DATED 

For the Preliminary task, we were put into groups to produce a sequence fitting the Thriller genre. I was placed with George Harrison and James Lishman.

Overall, we worked effectively as a team, as each of us were skilled and experienced in different aspects of creating a production; with George taking the lead in sound and editing, James being in control of directing and some cinematography, and Myself being in charge of cinematography and some varies of the editing. We all had the chance to experience each job, as we worked closely together; tracking the progress of each member to make sure that there was a constant rate of work being produced. This worked well as it meant that each stage of the production was reviewed by other members of the group constantly, meaning that the piece came together at the end nicely; havingthe same effects created throughout and flowing correctly. 

 

We were also able to share the same vision for what we wanted to create (a sequence that built up suspence with an alternative look on psychosis to create the idea of a thriller), which meant that we could make group decisions easily, especially when contructing re-shoots. This was effective as it meant that the production process was quick and simple, with ideas coming together rather than clashing. Our storyline for our seqence was a male character visiting a psychiatrist for mental-health issues, whilst cutting to predator shots of a girl being chased. Towards the end, we realise that the character of the girl is the psychiatrist's daughter, whilst insinuating that the offender chasing her is our main character. We created this idea by using enigma codes such as scuffed, muddy shoes (Number 3), to suggest the fact that he chased her across the field, suspicous nature created by close-up shots of his hands clasped together and the dialogue used is abrupt and defensive. 

 

We decided to construct a series of enigma codes to portray our piece as a part of the 'Thriller genre'. The character of the daughter of the therapist was portrayed as innocent and a vulnerable character; the victim. This is the preffered reading for thrillers, as the youngest character is stereotypically victimised by an older, 'villainous' character. We created this effect by shooting the shots from behind, using predator shots to create the idea of her being followed. (Number 1). We made sure the lighting was 'hazy' and bright to connote innocence and portray the character as a victim. The high angle shots used created the idea that the victim had less power than the unidentified character chasing her, portraying her as vulnerable.

 

My favourite shot is Number 2, when it is a long shot of the victim being chased. The dark silhouette of her frame compared to the naturalistic, bright surroundings contrast and create the effect of a sense of darkness; inititating the suspense of what is to come. The large shadows that are created from the sunlight seem to follow her, as is the antagonist, connoting the idea of a menacing aspect catching up with her. The shot builds up tension and shows the danger that the antagonist is in. 

 

Class feedback showed how we could have improved on the shot-reverse-shot as it was slightly jolty and did not flow as well as the rest of the production. I feel as though this is correct, and if we had more time to re-film this part, I think that this could have been fixed. The class thought that the shots of the girl running were the most effective as they built up tension; which I also agree with. I think that the soundtrack also helped with this as the crescendo matched the pace of the victim being caght up with, creating suspense. 

 

Overall, I think my preliminary piece was a success, as the feedback we received was positive, with harly any improvements to make. However, I think that if we had extra time and a more detailed storyboard to work with whilst filming the production, we would have created a much better final product at the end.