Evaluation: Question 1 - In what way does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions
1. EVALUATION: QUESTION 1
IN WHAT WAY DOES YOUR MEDIA
PRODUCT USE, DEVELOP OR
CHALLENGE FORMS AND
CONVENTIONS
2. The Task
Our task was to produce a thriller opening which has a duration of 2 minutes.
Before the production task, each of us carried out multiple tasks including;
Research, Preliminary Task and Planning, that we had to accomplish before
approaching the production. Through my research tasks, it give me the opportunity
to extract important factors and information. Through my planning tasks, I was
placed into a group and we were required to work together; in order to decide and
elaborate on our thriller idea for the production. Through the preliminary task, we
worked together to produce a 30 second long video on a chosen topic and edit it
within a allocated time, which helped us use the technologies required for the
production beforehand. Overall, through the tasks we were able to identify each
others strengths, weakness, ability etc. so that allowed us to identify the roles each
of us took on for the production. Each individuals within our group had different
roles and duties. Such as I Baris had the role of Editing, Producer and Camera
Operator. Elliot had the role of creating the Sound and Location Manager. Shakil
had the role of Directing, operating the Lighting and responsible for the Costume,
Hair & Make-up.
Task: Research &
Planning
Task: Preliminary
Task
3. Does my thriller follow conventions of
a thriller?
Within our final production, I could confidently state that I have used conventional thriller elements, including the
following;
Sound - During our production, I have
created sound files we will be using
instead of using the once that Final Cut
Pro X offers. The sound files which I
have created, includes; Door Knocking
(used whiles the victim is watching the
film & cleaning the glass) & Glass
Shattering (used whiles the victim was
watching the film). Elliot is the one
which is creating the soundtrack for
the product.
Iconography - For our production, I
have disposed several glass cups,
created multiple notes and also got a
mask to use within the thriller opening.
The iconography that we will be using
within the thriller is conventional to the
genre and also all of them connotes
tension and suspense since its unusual
to experience these sorts things whiles
your at home.
Setting - For our production, we have
decided to use a apartment since its
conventional and also it connotes
privacy and safety because the victim
is going to be within his apartment,
and at the end the antagonist has
entered without the victims’ intention
and knowledge.
4. Character Representation
In the thriller film ‘Scream (1996)’, the antagonist appears to be a male which
is wearing a black cloak allowing to represent his dark emotions and evilness
which he contains. Also the use of the mask prevents the identity to be
revealed to the audience, which makes it difficult for them to identify the
antagonist. In my thriller ‘The Unseen’, our antagonist appears to be a male
which is wearing conventional dark clothing that allows him to hide his identity
against the victim and the audience. His representation connotes mystery and
danger as the victim and the audience are unaware of his capabilities and
identity.
In the film ‘Law Abiding Citizen (2009)’, one of the victim’s appears to be a
male which is wearing casual clothing; white shirt, white jumper and grey
trousers, the clothing which the victim is wearing connotes that he is relaxed
and comfortable which is conventional to the genre. In my thriller ‘The Unseen’,
our victim also appears to be to a male which is wearing a white t-shirt and also
a grey jogging bottoms which are conventional to the genre. His representation
connotes fear and vulnerability as he is along which means that he is open to
any possible danger around him.
Scream
1996
Law Abiding Citizen 2009
The Unseen
I could confidently state that I have created and used an conventional character representation for all of our character such as the
white top will connote innocent and the dark coloured clothing revokes the audience emotions with danger and something
unpredictable may suddenly occur.
The Unseen
5. Cinematography Shot
Cinematography is a combination of shots, angles and movements, by using these in conventional
terms it will allow the producers to create and establish a successful thriller. During the production
process, I have used various camera; shots, angles and movement to ensure that I have used
conventional elements regarding the genre.
I have used close ups in various scenes as it allowed me to capture multiple
feelings and expressions for our victim. The use of the close ups allows the
audience to have a finer view of the scene in more detail. Within the thriller
‘Se7en’ there has been various attempts to using close ups as it typical and
also it allows the user to see minor elements in greater detail.
I have also used an establishing shot as it allowed me to capture the
environment and the location which this shot is conventional to the thriller
genre. Within the thriller ‘John Wick’ there's been a use of an establishing shot
as its helped to capture the setting and the iconography that’s around which
allows the audience to have a better understanding of the event that has
occurred.
The Unseen
Se7en (1995)
The Unseen
John Wick (2014)
6. I have also used the an tilt shot as it allowed me to capture the victim leaning
down and picking up the notes which are left on his door mat. Within the
thriller ‘Halloween’ an tilt shot has been used when the antagonist leans down
to pick up the kitchen knife which connotes briefly what is going to occur in the
following scene.
The Unseen
Halloween
(1978)
I have used a zoom shot in a few scene to zoom into the iconography which
was left on the door mat on the last door knock, to the content of the note
and also to the reaction of the victim when seeing the antagonist.
Additionally used zooming out whiles the antagonist was turning slightly
around. Within the thriller ‘John Wick’ there is various uses of quick zoom
shots which capture a facial expression of the character which could revoke
the emotions of the audience.
John Wick (2014)
Cinematography Movement
The Unseen
7. I have also used the point of view shot in various scenes as it allowed be to
record and show the victims view when he sees the antagonist in his living
room. Within the thriller ‘Psycho’ an point of view shot has been used capture
the antagonist in action. Point of view shot is conventional to the thriller genre
as it allows the audience to have the victims’ view for the audience.
I have used an over shoulder shot as it allowed me to capture the trick or
treater which is in the view of the victim. Within the thriller ‘Law Abiding
Citizen’ the use of the over should shot connotes various elements; the cell
that’s the antagonist is in and that the protagonist is in his view.
I believe that I have clearly used the conventional cinematography though a various of different shots, angles
and movements within my thriller opening as it allowed me to create and develop a typical thriller opening.
The Unseen
Psycho (1960)
The Unseen
Law Abiding Citizen (2009)
8. Sound
Before creating and developing our soundtrack for our thriller, we carried out an research task
regarding our sound, which it allowed us to identify conventional thriller soundtrack which consisted;
diegetic sound, non-diegetic sound, on screen sound, off screen sound, parallel sound and
contrapuntal sound as all of the different sounds had different meaning regarding the scene which it
was used within.
Once the research was complete, we was able to begin creating our own soundtrack ensuring that
went along with our narrative and existing thriller films. The sound we have created makes the
audience feel relaxed and calm in the few seconds of the opening, as the scenes develop the
darkness of the sound combines with the footage revokes the audience emotions and feelings
causing them to feel worried and unsafe for the victims life. Moreover, the sound effects which I have
created regarding the certain scene increases the climax and creates an knock effect on the
audience.
One of the most significant sound that created a distortion effect on the audience was
the shattering on the glass in the kitchen, which the victim instantly responded back
to, the use of the glass sound is conventional to the genre as it creates a unstable
feeling on the audience regarding the victim as something dangerous is going to
happen. In addition, the use of the door knocks also revokes the emotions as its
unknown what could possibly occur when the door is opened.
9. Editing Cuts
By following the codes and conventions, I was able
to apply my knowledge to my thriller opening.
Within my thriller opening, I have used straight cuts
as it allowed me to move into the following shot, in
addition the audience where able to follow the
order of the events without confusion.
During another research task, I was able to successfully identify conventional editing cuts, therefore I
was also able to understand there meaning and affect on the audience as a result.
The use of straight cuts allowed me to save
valuable time as we had a limited time to
cover all of the scene for our thriller.
Fast Five (2011)
Straight cut is
evident within many
typical thrillers.
This is an example of straight cut within our thriller, when
the victim opens the door and spots the trick or treater and
then there is another over the shoulder shot view of the
victim.
The Unseen
10. Editing Transitions
During my research task, I was able to identify and understand the purpose of editing transitions, and
additionally the conventional transition used within thriller films.
The transition I have used is dissolve as it allows me to
move into the following footage from the pervious footage
quickly dissolving into the new one. Moreover, I have also
used cross dissolve as it allowed me to move into the next
footage from the side and quickly dissolved. By applying
these transitions, it prevented the audience from being
confused, but leaving them unaware of the tension ahead.
Furthermore, I have used slow editing and fade to black
just before the ending of the final scene when the victim
enters the living room and sees the antagonist as it
increases and highlights the tension and fear for the
audience as they are waiting on what's going to happen to
the victim.
The Unseen
The Unseen
I ensured that I’ve used typical transition regarding the genre and previewing existing typical thrillers as
it allows me to successfully create a thriller.
11. Mise En Scene – Setting and Iconography
The setting which we have selected for our thriller opening is an apartment which is
typical to the genre as it connotes privacy and also safety since he is within his own
property. Through the use of this setting allows the audience to develop the idea that
the victim is in his apartment therefore he is protected, however vulnerable to the
danger around he. Within the film ‘Watchmen’ (2009), in the opening scene they
have also used an apartment as their setting since it connotes the victims’ privacy as
he is in his own property.
Setting is important as it connotes various things from safety to danger, Through the setting the
audience are able to have a basic understanding plot and would have expectation towards it.
Iconography is also vital as it allow the audience to predict what the particular scene includes is going to
include.
The iconography which we have selected to use includes; notes (with blood), mask,
and also shattered glass, I’ve ensured that we have used typical iconography within
our thriller which I have Identified through our research task eventually it will help
to revoke the emotions and felling of the audience. Within the film ‘Se7en’ (1995)
in the opening it has also used similar iconography to our whereas in Se7en the
antagonist is taking notes regarding his victims and in ours the antagonist is
sending the victim the notes.
Watchmen (2009)
The Unseen
Se7en (1995)
The Unseen
I believe that I have used the typical setting for my thriller opening as it connotes privacy and safety and also
various iconography within the thriller as it will revoke the emotions of the audience as it conventional to the genre.
12. Mise En Scene – Lighting and Colour
The lighting which we have selected to use and apply to our thriller includes; top
lighting, back lighting, low & high key as these are commonly used and also it
helps to portray the thriller genre clearly to the audience. Top lighting allowed us
to capture the important scene in richer detail, back lighting enhanced the
significance of the antagonist, low key connoted to the audience that something
unusual is or might happen and high key was naturally captured to increase the
realism.
The colours which we have intended to use where the natural colours that has
originated from the Horror Thriller film which the victim has selected to watch.
The colours which appeared and we used within our thriller includes; black and
white. The use of black connotes darkness and also unclear vision for the
audience.
Lighting allows the producers to convey and support the setting and also the audiences feeling
depending the scenes. Colour is used to support and portray clearer understanding to the audience
regarding the event or scene. Both of these elements helps to guide the audience attention to certain
areas.
Psycho (1960)
The Unseen
The Unseen
The Man from Nowhere
(2010)
Through identifying conventional lighting and colour, I believe that I have used typical mise
en scene elements within my thriller in various scene as it allowed to go along with the
realism which then it allows me to revoke their feelings.
13. Insidious (2011)
Mise En Scene – Body Language, Costume,
Hair & Make-up
Body language is used to support the characters emotions and feelings regarding the event or scene which has
recently taken place. Furthermore, the use of the costume, hair & make-up depends on the characteristics of the
character which allows the audience to have a better understanding character.
The body languages which the characters has presented during the production
where natural reactions. The victim reacted to the unusual events with suspense
and towards the end with tension. The trick or treater was calm and relax as it’s a
traditional for western people to be approaching other during Halloween. Finally,
the antagonist connotes bravery and confidence when appeared on the scene.
The costumes which we have selected and used are conventional to the
thriller genre. The victim appears to be wearing a white t-shirt and grey
jogging bottoms which connotes comfort and his hair & make-up is natural.
The trick or treater appears wearing a typical Halloween costume. The
antagonist appear to be wearing dark clothing as it connotes mystery since
the identity is hidden due to the darkness.
The Unseen
The Unseen
Halloween (1978)
Through identifying the important and typical elements, I was then able to use
those in order to make a conventional thriller.
14. How we have challenged gender stereotypes
through representation
The Unseen
Scream (1996)
The Grudge (2004)
Through analysing typical thriller victim's, I have identified that they appear
to be an female in their 20’s, which quite similar representation and also
their costume, hair and make-up is also similar. Within our thriller opening,
we have challenged the convention were by using a male victim which is in
his early 20’s. Our victim representation is typical to the genre whereas we
have created our victim to be braver and less emotional. In comparison to
a typical female victim ‘Casey’ from Scream she become emotional and
began to present elements of fear and having an unstable feeling.
Moreover, in the thriller ‘The Grudge’ the female victim doesn’t become
emotional quickly as she has more stable emotions and that’s evident that
she is able to maintain herself.
15. Theorist
There are four important narrative theorist which has an impact on the media product which is produced nowadays,
Propp, Todorov, Aristotle and Barthes.
Propp stated and declared that the characters which are included in folk tales has and portrays more meaning of
the narrative regarding the audience.
Todorov suggested that films follow a narrative structure of Equilibrium, Disequilibrium and New Equilibrium.
Equilibrium is the first appearance of the characters to the audience, Disequilibrium is the process of when
something distorting happens. Finally, New Equilibrium is the stage when everything is resolved and there is a happy
ending to the narrative.
Aristotle claimed that the narrative was based around themes and emotions, the structure of the narrative is that
Exposition is when the audience identifying the characters, Rising Action is when the protagonist/anti hero realises
their ambition, Climax is when the overall tension occurs and everything goes wrong, Falling Action is when there is
a turning point of the plot and Denouement is when everything is solved and there is a happy ending.
Barthes stated that a narrative structure is consists of the following; Connotation, Denotation and Cultural
Understanding.
After analysing the theorist, we have come to the conclusion to apply all of the theorist to our thriller. As we used
Halloween for our theme, Barthes's cultural understanding applied to us as it will be approachable for audience
from the western world and the use of the iconography in the thriller is a connotation which symbolises different
meanings. Aristotle's narrative structure has also applied to us whereas we have ended our thriller with a climax
ensuring that the audiences feel the tension and suddenly ends. Todorov’s theory also applies as the equilibrium of
the characters appears and the disequilibrium where the antagonist is appears. Finally with Propp’s theory also
applies whereas we’ve used the villain as our antagonist.
16. Theme
The use of theme allows the producers to portray more meaning so that the audience have a clearer
understanding of the narrative. The use of themes allows the audience to have an expectation
towards the media product e.g. violence, good vs evil, mystery.
After researching and identifying the typical themes, for our
thriller we have selected and applied three themes;
Halloween, Supernatural and Mystery as these where more
in the interest of the audience. The use of Halloween is
especially taken into consideration within the western
world. The use of supernatural is for the audience that’s
particular interested within suspense. Finally, the use of
mystery is for those audience which has a passion towards
solving and engaging with confusing narrative. Overall, the
themes that’s been used are conventional and also all of
them connote different meanings which attract more
audience.
The Unseen
Halloween (1978)
The Unseen
Psycho 1960The Unseen
Scream (1996)
I believe that with the research covered over themes, within our
thriller we have used and presented typical themes which are in
the interest of our target audience as they have particular
interest towards the themes used in our thriller.
17. Target Audience
After researching and identifying the most popular and common age rating,
we as a group have come to the conclusion to use and apply the 15 age
rating and only target audience which as 15 and over since they have more
interest towards thriller. Our target audience were aged 15 and over,
however beforehand we have researched BBFC and identified their
guidelines which we have taken on board during the planning produce so
that our thriller is appropriate for 15 and above aged audience.
Target audience is one of the most important factors which needs to be taken into consideration
when approaching to produce a media product as every product has is very own target audience
which the producers has targeted.
These are some of the conventional thrillers which was
distributed by Dimension Films, these films had a
rating which was only and restricted to audience aged
17 and over due to the elements used in the films
Through the research covered behalf of our target audience, we have identified and used conventional
elements within our thriller which had made it appreciable for our target audience and over to attend.
18. Credits
Credits
After reviewing existing thriller credits, I was able to
identify the conventional thriller credits, including
font; style, colour, size etc. regarding our thriller
opening. Once the research was complete, we was
then able to confidently select font styles from
‘www.dafont.com’ to use within our thriller credits.
For the title of the thriller, we have used the
‘Notorious’ font style as it was typical to the thriller
genre. For the characters and crew we have used
the ‘Travelling Typewriter’ font style as this was
commonly used within modern day thriller films.
For all of the fonts within the thriller, we have kept
them large and with a black background so that
the audience are able to clearly see and read the
credits.
Credits are used to inform the audience about the film, characters and crew which has participated in
the production process or which has been beneficial to the media product.
The roles of the crew members has been changed
to different colours so that it stands out and the
audience are able to identify clearly.
19. When comparing my thriller credits to ‘Scream’, I could
identify that the aim of both is clearly that they are aiming to
connote innocents through the use of the white. However
within Scream the font is bold and chunky which makes it
stand out and draws more attention to it.
When comparing my thriller credits to ‘Halloween’, I am able to
identify that both production names has been presented as
different whereas for our one we have used plain white and black
as it stands out more and also the font style supports it to draw
attention to it with the cuts in the letters. Within Halloween the
credits have been presented using and orange colour due to the
theme of the thriller.
20. Overall
I could confidently state that my thriller opening has used forms and conventional regarding the
thriller genre and also existing thrillers. I have used relevant micro element within my thriller in order
to make it conventional to its genre and also approachable for my target audiences. Moreover, we
have also challenged forms and conventional by using a white male as our victim, however its
convectional to be seeing a blonde female as the victim, but we have given our victim typical
characteristics and representation. Through challenging the gender representation of the victim we
was able to still give it the audience the victim understanding and connote that the he had the
representation of a typical victim, meanwhile it also allowed use to develop upon the representation
which has that due to the gender of our victim he was more confident and braver in comparison to a
blond female as they would be less protective and which will create vulnerability instantly with manor
events occurring.
