The Knife That Killed Me case study introduction

Genre/type of production:
Teenage drama, crime, thriller, 15-rated independent film, small low-budget British production

Plot:
Memories of a teenager called Paul Varderman as he reflects on the events leading to his fatal death. He becomes involved with 'the freaks' after moving to a new school, and defends himself against a bully. The bully then asks him to join his gang and Paul is drawn into a rivalry between the two gangs, and must take a critical decision on who he should be loyal to. Themes of change, belonging, gangs, friendship, youth, life/death and insecurity are present.
York University
YouTube Trailer
Official Website

UK release dates:
Screened at London Independent Film Festival on 18 April 2014
Screened at Rome Youth and Independent Film Festival
Screening at Coventry Literary Festival screening in June 2014
Premiere at Manchester's Museum of Science and Industry on 15 July 2014
Screening at York Picturehouse Cinema followed by Q&A on 27 July 2014
Charity event at Notting Hill Picturehouse
Screening at Frank's Cafe in London
24 October 2014 DVD and VOD release online
No theatrical release
BBFC
Kickstarter Campaign
IMDb
Screening Event

Nationality:
British (produced by Green Screen Productions set in York) (actors, crew and producers are well-known in Britain for TV series or other independent films) (All shooting locations set in York, UK) (use of British slang and culture) (typically small production, localised, low-budget)
Director's Blog
Director's Blog 2
Yorkshire Evening Post

Institutions behind production:
Green Screen Productions (based in York, North Yorkshire)
Stealth Media Group (bought rights to DVD and release) is a distribution company that assisted in the financing of the film and national and international marketing. They also organised film festival distribution (based in Brighton, London, LA)
Matador Pictures financed the film (based in London)
Premier Picture is also an independent film finance and production company (based in Brighton)
£20,000 fundraised through Kickstarter campaign
Green Screen Productions
Stealth Media Group
Matador Pictures
Premier Picture
Wikipedia
Kickstarter Campaign

Production budget:
Approximately £3 million
Wikipedia

Connections:
Based on the novel 'The Knife That Killed Me'
Similarities to 'Sin City' - stylised, produced on green screen
Amazon
Facebook
YouTube Trailer

Directors:
Marcus Romer (an actor, director and playwright that also wrote the screenplay for the film)
Kit Monkman (known for Dead Man Running
Director's Blog
Director's Blog 2
IMDb

Producers:
Alan Latham
Thomas Mattison
Assisted by graduates of University of York's department of Theatre, Film and Television
York University
IMDb

Starring:
Jack McMullen (Paul) - known for Waterloo Road
Reece Dinsdale (Paul's dad) - known for Coronation Street
Jamie Shelton (Roth) - known for Emmerdale
Oliver Lee (Shane)
Charles Mnene (Goddo)
Rosie Goddard (Maddie)
Haruka Abe (Serena)
IMDb
Wikipedia

Core Audience:
Young people, both genders, those accustomed to or interested in cultures of Yorkshire, fans of British films, independent film fans, fans of Waterloo Road/Coronation Street/Emmerdale, fans of Sin City or other stylised films

Secondary/tertiary markets:
Adults, those interested in British culture in general
Facebook
Film Review
YouTube Trailer

Big Hero 6 case study introduction

Genre/type of production:
Animated, superhero, comedy, action, family, adventure, PG Cert, a high concept blockbuster, an event movie
Wired Magazine Article
Official Website

Plot:
In a fictional metropolis in which a young robotics prodigy called Hiro Hamada and his robot, Baymax, uncover a criminal plot and pull together a team of inexperienced crime fighters to solve the mystery surrounding the crime.
Wikipedia
YouTube Trailer
Marvel

Global release date: 23 October 2014 at Tokyo International Film Festival in 3D
US release date: 7 November 2014
UK release date: 30 January 2015
IMDb

Nationality:
Set in a fictional and Americanised San Fransokyo (mostly American but incorporates Japanese culture)
Directed and produced by American directors and animation studios
Starring American actors/comedians
Wikipedia

Institutions behind production:
Produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios (vertically and horizontally integrated institution based in New York)
Inspired by Marvel Comics superhero team of the same name (rights to characters owned by Disney)
Marketed on social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube (200,000 Facebook likes)
Distributed and financed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures (based in California with offices worldwide)
Wikipedia
Disney

Production budget:
Unconfirmed (estimated around $200 million)

Connections to other films:
Created by the same company as 'Frozen' 'Wreck-It Ralph' 'Bolt'
Includes a theatric short, 'Feast'
YouTube Trailer
Twitter

Directors:
Don Hall (known for The Princess and the Frog)
Chris Williams (known for Bolt, The Emperor's New Groove, Mulan)
John Lasseter (known for Toy Story, A Bug's Life, Cars)
Wikipedia
IMDb

Starring:
Ryan Potter (Hiro Hamada)
Scott Adsit (Baymax) (known for We're the Millers, 30 Rock)
Jamie Chung (Go Go Tomago)
Damon Wayans Jr. (Wasabi)
(Most are recognised from American TV and comedy)
Wikipedia
IMDb

Core Audience:
Youngchildren, superhero fans, Disney fans, Marvel fans, families with children, Americans
YouTube Trailer

Secondary/tertiary audience:
Parents, older children, fans of Japanese culture

Preliminary exercise evaluation

1. Who did you work with and how did you manage the task between you?

For the preliminary exercise, I worked with Serena, Iggy and Alistair. The task was shared between us, Serena and Alistair were acting while Iggy was directing and I filmed the shots. To plan the sequence, we discussed in our group, thought of an appropriate genre and narrative, then allocated tasks for each of us on the day of shooting. During the planning process, each of us contributed ideas towards the order of shots and how it could achieve continuity as well as direct the audience to the narrative.

2. How did you plan your sequence? What processes did you use? What theories did you try to take into account?

We drew a storyboard and shot list of the narrative which helped us to achieve continuity and follow the match on action theory. It also assisted in the framing of each shot to create implications for the audience. Additionally, we made a shooting schedule to make it more convenient to shoot and avoid wasting time. Also, we used some of our own props and costumes appropriate to each scene which was effective in establishing character. Some theories that we considered in order to achieve continuity were match on action, shot/reverse shot, and the 180-degree rule, so that the narrative of the scene flows. We planned using a storyboard which helped to visualise the angles of the shots and whether they would match the previous ones. We also wrote a script with the intention of matching the dialogue in every take so that there would not be match on action errors, however this was ineffective as it did not include sufficient stage directions.

3. What technology did you use to complete the task, and how did you use it?

We used a Canon Legria HF G30, tripod, microphone, headphones and we set up the camera and tripod in each location appropriately in order to achieve different framings of shots and different angles to view the shots from different perspectives. The software we used to edit the sequence was Premier Pro and we uploaded each take, and then cut the good clips into appropriate lengths and added them to the sequence in order of the narrative. We placed the camera in 9 different locations in the room and corridor so that there was a variation in camera angles to establish the setting.

4. What factors did you have to take into account when planning, shooting and editing?

While planning the exercise, we had to consider the 30 degree rule as well as the eyeline match so that two shots following each other were matched. Other theories such as match on action and shot/reverse shot were taken into account as they assisted the continuity of the sequence and allowed different angles of the scene to be included while matching at the same time. While shooting, we had to consider background noise as well as keeping the script and action exactly the same in each take so that every scene matched the previous one. We had to clear the room and corridor so that there were no other people in the shot which would affect the continuity. During the editing process, we considered the match on action theory as each shot had to be cut at the correct time for the sequence to flow. We also considered timings as it was necessary for each shot to be cut to an appropriate length and match the next shot in the right place. Furthermore, we had to film scenes longer than we intended them to be, as we could cut them during editing rather than having to repeat the filming of scenes that were too short.

5. How successful was your sequence? Please identify what worked well, and with hindsight, what would you improve/do differently?

I think our sequence was successful in many places in achieving continuity, especially the final conversation, in which the 180 degree rule was implemented as well as the shot/reverse shot during dialogue. Also, the switch of the angle of the shot while opening the door was a match on action and effective in demonstrating continuity of the sequence. However, on several occasions, the background of the shots was inaccurate, for example, shot 2 in which Serena was not sitting in the chair that she was in in shot 3. Also, some dialogue was different in each take and the actors' movements were not matched in some takes which affected the continuity and overall flow of the narrative as it confused the audience. Another aspect which I would do differently is making sure that there are no other people visible in the shot (in reflections or in background) as it distracts the audience from the main action and is not a match on action. The planning hour was useful and effective as it gave us ideas of the framing the order in which to shoot the scenes as efficiently as possible. The first establishing shot was effective at displaying the setting and entrance of the first character into the room. We also used a variation of frames according to the narrative, (close-ups of actors speaking and wide shots of walking along the corridor), which was significant in conveying the atmosphere of the scene. In order to achieve better continuity, I would have used shorter clips and demonstrated more of the 30 degree rule in which each shot is varied from the last.

6. What have you learnt from completing this task? Looking ahead, how will this learning be significant when completing the rest of your foundation coursework?

From completing this task, I have learnt the importance of several theories such as match on action, shot/reverse shot and the 180 degree rule and how they affect the continuity of films and allow the genre and narrative of the film to be displayed. I have also learnt the significance of planning shots and taking shots from many angles in case of error. The editing techniques I learnt will be useful for completion of the rest of the coursework as we can cut and order shots correctly for the narrative to flow. The task was effective as a practice, and I have learnt from continuity errors made (such as different action/dialogue) and will be aware of this on the next task. Also, I have learnt the importance of not wasting time during shooting so that there are sufficient shots from several angles in case of error during editing.

Film still

Genre:

It is a drama/comedy as the characters are laughing, portrayed as genuine, set during daytime, soft camera focus, relaxed facial expressions, modest clothing.

Character:

The camera angle is slightly tilted to make Forrest look smaller, shows significance of other character and that he is respected, Forrest looking directly at him suggests his sincerity, hand gestures shows that he respects him and does not perceive himself as superior, dirty, old-fashioned clothing suggests that the two characters are not superficial.

Narrative:

A reunion between the two characters is implied through the handshake, they are pleased to see each other, the man has recently arrived to be greeted by Forrest, Forrest is the main character as he is displayed more clearly in the shot.

Art of the Title Evaluation

1. Summarise your film idea. Provide a brief synopsis and outline what happens in your film opening.

The idea of the opening sequence is that the killer finds and kills innocent people in a secluded environment so that he remains unnoticed. The opening scene presents an average setting (school) and the victim being watched, followed by the disposal/neglect of the body on the stage. These scenes connote horror as they do not directly show the victim being killed, but the removal of blood from the weapon. The final shot includes the killer exiting the building without being seen.


2. What kind of information has been included in your film opening? 

The purpose of the opening sequence was to establish the normality of the setting and how it is disturbed by the killer's presence. We used long shots for the first two, and close-ups as the killer approaches the victim. In our opening, the nature of the murder is revealed and the isolated setting in which it occurs. This adds to the ominous nature of a horror film.


3. How do the titles link the main film idea?

The titles are in white (typical of horror films) and are shown mainly in the long shots. The final title is shown with a black background as the opening finishes and cuts away from the action of the scene.


4. Summarise the expected audience reaction. What should the audience be thinking by the end of your opening? Is your opening clear or ambiguous?

The initial reaction of the audience would be fear as they cannot clearly see the killer at the end of the hallway, the actual murder is not shown, which adds to the fear of the audience as only the compass is shown afterwards, leaving the audience to imagine how the victim had been killed. This allows more of the narrative to be revealed later on in the film by withholding violent scenes in the opening, which builds tension throughout the rest of the film. The audience should be anticipating the killer's attempts to find more victims and how the murders can be covered up. The opening is ambiguous as the audience is uncertain of the motive of the killer and the role of the girl in the opening scene.


5. Identify three things that you included in your grid that are important in the construction of an opening sequence and explain their role in understanding the film.

• Establishing shot of hallway is significant in showing the emptiness and isolation of the setting, helps audience to understand the normal environment that the film takes place in. The use of opening credits is crucial in an opening sequence as well-known actors/directors can imply the genre of the film
• Close-up of the killer after the murder helps audience to understand his intentions and instil fear
• Washing weapon in sink suggests the concealment of murder and attempts to remove signs of presence in the setting, as well as linking to the final shot, as he must wash away the blood before leaving the building

6. How effective is your project as a film opening? Explain your answer.

The genre of the film is evident through the use of wide shots in the beginning to close-ups and cutaways from the main action. Most of the shots are taken in darker settings and the use of blood on the weapon and hands is effective in conveying the struggle endured before the victim's death. However, the use of opening credits on the 5th shot is ineffective as it distracts the audience from the action and the font of the opening credits is not identifiable with horror films. The shots could also have been darkened to establish the setting as more isolated.

Accident sequence

1. To aid narrative flow of the sequence, we used different camera angles of the setting to direct the audience to the main action of the shot. The first shot sets the scene including both the hallway and the two actors in the corner. The 6 shots follow the logical order and the framing is useful to show the divide between the two actors sitting and the actor on his own. Apart from 3, all other shots had the correct framing to match the previous shot (example: 1/2).

2. To aid narrative flow (continuity) we could have taken the establishing shot to pan right (towards table) instead of left so that it would match the next shot of the two actors talking. The second shot could have been framed more close-up to direct the audience to the conversation. Also, we repeated too many events (shot 4/5) which broke the narrative flow and shot 3 was unrelated to the previous ones. To improve continuity we could have included another master shot in between 2 and 3. We also cut shot 3 in the wrong place as it was too long and did not finish where shot 4 started. Finally, in shot 6, the actors were looking in the wrong direction to the flow so the two shots did not match.

My Film Still

1. Analyse your chosen shot and identify in what way it could be described as signifying your chosen genre

The shot mostly consists of dark colours, typically associated with horror films as it signifies the concealment of murder. It includes a  body lying facing downwards to show the abandonment of the body and a brutal death. There are no other characters in the image implying that the victim was killed discreetly away from others.

2. What did you actually do to achieve the effect?

The actor was positioned in a dark room to indicate her being trapped by killer, closed doors allowing only dim light through (underneath the doorframe) to allow enough light for audience to recognise body on floor. The shot was taken from above showing that it was dumped in the room to be hidden from sight. The shadow of the handrail shows the nature of the room and that it is lower than ground level.

3. How did you intend the audience to 'read' or interpret your still?

There is an absence of a killer to create fear in the viewer, and it is taken from the angle of the person entering the room which gives the idea that they are the next victim. Also there are no visible injuries and the audience is unable to clearly see the rest of the room. The body is situated in the centre of the shot to pull focus to it, as the rest of the room is too dark. 

4. Identify what is successful about your shot

Positioning of the body in the centre, absence of other characters, darkness with only small area of light, view from above, body facing downwards

5. What would you do differently in hindsight?

Add light from more angles (above) so that victim is more visible, include more appropriate props, include more of the empty room to make it appear more isolated, bright light to contrast with darkness and highlight victim's presence.

Film opening analysis

• 127 Hours, Drama
• Takes place in the house, then car, then desert/canyon
• Fast-paced at the beginning, packing food and essentials, voice message playing in background, mindlessly drives further away from civilisation, repeated shots car moving along empty road, he films himself in car, in morning he is cycling through desert, films himself again from bike
• Order of events is significant as he is the only character in all 3 settings (house, car, desert) for first 8 minutes, pace slows down, in each scene he is further away and more isolated, shots the road from moving car shows how far he is going, road signs show that he is moving further away from shops, restaurants and other people. It is significant as it shows his freedom at this point and an abundance of food and drink in the beginning of the film
• The events link to each other as they show Aaron's daily routine and descent into the desert gradually from the safety of his house. First scene in house shows only close-up shots of objects with character in background, second scene contains medium shots and tilted frames, final opening scene is mostly very long shots or views from above
• Aaron Ralston introduced as main character, his sister leaves voicemail showing that she is concerned about him, two girls lost in the canyon display Aaron as knowledgeable of the area and helpful to others
• The isolation of Aaron in the canyon is shown repeatedly through panning of landscape with Aaron in the centre and slow zoom outwards showing more of the empty desert. There are scenes of him filming himself and taking pictures to reflect that he is completely alone and that the video camera might be a significant aspect of the story. Other cars and cyclists moving away from him and length of car journey shows how far he is travelling
• Aaron's personal life and memory is withheld deliberately so that he can reflect on it later on in the film
• At the start of the film the audience needs to be introduced to the main character through use of props or environment they are in. This shows subtle aspects of character without revealing the whole story