AS MEDIA

1. Q1) IN WHAT WAY DOES YOUR
MEDIA PRODUCT USE, DEVELOP
AND CHALLENGE FORMS AND
CONVENTIONS?

2. THE TASK
• The task consisted of creating a two minute thriller opening of any sub-
genre. After completing the research tasks, which enabled me to develop
my micro-elements, thriller and character knowledge I was placed into a
group, consisting of three members (including myself). We did the
preliminary task, which allowed us to familiarise with filming, editing and
selecting appropriate group roles. Our next step was to plan precisely our
opening, including completing the pre-production paperwork. After the
filming we started editing our footage and adding original soundtrack.
Lastly we evaluated our project in order to measure our success.

3. DOES MY PRODUCT USE, DEVELOP OR CHALLENGE
CONVENTIONS OF A THRILLER?
Colour
I have used thriller conventions by utilising
a red colour effect on some of my frames.
This uses the conventions as red connotes
danger and evil, which are conventional
themes of a thriller. Seven (1995) used
similar effect in order to create fear and
suspense in the opening sequence. I think
this was effective as it alerts the audience
about the genre and possible narrative.
Iconography
I have developed conventions of a thriller by
using the iconography of a mannequin in my
opening. This develops conventions as
mannequins are often associated with
females who are subordinate. By using this I
have created various meanings and
developed the character representations. In
The Silence of the Lambs (1991) Buffalo Bill
had a collection of female mannequins and
created a meaning of maniac obsession for
the audience.In Her Scent
Seven
Costume
I have challenged forms and conventions
of a thriller by dressing my antagonist in a
dress. This challenges conventions as
usually dresses are associated with
females who are stereotypically weak,
however I subverted this representation
creating a meaning for the audience of
jealousy and obsession. The antagonist
from Insidious 2 (2013) also wears an old,
rotten dress to show his evil and
supernatural powers.
Silence of the Lambs
In Her Scent Insidious 2
In Her Scent

4. CHARACTER REPRESENTATION IN MY THIRLLER
My character challenges forms and conventions through costume. This is
evident by the yellow dress that they are wearing which challenges
conventions as often we associate dresses with females. The costume allows to
the audience to understand the character more as they infer a possible identity
crisis. Buffalo Bill from The Silence of the Lambs (1991) has worn similar
clothing to express his character and mark his uniqueness.
COSTUME
PHYSIQUE
The antagonist has a tall yet large body which uses conventions as often
antagonists are larger in size to create supremacy and intimidation
around their character, thus giving them the power. The physique allows
the audience to understand the narrative too as the character longs for
figure that he lacks. Doctor Douglas from Gothika (2003) is a large man
which causes fear within petite and fragile individuals.

5. CHARACTER REPRESENTATION IN MY THRILLER
ETHNICITY
The character is white of Turkish origin which uses conventions. Often antagonists are ethnic
because media tends to portray these individuals as evil and someone we should fear. Sloan
from Wanted (2008) is an ethnic antagonist which is conventional of the thriller genre as his
ethnicity creates meaning to the viewer and an insight to his personality.
AGE
The age of our character uses conventions. This is because our antagonist is
portrayed as a middle aged man, which is conventional as most of these characters
are older and have more experience and can think ahead of their opponents. This
therefore challenges the protagonist. Hannibal Lecter from Hannibal (2001) was a
middle aged man with a cunning nature and wider experience.
GENDER
We have used conventions by having a male antagonist. This uses conventions because often males
are represented as the dominant gender and having a male antagonist will be more threatening and
realistic. Jigsaw from the film Saw (2004) is a male antagonist who is capable of harming others,
whereas females are represented as too fragile to cause harm.

6. CINEMATOGRAPHY (SIZES)
EXTREME CLOSE UP
I have used conventions by utilising an extreme close up in my opening
sequence. This shot was used to keep the element of mystery to my
opening as well as emphasise that this is a head which has been cut out
from a woman. This uses conventions as conventional thrillers use
extreme close ups to focus on something significant. Seven (1995) has
used extreme close ups effectively in order to hide the characters identity
and emphasise on the unusual actions.
MEDIUM SHOT
I have developed my medium shot by using the rule of thirds to create
my own meaning. This shot was used to present the iconography of the
mannequin but still keep the character unrevealed. This develops
conventions as by following the rule of thirds my shot became clearer
and natural for the eye. In comparison, in the opening from The Girl
with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) the medium shot has not used the rule
of thirds, which creates meaning of isolation around the character.
In Her Scent
Seven
In Her Scent
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

7. CINEMATOGRAPHY (ANGLES)
LOW ANGLE
I have used conventions by utilising a low angle in my opening. This angle
was used to create superiority around the antagonist and make the viewer
feel vulnerable. This uses conventions as often thrillers use low angles to
give a character power and authority. In the opening scene from Inception
(2010) a low angle is used effectively to give authority to an officer who
serves the public.
In Her Scent
Inception
CANTED ANGLE
I have used conventions by utilising a canted angle in
my opening. This angle creates distortion to the frame
and confuses the audience who cannot fully
understand the character’s action. This uses
conventions because canted angles are often used in
thriller openings to create a chaotic atmosphere. A
canted angle is used in the opening of The Girl with
the Dragon Tattoo (2011) to create distortion and
engage the viewer who needs to focus in order to
understand the frame.
In Her Scent
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

8. CINEMATOGRAPHY (MOVEMENTS)
PANNING SHOT
I have used conventions by applying a panning shot in my opening. The
movement was used to follow the character's hand which was
smoothing the clothes. This uses the conventions as the panning shot
helps to emphasise the character and show that he is the focus. A
panning shot is used in The Stepfather (1897) to introduce a lot of family
wall pictures. This allows the audience to understand that the character
is very fond of his family, which can build curiosity from the audience
A Panning Shot from Right to Left.
In Her Scent
TILT SHOT
I have used conventions by utilising a tilt shot in my opening
sequence. The movement was used to introduce the iconography
of a mannequin. This uses conventions as the tilt is used
effectively to introduce something significant in the opening. A
tilt shot is used in the opening of Scream (1996) in order to
follow the iconography of a phone and introduce the character.
The tilt allows the viewer to focus on the significant parts of the
frame.
A Tilt Shot From Top to Bottom
In Her Scent A Tilt Shot from Bottom to Top
Scream
The Stepfather
A Panning Shot from Right to Left

9. SOUND
I have developed conventions by using an eerie non-
diegetic sound in my opening sequence. In my
thriller I have utilised a non-diegetic sound of
taunting piano that is often distorted by additional
techno/electric sound effects. This develops forms
and conventions as the non-diegetic sound is calm
yet paralysing for the viewers. Simultaneously, the
extra sounds match the edits, which compliments
Godwin’s theory. Seven (1995) has used similar non-
diegetic distortions in it’s opening sequence. This
helped me to create a chaotic atmosphere and
conveyed the dark atmosphere of a thriller.

10. EDITING
FADE TO BLACK
I have used conventions by applying a fade to black in my
thriller opening. This is evident at the end of the sequence,
where the antagonist walks out and the title appears. This
uses forms and conventions as the fade to black leaves the
viewer in suspense and wonder, which is conventional of a
thriller. A fade to black is used in the opening of the Law
Abiding Citizen (2009) to show that the attack has a deadly
effect on the family.
CROSS DISSOLVE
I have used conventions by applying a cross dissolve to transition
my frames. This edit takes place after the character smoothens the
clothing and then the frame dissolves into a credit. The transition
allows a fluent change which uses conventions as the viewer will
find it more believable and won’t notice the drastic change. A
cross dissolve is used in the opening of Face Off (1997) to
transition from one frame to another in a smooth manner.
Abrupt Fade to Black
In Her Scent
In Her Scent
Law Abiding Citizen
Shot Followed by a Sudden
Fade to Black
Face Off

11. MISE EN SCENE- COSTUME, HAIR & MAKE-UPCOSTUME
I have challenged conventions by dressing my antagonist in a yellow dress. This
challenges forms and conventions as dresses are usually worn by females. The
antagonist from Insidious 2 (2013) has also challenged conventions as he was a
male wearing a filthy dress. The mask also uses conventions. This is because it
helps to hide the antagonist identity, thus informing the audience about his
secretive and cunning nature. A mask is used in Scream (1996) in order to cover
the antagonist’s face and keep him anonymous, which builds suspense.
HAIR
The antagonist’s hair style and colour uses conventions. This is because his sleek black hair
connotes his evil and cunning nature as well as pride in what he does. This uses
conventions as often antagonists tend to take pride in their actions although these are not
always right. The antagonist from Face/Off (1997) has sleek black hair to show he is
elegant and confident in what he does.
MAKE-UP
The use of make-up challenges forms and conventions. This is because the
antagonist wears pink lipstick on his mask which subverts stereotypes as
lipsticks are often used by females. The antagonist from Insidious 2 (2013)
has also worn dark lipstick and eye shadow to show his evil intensions.
In Her Scent
Insidious 2
Scream
Face Off

12. MISE EN SCENE- ICONOGRAPHY
I have developed conventions by using fashion magazines in my opening sequence.
This is evident throughout the opening and shots of magazines with beheaded
women are a reoccurring pattern in the sequence to reinforce the dark themes and
create further meaning of hate to the audience. This develops forms and
conventions as fashion magazines are not a conventional iconography of a thriller
however the images of beheaded women match the chilling thriller atmosphere
and my narrative. I have developed this idea from the opening of Seven (1995),
where the antagonist was constantly cutting out, marking newspapers and the
Bible.
Furthermore, I have developed conventions by using the
iconography of a mannequin in my opening sequence. The
mannequin reoccurs in the sequence to represent the
idyllic image that the character craves for but is deprived
of. This develops conventions as often mannequins are
associated with females, however I have used it to create
own meaning and develop the character representation.
Buffalo Bill from The Silence of the Lambs (1991) has a
collection of mannequins to show his obsession and full
devotion.
In Her Scent
Seven
Silence of the Lambs

13. MISE EN SCENE- SETTING & COLOUR
SETTING
Although the location isn’t clear in the opening, I have developed conventions by setting some of the sequence in a dress
shop. This challenges the forms and conventions because the shot was isolated and empty which made the location look
superior and dangerous, however the idea of a boutique subverts conventions as often we connote them with something
pleasant. However this fitted the narrative well and showed that the antagonist likes privacy and is overly obsessed. Buffalo
Bill from the Silence of the Lambs (1991) has also worked in an isolated basement where he kept all of his outfits and
mannequins. The dark shots match the opening of Seven (1995) where all of the sequence was filmed in a gloomy setting to
create fear.
COLOUR
I have used forms and conventions by applying red colour to my
frames. This is evident at the editor’s credit. This uses
conventions because red symbolises evilness and blood which
are common elements of a thriller. A red colour is also
effectively used in the opening of Seven (1995) to create a sense
of danger and threat because of the rapid change to throbbing
red.
In Her Scent
Seven

14. MISE EN SCENE- LIGHTING
UNDER LIGHITNG
I have used conventions by applying an under light in my thriller opening. This is
evident when the antagonist applies lipstick on his mask. This uses conventions as
the under light creates shadows and makes his face look distorted and threatening,
which is a conventional representation of an antagonist. An under lighting is also
used in The Watchmen (2009) opening to display the antihero. This creates meaning
for the audience by proposing the character’s intensions and possible actions.
LOW-KEY LIGHITNG
I have used forms and conventions by applying low-key
lighting in my opening. This is evident throughout the
scene and helps to create a chilling atmosphere. This uses
conventions as often thrillers utilise low key lighting to
create fear around a character or convey the genre of the
film. Low-key lighting is used in The Usual Suspects (1995)
opening. The low-key lighting allows to establish the
thrilling atmosphere of the opening and convey the genre.
In Her Scent
In Her Scent
The Watchmen
The Usual Suspects

15. MISE EN SCENE- FACIAL EXPRESIONS AND BODY
LANGUAGE
FACIAL EXPRESSIONS
I have developed conventions by using a mask with the same
facial expression throughout. The antagonist is seemed to be
wearing a white mask with an expressionless face which
shows that he is inert to his actions which develops
conventions as often antagonists are carefree. The
antagonist in Scream (1996) has also used a mask to hide his
identity, however the expression looked threatening and full
of pain to show that this is someone who will cause harm.
In Her Scent
BODY LANGUAGE
I have used forms and conventions through the body
language of my antagonist. In the end, he stands firmly with
his arms open widely to show that he isn’t afraid and will
invade our personal space if needed, thus giving him a self
assured look. This uses conventions as often antagonists are
vain and feel undefeated in what they do. Buffalo Bill (Silence
of the Lambs) also stands openly to show pride and threat.
In Her Scent
Scream
The Silence of the Lambs

16. THEORY- ARISTOTLE
Aristotle’s Theory proposes that themes used within the narrative can draw audience
emotions and responses.
Aristotle’s theory can be applied to my thriller opening. I have used the themes of
fashion, social expectations, gender and obsession in order to create meaning to my
narrative and character. In addition these are themes that my target audience of
young adults will be familiar with as they’re common within this age group. This is
because many young people face issues such as peer pressure and feel the need to fit
in and feel accepted. By exploring the theme of social expectation they will be able to
relate to the character and understand the narrative/ his motives more. This will have
a bigger impact on them when they watch my opening.
The possible reactions that my audience could have from watching my opening could
be disgust and hate towards the antagonist because of the way he is undefinable and
doesn't fit into the box which could upset some viewers who misunderstand him.
Simultaneously, because he beheads magazine models, the viewers could fear him
and feel in danger.

17. THEORY- BARTHES
Barthes Theory focuses on semiology and cultural understanding.
This theory can be applied to my thriller opening. An example would be the
denotation of a lipstick which stereotypically symbolises femininity.
However I decided to subvert this representation and made it connote
blood in order to fit my narrative. Secondly the mannequin connotes an
idyllic image that the character craves for but cannot have, which helped to
develop character understanding.
The sociopathic tendencies from the antagonist is an example of cultural
understanding and exploration of the mental health field. This is because
being a sociopath and having a bad mental state is still surrounded with
stigma as many don’t understand these individuals. Therefore by exploring
this we have shown one way in which these people are portrayed in our
society.

18. THEORY- TODOROV
Todorov’s theory focuses on the narrative structure,
including the state of equilibrium, disequilibrium and a
new equilibrium.
This theory can be applied in my thriller opening. The
state of equilibrium is at the very beginning where the
credits are displayed. This is because everything seems
stable. However, the disequilibrium begins when the a
throbbing red filter is introduced to alert danger and
threat. This is because of the connotations that red
holds. Lastly, the new equilibrium starts when the
character is introduced and the viewer realises that
this is a man.
Equilibrium
Disequilibrium
New Equilibrium

19. THEMESMy thriller opening explores a variety of different themes. These include:
• Social Expectations
• Gender
• Hatred/Obsession
Some of these themes challenge forms and conventions. For example the
theme of fashion is not conventional to a thriller because the audience often
connotes this with something pleasant, however we have manipulated micro-
elements to represent this theme differently. However the theme of hatred
and obsession uses conventions because often the antagonists are driven by
hate and jealousy which is what makes them so threatening and
unpredictable.

20. TARGET AUDIENCE
My choice of the target audience uses forms and conventions to an
extend. The audience for my product are fifteen year olds and
above, of any ethnicity, occupation an gender. This uses conventions
as typically thrillers are aimed at those viewers. This broad range
will allow my product to have a mainstream audience, which gives
me a bigger chance of making a success. Also, from looking at the
BBFC rules and age certificates I realised that my thriller classifies as
a 15+ because of the controversial representation of the people
with mental health issues, subverted morals and suggested
violence. I believe that this wide variety of audience will make my
opening successful as everyone can find something that they’re
interested in. Similar idea was explored in The Silence of the Lambs
(1991) and the interesting representation of Buffalo Bill, which
allowed to bring a broad audience and made the film a massive
success. Buffalo Bill (Silence of the
Lambs)

21. CREDITSI have developed conventions by using newspaper cuttings as my typography. This originated from
looking at the opening of Seven (1995) and seeing the Bible and photo cut outs that the character
created. Simultaneously, the newspaper credits match the fashion magazines and support the
narrative. It also helps to keep the element of surprise by keeping it anonymous and create
suspense. I think that this unique and different way of portraying the credits will draw in audience
who are curious for new ideas. In addition, the order of the credits were influenced by Seven (1995)
and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) because these are successful thrillers that my opening
was heavily influenced by in terms of cinematography and editing.
However, for the title of the film we have decided on very feminine pink typography in order to
reinforce the idea of gender and the character’s desires. This challenges forms and conventions
because thrillers tend to use thick and heavy fonts in order to convey the dark genre. Nevertheless, I
think that this typography works well with my opening sequence and represents the narrative well.

22. CONCLUSION
Overall my product has used, developed and challenged forms and
conventions successfully in order to create a unique and original
thriller. I think that it was important to challenge conventions in order
to create something different and unpredictable. An example would be
the costume which subverts the common representations of
antagonists. On the other hand it is also significant to use established
conventions in order to stay on task and create an appropriate thriller
where the audience will be able to identify the genre. Therefore I have
used low-key lighting to convey the dark and chilling atmosphere of a
thriller.