Opening sequence credits: Mrs Doubtfire and Limitless.

Opening sequence credits:

What I found from doing this activity? I discovered that there are a great amount of people that are involved with making a film and they are all given credit during an opening sequence. 

Has anything surprised you?  I wasn't surprised by how many people were involved with making the film and therefore wasn't surprised by how many people were given credit.  

What did you notice about the style/font of the titles? How does this communicate the genre? The font and style of the titles in the Mrs Doubtfire opening sequence was in spaced out capital letters that were coloured in a dull yellow colour that was faded.  This portrayed the genre because it was not bold and it was simple therefore as an audience you are able to gain an idea as to which genre the film is. Although the film Limitless has spaced out capital letters (the same as Mrs Doubtfire), the letters are bold and also make a statement as  they are presented. This therefore gives the audience an insight as to which genre the film is. 

What are the titles that you will need to include in your opening sequence? For my opening sequence i will need to include everyone was part of the production of it. However as there is not as many people involved as an actual Hollywood film, the opening credits will not be as long. 

Diary entry: 3

Filming session: 4

Today was our third filming session fort he opening sequence, we all met up and started filming around five o'clock and finished roughly around half past seven, this therefore resulted in another successful filming session. Our initial aim was to try and finish all the remaining shots that were left to film. Like the previous filming session, it took us about half an hour to set up all the equipment and the lighting kit. 

Throughout the day we needed to shoot from various locations, this therefore resulted in us having a mixture of outdoor and indoor shots, this assisted with the success of the filming session. First we shot Becky and Gaby's voice overs, however this was not successful due to the fact that the sound on the camera was too low and therefore we were unable to use them, but we then had the idea that we use a pair of Iphone Ear pods  and use the microphone on that. This had a positive outcome because we were able to hear the voice recordings more clearly and were able to use them. We then set up the rest of the equipment and were able to then film the rest of the outdoor footage. Due to the fact that we had all the required equipment, we were able to achieve a lot, however we did encounter a couple issues. The first problem that was raised was that the camera cut out half way through filming, this was because the camera had died because we had been filming a lot. We resolved this problem by taking a break and waiting for the camera to charge. Our second problem that we faced was that when we filmed Gaby's character looking down at the car from the window, the scene was too dark, even with the lighting kit. This issue was swiftly resolved by us turning on the light in the bedroom to make the character more visible on the camera. 

This session was successful because we were able to shoot more scenes and therefore this made the day productive. However, we soon realised that we had missed out a key event that happens in the opening sequence. This was the murder that occurs right at the beginning. We decided that we would wrap up today's footage and then meet another day for the final shots. 

 

Diary entry:2

Filming session: 2

Today was our second filming session for the opening sequence. We all decided to meet at Gabriela's house around half past four, we then filmed and finished roughly around seven o'clock, this made it a productive day. Due to the fact that it was still daylight outside, we decided to set up the lighting kit and get the rest of the equipment in position. It took us a little while to set all the equipment up because the driveway that we were using for the beginning, was a far distance from the house, Therefore we needed to use many extension cords for assistance with actually setting up the equipment that required electricity. 

After we finished positioning the lights in the places that we thought would achieve the best quality, actually filming the scene of Gaby walking down the driveway was hassle free and straightforward. However the next scene of her walking though the gates were not as simple. This was because it was hard to get the gate to open on cue for the scene. It took us quite a few attempts, but eventually we managed to film the gate at the right time. After we were satisfied with the first two scenes, we then re-positioned the lighting equipment for the next scene of Gaby walking towards the house and into the house. As well as making sure the lighting was perfected on camera, we also needed to film from different angles, points of view and positions, which is why we needed to perfect the match on action. The scene that required the most match on action, was the scene between Ty and Gaby. 

On a overall note, the actors cooperation and the equipment made the filming session a success and very productive. The actors were very flexible with what we asked of them, they also memorised all their dialogue which made the process a lot easier. The lighting equipment also allowed us to experiment with the different angles and also with the scenes. We all hope that the next filming session is as straightforward and successful as today's one.

Diary entry:1

Filming sessions: 1

Today was our first attempt at filming, however it was not as successful as planned. This was because we spent the day filming, but when we sat and watched the footage back, the lighting was too dark and wasn't as visible as we wanted. This was due to the fact that we thought that the scene would only require a small amount of light and that this would generate the Film Noir effect. We all made s mutual decision to not use any of the footage and as an alternative, would rent a lighting kit, school camcorder and tripod, all from school. This would improve the scene and correct the problem. 

Preliminary Task

Institutional Research:

Target audience research:

Target Audience Research:

1. What is your favourite film genre?

2. Have you heard of film noir?

3. What do you expect to see in a crime fiction/drama film?

4. Have you heard of any film noir style films?

5. What story lines would you like to see in a film?

6. What do you think makes a good opening sequence?

7. What themes appeal to you in a film? 

8. What makes you want to watch a film? 

9. What genre do you dislike?

10. How often do you go to the cinema?

1. It was evident that the most popular film genre was comedy from the diagram. This was not helpful in the sense that my film genre is not associated with comedy, however this enables me to be able to encourage my target to try to engage in film noir. This will also help me make sure that my opening sequence is up to a standard that will assists my target audience with liking and taking an interest in film noir. 

2. I wasn't too surprised that my target audience had not heard of film noir before. This was due to the preferred film genre and the statistic of people that liked drama films. 




3. My target audience stated that they would most likely expect to see common themes of murder and crime. This was useful information due to the fact that this means that I will be able to include both these themes in my opening sequence. This will therefore please my target audience and make my opening sequence more successful. 




4. I was not shocked to hear that majority of people had not heard of any film noir styles, this was because of the results of the second question. Due to this statistic I am able to use this to my advantage because i am able to perfect the noir styles as much as possible to help with the success of the opening sequence. 





5.   It was evident from the pie chart that the both options were equally enjoyed as story lines. This was useful because it then meant that i was able to construct my opening sequence to have an interesting story line, but unpredictable events at the same time. 




6. The clear answer and most popular option was cliffhangers. This was useful to me because I am now able to add in a cliff hanger that is unexpected to the audience. The second most popular option (which wasn't too far behind) was exciting characters. This is also a huge help to me, this is because I am now able to include exciting characters as well as cliff-hangers. 







7.  The most common theme that is favourited is murder with 45% and  mystery not far behind with 43%. I am able to use this information to my advantage because I can then place both these themes in my opening sequence, this will therefore please my target audience and then help my opening sequence become a success.

8. The most popular option for question 8 was a good trailer- this is what would make my target audience want to watch a film. I can use this information wisely by making my opening sequence good enough to hopefully change their minds. 











9. I found from my target audience that they disliked horror films the most. They all roughly said that the reason they are not big fans is because the story lines are usually the same. 














10. The results showed that most people go to the cinema once every few months, the second most popular occurrence was once every month.

Group production details:

Risk Assessment Form-

Group Productions details:                                                                   Date:

Hazards	Risk	Controls
·        Trip hazards could occur, such as tripping over cables, equipment or props. ·        Not all camera angles are included. ·        Any possible damage of the equipment. ·        The weather e.g. rain- this could affect our filming whilst we film outside. ·        House hold object could possibly prevent us from filming in a certain room or in a certain place. ·        Carrying the equipment outside.	·        Someone could hurt themselves or become injured. ·        Missing out crucial filming shots. ·        Part of the camera equipment could potentially break. ·        Could disrupt the filming process. ·        Prevent us from filming. ·        Damage to the equipment or something breaking.	·        Make sure to keep the cables, equipment and props out of the way so they do not cause injuries. ·        Being organised and making sure to plan each scene carefully. ·        Making sure to treat the equipment with care and to pack it up properly when we are not using it. ·        Film the outdoor scenes when the weather is good and will not affect it. ·        Making sure that the place we are filming is easy and doesn’t include anything objects that could potentially get in the way. ·        Making sure to not be careless with the equipment, especially when handling it outside.

Opening sequence analysis: 21 Jumpstreet

Opening sequence analysis: 21 JumpStreet.

A pair of underachieving cops are sent back to a local high school to blend in and bring down a synthetic drug ring. 

Directors: Phil Lord and Christopher Miller

Writer: Michael Bacall

Stars: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum and Ice Cube.

Institutions: Columbia Pictures, Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures, Relativity Media, Original Film and SJC Studios. 

The film opens with the year at which it is set in. This gives the audience an insight as to why the characters may be dressed, talk or act the way the do, it also explains why the song "The real slim shady". 

The scene then leads on to show a yellow school bus, this shows the audience that it is set in a typical American high school. The shot then goes to a mid shot and focuses on one of the main characters. The colours that the audience is presented with portray a bold effect which adds a serious tone. 
 As an audience we are introduced to one of the characters just by this one swift change of shot. Although we are introduced to the first character, there is an enigma as we can only see the back of the character. This limits the audience to information and confuses them, therefore they have to try and figure out who he is and why they can only see the back of him. As the character steps off of the bus, the camera zooms slightly on to him which tells the audience who their main focus should be. The lighting on this scene is bright and is uplifting. 
The text that is shown every few seconds flashes and is in the colours of blue, red and white. These colours, flash effects and the siren sound effect indicates that the film is associated with the police. 
Further on in the scene, the other high school students are all together, talking, socialising and are in groups, however this particular characters that we are following round is by himself and is not talking to anyone, this therefore signals that he may be a very lonely character with limited friends and social groups. 
The characters attention is then drawn to the prom poster that is being promoted in the back. The poster is a common characteristic of a high school. 
Next we are finally able to see the characters face, his appearance correlates to the song that is playing. This is because Slim Shady was an iconic celebrity back in 2005 and was seen as 'cool' and was able to fit in and therefore the character Schmidt (first introduced to) is dressed like him in hope that he can fit in.
The goofy smile and wave suggests that Schmidt is trying to make friends with someone and is not popular, 'cool'  or able to fit in with others.  Schmidt proceeds to again focus on the prom poster, this indicates to the audience that he is looking for someone to go with. 
As soon as Schmidt looks away from the poster an attractive young girl is walking in his direction, he then becomes awkward, nervous and panicked, from his body language you are able to identify that he is uncomfortable around girls. The scene then progresses to him stopping the girl and talking to her, in the background the music quietens down and you are bale to hear his heart beat, this signals to the audience that he is nervous when trying to talk to girls and it isn't a regular occurrence for him.  

The shot then turns into a shot-reverse-shot so the conversation can begin. Schmidt then proceeds to talk, however he keeps repeating himself which shows he' not a confident person and emphasises his anxiety when talking to girls. 
The camera proceeds to zoom him on his expressions we are able to identify how he is feeling.  As their conversation continues, it is shortly interrupted by a boy who is seen to be the opposite of Schmidt and is 'popular', this boy is Jenko and is much more confident than Schmidt. 
As Schmidt is interrupted and is laughed at he then denies that he was asking the young girl (Melody) to the prom and again we are able to see how insecure and nervous he is around girls and popular people. 
Jenko then starts to mock and make fun of Schmidt which emphasises Jenko's character as the 'popular' boy. He also talks about how Schmidt is a 'nerd' and isn't good enough for Melody, this then embarrasses Schmidt. 
The school bell then rings and Jenko is called to the principals office which indicates he is  a trouble maker. Schmidt then leaves and is again by himself and lonely. 
Once Jenko is in the principals office, he is more concerned about being prom king and popular than the fact that he hasn't achieved any good grades. 
The next bilateral shot portrays the two characters are mirroring each other. The pillar on the left has the prom poster which shows that Jenko is the popular one out the two, whereas Schmidt  is still lonely, although the boys are from opposite worlds they have in common that they're both upset and sad.  The background music turns to dreary music so that the audience feels sympathy for them. They both shortly get up and leave. 

Analysing an opening sequence: Limitless

Analysing an opening sequence: Limitless



Director: Neil Burger

Writer: Leslie Dixon and Alan Glynn

Stars: Bradley Cooper, Anna Friel, Abbie Cornish and Robert De Niro

Institutions: Relativity, Rogue, Virgin Produced, Many Rivers Productions, Intermedia Film,  Boy Of The Year.

The opening scene for the film Limitless starts off with the distribution company of the film. The font that is presented to the audience generates an informal tone to the scene. This is due to the fact that one word is larger in size than the other. Also, each time there is a new credit on the screen, there is a loud banging noise in the background. This informs the audience that there is something happening within the scene.

The next image that is presented to the audience, Is of the director of the film. This is significant because the first three words are in a smaller font, whereas the director's name is in a larger font. This is so that the audience remember his name and therefore, in future will recognise and remember him.

Next the audience is shown the main actor of the film. Again this allows the audience to remember his name and therefore recognise it in the future. Also, each time a new credit is shown, the credit is in a light colour, which is a contrast to the darker colour in the back. This is done because it allows the audience to focus on the credits.

The next image that is portrayed on the screen is a black background. However although there is nothing on the screen, a character's voice is heard behind it. As an audience we automatically assume that this is the main character who is speaking and therefore are introduced to one. The reason that there is only a black screen and no writing is because the audience can focus on the dialogue that is heard.

 Finally the audience is presented with an actual image. This now allows them to think about what could be happening and where the film is set. From the image that is on the screen, it is clear that the location is set in a house, apartment or someone's home. From the boxes, we calculate that they are moving. From the door we understand that they possibly have a more expensive taste and from the colours, they potentially are quite a formal person.

From the next picture that is shown, we are able to understand more about the character's living situation and have now gathered that they have moved homes.


The next image that is presented to the audience, assists them in their understanding of the location and what type of environment the character lives in. From the scene that is shown, it is now clear that whoever lives here, has either not been living here long, is about to move, has expensive taste in furniture and is accustomed to luxury.

From the next image that is portrayed to the audience, it is obvious that some sort of violence has previously occurred. From the audience's point of view, this allows them to generate thoughts as to what might have happened. The shadows and positions that the two characters are in, obstructs the audience from knowing who they are, it also denies them from seeing the characters' faces.

The audience is finally introduced properly to the main character. However, although they know who the character is, they are unsure as to what is going on and why he is in this current situation. From the mise en scene, we as an audience gather that the character is distressed, unhappy and frustrated. This is due to the fact that he is standing on the edge of an extremely high building. As an audience we automatically assume that the character is contemplating death and therefore urgently want to know what it is that put him in this current position.

The next image that the audience is shown is of the character's point of view, looking down at the ground and at how high the building is. The camera is at a birds eye view which allows the audience to be put in the character's position.

The next image that is presented to the audience abruptly makes the scene tense and puts the audience on edge because of the fact that the character is possibly about to jump. Also the background is blurred so that the audience can focus on the character's shoe and movement.

Next the audience discovers that the character has come to his senses and doesn't end his life, we as an audience are now relived, however are still clueless as to what happened and are eager to find out. From the character's face we are only able to observe half of his face, however we can see that he does not look healthy or happy. This generates thoughts from the audience as to what might've happened.


The next part of the scene goes from the character looking down at the ground to the camera zooming into the floor from the top of the building. This allows the audience to have an insight as to what the character's point of view is. It is also seems as though from the audiences point of view, they are the ones who are falling off the building.




Next the scene progresses from the top of the building to the title of the film. This is now when the audience knows that the opening sequence is over and the rest of the film is about to start.