Remake of Reservoir Dogs Title Sequence

We remade the title sequence of Reservoir Dogs.

Preliminary Exercise Evaluation

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

I worked with Matt, Aidan and Daniel. In our first meeting we gave everyone tasks which had to be complete for the shoot; this included the script, shot list, story board and the shoot schedule. The tasks were given to each person based on what they wanted to do and their skills, for example I took charge of organising the shoot schedule and directing and shooting the sequence, Aidan did the storyboard, Daniel did the script and Matt did a detailed shot list and all three of them were acting in the sequence.  Although as a group we all contributed towards each individual task and it was a group effort.

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

We all put forward ideas and this was noted it in a mind map where we had a heading for key points such as the genre, story etc. We had put forward various different ideas for our continuity clip; however as a group we decided to do a serious one with a humorous twist at the end. We used the theory of continuity and this was thought thoroughly throughout our planning, shooting and editing as it’s vital for our sequence to be successful.  During our planning we used this theory to help as with shots, therefore we included shots which followed the 180degress rule, match on action, shot reverse shot and a master shot. Once things were put in place we moved onto producing a script, shooting schedule and a shot list.

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

In order to complete this task we used a variety of technology, we used a camera and tripod along with paper work for shooting and used Adobe Premier Pro for editing. We used the tripod to help us achieve the shots we wanted at a high quality as it prevented the camera for shaking and it allowed as to track smoothly.

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

When planning we had to consider things to ensure shooting and editing ran smoothly and prevent any issues. We had to plan the location and times of our shots, this is to prevent clashes with other groups and to have the same lighting (if shots are outdoors). We had to consider who was going to act in it and play what role. 

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

Our sequence worked well and most of the shots worked and flowed well, however there were shots which didn't work as well as we wanted it to. For example the shots with Matt walking had the windows open in some and closed in others, this is a continuity error. In the future, we would look out for these errors and make sure they do not occur. We broke one of the rules with the conversation between Aidan and Matt, however we resolved this by adding another shot of Aidan, but from this we have learnt to ensure we shoot a master shot of any conversation. We made a mistake with continuity when Matt opens the door, as it's open in one shot and then closed in the other. We would improve the sequence by making sure all the shots followed without any continuity errors such as closed/opened windows and doors.  

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

From this task I have learnt the importance of planning and following a shoot schedule as organisation is vital to completing the shoot with no major issues. I have learnt the key theories of continuity as I have actually done a practical; this has also allowed me to experiment on things which I could try on the final coursework. We also learnt that things can be changed and you do not have to stick to the plans you made, for example we changed the order of our shots to make the sequence make more sense, this included Matt and Daniel's walk into the room. 

Dexter Evaluation (DYM)


 Summarise the conventions of title sequences that were most important to this task.

1) The conventions that were most important to the task were whose names to include in the sequence and in what particular order. Another convention that was vital was theme of the text used as it had to highlight the genre of the TV show and the overall theme of the show (crime).

 How did your group plan to edit the title sequence? (consider timings, industry requirements etc).


2) We checked how long the sequence was to plan how many titles we would need. Following the industry requirements we started off with the main actor followed by the actors playing other characters and finally ending with the director. We planned to edit it so the title was synced with the shots, so as the shot changed the title would also change.

 Explain the creative decisions made by your group.

3) We made the decision to make the titles red, this follows the convention of representing the genre as well as working in synergy with the 'Dexter' title. We chose a font which worked in a crime drama and also added an effect to the text which making it fly in.

 How does your re-edit compare to the original?

4) Our one is very different to the original, for example we had less titles and they were not in the same places. We also had far more gaps, which didn't work. The font and effect we used were different to the original, the original was simple, with a simple font and simple entrance, whereas our one had the text flying in.

DYM Homework 3- Title Sequence Sound Analysis

http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/the-incredibles/

Music

The music starts from the beginning of the sequence, making the title sequence more entertaining and attention grabbing.

The music also reflects the genre as it highlights both the animation and action aspects of the film.

The drums come in later, which adds to the action displayed on the screen.

The music is synchronised to the cuts of different shots, which adds a positive effect to the pace of the sequence.

The brief silence when ‘The Incredibles’ title comes up, emphasises the title of the film as it is very subtle.

Title Sequence

The sequence highlights the different settings in the film and portrays the themes and ideas present in the film.

Each character is introduced with outlines of the figure, this raised questions on their appearance. Along with an outline of the figure, their special power’s theme is presented.

Each person’s name is mentioned in a stylish and super heroic manner, to suit the theme of the film.

BLK Homework 4- Continuity Homework

The scene starts with a different type of establishing shot, it's not the typical wide shot but a closer shot of The Joker, it still ensures the audience understand what isgoing in the scene and prevents any possible confusion. 

The shot of the people (0.06),  has been edited to look as if the event is happening simultaneously, this is due to the cross cutting effect used. 

 Shot reverse shots have been used throughout the conversation between The Batman and The Joker, this is to ensure he audience can see how both characters respond to and deliver information. The 180degree rule has been used correctly in the conversation, as the audience are not confused about where things are within the filmic space.

Match on action has been used effectively when The Joker is pushed off the building (0.32), as the shots go through a smooth transition without any glitches. 

BLK Homework 3 -Continuity Sequence

These are the two versions of the continuity clips we did, one is the actual one and the other is the edited one.

What worked?

• We used a VLS as an establishing shot to give the audience an idea of the setting. The shot also includes panning and this follows the action of the subject in the scene. 
• The shot transition from the VLS to MS of the two characters worked quite well.
• Match on action is quite good throughout the clip, as the shots seem to flow.

What didn't work? 

• The actual accident itself seemed a bit unrealistic.
• There were a lot of background noises.
• There was an error in the narrative’s continuity as at the end the person who called was not seen in the shot.
• The way the lunch card was dropped was slightly unrealistic and unnatural.

Overall, the continuity in the clip worked fairly well, however with a few changes it’ll be even better. I would also try out a wider variety of shots in the clip.

DYM Homework 2- Film Opening Anlysis

Enigma Code

(0.07) what actually happened and how did happened?

(0.11) why should it not go out to the public?

(0.14) will they succeed in what they intend to do?

(0.33) what are they trying to attack/protect the public from?

(0.48) what Transformer is that? Are they good or bad?

(0.50) will the army survive?

Action Code

(0.18) the screens with all the different camera images of the area suggest that a serious and big mission is going to take place.

(0.20) the number of men and the weapons they’re holding makes us anticipate a massive shoot out and a lot of explosions.

(0.30) the smoke suggests attacks have taken place in some form.

(0.44) the image shows something dangerous is around.

Semiotic Code

(0.02) the shot from the view of the helicopters suggests the problems are taking place in America.

(0.03) the man instructing and ordering everyone, suggests he is the leader of the team.

(0.07) they are working together to solve something, which they had failed to do before.  

(0.31) they’re running to do their instructed duties, suggesting they have a time limit and it’s a very serious thing.

Cultural Code

(0.21) they’re wearing the army gear, suggesting they’re specialised team.

(0.48) seems like a vacant building, tells us it’s going to be an action packed event. (seen in other films of the same genre).

Symbolic Code

(0.48)  the unknown- we don’t know who the Transformer is.

Evil, as the attack seems dangerous and therefore harmful to the civilians.

BLK Homework 2 - Film Clip Analysis

This is a clip from the action film Fast & Furious 5




Film Making Conventions

• The mise-en-scene is a dark abandoned warehouse/garage, this highlights they are working on something which is highly secretive and big. 
• The scene displays the idea of conflict through difference in opinions between individual characters (0.28), this creates suspense and therefore keeps the audience entertained and interested.
• The MCU with the moving camera (0.04), shows Vin Diesel’s facial expressions
• The high angle shot when opening the map (0.21), emphasises their teamwork and that they are planning a mission which should be carried out flawlessly, this a concept often repeated in this particular genre.
• The use of natural lighting keeps the hideout very simple.
• The use simple cuts as transitions, builds up the pace and leads more dramatically to the big mission.

Cultural Codes

• The inclusion of Vin Diesel in the cast automatically highlights the genre to the audience, as they recognise him from other action films playing a similar role.
• The scene is a typical heist scene; the audience can relate this to their knowledge of other films having similar scenes.
• ‘He runs the drug scene’ (0.12), this shows the conflict is between someone at a very high level in terms of power and reputation. 
• The use of comedy which appeals to the audience relating money is effective during a serious scene (0.51).
• The mise-en-scene is a dark abandoned warehouse/garage, typical to this genre and in particular this type of scene where something is being planned.

 Homework 1 (DYM)








This is a still of Bane from the film ‘The Dark Knight Rises’, a superhero film.

This is a low angle shot and this particular composition implies a lot about the subject. The framing emphasises Bane’s superiority, power, control and emphasises his dominance over the helpless public he wants to kill. The low angle shot also creates an affect of him looking down on someone/something, which informs the audience something bad is happening or going to happen. The shot also uses low key lighting and lots of shadows, these highlight Bane’s character and his feeling, as he plays the negative role in the film. The setting is underground, therefore dark and dirty. The mise-en-scene includes rusty bars, which presents the place as a prison. The focus is on Bane’s face, as that’s where the light in the shot falls, this emphasises the anger in his eyes. His appearance raises various different questions and the unknown, creates suspense and fear.

I chose this shot because the framing has been done very well, as it focuses on Bane’s facial expressions as well as the key mise-en-scene in the background. The use of lighting and shadows are successful and they portray the right ideas to the audience.

 Homework (BLK)

Reflections

Representation

The genre we chose was horror. Shots from this particular genre often feature dim lighting, shadows and have a subject which raises narrative enigma. Taking these factors into consideration, we included a sleeping young female; this represents her innocence, her vulnerability and the unknown. In addition to this, we also included a huge shadow of a hand, which emphasises the genre, as she is clearly going to be attacked in her sleep showing she is the helpless victim. The use of low key lighting and shadows highlights the conventions of the genre and represents our chose genre.

How we achieved the shot?

To get a good shot we knew we had to ensure the lighting was suitable as this is a key part of the genre, the dark lighting helps portray the fear and vulnerability. In order to achieve this we had to choose a location within the school, which was dark. Therefore, we chose to shoot the shot under stairs. We used an extra light and one of our hands to achieve the effect of a big shadow.

What is successful about our shot?

I think our shot was successful as we clearly portray the genre we chose. Our lighting is effective, as it’s dim and the use of shadows reinforces the gloomy atmosphere. The use of the character’s innocence through her sleep creates dramatic irony as the audience are aware she is going to be attacked, whereas she isn’t. The position of the subject presents her being very vulnerable and a helpless victim, following some of the genre’s key conventions.

Possible improvements

In terms of the shot’s composition, I would frame the shot much tighter and reduce the unwanted mise-en-scene. I will also make the subject’s facial expressions more visible. This is will give more focus on the subject, which will create a better effect. I would make the lighting more dimmer, to make it even gloomier and horrific.