The feedback from pitching the documentary was generally positive. The audience responded well to the idea of using CCTV point-of-view shots to convey a unique visual style and build mystery. However, concerns were raised about the narrative development and how tension would be built. In response, the filmmakers decided to add more shots to the opening to better establish the narrative and context. They also planned ways to make the CCTV footage and camera movements seem realistic while still building tension, such as having quick glimpses of an unidentified figure.

1. Pitch and Video Survey feedback
From our pitch we gathered a good amount of useful feedback to be applied to our
opening sequence. The audience responded positively to a number of aspects
planned for the opening sequence, including how unique the idea of a subtly filmed
opening including CCTV point-of-view shots conveying an interesting visual style. As
a result of this feedback we will pursue this idea and this technique and try to
incorporate it successfully throughout the opening sequence. In addition the element
of mystery we aim to convey in the opening was well received by the audience to our
pitch, as the ‘less is more’ approach is both successful for thrillers and avoids falling
into a common pitfall of having an opening with too many horror elements. It was
clear to us from the start the ‘thrill’ of the thriller genre came from what was not seen
more than what was seen, and letting the audience's imagination to the heavy lifting
is more effective at tension building than overtly showing the danger or the villain.
Because of this, in addition to our audience feedback, the group will aim to use
subtlety and understated effects to capture the attention of the audience.
However, the pitch raised a number of queries and concerns from the audience. The
development of the narrative was a primary issue, as it was unclear how this would
be done. Whilst some of this uncertainty came from a poor pitch delivery, feedback
still confirmed this might be a problem. In response we decided to plan a few extra
shots into the opening sequence to establish the narrative; an example of this will be
a slow pan across the desk of Mark, the security guard around which the film will
focus on. The desk will contain a number of objects with the purpose of providing
unspoken exposition, such as a picture of Mark and a loved one, most likely a
girlfriend. As well as this, files containing important looking documents with some
parts censored with black ink, also folders labelled ‘classified’ or something similar to
this. These additions will convey the nature of the company mark is guarding and
how sensitive their data is, further giving context to the break in shown later on.
Overall this concern was a valid issue and the action taken to resolve it should
improve the quality of the sequence overall.
Practicality was another key concern brought to light by feedback. How were we
going to find our location, utilise camera and editing to give a realistic CCTV view
and how would tension and mystery be built? Location is arguably the simplest
solution of the three, as an establishing, exterior shot will immediately show the
location. However, the interior doesn't necessarily need to be the same building, as
any office space with monitors and a server room will do. This can be found in many
offices, and a studio in Chiswick Park is most likely the location the shoot will take
place in. A CCTV feed would be very difficult to access and use to film, so we
decided to create our own CCTV camera angle. This will be achieved by raising the
camera to a high location as if it is viewing the room as surveillance. Then, a post-
production effect will be added to the footage to give is a grayscale CCTV filter,
completing the effect in a practical way. The movements of the camera will also
mimic the robotic, jerky movements of a real remote camera. Finally, tension will be
built in a number of ways. These will escalate throughout the opening before a
discovery of real danger is even made. A figure will be displayed for a fraction of a
second exiting a CCTV camera's view, as seen first through an over-the shoulder

2. shot and then through the screen itself. Obscuring the antagonist in this way will be
effective at engaging the audience with the narrative early on.