Planning: Mis-en-scene

Our group's task is to create the opening two minutes of a horror film. With the genre being horror, naturally, there will be many props and examples of make-up involved. Now that we are in the later stages of of our planning, we have a good idea of what sorts of examples of mis-en-scene we will need.

What is mis-en-scene? 
Mis-en-scene is a french term which translates literally as 'put-in-scene'. It includes things such as costume, make up and props.

Costume: Barney

Black Hoodie:

    This hoodie is very light, and with the time of year being mid winter, it suggests that the character is vulnerable, as he's unprepared for a cold winter night. When the audience first sees him, they will not assume that he is about to become the victim, with him being male. The light clothing alludes to the fact that he may well be the victim. 

White polo shirt:

    The polo shirt should be seen a little bit under the hoodie because of the way the zip is done up. This proves further that not much is being worn. The all buttons will be done up, to show how cold it is, because a more casual look without the top button done up would be more suitabkle for the summer. 

Dark Blue Jeans:

    The jeans are in keeping with the mood off the whole outfit, with the dark colours. The dark colours of the outfit reflect the character's subdued mood to the audience. 

Black Trainers:

     The trainers are very light light duty, which again shows how unprepared and vulnerable the character is for a cold winter night. The setting is also quite rural, so the light footwear may again suggest vulnerability as he could encounter mud or similar obstacles which the shoes aren't designed to endure. 

Props

Mobile Phone:

    The mobile phone will be slightly outdated and its screen will be cracked. It had to have this sort of look because our male character would never have thrown a modern fully functional phone off of the bridge. 

Rope/ Noose

The rope that will be used by Maisie as her chosen weapon for killing needs to be strong, tough and durable; she wants to ensure that no victim escapes alive. Strangling someone can also be thought of a more sadistic way of killing someone, and the process of dying would be more painful for the victim. Maisie wants her victims suffering as much as possible.

The planning for the mis-en-scene was completed by Jake. I have agreed with his decisions.

Planning: Casting

After completion of the treatment and screenplay, we have decided that we need to include two characters in our opening. One of them being a male, the attention will be focused on him so we need someone with a look that is memorable and plays a victim role well. 

We also need a female character, Maisie. In our opening we only really see Maisie when her hands wrap a rope around our victim's neck down by the river, we decided on this method of killing because it is very personal and it conveys psychopathy.

I took some photographs of male faces and female hands.

I decided to cast the hands first. 

These are Emily's hands. I decided to have Emily in the shortlist because she has rather short fingernails. Men generally have short fingernails and I think that we should keep Maisie's gender hidden in the two minutes because men are stereotypically more feared in horror films. 

Emily, I noticed, also has a large hand-span which could look awkward in the film. Perfect for a horror film!

Secondly, I photographed Jerin's hands. Because Jerin has rather long and thin fingers, this means when they are in a fist, holding the rope, they will look bigger and stronger. However, with her long, dagger-like fingernails, it will be obvious that Maisie is a woman.

These hands belong to Agne. I particularly like Agne's hands in terms of horror because, to me, they look slightly out of proportion. Her short fingers don't compliment her rather large palms. Also, I see that her knuckles are particularly flexible, this means that she may be able to get her hands into some difficult, for some, positions.

Tonicha's hands are rather long, much like Jerin's; however, Tonicha has short fingernails. this means that the gender of Maisie will be kept rather a mystery. Also, her hands are quite skeletal and veiny. These would be good because the look rather supernatural and with the costume they would suit Maisie well.

And now for a male actor, the victim! 

This is Marshal. We decided that Marshal had a very innocent look about him and that is perfect for a victim. In this photograph particularly, he has a very distant look about him. This is good for our character because he is meant to be oblivious to the danger. 

This is Brian. He is a very happy man and I believe that this would go down well with the audience. He has a friendly aura and this will make the audience even more shocked when we kill him off within the first few minutes. 

This is John. He has a strong figure and this would then show how strong Maisie is and would make the audience wonder if she is supernatural. 

After looking at these different people and their specific features, myself and my team have decided that John and Agne are going to be our cast, as they have the desired characteristics for both leads in our 2 minute horror opening.  

Chelsea carried out the casting, and myself and the rest of my team have approved and agreed with her work.

Location Planning

The next stage in pre - production is the location planning. I visited the location and took pictures of specific areas of it that we would be using during the production phase, and pivotal areas where the action would take place. By visiting the location, it means I can tell whether or not it would be suitable for filming. If the location would have been unsuitable, we would of had to adjust our entire plot and idea for the two minute opening of our horror film. When considering the suitability of the location, several things need to be taken into account. Particularly for this location, we had to take consider the weather conditions, and also the business of the area.When taking the pictures of the location, I had to stop momentarily for people or cars travelling over the bridge; cars would also pass through the water. This could be a flaw and also a problem when it comes to production. However, I took the pictures during the day, and it will be considerably less busy during the night when we shoot our opening. All of the locations in the images below will feature in the opening at some point. After assessing the suitability of the locations, I have concluded that they are appropriate, and it is confirmed that this will be the setting for our teen horror opening. We can now move onto the next stage of pre - production, which will be the storyboard and shot list.

An arch under the bridge, which our victim will peer under to check for the source of the splashing.

The walk way down to the river under the bridge, which out victim will walk down to being his wade into the water.

The bollard where our victim pauses his walking and stares out into the water, unaware he is being watched himself.

The tree which our villain, Maisie, will hide behind and watch her victim (Barney) from a safe distance. This is where she monitors his movements.

The entrance to the bridge, where our victim will enter the bridge.

The swings in the playground. Anyone walking over the bridge can see the park. The swing will be swinging slightly.

The opposite side of the bridge.

Research: Location Planning

Scouting for a location is vital during the pre - production process of filmmaking.

There are many factors that need to be considered when choosing the right location. These factors include;

• the aesthetic and general look of the location, and whether it matches and suits the description and fits in with the themes, tone and other aspects of the film.
• the financial cost to production.
• the distance from base of operations and other planned locations.
• availability of facilities to keep crew and talent safe.
• the availability of electrical power and the feasibility of bringing in lights and electrical power.
• available light and weather conditions.
• permission from the owner of the location.

Filming location would be discussed between the production department and the locations department. Once they have decided upon a location, they must check if the location is still viable. After that, it is confirmed. A legally binding location contract is usually drawn up for all parties involved to sign. 

Planning: Storyboard

The next stage in pre-production was creating our storyboard. We completed this task a group so we were all aware of what the two minute opening of our horror film would look like. However, when we begin filming, we do not have to stick strictly to the storyboard; we can change certain elements if we find that we are incapable of accomplishing certain shots, or we do not like the idea we previously came up with. Creating a storyboard gives us a structure and a certainty when it comes to the production phase, so it is vital that it is completed. Included in the storybaord is dialogue, camera movement and shot, location and more.

Storyboard Planning: Research

The purpose of a creating a storyboard during the pre-production phase is to pre-visualise the sequence and the shots of a motion picture, animation, motion graphic or interactive media sequence.

Drawing a storyboard for a motion picture helps the film directors, cinematographers etc visualise the scenes and find any potential flaws or causes for concern before they occur. In addition, storyboards also help indicate the overall cost of production. They also include arrows and instructions that indicate movement.

Creating storyboards also allows the user to experiment with changes in the storyline, in order to benefit the audience and provoke a stronger reaction.

This is a storyboard for an 8 minute animated cartoon:

Research: Casting

Casting is an important part in the pre-production stage. Therefore, I have done research in order to deepen my understanding of how the process would be done in the film industry.

The casting process can involve a series of auditions before a casting panel which can include the producer, director and casting director. The actors may be given a prepared audtion piece such as a monologue, as shown above in Emma Stone's audition tape for Easy A. The auditions are usually taped so they can be shared with producers, directors and studio representatives. Later on, the actor may be asked to audution again with another actor playing another role so the casting directors can assess the talent of the individual actor and the chemistry of their combination.

After all of the candidates have auditioned, the casting directors, director, producers etc. have to make a decision on who to cast.

Several factors have to be taken into account when casting. These include; age, gender, race and ethnicity, personality, ability and the availability of the actor in question. For example, if the actor is unavailable during the production phase, they would have to cast someone else due to scheduling conflicts.

Although we will not be holding auditions for our horror movie opening, we still have to consider these factors when making the decision on who to cast. We must also be able to justify why we chose that particular person.

Screenplay: MAISIE

*MAISIE*

by

Evie Brudenall, Chelsea Craig, Jake Hughes and Lucaas Chaiyaractha

16 December, 2013

TITLE: produced by CLING FILMS. 

The font is white and scratched and lower case, apart from 'Cling Films' which is in capitals.

FADE IN:

ON A SLOWLY SWINGING SWING. SCREECHING OF THE SWING IS HEARD.

TITLES: directed by...

Camera cuts to a shot of person walking over an arch bridge late at night. The person is 25 year old male, Barney. He is wearing black jeans, a black coat with a red scarf which resembles a noose, and black trainers.

Camera cuts to a tracking mid - shot from behind Barney, then to a tracking mid - shot from in front of Barney. 

TITLE: starring...

He is looking down at the floor with his hands in his pockets. Barney turns into the final bollard on the bridge and places his hands on either side. 

He rests his elbows on the bollard and leans over slightly. He looks out to the river below him momentarily, with a look of dissatisfaction and discontent.

He produces his phone from his pocket. A close up of the phone reveals it has no signal. Barney manoeuvres his mobile in different directions to try and find reception. The camera follows the phone's movements. In frustration, Barney throws his phone into the water below. A splash is heard.

Several cuts are made to within the trees, to show that someone or something is watching Barney. Score comes in during these cuts.

Score continues, but is quieter and more subdued. Barney hears a splash, as if someone is moving through the water. He is visibly startled. Score becomes more prominent.

BARNEY

Who's there?

Barney looks frantically around him to try and discover the source of the disruption. His eyes are panicked and his breathing becomes heavier. He exits the bridge and into the shallow waters to investigate.

He walks slowly through the water and peers cautiously under an arch of the bridge. An unknown figure steps into the frame. Barney thinks all is safe and walks slowly backwards. The mysterious figure throws a rope around his neck. A deafening scream is heard.

FADE OUT.

Research: Writing a Screenplay

In order to write a screenplay correctly, I decided to carry out research on screenplays and observe how they are set out and written. For inspiration and guidance on how to write the screenplay, I looked at the screenplay for the film 'Silver Linings Playbook', written by director and writer David O. Russell based on the novel by Matthew Quick.

                         (READING)

           "Dear Tiffany...
          SHE STOPS, surprised it is addressed to her.

           150.

                         

                          TIFFANY (CONT'D)

                          (READING)
           "...I know you wrote the letter.
           (long pause) The only way you could
           meet my crazy...."

                          PAT

                          (RECITING)
           "...was by doing something crazy
           yourself. Thank you. I love you. I
           knew it the minute I met you. I'm
           sorry it took so long for me to
           catch up. I just got stuck. Pat." I
           wrote that a week ago.

                          TIFFANY
           You wrote that a week ago?

                          PAT
           Yes, I did.

                          TIFFANY
           You let me lie to you for a week?

                          PAT
           I was trying to be romantic.

                          TIFFANY
           You love me?

                          PAT
           Yeah, I do.

                          TIFFANY
           Okay.
          SHE LEANS FORWARD AND KISSES HIM, they kiss. Camera pulls
          away. Score comes in.

A screenplay differs from a play script. Play scripts use many stage directions to direct the actors. However, as demonstrated in the screenplay, the actors do not have directions on how to perform their dialogue. This leaves the actors free to interpret the screenplay in their own way. Screenplays are also set out different from play scripts. The dialogue in screenplays are centred, with the characters name above it, also centred.

There are different types of screenplays. These are:

• Literary Screenplay - language used is the same as fiction and is literary.
• Publistic Screenplay - uses 'broken' language that is normally found in newspaper articles.
• Original screenplay- independent piece of work.
• Derivative Screenplay - the adaptation to the original.
• Director's Screenplay - descriptive part which usually includes boundaries between the definite shots. 
  
  Writing a screenplay is an incredibly crucial part of the filmmaking process. Once the idea and concept for a film has been put forward, it is the screenwriter's job to bring their vision to the page. Screenwriters are responsible for researching the story, developing the narrative and subsequently writing the screenplay which will then be delivered and presented to the executives. 

Research: Which Horror Movie Opening is the Best?

1) Read our group's three potential horror openings. These can be found on a previous post on my blog.
2) Click on this link to answer our survey. Please answer the last two questions in detail if possible.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8RTQZWG

Thank you for your time.

Research: The Importance of Sound and Music in Horror Films

Sound in horror films is very important. Sound and music are used in horror films to create tension and suspense among the audience, as well as to scare them; the ultimate aim of a horror film. Sound can increase an audience's heart rate and boost their adrenaline.

Commonly, there is little or no music before the action takes place. The 1975 horror film 'Jaws' directed by Steven Spielberg is an example of this. During the opening of 'Jaws' (as seen above), a teenage girl, Chrissie, and her male friend run down to the beach, and she is shouting at him, encouraging him to go swimming. All that can be heard during this scene is the crash in of waves and dialogue, and also music from a party that is happening away from the beach. When Chrissie jumps in the sea, and begins to swim, a gentle dinging of a bell is quietly heard. As she starts to swim in the deeper part of the ocean, the first example of a score is heard. Low strings are heard, which is juxtaposed with the increasing pitch of a xylophone. The music does not subside when Chrissie stops swimming momentarily. However, when the the camera cuts to a shot underwater, with the camera slowly moving toward her, the score takes a different approach. Drums and strings are heard as the camera moves closer, and when the creature tugs at Chrissie's feet, there is a distinct high pitched instrument. This is then interspersed with frantic strings as she tries to escape what is trying to drag her down into the water. Drums are once again introduced when the clearly distressed and hysterical teenage girl is dragged from side to side by the beast. As we leave the action briefly to see a shot of her friend lying on the beach disorientated, we hear the high pitched sound again; when we return to the scene, the added instruments are reintroduced.  However, the music is not very loud, so the victim's screams are the main thing the audience hear. When Chrissie is dragged under the water for the final time, the music completely stops, and the bell begins to ring gently again. The silence signifies the attack is over, and that Chrissie is indeed dead.

Music has a great effect on the audience, and tells them how they should be feeling during the scene (if the visuals weren't enough). Click here to read an article on how and why the music in horror films scares us.

We listened to several scores from 10 different horror films, and found that they all have similarities with each other. For example, the music in 'Suspiria' and 'The Ring' both feature sounds from a music box. This creates a haunting child like feel, which makes the piece sound even more terrifying and eerie. The films 'Children of the Corn', 'Suspiria' and 'Poltergeist' all have children singing in their music, which once again makes the audience feel more terrified, and also more uncomfortable. They all juxtapose innocence with a haunting melody and creepy, sinister singing voices. The films 'The Exorcist' and 'Halloween' both make use of a piano, which repeats the same chord sequence throughout the piece.Both have a quiet background beat or noise occurring, too. All scores also tend to reach a crescendo; this part of the music would be played during the pivotal part of the film where the action has reached its peak.

Research: The Importance of Sound and Music in Horror Films