AICE Media Studies

  Location I will be filming in and outside of my house. The two main locations are my room and outside, where the driveway and porch are. Participants Actors: Christopher Hayman - Protagonist Gina Hayman-Knight - Protagonist's mom Filming: Christopher Hayman Gina Hayman-Knight Editing: Christopher Hayman Directing: Christopher Hayman Health and Safety Since this is a teen comedy film, production will not be highly risky or require extra precautions. The scenes mostly involve people talking, so no dangerous stunts will be performed. However, my mom will act as a supervisor during the production process, and can get help should anything go wrong (someone gets hurt, etc.). We will be staying relatively safe for the production of this sequence, but it is better to have a safety supervisor just in case. For the scene where the protagonist and his mom are walking outside to the car, we will put on sunblock before filming. It will most likely be hot and sunny outside, so we will want to ...

  Scene 1 - Non-diegetic sound: calm, uplifting music plays - Lighting: bright morning sunlight Scene 2 - Main character is in his room, typing on a computer - M.C (Voiceover): "Dear diary, I know no one will hear this, but I'm going to say it anyway. As if being a high schooler wasn't difficult enough, today's the day of tryouts for the dance team, and my parents haven't stopped talking about it. To be honest, I know I'll make the team, but I can't help but feel a sense of dread about it. It means I'm going back to regular practices and grueling workouts, instead of just coming home at the end of the day. I've been dancing since freshman year, so I'm kind of used to it by now, but it's not something I'm crazy about. I guess I've just got to pull myself up and-" - The door opens and the M.C.'s mom walks in.  - Mom: "(unnamed), what are you doing? You're going to be late for school!" - M.C checks the time.  - M....

The opening titles and credits of my film will appear on the screen and not embedded in the setting. The title will appear in a colorful, artsy font and it will appear and disappear in a fade in/fade out transition.  Working title: The title of this film is likely to be "Your Heart's Beat" It will be in a large and bold font in all caps, it will look SOMETHING LIKE THIS. The titles will fade in and out casually, and they will be on screen for about 3 seconds each. All titles will be a yellow and light green font: mostly light green and outlined in yellow. It will look SOMETHING LIKE THIS. The name of the person will be notably larger than the words above it. For example: DIRECTED BY: CHRISTOPHER HAYMAN

  From: Watch the Titles This sequence starts out by displaying the studio that brought us this film (Warner Bros.). Then, it shows the title of the film and all of the actors and people who collaborated to help put the film together. Images prioritized here include stylized images of adults running and falling, as well as wide views of city streets and buildings. These images carry an intense connotation, like that of a crime film. However, the cartoonish appearance of the images gives a less intense and more lighthearted feel to the film. The film's opening sequence creates a comedic feel by implementing dramatically intense imagery and music. This is common for comedy films that have elements of action or thriller mixed in. This film is targeted towards older audiences, particularly those who take interest in thriller stories but want a good laugh as well. Strategies that help it reach that target group include the use of spy-like music and images that intrigue the viewer. The t...

  From: Art of the Title This opening sequence displays the movie's title briefly at the beginning. This is followed by a montage of the actors' names. It also includes the designers, producers, and studios presenting the film. In this opening sequence, images of emphasis include Christmas-themed designs and objects (the movie is based around Christmas). These include snowmen, stockings, presents, food, and some comedic touches like solo cups and football helmets. These images create a fun, almost celebratory connotation that sets the mood for the rest of the film afterwards. The film sets the tone from the outset through its use of artsy text, cute, joyful imagery, and upbeat music. This lets the viewer know right off the bat that this is a comedic film. This film is targeted towards adults and mature audiences. Thus, touches like more mature music and images of grown men drinking alcohol ensure that the film reaches this age group. Technology is used and incorporated here in ...

  From: Watch the Titles The title of the film is displayed in the first seconds of the opening sequence. After this, there are credits displaying the names of the actors in the film, and the people who helped work on it. This includes producers, directors, and designers. This title sequences prioritized many different images. These are images of scenes within the film, such as the aliens, the T-rex chase, and the deserted wasteland. They are shown in a silhouette/cartoonish fashion. These images carry an adventurous connotation. However, they are highly dramatized, which creates a more lighthearted and comical feel. The film's tone is established from the outset. The music, imagery, and design of the words and logo make the tone a mix of adventure and comedy, which is what the overall film is. This title sequence helps the film appeal to its target audience. This is mainly teens and adults. It does this through its use of fascinating yet comedic imagery and adventurous music. This...

  From: Art of the Title Titles displayed in this sequence include the movie title, which is at the beginning. It also shows the studio it is from, Warner Bros. The sequence also displays all of the names of the actors and people who worked on the film. Images prioritized here are Santa Claus, his reindeer, and his sleigh. These are presented in cartoon form, which adds to the comedic feel. These images create a magical and lighthearted connotation, however, there is a comedic twist added in. This lets the audience know what kind of film this is. This sequence establishes the fact that this movie is lighthearted from the joyous imagery and upbeat music. The film is themed around Christmas, which is a time of happiness, so the opening sequence encapsulates this feeling. The Christmas-themed imagery with comical twists helps this movie reach its target audience. It is geared mostly towards older teens and adults. The film itself is live action, but the title sequence uses heavy CGI b...

  The first website I researched is called Art of the Title. This website shows demonstrates the creativity and art of movie titles, and how they add to the overall film. It includes the title sequences of a wide number of films and shows. You can watch and analyze them to see what techniques they use and how they make it come together. The site also displays winners and nominees for awards on their title designs. This website is useful because it shows you how not only the title sequence contributes to the film, but the design of the title itself. It also displays the names of people and studios who worked on these titles. I am using this website because it gives me easy access to view title sequences. I can easily analyze and appreciate them this way. It places emphasis on the titles of media, which is exactly what I need at this stage of my final task. The second website I am researching is called Watch the Titles. This site is similar to Art of the Title, but has some significa...

  The final movie in the comedy genre I am researching is Blended. This movie has many common camera shots and movements in comedy films, such as a two-shot that shows two characters conversing, and wide shots that may show a comedic situation to the viewer. Costumes in this movie range from casual outfits to intricate African clothing worn by people at the hotel. The lighting, like most comedy movies, is always very bright. The acting is mostly silly and not serious, typical for comedy movies. Makeup is casual and includes lipstick and mascara. Props include suitcases, tour cars, and parachutes. The setting is mostly a luxurious resort in Africa. The sound in this movie includes upbeat music as part of the score, as well as diegetic sounds and music like singing by the hotel workers. Editing in this movie commonly included cross-cutting, especially when characters are conversing. There is also an example of a split screen early in the film when the two protagonists decide to go to...

  The next film in the comedy genre I am researching is Ghostbusters (the original 1984 version). This film uses many common camera shots in comedy, such as closeups, which show the actors' emotions for comedic effect. There are also many two-shots showing characters either talking or working together to battle ghosts. Costumes in this movie often show the protagonists in beige vests with a Ghostbusters logo. Lighting is usually fairly bright, even during the darker scenes. The acting is very comedic and never very professional or serious. Makeup is more casual for the four main men, but some characters such as Gozer wear intricate, creepy makeup. Props include the backpacks full of "ghost-busting" equipment that the four protagonists wear on their backs. The setting is New York City.  The sound in this film includes a sound motif that plays multiple times during the movie: a theme song made specifically for the film. There are also examples of incidental music, such as d...

  The first film in the comedy genre I am researching is mean girls. This film includes camera shots such as a point of view shot near the beginning (when Cady is walking around the cafeteria). This shot creates dramatic humor by letting us see what she sees. There are also several two-shots that show characters conversing/discussing the situations in the film. The film also has many medium close-up shots to express emotion or humor through the characters' faces. Costumes in this film are much like that of common high school students: casual jackets, skirts, pants, vests, and backpacks. The lighting is very bright throughout which adds to the film's lighthearted tone. The acting is convincing, yet not overly intense, so it is still comedic. Makeup mostly includes traditionally feminine products like lipstick and blushed cheeks. Props include cars, backpacks, purses, and food and drinks. The setting is mostly at school, except for some scenes that take place in houses. The sound...

  After researching the comedy, horror, and action genres of film, I have come to a decision. The genre that I have chosen for my opening sequence is comedy. This wasn't an easy choice, as I am fascinated by all of these genres. Comedy was actually the first genre that I researched. I learned a lot about the stylistic choices and how they are utilized in comedy. It is interesting how the choice of sound and setting can set the tone for the film, especially a more lighthearted one. These films are also less serious, so it is easier to get away with just-okay acting and even poking fun at common tropes. After comedy, I researched the horror genre. This was an enjoyable genre to research because I love horror films. It was interesting to take note of how stylistic choices are used to create a completely different tone than comedy. I noticed how certain camera angles and sounds are used to spook the viewer in these films. I have seen many horror films and taken note of which scenes fro...

  The final genre I am researching is action. Films in the action genre often include handheld camera movements, which puts the viewer in the center of the action and enhances the intensity. Other examples that do this include low angles that make a character appear large and powerful, tracking shots, and zoom in/zoom out. Costumes in action movies are usually powerful and equipped with tough armor. The lighting is usually fairly bright, so that the viewer can clearly see the action. Acting is often intense and full of energy and power. Makeup is commonly either plain or highly detailed, depending on what type of character you're dealing with. Props include weapons such as guns, hammers, and swords, as well as other fictional objects made specifically for the movie. The setting can either be a real place like a building or alley, or a fictitious one like a castle or other world. Sound in these movies commonly involves intense scores to create excitement. They may also include voice...

  The genre that I am researching is horror. Films in the horror genre commonly include high angles/bird's eye view, which makes a character appear more vulnerable. Other shots and movements used often include over the shoulder shots to put you closer into the character's perspective, close ups to show their emotions and reactions, and tracking shots, which create the effect of a character being watched/followed. Horror films often have characters wearing costumes such as pajamas, or very pale, mystic-looking clothing. The lighting is usually dim and dark to enhance the tone of the film. Acting in these films is tense, serious, and must be given strong effort, since it can easily become laughable if not done well. Makeup can be very detailed and scary-looking, particularly for the monster or villain (if there is one). Props and set pieces may include flashlights, weapons such as guns and knives, and creepy masks. Sound in horror films commonly include incidental music or creepy...

  The first genre I am researching is comedy. Comedy movies commonly use camera angles such as two shots and three shots when multiple characters are conversing casually, close ups to emphasize humorous moments, establishing shots to give the audience a feel for the tone and setting of the movie, and point of view shots that put the viewer in the protagonist's eyes for a comedic effect. These films commonly involve both casual and fancy attire (depending on the setting), and bright and colorful lighting to fit the upbeat feel of the movie. The acting is usually very lighthearted and not extremely intense, except for some serious moments. Makeup is commonly pretty and includes casual lipstick and blushes (for girls/women). Props may include backpacks, suitcases, coffee cups, or alcoholic beverages. Editing techniques in comedy films often include split screens, in which multiple characters are talking/doing something at the same time, which creates a humorous irony. Cutaways are als...

 Pitch 1: A boy is pressured by his parents to join the dance team, but his growing interest in writing leads him to realize his true passion. I would definitely be interested in filming this pitch. I think that a lighthearted teen comedy would be a great fit for a project like this. I do not have the best acting skills, so the acting can be funny or cheesy which matches the vibe. I am also in high school and have a love for arts, so it is something that I and many high schoolers can relate to. It is a funny but also heartfelt story about growing up and figuring out your life, which is a concern for many teenagers. It would also give me a good opportunity to collaborate with friends and have some fun. Pitch 2: A kid begins to have increasingly terrifying experiences in his home, and comes to figure out that it has been plagued with a supernatural presence. Personally, I would not want to film this pitch. It is much more serious and dark, so it would require my acting and cinematogr...