kind of hip hop/urban style and quite a slow tempo the same pace as the shots and just before the title came up we had gunshots and then the title comes up ‘Granted’ the effect it has on the audience is that they know and the genre because we made it very clear by just sound and it would keep them interested because when they here gunshots they would want to carry on watching it to find out who is going to get shot. The camera we used panning shots to show around the area it would keep the audience interested as they want to see the area the film is based in. As in terms of Mise en scene audience could relate to it the costumes we had were hoodies as you expect to see a gangster so we tried to do that also the body language of the gang we had in the alley was bored kind of aggressive and the low angle shot we used show them in the way that they have power also the majority of society recognise people with hoodies dangerous and associates them with criminals and murderers as people with hoodies are more likely to commit a crime which follows a stereotype of people with hoodies. And the setting we showed it by using establishing shots of the area. All of these Mise en scene elements to would keep are audience interested as they learn something new each shot about the film and the characters for e.g. statistics we used they learn while watching it about the world and the issues. As in editing we tried to keep are audience attracted by using effects such as fade in and fade out from shot to shot and also the way statistics pop up on the screen.

The prior knowledge of crime drama genre the audience should have if they seen many crime drama films they would be aware by watching product that its crime drama film and when statistics are shown they should already know that the film is crime drama. Audience can relate to are themes in the film such as long lost brothers and they might be in the same situation as in the film or they might been thru the same life as the characters in the film. For e.g. in the film ‘Adulthood’ there characters represent in two different ways the trouble makers and the ones who just enjoy life and don’t do crime.

Evaluation question 4

Who would be the audience for your media product?

The target audience for are media product would be:

Gender: It could appeal to both genders as we have both in are opening sequence but I think males more because they in gangs more than females.

Age: 15-25 we chose age 15 because ‘BBFC’ would not allow violence if you under 15 so therefore we considered this age certificate. As in are film we have props cigarettes, alcohol bottles which are important which represents character as alcoholic living in a ghetto place having no job and mainly hanging around the streets and it we kind of can connote they are lower class/working and they are raised by families which may been alcoholic before. Police line suggests that crime has been taken place and in one of are shots we have the police line shot in the foreground and we had are character in the background which shows them calm and relaxed which suggests they seen a lot of crime taking place and its nothing new to them. Gun shown later in the film tells us that people use gun for different types of purposes as we had a clear purpose between are protagonist and antagonist one was to for self-defence and other to commit crime so therefore we said are age of target audience should be from 15 the reason for this younger audience would watch this and would understand that it is only a movie and therefore they won’t be influenced by the film to do similar things what was being shown in the film where as 15 year olds would understand it’s only a film and know what is right and wrong.

Interests: Urban music because it talks a lot about drugs and crime and violence, gangster movies, graffiti as we have a graffiti shot in are opening sequence.

Ethnicity: Any Race- Stereotypically black as statistics show that they mostly commit crime and also Asians.

Social class: Working class teenagers/young adults and young adults who have lived or understand the lifestyle.

We as a group chose this target group because are audience are older and would relate and understand film more and learn about the social issues in the world now not just in UK. Also it would be the people that might experience a lifestyle like that or still living it the same way as the movie show. Also the audience for a film would be gangster film/crime drama film fans and as we have conventions of the genre it the opening sequence it would make them want to watch it. The location of audience would be in the busy areas where they see various forms of media such as: billboards, posters and etc.

The movies they would be interested to watch would be ‘Adulthood’ as is similar to are film as it focuses on young adults lives. The other film would be ‘Scarface’ as it’s about drugs and violence and has drama elements death and etc. They would be also interested in drama genre questions with a tension in the film. The film that they have seen in the last six months I think would be ‘Notorious B.I.G’ as its about drugs, crime and violence also ‘2012’ because it’s a drama film and ‘Public enemies’.