thiller title sequence

Title sequences of a thriller film

A title sequence definition - A title sequence (also referred to as an intro) is the method by which films or Tv programmes present the title, key production and cast members, utilising conceptual visuals and sound. It typically includes the text of the opening credits, and helps establish the setting and tone of the program. It may also consist of live action, animation, music, still images and/or graphics. (REF - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/title_sequence )

Here are some examples of film titles/sequences that I have found:

300

The images shown before are for the title sequence of the film 300. the title sequence shown consists of images of people fighting, clearly showing what the film is about. The images also show red splattered across them, which is obvious that it is used to show blood. it is evident from the images used that the film is an action.

CAPTAIN AMERICA

shown above is images taken from the title sequence for captain america. One main feature that stands out immediately is the use of the black and white colouring, but the use of the red colour used in the middle. Some of the images show captain america himself standing proudly as well as some showing him in 'action' which suggest that the film is an action film. The use of the red colouring mixed between the images of black and white acts as an enigma code for danger that may occur in the film.

SE7EN

shown above are some images taken from the title sequence of SE7EN. one of the  main features that stand out in this title sequence is the use of the dark colours which suggest that the film is some sort of thriller. The images used all connote a thriller as they all have something which suggests that something bad may happen. One image used is an image of someone holding a blade which is an enigma code which could suggest that he may cause harm to himself or someone else later on in the film. There is then images use of someones face with their eyes crossed out which also acts as an enigma codes as it suggest that something may happen to that person in the film.

Codes and Conventions of a thriller film

Codes and conventions from Caitlin Elward

second/final edit of the continuity film - college trip

The video above is our final cut of our continuity film which we edited down the college. As mentioned, we were going to use their software, this software was Premiere which was on their apple macs. With this it meant we were able to improve our continuity film and make the changes that were mentioned in the previous post. As you can see these changes have been made and the conversations flow better and it looks more natural. 

Me and Josh both decided to cut the first shot out of the continuity (the slow pan of the classroom which then focused on josh) as we both felt it wasn't necessary and was slow. Therefore the second clip from the first edit of the continuity then became our first shot in the second edit. 

I enjoyed using the college software as i found it was easier to use and understand than the schools software. The programme also lead to a better quality edit than when we edited it in the school. The software got easier to use the more we looked around on it,we also has a quick tour of the software off one of the tutor's at the college which helped us understand the software better. I hope we get to use this software again.

1st edit of continuity film

This is our first edit of the continuity film which was edited using Serif Movie Plus which is a programme on Microsoft which is available on our school computers. 

strengths of the continuity film

• We kept a consistent flow of continuity throughout
• We took our teachers advice and included numerous camera angles and shots to make the continuity more interesting
• Our teacher gave us some feedback and said she liked the high angle shot of josh through the window as it breaks up the previous shots as it was outside, it also makes it interesting.

what could be improved

• The shots at the beginning of the continuity need to be cut shorter as they play for too long and focus on one thing. This isn't really needed and will not make a difference if they are made shorter.
• Within the continuity when josh and myself have a conversation,some of the clips will need to be cut as there is too many pauses between the speech. It will need to be cut to make the conversation flow better.
• The shot where Josh opens the door also needs to be cut slightly as it is too long and is quite slow. We will speed this clip up and make it shorter so it flows better when the next shot come.

Throughout the continuity film we used a range of shots. these shots consisted of close ups, medium shots, high angle pan and long shots. 

We will be visiting the college for a few hours where we will be able to use their software on their apple macs to edit the continuity again. We will then be able to see if the different software's provide different overall qualities of film. 

The editing software in the college worked much better than the schools. But josh did notice when he saved the continuity as a Serif Movie Plus file it led to the quality being bad, once he noticed this he then re saved it under a MP4 file, the film then ran a lot better. 

planning the continuity film exercise

we had a lesson to help us plan out continuity film, we were given tips on how to plan a continuity such as: 

• Use a storyboard and script to plan and make the continuity film 
• Make sure that the tripod is level and the camera is steady 
• Consider the shot/reverse shot technique whilst filming to make sure it makes sense
• Try to include a variety of shots such as close ups

Josh scripted the film and ran it through with me to make sure it made sense and to make sure we had enough camera shots in it. We used a storyboard to create the continuity film and to make sure we got the correct shots in when needed.
Josh filmed a close up of my eye to see what the camera was like when used to film, after this we were able to notice slight movements in the clip, from this we were able to see all the extra care we would have to take in the continuity to make sure this didn't happen.

Thriller sub genres

Sub Genres of Thriller Films

Thriller

NOUN

-A novel, play, or film with an exciting plot, typically involving crime or espionage.

‘a tense thriller about a diamond heist that goes badly wrong’

‘spy thrillers’

(with reference to - https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/thriller)

Sub genres

Action
An action thriller tends to use physical action to create suspense within the film. just like a traditional Action film, this sub-genre will often have continuous motion and action including physical stunts, chases, fights, battles and races. sometimes these scenes will show the overall sense of danger that the protagonist is facing. Action films- Taken, The Fugitive, Speed and The Dark Knight.

Crime
A crime thriller is a mixture between both crime films and thrillers that offers a suspense account of a successful/failed crime. They often base their films on the criminal rather than the law itself. The films may consist of serial killers/murders, robberies, chases, shootouts and double crosses. Crime films - Seven, Silence of the Lambs, Untraceable and New Jack City.

conspiracy thriller
A Conspiracy thriller is a genre where the hero confronts a large and powerful group of villains,who's true extent only the hero recognises. Conspiracy films - The Da Vinci Code, Awake, Snake Eyes and JFK.

Comedy
A comedy thriller is a genre which combines both comedy and thrillers, a film that gives a combination of humour and suspense. Comedy films- Strangelove, Mr and Mrs Smith, The Big Fix and The Thin Man

Horror
A horror thriller is a genre that combines horror and thriller together, it focuses on suspense, tension and also adrenaline but also focuses and emphasises terror and gore. Horror films - Saw, Hostel, Eden Lake and Psycho

Psychological
A psychological thriller is a genre is where the conflict between the main characters is mental and emotional, but not so much physical. In the films, characters, by accident pr out of curiousness, are dragged into a dangerous conflict which they are not prepared to solve their selves. The characters do not rely on their physical strength to over come this, the rely on their mental resources. The sub genre can also contain aspects of drama. Psychological thrillers- Shutter island, Shadow of a Doubt,Red Eye and Panic Room.

supernatural
A supernatural thriller is a genre where a film bases around the other world and the future. It includes elements of tension,suspense and plot twists. In most cases the protagonist / antagonist will have some sort of supernatural power. Supernatural films- I, The Thirteenth Floor, Robot and Eagle Eye.