Thriller Prelim: Kidnapp

We were given the task to create a prelim for our thriller before we were able to create the real piece of work. The task was that we had to create a clip that was at least one minute, holding a conversation that kept to the 180 degree rule. During our piece of conversation we also have to consider the shot reverse shot that is typical when filming a conversation. This is where the camera will look at whoever is doing the talking, This shot can also be filmed as an over the shoulder shot.

This is one of the Stills from the start of the clip. We used a medium shot so that we could show the audience who the characters are, the emotions on their face and the setting that they are in. We could have done a close up to introduce the characters face better but if we did that then the audience could feel uncomfortably in their space which wouldn't have given the correct meaning. Also in this part of the clip not a lot has happened so their isn't much expression to show, making a close up shot unnecessary.

we changed the colour of the freeze frame for each character, this separated each of them and emphasized the difference in character and situation. We also chose to use the three primary colors; Red, Green and Blue to emphasize that these characters are important.



This shot is the cross between a Long shot and a medium shot, it shows one character pulling along another. The male character is much taller and is the more central of the two in this shot, this shows his dominance over the girl. The lighting in shot and the way that the corridor looks as if it gets smaller towards the end gives this scene the effect that the struggle goes on forever, and she is trapped. This lets the audience sympathies with the girl and grips them to the story line making them wonder what is going to happen.

During this shot the camera zooms into the watch and then zooms out again but with a different character and in a different setting. This foreshadows that these two characters are both aware of the time, the watches connect them both together and make it clear to the audience that they may be waiting for something to happen. Also checking the watch could imply a sense of anxiety from the characters as if they are nervous about the upcoming events or as if something is late happening, this makes the audience nervous and gets them gripped into what is going to happen next.

when looking back at our footage and the clip that we created we noticed that the lighting in this part is not particularly good, as some of the watch is clear and another is not so much as it is in the dark, this makes it seem as if part of the hand/watch is more important but it isn't at all. also there is a reflection on the wrist of the watch. This has helped us to realize how important lighting is and we will take more thought in it for our actual piece of work.

For this scene we used a long shot so that we could get both of the characters in and also the setting, getting the setting in the frame was important as the audience haven't been introduced to this scene yet. It also forshadows that some events are going to happen here. Using CCTV effects we thought would be effective as it gives reason to the high angle shot we used, also it makes it seem as if the people are being watched which could add a mysterious effect to the scene.

Overall I think that our prelim worked quite well for the time and equipment that we had. We used a variety of shots, but mainly the medium shot. We also stuck to the task criteria and held a conversation with the 180 degree rule. However at one point (when the male walked into the meeting room) we did break the 180 degree rule, this was pointed out from the review from our class. This has shown us just how easy it is to mess something up during filming and has taught us that for our actual thriller piece to have it a lot more well thought out.
We did use different types of angles, which was good as we learned how to set them up and work with them during editing, however we could have used some more to put more emphasis on the scene and what is happening, for example to make characters or settings seem more dominant than another.
The lighting was a problem with some parts of the clip, we have decided that for our thriller piece where we need light we will fix the lighting so that there are not unwanted shadowy patches and that it is more appropriate for the scene and setting.
Through this task we have learned many things as a group. We have learned how to edit and how to set up a film. Doing this has given us the opportunity to explore the different routes we could take when we film for our Thriller opening and has shown us what kind of thing works well and what doesn't.  From doing this task I think that the main areas to improve on would be the lighting and settings, to make sure we have enough footage incase scenes don't work during editing (we experienced having a lack of footage during the money swap, this was our biggest fault in the clip). We also need to concentrate on the 180 degree rule and making the film run smoother. Other than that, the prelim was a great and well needed experience into making a thriller. 

Shot Plan:

Story Board: 

Class Reviews: