Additional Research - Music and Sound

You are not permitted to use any copyrighted material for the final cut of your opening sequence. Therefore, you will need to either use Garageband to create your own composition, or alternatively you could source some copyright free music/sound effects which best fit your piece. An excellent site to use is: http://freeplaymusic.com/

You may use copyright music as a source of inspiration (which you can log and analyse) but ultimately you must ensure your sequence is free from any copyrighted materials.

As for foley sound (sound effects, dubbed sound) - Garageband has a wide selection (which can be accessed through iMovie) and you can search the net for access to free sound effects if you can't find what you are looking for.

Below is an example of proficient - excellent music analysis:

Our opening sequence is aiming to fall into the codes and conventions of a horror film. We have made a conscious decision that we wish to indicate to the audience the type of film they are about to watch. Therefore, we have researched a wide variety of horror soundtracks in an effort to influence the music we will use in our opening sequence.

This piece of music is from the 1978 film, Halloween. It is incidental music used during a scene where a character is followed. We thought this would be appropriate as our film opens with a chase sequence which builds slowly. The deep tones of the piano suggest menace and malice - this coupled with the steady pace and the use of silence suggests an inescapable danger. The high pitched percussion sounds join the piano, followed by high strings. A sense of foreboding is created through this layering of uncomfortable sounds. The same pace is sustained throughout which suggests unrelenting determination of the killer. However, for our piece we wish to build tension and gradually rise to a crescendo of sorts. This piece would be more effective for us if the pace had increased and perhaps a wider range of sounds had been introduced to increase the volume.

The main theme from Friday the 13th uses similar high pitched strings which 'slash' into the music. There is juxtaposition between the screech of the strings (reminiscent of a scream) and the sinister tones of the horn. This music has more urgency and an increase in pace. This seems more appropriate for the chase sequence we will be starting our film with. Music with a steady and increasing pace can help establish tension - something essential in realizing our horror film.

One element this music is missing is the gradual build up of tension - it attacks straight away with the high pitched strings. Our chase sequence starts off with the victim unaware - only the audience are aware of the threat. Therefore we need something which builds more gradually into something like the Friday the 13th theme. An excellent example of this is the chase sequence from 'The Shining'. The gradual build as the chase develops. The audience are aware of the killer's position but the victims are not. This confusion is heightened with the discordant sounds used in the score. Fear is established with the stereotypical (yet effective) high pitched strings. 

TO COMPLETE THIS RESEARCH YOU COULD THEN INCLUDE EXAMPLES OF POSSIBLE TRACKS YOU WILL USE. YOU COULD ANALYSE HOW APPROPRIATE THEY ARE - ALWAYS SHOW YOUR DECISION MAKING PROCESSES!

Suggestions for improving research and planning 1

Below are some examples of level 1 - 4 coursework. I have used location shots as an example of the level of detail and analysis required to achieve each of the levels. Your work will need to be of the same standard throughout to ensure you can achieve the level required.

LEVEL 1 - Minimal evidence of research and planning

This constitutes a level 1 because only images of the locations and very brief descriptions have been included. There appears to be no thought process behind the locations chosen. The presentation shows no creativity whatsoever.  

LEVEL 2 - Basic evidence of research and planning

This has achieved a level 2 because there is evidence of basic organisation and some effort to explain possible effects the chosen locations would have on audience. The presentation shows a basic amount of effort.

LEVEL 3 - Proficient evidence of research and planning

This has achieved a level 3 because the post clearly outlines the group's location requirements in relation to their concept. Each location is analysed and linked directly into what the group wish to achieve and how the location will assist with that ambition. Mise en scene is considered, as is society's collective understanding of genre. The presentation is of a high standard.

 LEVEL 4 - Excellent evidence of research and planning

This has achieved a level 4 because it has all the elements of the level 3 blog example but it then goes on to analyse how their own location choices are influenced by other pieces of work in the same genre. There are specific examples included. The presentation is excellent.

Master Post - Work You Should Have

This is a list of all the blog posts you should have. This list will be updated regularly, so please keep checking. Text in red you must have. Text in orange is optional but advisable if you are aiming for level 3 and above.

• Camera Shots and Angles
• Camera Movements Video
• Rule of Thirds research and notes
• Notes on continuity editing (180 degree rule, match on action & shot, reverse shot)
• Preliminary Planning (storyboard, shot list & screengrabs of editing process)
• Video of completed preliminary task
• Codes and conventions of film opening sequences (due 13th October)
• Close analysis of horror openings (due 20th October)
• Audience Profile for a horror film (due 23rd October)
• 'Initial ideas' - an outline of your chosen sub-genre, 3 or 4 ideas for a whole film narrative, ideas for how you would open these films.
• Moodboard
• Sub-genre codes and convention research
• Final concept for film's narrative (use the five stages of Todorov's narrative theory)
• Research into titles and a list of ideas for own film title based on this research
• A logline for your film
• Ideas for your opening sequence
• PLANNING TASKS - this includes: a script, a storyboard, location shots and casting/wardrobe shots (due 18th November)
• Additional planning tasks - test shots of special effects make-up, audition videos, lighting tests, videos of group discussions/screenshots of group communication, audience feedback on your ideas, video diary of coursework progress etc...
• Research into music and sound
• An action plan after your first draft video mark has been received
• Audience feedback/research

Tips on Blogging

Make your own mind maps with Mindomo.

List of coursework tools

Use of digital technology is of paramount importance for your AS coursework. Therefore, I am posting a list of suggested resources for the presentation of your research & planning, production work and evaluation. This list is by no means exhaustive!