Opening title sequence.

 EXPOSED

editting update

 My group decided it was appropriate for us to book the editing suit for an extra hour and a half on Wednesday during activities. We wanted to finish editing the sequence and adding credits over the footage. We chose fonts, sizes and positioning of where on the screen the credits would be viewed. The crucial decision we had to finalise was the name of the sequence. We changed it from "Dirty & devoid" to "Exposed" 

We also had to cut down our sequence massively because we had the time stamp at 03:15. We managed to edit it down to under 02:10, without changing the story line. When we finished editing we started choosing music for the sequence. We wanted to have music paying the whole way through. I researched some music content on the Band Camp software, but didn't find anything suitable. In the end we found tracks that were already downloaded in the monitor for us to use as we pleased. We chose a few of our favourite tracks and played them over the video until we chose the one we felt suited it the most. We edited the speed and pitch of the track to make it the similar mood as the sequence. 

When we made the titles we decided to use made up names instead of real ones. And keep Jefrey Epstein's name out of the sequence completely. Even though the sequence is inspired by the terrible things he has done, It has affected a lot of REAL people and we don't want any association with him. 

first two editing days

 Over the last 2 lessons we have had in the editing suit we have gone through all the footage we shot on our shoot day and sorted it out into bins. Then we renamed the shots all so we would know what parts of the sequence it is from without having to play it back every time. Then we decided how the sequence would be cut and we came to a final decision that we would do cross over shots. We started to put the sequence together slowly in the second lesson and it was faster than we expected. We all took turns within my group at editing and deleting the sound underneath the videos. We cut down the videos we decided to use in the sequence and made them crossover smoothly from one another. By the end of the second lesson we edited our sequence up to 01:35 when Freya gets into the car with Georgie. In the next lessons we will continue editing our sequence and possibly book an extra session in the editing suit so we can have more time and less stressful process, think it through properly and make smoother transitions. 

evaluation of shoot day.

 

When I woke up on the day of the shoot I was quite well rested. I didn’t really have time to think about what I was going to be wearing so I just put a tracksuit on, I focused more on the props and things I needed for the shoot. I took the costume for Freya: a white oversized shirt, black skinny jeans and a pearl necklace. I also gave her my Calvin Kline black boots. I felt a bit stressed when I got to the editing suit at 8:50 which was the time we were all supposed to meet and only Freya was there. Shortly after us Amy came, this meant that Pandora and Georgie were still missing and neither of them were picking up their phone. So I had to run back to house and go get them from their room. Luckily they were awake and almost ready, they just though that we started filming at 9:30. When I got back from the main house everyone was finally there. Freya and Georgie finished getting changed and ready and we were ready to start. We went down into the studio to get the equipment and loaded it into the bus. We took all the camera equipment, tripod, extra lighting and microphone. 

The first location we filmed at was a train station by Gomshall. It was very quite. And had no people walking around which was good, because that meant we wouldn’t be distracted by anyone blocking the shots. We didn’t film on the platforms for safety reasons and also incase of the police showed up. 

Because the station is property of the national railways. 

The train station had different levels thanks to which we were able to get more interesting shots from different positions. We used the bridge, the stairs, then the car park and behind the fence. 

The train station helped us show that we are located in the country side and that it’s an slightly more isolated area.

Then we filmed a lot of shots within the car. While driving up to Hurtwood’s main boarding house. Which was our final location we filmed at. Even though there were people walking around the property and builders were working close to us in the theatre. 

My main roles on the shoot day were directed and camera man. I provided props and costume for the shoot and made sure the actors knew what to bring and that they knew what they were doing at all times. 

We all took turns filming shots and managing sound. 

I think my organization and ability to take control was particularly strong and helped us have a good flow while filming and also we didn’t have any major set backs nor confusions.

I personally think the whole shoot day was very smooth and especially at the train station we were able to film at very interesting angles which. Also our actors really suited the roles and were very professional and took it very seriously. 

The only issue on our shoot day was that we had to wait for the driver with a rented Mercedes. This only took only like 30 minutes and then everything went very smoothly till the end.

The only thing we were missing in the shoot was more shots of Ezra, but we decided to change our style of editing at the end so it wasn’t really relevant anyways.

I really enjoined organizing the actors and filming at the train station, because the levels we filmed at were more interesting. 

The part I’m most excited to see is when Ezra meets Georgie for the first time. Because that the key moment of the sequence. 

I personally think that our team work quite well. But one of our “crew members” was not too confident and didn’t speak up or voice  her opinions too much. 

In my A2 filming coursework I would really try to come up with an interesting idea and focus on more details... including props and costume.

Overall I was very happy with the shoot day. And I think the outcome will be a success.

History of opening title sequences

 The first ever title sequence in a film was made in the 1936^thShow Boat. The film was directed by James Whale and the opening title sequence with credits was designed by John Harkrider. This film production was also in a form of a musical in 1927. 

Here are some examples of different Production Companies and how their Logos evolved with time:

 

These are some examples of films that were released that are a similar genre and topic to our film:

 

1.    Untouchable

This film is about a Hollywood producer named Harvey Weinstein: he is accused of  multiple sexual assaults. 

 

2.     Surviving R. Kelly

This documentary film is about the singer R. Kelly who is one of the most famous R&B Singers of all time. He was accused of abuse, sexual assault, paedophilia and physical/mental/sexual abuse towards women. Singers like John Legend did interviews for the production. 

 

3.     Leaving Neverland

The story told by two young men in their 30s. They speak about their disturbing relationship with singer Michael Jackson. The relationships started when one of the boys was 7 years old and the other boy was 10. 

What media institution might distribute our media product and why?

If the film of our opening title sequence would be ever made and produced, the obvious option for us for a distribution company would be Netflix. That means that the film would be a Netflix original and owned Netflix. Our film would be very suitable for Netflix as a platform. Because it is a thriller and is based on real events. It would have a similar approach like the ‘Crown’ some would be fictional, but the main elements and known aspects would be based on real events. Also there is already a documentary on Netflix called Filthy rich witch is a documentary about Jeffrey  Epstein. This documentary series was very successful on it’s own on this platform. So if we presented Netflix with a film that is closely based on the Jeffrey Epstein we already have an established audience on that platform of some sorts. Also this would help with the success of the movie, because every time someone would search ‘Filthy Rich’ or ‘Jeffrey Epstein’ they would also get an option to watch our film from the search list. 

The target audience of this film is from the age of 15. It is not really suitable for children under 15. And also because the film would contain forms of sexual abuse, it would be advised for younger viewers or people who have suffered sexual assault to watch it with someone present. 

Netflix has a massive success with their Netflix original films, series and documentaries so I think our film would fit in very well, Also because of the topic of the film.

final shot list

 -girl walks out of train station (with handbag)

-chaperone/friend greets her with a hug and walks her to the car.

-driver opens the car (close up)

-girls get in

-car door closes

-shot inside the car

-shot outside the car (of it driving)

-victim filing with family ring (sentimental)

-/chaperone on her phone 

-Hurtwood driveway --> car drives up to house

-driver opens door --> girls get out 

-they both walk together on the house grounds 

-the chaperone leads the girl to a 'location' and then leaves her 

-victim walks on her own towards an older man

-the man is standing by a balcony with his back to her (he has a drink)

-victim walks closer and says: 'Rupert Bardsley?' 

-he turns around and gesticulates to her, then takes a sip of his drink

Additional  shots:

-man in his home

-man standing by balcony alone

-lighting up a cigar/cigarette

-shots with girls (+man) - he puts his hand on her waist/back

-seductive expression from man aimed at the victim 

targeted audience

  

The audience we are targeting through this opening title sequence is between 15-50 and  upwards. It is targeting at both men and women of all social groups within society. 

It is mainly targeted at heterosexual oriented individuals. The audience could be of all social classes. The sequence is basically about the power of money. The audience members that are targeted are single or divorced or possibly in an unhappy marriage. The targeted audience would be dominantly Caucasian and mostly American, British or central European. 

The sequence is targeted audiences that might have experienced some form of sexual assault or for people who want to understand forms of sexual assault better. 

This sequence could trigger some viewers so it would be advised for some audiences to watch it with someone else in the room for support. This sequence is not suitable for young children or victims of serious sexual crimes.  

key roles of each member of my group (on the shoot day)

 On the shoot day we will all have assigned roles, but we will still take turns at doing each role. 

We made a decision to make me the Director. This means I will be in charge of the actors. Making sure the costumes are ready and appropriate to shoot. Instructing actors with suggestions and instructions. I will also be instructing the camera person to start and then stop recording, by saying ‘Action’/’Cut’. Amy Purhouse is going to be the main camera person and is going to be in charge of getting the right camera angles and pressing the camera to start and stop recording. She also has to make sure that our subjects are all within the shot. 

Pandora is going to assume the role of main editor. She is the most experienced out of the three of us and has edited before for her YouTube channel. During shooting we will take turns at times and do each role. All the roles are equally important. The director hold responsibly for actor and has to make sure everyone within the crew is ready to shoot, he also decided what shots are going to be filmed and in what order. The editor has to make sure the shot are edited in a good quality and fluent he also has to keep the story and not make the final cut chaotic. 

 

 

I as the director have to prepare some basic structured notes. Have a shot list prepared and story board. Then I have to prepare the costumes for the actors and organize their hair and make-up. My role is important because I am directing the whole process and how it goes. I set the ‘rhythm’ of the shooting. And I also decide when we have to retake certain shots again. There are some challenges I can foresee on our shoot day and one of them is a costume malfunction. Or that one of our cast members forgets to bring a piece of costume to shooting. Or that someone will be late for shooting, then it’s my responsibility to find them and escort them to set. If someone becomes ill out of our cast, I have to find a replacement for them and fast because it would be on the day of shooting. Another challenge could be that one of our actors would behave unprofessional and wouldn’t listen to instructions, then it would be my task to discipline them and make sure they understand the importance of the shoot. Within my role of director I am targeting young adults and adults as our target audience. I will do that by choosing the costumes according to the viewers age.

Friday lesson 30-04-21

 In Friday's lesson we had 'Mike', who is going to help us during our filming day. We caught him upon our idea and the changes we wanted to apply. Our changes involve mostly just editing. The idea is that we still film the same footage on our shoot day, but we edit it differently. Then we took him around campus with our group and showed him the ideas we had of filming locations. 

First we pick up the (victim) girl from the translation in Cosmo's car. The girl who is escorting the other girl is there waiting by the car. Then we have footage of them being driven through the Surrey Hills to Hurtwood main house. We want to show the views and countryside in the area, where Hurtwood is located. The girls get out the car and walk around the property grounds. Then the girl who is escorting the victim leave her and the victim carriers on and finds "Rupert Bardsley". The sequence ends when she asks his name and he turns around and gesticulates (confirms it's him). In between we film extra shots of 'Rupert' in his house/on his grounds. Then of the (victim) girl and 'Rupert' as he inputting his hand on her back. then their unsettling eye contact. Then we will edit these shots as crossovers. 

Our teachers are not very confident with our creative choice. But we are stud firm on it so far. It could be that they quite didn't get our idea that we were trying to bring across to them.