‘Found’

The Opening Sequence

Our task was to produce an opening two minute sequence of a feature film

We needed to create a degree of enigma leaving our audience to want to continue to watch

the rest of the filmWe would try to do this through the use of camera angles, mise en scene, sound and the

plot itself

Our group consisted of:

• Emma Barnes• Chantelle Hocking

• Sarah-Louise Horne• Oliver Facey

As a group we collected the four different stories we had written and decided that Sarah’s action film would be the most

effective film to make. We also chose it because during the research process this

genre came up as the most popular film to watch. Our goal was to achieve the widest

audience possible.

Camera ShotsSome of the different shots we used:• Mid-shots- to create a wide non-biased view of the scene.• Close-ups- so the audience saw a smaller but more

concentrated area of the scene.• Hand-held camera shots: to create a natural effect- like the

audience is running with them. This made the audience feel involved in the scene.

• Long-shots: so the audience got a view of the whole scene and surroundings.

We found all of these shots effective in grabbing our audiences attention.

Conventions used in our film

• We used a film camera which had a microphone speaker, while filming we also used a high-tech tripod which we used to create different types of angles.

• The use of flash-backs is something we used, it is a way of taking the audience back through time and to a place with the character. The audience then are taken on this journey with the character and are immediately given more information. It can be risky to include flash-backs in an opening sequence as the audience have not been introduced to the characters or understood the basic plot.

• There is very little dialogue used in our opening sequences which is common. It’s an Action film so we need it to be fast-moving and thrilling for the audience to watch..

• Music is important in an opening sequence; from the research we have made it has a huge impact on the film. I think the music successfully sets the tone in the sequence, creating an eerie and mysterious atmosphere.

Our Target Audience

• We feel that our production most suited the target audience would be aged between 16 and 25

• This is because it is both youthful and enticing• However an older audience might enjoy this if

they particularly like the Action genre

Attracting and addressing the audience

• Before we selected our story we conducted a questionnaire to gather information on the right kind of narrative/genre our audience wanted.

• Attracting our audience was through the use of different camera angles, music, flash-backs and dialogue.

• These methods we believe gripped our audience and wanted to see the rest of the film.

The distribution of our film

• Preferably an Independent Distribution company• They allow their film-makers to have much more say

in where and how it is distributed• They may not make as much money as a huge US

company, however we agreed that success at such an early stage was not important in having as much say in our first project

Our roles in the project

• Oliver was the main actor in the film, he also gave advice on different camera angles/shots and gave ideas during the group meetings.

• Emma helped direct the film with Chantelle and also edited the whole film to the finished piece.

• Chantelle helped direct the film and came up with valuable ideas during the filming and editing process.

• Sarah-Louise wrote the script and produced our group Screenplay. She was also the lead actress in the film and typed up the finished production meetings which we later used in our portfolio.

The Success of the project

• As a group we all believed we worked really well.• We were lucky in that we had good actors, good

filming ability and editors within our group. • There were some difficulties but we worked them

out, communicated effectively, and together made what we think is a thoroughly successful opening sequence.

Technologies• Camera: We had to learn the different camera shots

and angles, and the particular affect they would achieve.

• We had to learn to cut appropriately and make the piece work, making sure enough rushes were done to get the final affect.

• Windows Media Player: This software was used for the editing. We had to cut the scene at appropriate times, sync the clips together, add music and credits to achieve the overall affect.

What we have learnt• We have learnt more about how to communicate within a

group.• We have learnt how to plan and research appropriately for

the set task.• Learning how to target our audience was important• Using different types of technology such as editing, camera

work and the transfer onto DVD was skills that we needed.• Most importantly, we have learnt different techniques to

attract an audience into our film, through the use of music, sound, dialogue and mise en scene.

The summary of our film ‘Found’

The basic plot behind our story is a female characterneeding to find our male character in order to perform

an important task. You watch through the film thebackground to behind she needs this particular man

and what important task needs to be done.

Enjoy the film