1. In what ways does your media product
use, develop or challenge forms and
conventions of real media products?
By Charlie Rideout
2. Opening sequence conventions
We followed the stereotypical opening sequence. As the opening g
sequence starts with a production logo. Then in come the titles in the
conventional order. Starting with ‘In association with…’ then I introduced the
protagonist and antagonist and other key actors, producers or editor. I ended
with the traditional ‘Directed by..’.
3. Horror Genre conventions
In my opening sequence of ‘Axed’ we tried to follow the stereotypical horror
film, however in some ways we went against the stereotypical conventions.
Firstly we matched the stereotypical setting as it’s filmed in a remote farm in
the middle of the country side this, isolates the characters. Additionally we had
a very conventional horror narrative as there is an initial murder, then some
teenagers become isolated and are picked of one by one. This connotes
sequestration.
For example on of our themes is a revenge type of film we incorporated this
theme well. We didn’t have a good vs. evil theme because our characters we
not in any danger of death.
Furthermore , I used the conventional high and low angle shots in order to
connote fear and nightmares. I also used ambient diegetic sounds, such as
footsteps and monster sounds; this is very conventional of the horror genre.
Additionally I used jump cuts to make the film feel awkward for the audience.
Also, we matched the conventional mysterious killer.
I also incorporated a conventional murder weapon of an axe which is the key
signifier to the films genre. However we also went against some of the
conventions as the characters are not young Blonde girls; but males. However
they are still venerable.
5. Production logo
It is conventional to have a production logo in any film not only in horror films.
My production logo ‘Blurred Fraction’ connotes that thing will remain bedim at
the start and will become clear in the end. This is shown in my production logo
as it starts off blurry then clears. This blurring effect hints to the genre of film my
production logo will create; as blurs are associated with mysterious films. So
my production logo hints toward horror and adventure films.
6. Enigma Codes
I used an enigma to make out antagonist mysterious and scary. However we
didn’t want the audience to see his face; this makes him seem more mysterious
and illusive. This is this further enticed when he is killing his son, but the
audience do not know why and what is happening to the boy. This makes the
film more gripping and tense for the audience as they want to continue
watching to see what’s going to happen and why Jake died.
Axe, is the key
signifier. Produces
an enigma code.
7. Action codes
During my opening sequence there is a huge amount of action scenes we
also had some calmer scenes to create a roller coaster for the audience. The
key signifier of the axe is the main action code, I chose the axe because an
Axe connotes murder an action. This links to our horror genre. However the
action makes our genre a horror-adventure hybrid. I used the original scene
to show the action that had taken place n the house this is then matched
with the arrival of the ‘Lads’ who see that killer Malcolm; this helps the
audience establish that it’s the same house.
8. Binary opposites
In our film we included many binary opposites, this follows the conventions of
the genre as binary opposites are always often used to as side plots and
themes, thus increasing the drama. The main ones will be between the
antagonist and protagonist. As one is good and the other is bad; they are
completely opposite as one is after revenge and the others are just innocent
holiday makers who are lost.
There are also binary opposites between the group. As Gus is the weaker
character; he is a stereotypical nerd who is a bit of a joker . Whereas Tommie is
the dominant character; he bullies Gus into going upstairs. He is always
interested on having authority. They are binary opposites as there personalities
clash. You can see this as Tommie is always talking down on Gus.
9. Titles
In my opening sequence I followed the conventional title sequence. I developed
a text that I thought look as if it would fit the genre as it’s sharp, crisp text;
connotes the sharpness of the axe. I had reasonable short ascenders and
desenders as I wanted the text to be compact. Additionally I animated my text
to make it go from red to white; this makes it interesting . The red follows the
conventional horror film font colour. I chose red because it connotes death. It
then changes to white; this connotes hope and sanguineness. The meaning
behind the text colour create a juxtapositioning. They also give the audience a
clue about the narrative of the story.
