Treatment

Fixation is a fatal attraction movie whereby a woman (Monica Carter) is offered a job as the principal’s (Sean Carter) new PA. As soon as she sees him she takes an instant liking to him. Adamant to win him over she attempts several tactics from seducing the principal to stalking him. When her behaviour becomes a problem he approaches her stating that he is flattered by her interest however, is married and loves his wife. Failing to take heed the principal confides in his wife (Sharday) who decides to pay her a visit. Again there is no improvement seen in her behaviour forcing couple to report her to the tribunal. Following this Monica is dismissed. Several months have passed and Monica returns causing more destruction. What fate awaits her?

Fixation was originally titled I Want Your Man however, after careful consideration as not to divulge too much of the plot I revisited the drawing board. Fixation was chosen as it identifies the key theme without revealing the narrative.

The order of events will be that of a non-linear sequence as the opening sequence will occur later in the film.

The scene will begin with Monica writing in a journal intercut with credits. All that will be seen is her hands. This will be followed by Monica looking at the photograph of Mr. Carter and his wife and drawing upon Sharday’s face. A close-up will be taken of this to emphasise her actions. Monica will then paste the photograph into her journal. The next shot will show the her running their fingers over Mr. Carter’s face as if to caress, before removing Sharday from photograph. The last two shots will show Monica highlighting various numbers from the telephone book and watching Mr. Carter enter school building via CCTV, before closing her journal where the action will end.

The transition used will be a basic cut as I want to create fast pace to enable the narrative maintain at a reasonable speed. Also when the subject is holding the photograph a green film will fill the screen to show how the jealously descends upon the subject.

Non-diagetic sound will be used throughout the sequence to establish the mood being eerie creating tension for the viewer. The tone of the music will remain the same throughout however, when the protagonist is cutting the photograph the pitch will ascend to signify this then return to the normal pace. In addition, when the subject is caressing the face of the male figure a sound effect will be used to evoke the intention.

Lighting will be low key relying purely upon one light being a side lamp to enhance mood/ atmosphere.

Fixation is aimed at both males and females however, due to the nature of the film and taking into account it is shown from a female perspective one would feel that women maybe more inclined to view this. The minimum viewing age would be a fifteen as sex, violence and language would be fairly moderate. I feel that the overall concept is one that many people will relate to as the feeling of jealousy is something we have all experience whatever desire maybe.

The following equipment will be required during the filming process: camcorder, tripod, journal, pens, scissors, adhesive and lamp.

The title ‘Fixation’ will be bold and capitalised, then the text will then fade out gradually to connote mystery. The colour used will be green as it is commonly associated with jealously therefore, feel it would be most appropriate.

Saul Bass Research

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saul_Bass

Saul Bass (1920-1996) was a legendary film maker and graphic designer however, he was mainly recognised for designing the title sequences of animated motion pictures. He attended Art Students League and Brooklyn College, before moving to Hollywood. During his time there he worked in partnership with fellow filmmaker Otto Preminger to create the poster for his film, Carmen. Thrilled by his outstanding work Preminger proposed he design the title sequence to accompany this. Bass rather enjoyed creating title sequences as he states “My initial thoughts about what a title can do was to set mood and the prime underlying core of the film's story, to express the story in some metaphorical way. I saw the title as a way of conditioning the audience, so that when the film actually began, viewers would already have an emotional resonance with it." All of which led him to pursue design as a career.

Following this Bass worked a further time with Preminger to design the title sequence for his film ‘The Man with the Golden Arm’ providing him with a platform in which to excel in this industry. Over his forty year career Bass’ style change from the use of kinetic typography (moving text) as seen in North by Northwest and Vertigo to more computerized techniques employed in Casino.
Although no longer with us, Bass’ artistic style will be forever remembered and continue to inspire others designers.
Information sourced from Wikipedia

S.M.A.R.T targets

SMART is the abbrevation for specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time.

Target 1. To finish all filming by 20/3/2010 to allow succifient time for the editing process.

Target 2. To complete all pre-production work. You should aim to complete at least one item from the list per week. Deadline is 10/3/2010

Progess can be measure through that of productivity.

Preliminary task evaluation

AS preliminary task from Jemma Goulds on Vimeo.

I will be evaluating the preliminary task video ‘Always Late’ which I and my group made. I will discuss planning/ research and the production process. The preliminary task is a continuity activity which incorporates filming and editing. The criteria was to film a character opening a door, crossing the room and sitting down parallel to another character and having a short conversation. In addition the following editing techniques had to be included: match-on-action, shot-reverse shot and finally 180 degree rule.

Firstly, research was carried into previous AS preliminary tasks to clarify any misconceptions moreover, gain ideas that we could apply to our work, all of which were of great benefit to us. Many of the preliminary task activities completed by previous as students were all school based therefore we agreed it would practical to remain within the school vicinity to make it easily accessible for all group members.

Furthermore, we researched the various editing techniques to include match-
on-action, jump cuts and shot-reverse shots to name a few. Match-on-action consists of two shots. The first shows the beginning of the characters action and the second shot shows the ending stages.

Shot reverse shot is when a subject is communicating with another character outside of the frame and then the camera position changes to show the other character. To give the impression characters are talking to one another.

Again this was helpful as it gave us a better understanding of the requirements needed.

A story board was created to help us visualise our ideas and to help us identify any problems before the production process this was also used during production as a guide. Our initial idea was to have a student walking into the classroom late, being reprimanded by the teacher and leaving upset. Reason being we wanted to keep the idea fairly simple to avoid confusion moreover; it enabled us to incorporate all the criteria.

The location used for the video was the classroom as it fitted the narrative well.

I took the sole responsibility of editing the video using a programme called Adobe Premier I feel it went fairly well as I am rather familiar with the software. Many shots had to be removed due to background noise and because people who were not involved walked into the frame. To minimise the amount of ruined footage in the future we could make sure we use a quieter area and that a notice is displayed to avoid interruption. The above strategies will be applied in the production of my film opening.

Although there were a few obstacles to overcome I feel the project went quite well, in particular the planning and research as we saw all our ideas coming together.

Overall, I enjoyed this task and found it to be rather interesting however; it did prove challenging at times, especially the match-on-action as we did not know how to incorporate it without it appearing out of place. If given the opportunity to do this again I would ensure that the time given was used more efficiently by assigning each group member with a particular duty and communicating with one another. I am pleased with the outcome and would rate the video a seven out of ten nevertheless I will endeavour to improve and learn for future projects.

Intial proposal and script

Sean Carter is principal at Harrington Academy, Monica Jackson his newly assigned PA enters the reception area where she is directed to Mr. Carter’s office. On her arrival she is immediately attracted to his stunning looks, dropping all her paperwork suddenly. As they both lower to gather the paperwork their eyes meet and it is love at first sight in her mind. When Sean goes to meet his wife for lunch she takes the opportunity to pry into his belongings and comes across a photo of him and his wife, which she slips into her bag. Later on that day when the office is quiet she produces the photograph from her bag and cuts and pastes her face in replacement for his wife, proclaiming ‘I Want Your Man’.

Monica enters the reception area looking rather lost and is approached by one of the receptionists.

Employee: Excuse me, can I help you?
Monica: Yes, I’m looking for a Mr. Sean Carter.
Employee: May I ask you who you are?
Monica: My name is Monica Jackson, I’ve been sent here by the agency as Mr. Carter’s PA for the week.
Employee: Oh yes, we were expecting you. Let me show you to his office.
Monica: Thank you!

As Mr. Carter opens the door Monica immediately drops all her paper work.
Monica: I’m so sorry.
Sean: Let me help you
Monica: Thanks that’s really kind of you... I am so embarrassed
Sean: Nah, don’t worry about it; I always get women falling at my feet. (They both laugh)
Monica: Thank you, Mr Carter
Sean: Please, call me Sean? Sorry I didn’t get your name?
Monica: Monica Jackson
Sean: Come in and I’ll get you started.
Monica: Can’t wait



A few hours later
Sean: I’m taking an extended lunch, meeting the Mrs, I’ll be back at three.
(Monica’s facial expression changes)
Monica: Ok, is there anything else I can do for you.
Sean: Yes, there’s a list of things I want you to do on my desk and if you need any further assistance you can go through to the staffroom next door where someone will help you. See you later
Monica: Ok, thank you bye

Analysing film openings continued

In this essay I will be analysing the opening sequences of ‘Sixth Sense’ directed by M. Night Shyamalan , in terms of mise-en-scene (music, lighting, setting, props and actors) and editing, discussing their effect on the audience.

The film begins in a basement where a woman is selecting a bottle of wine from her wine rack. It is apparent that she is uncomfortable therefore, leaves instantly. The next scene shows the woman and her husband (Dr. Malcolm Crowe) in the living room, cuddling before the fire. They are admiring an award that he has received for his outstanding achievement in the field of child psychology. The couple then start to kiss and make their way upstairs to the bedroom. Whilst in the bedroom the woman notices that the window has been broken, as they both investigate a shadow of a male figure passes before them and disappears into the bathroom, which is adjacent. As Malcolm cautiously approached the bathroom door standing there before him was a man in the nude (Cole Sear.) Cole Sear was one of Malcolm’s former patients suffering from a personality disorder of whom he was unable to help. Following this he has a gun in which he turns and shoots Malcolm and then shoots himself in the head.

Firstly, the music featured in ‘Sixth Sense’ is synthesized piece, comprising of various instruments to include a piano, flute and stringed instruments. The music could resemble that from a science-fiction film to mark the presence of an extra-terrestrial being. The pitch begins rather quietly then grows louder then returns to the original pitch, fading out gradually. All of which creates an eerie ambience building tension for the audience.

The lighting is low key however, technique three point lighting has been used ( a lighting technique that requires three lights hence the name, these include key/ main, filler and back lights) The key lights are the candles which are positioned in front of the subject emphasising their facial features. The filler light is the side lamp as it is on the opposite from the key light moreover, softens the shadows cast by the main light. The back lights are The reason I feel this has been used is to purely add to the mystery and again build tension.

The opening sequence takes place in a large house it is apparent that is night time, location is unidentified at present. The vast majority of horror/thriller films take place at night time reason being the darkness represents the unknown. Horror/thriller can be filmed in a range of locations therefore, the reason I feel this location has been chosen because it suits the narrative. However, many of films within this genre are filmed in confined spaces so that the individual is enclosed with no place to hide. The props used include house furniture.

Editing consists of basic cuts which maintain continuity. After Malcolm is shot a transition is used called a fade to black which signifies the end of a scene. In most cases when a person has died a fade to white will be used to indicate this therefore, I can only presume that the directors reasons for this is to maintain the audiences interest. This is a conventional feature of the thriller genre which is to make the audience ignorant of the truth until the very end. Also a sound effect is used when the shadow passes before the couple to signify this thus enhances the mood. The credits fade in and out all of which are in sync with the music, for example when the beat changes the credits also change.

Saul Bass' work

Shooting Script

Shooting Script

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Storyboard

This was my initial proposal however after consulting with my teacher decided this would not be feasible as too much of the narrative had been revealed which could lead to the audience losing interest. We also agreed to that dialogue should not be used as the available sound equipment produced a muffled audio. All of which led me onto my current treatment.

Creating my production logo

I created the production logo using a video and titling software package called 'Bluff Titler'. I then chose a preset animation, experimenting with different fonts and colours till I was satisfied.

My chosen design was a spinning world with the text 'CMT productionz' rotating around it's centre point. The globe purely represents a univerasl production.

The original logo created by Bluff Titler totaled 241 AVI which is very large in size as a result this could cause difficulty when uploading therefore, I had to convert this to a smaller conversion appoximately 1.7 mpeg to make it accessible for all.

Character planning

All that is seen is the subjects hands therefore, the audience maybe unable to make any immediate connections with this character. From their actions it could be seen that this character is quite unstable. Monica is a middle-age women who has been quite unlucky in love having several relationships over the years, she is a women scorned so it is important to express this feeling through the use of props. Some of the props used by Monica will be journal, a photograph of Mr.Carter and his wife and scissors. Her journal is where she records all of her intentions and feelings. When drawing over the photograph this shows she maybe eccentic therefore, this shot is of importance. The scissors are not only used for their intended purpose but to represent danger to come.

Music Planning

The music chosen for this piece was sourced from a copyright free website called free play music. The website was fairly straightforward to use; you simply enter the style or mood you desire and a list of tracks will be displayed to match your criteria. From this I listened to several tracks making note of those I felt had potential. I then listened to each of the selected tracks a further time eliminating as went. My chosen track is titled 'Eerie Angel' reason being it reflected the genre well, complemented the visuals and established the mood all of which are important as to maintain the audience’s attention.

Synopsis

Fixation synopsis

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Audience feedback

1. Use a variety of camera angles.
2. Ensure that shots are a minimum of five seconds so that the audience absorb the information.
3. Identifies the genre and narrative well.
4. Shots should be more focused so that less background is visible as it is not necessary.
5. Music complements visuals.

The following comments have been taken into consideration however, as time is against me I will be unable to re-film therefore, I will learn by this and apply this strategies to future projects.

Inspirations

‘Fixation’ was inspired by a film called ‘Obsessed’ which written by David Loughery, starring Beyonce Knowles (Sharon) who is one of my favourite female icons; she is best known as a singer however, is also an actor, fashion designer and business woman. It’s about a very successful business man (Derek Charles) who has just been elected vice president at work he is also happily married and has a child. Everything appears to be going well until a new temp (Lisa) arrives at his workplace as his PA. As soon as she sees him it is love at first sight on her behalf. She makes many attempts to win him over; she tries seducing him at the office Christmas party, pretending to be his wife and stalking him. When her attempts appear to be failing she even attempts suicide, kidnaps his son. In the end Derek and Sharon decide to visit their family for a while to escape the trauma however, Sharon and the baby leave earlier and Derek plans to join them the following day. Informed of the news by the office gossip Lisa goes to the house, breaks entry and waits for Derek to return home. Having forgotten to activate the house alarm Sharon doubles back home. Whilst inside she hears a noise coming from upstairs so she goes to check it out. As Sharon goes into the bedroom she finds Lisa sprawled across the bed. The two brawl resulting in Lisa falling through the ceiling where she meets her death.

The concept of the film is one that is powerful and strong therefore, I feel can be adapted in many ways. Being inspired by this my ideas were based on parts of the film.

Mood Board

This is a depiction of the mood of my film opening which is classified as psycho-thriller. The green background represents jealousy which is the key theme of the film. The film covers shown are of films which have inspired by me. The texts used are keywords which I feel best convey the emotions or feelings of the film. The colour red connotes danger and passion and triangles are usually used to symbolise a warning, in this case this refers to Monica as she causes destruction and chaos for the couple. The red rose purely represents love and affection show by the beholder, Monica. The broken heat symbolises Monica’s feelings as Mr. Carter cannot be with her she is left feeling shattered. The water represents both the shedding of tears and reflection as Monica will reflect upon her image, comparing herself to that of Sharday.

Moodboard

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Location Recce

The location chosen for this scene is a living room reason being it is a rather spacious area lighting is quite dim suitable for achieving a mysterious effect however, this scene could have been filmed in a number of locations as all that is shown is the person’s hands therefore, this did not cause any concerns. All of the filming will take place in the living room except for the CCTV shot. As location was at my place of residence no permission was needed.

The second location chosen is the walkover bridge located at Harris Academy. My reason for choosing this location is that it provides an excellent view of the school entrance and car park area, where I will be filming Mr. Carter entering the school building. I will then transfer the footage to Adobe After Effects where I will insert a special effect to make it appear as if it were a CCTV recording.

Today Monday 8th March began the editing process. I inserted an effect onto the shot where Monica is writing in her journal so that the words faintly appear over the visuals. This was achieved by taking a close-up of the text and placing it directly above the shot on the timeline. I finished this effect by changing the opacity so that it became transparent in appearance. Overall I am pleased with the result.

Analysing film openings

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxrM_um3Pfg

Analysing Film Openings

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