Film Case Study: Big Hero 6 introduction

1) Film genre and type of production? 
Genre- Action adventure, Comedy, Animation
Production type- Hollywood, high budget blockbuster. An 'event' movie that is high concept, rated PG  
links used: imdb website
2) What's the film about?
Themes-  Friendship, crime fighting, coming of age, superheroes, good v. bad
Synopsis- The specialist bond that develops between robot Baymax and prodigy Hiro, who team up with friends to form a band of high-tech superheroes.
 imdb website
3) Global and UK release dates? Where and what formats? 
UK- 30th January 2015 
Global- 59 Different countries at a staggered global release ranging between 23rd October 2014 in Japan (due to there being a premier for the movie at the Tokyo International film festival) and 11th February 2015 in France. It's being released in this manner to build anticipation for the movie globally, however this can only work if there is a spread of positive word of mouth. Another concern for having a global staggered release is the increased possibility of piracy.
Format- Theatrical release, 3D, IMAX
           - On 25th October 2014, in the USA the film will be premiered in the Austin and Philadelphia
             film festival
imdb website- release info
4) Nationality of the film?
American, due to it being produced by an american company, having predominantly american actors etc. It was initially going to be set in Japan but because America sells more , a Japanese theme was put on its animation style and setting thus combining eastern world culture (predominantly Japanese) with western culture. This is then able to broaden the films appeal on a global scale.
Big Hero 6 Wiki page
5) Institutions behind the film's production and UK/US distribution? Where are they based? 
Produced by- Disney Animation Studios, which is based in the USA, although some of Marvels creative team are involved.
Distributed by- Walt Disney Studios, based in the USA, (99.9% is independent distribution by Disney, with minimal distribution rights given to countries where its offices aren't located, for example Hungary, because they don't know about that country's market)
 Big Hero 6 Wiki page
6) What's the film's production budget?
Unknown exact amount however we can definitely deduce it is a high budget, approximately between $150 million-$250 million, and that it has been independently financed by Disney themselves.

7) Any connection with other films?
- The x-men franchise, because the characters 'Sunfire' and 'Silver Samurai' , a part of that franchise, are also characters in the film
- Director, Don Hall, has also been the director of various other films like 'Winnie the Pooh', 'The Princess and the Frog' and 'Tarzan' 
- Films produced also by Disney Animation Studios like, 'Wreck it Ralph', 'Tangled' and 'Frozen'
Big Hero 6 Wiki page

8) Who's the director? 
Don Hall (a Disney director, writer and voice actor) and Chris Williams ( a Disney film director, screen writer and animator, best known for co-directing 'Bolt')
 imdb- Don Hall
imdb- Chris Williams 
9) How has the film been cast? Who's in it?
All nationally recognisable American actors, some of Japanese ethnicity
Mainly male cast and relatively young cast with none older than late 40's (with the exception of Charles Adler who plays Yokai). The main character, Hiro Hamada, is played by Ryan Potter best known for his main role on a Nickelodeon's TV show, 'Supah Ninjas', and movie 'Save the Date'. So is well known across part of the films preceded core audience, children and teenagers who watch Nickelodeon.
 imdb- cast list
10) Core audience? Secondary/ tertiary markets? 
Core- Family Audience
Secondary- Fans of Disney
                 -Fans of CGI special effects, 3D and IMAX films
                 -Fans of Marvel franchise 
Tertiary- Parents taking their kids as a special outing etc.

Case Study: The Knife that Killed Me introduction

                      1)Film genre and type of production? 

Genre- Teen Drama/Thriller
Production type- Low budget British Indie, rated 15

2) What's the film about?
Themes- Knife crime, youth, violence, rivalry, relationships
Synopsis- A compelling journey through the memories of teenager, Paul Varderman, who becomes embroiled in a gang war at a new school, as he reflects on the events leading to when his life is cut short.

3) Global and UK release dates? Where and what formats? 
UK- 24th October 
Global- N/A
Format- Online streaming globally, DVD&VOD (video on demand) and  then the team plan to have a free multi platform campaign for the film:
 - Online Premier streamed live simultaneously with a promo       event at 'Franks Cafe London'.
 - Free movie screening on the 50-screen media wall at the    Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester
 -Also screened at London Independant Film Festival, Shortwave Cinema

 -Charity event at Notting Hill

4) Nationality of the film?
British. This is because the film was produced in Britain (specifically Yorkshire), by British directors, with a British cast and for a British target audience etc. 

5) Institutions behind the film's production and UK/US distribution? Where are they based? 
Produced by- Green Screen Studios,based in Yorkshire, who had brought in Thomas Mattinson &Alan Latham to help produce the film
Distributed by- Universal Studios, based in London, was in charge of UK distribution. Focus Features, based in California and owned by Universal Studios, was in charge of US distribution. And Stealth Media Group, based in Brighton,  was in charge of distribution everywhere except the US and the UK. VOD and DVD distribution was handled by Universal studios and GSP distribution ( a very small Yorkshire based company) helped get the film into York cinemas. 
Financed by- Gloucester Place Films, which is a subsidiary of Matador Pictures, and Premier Pictures
6) What's the film's production budget?
£3 million; the film was subsidised a lot through many companies that helped finance it, mentioned above.
Kickstarter, a campaign that allows people from the public to pledge money to support the film and help it get shown theatrically, helped the films team reach over their aim of £20,000 with pledges totalling £20,094 from 283 different people

7) Any connection with other films?
Based on the best selling novel by Anthony McGowan, rated 4.5 stars on Amazon, and Green screen techniques used in production of the film 

is similar to that of 'Sin City'.

8) Who's the director? 
Kit Monkman, an experimental film maker& artist, and Marcus Romer, a director and actor best known for his roles on Emmerdale and The Bill.

9) How has the film been cast? Who's in it?
A predominantly male, white cast who are all working (under the radar) British actors. The main Character is played by Jack McMullen, best known for his role on Waterloo road and can therefore be considered having a regional reputation. The fact all the actors are British helps supports British industry.

10) Core audience? Secondary/ tertiary markets? 
Core- British 16-24 year olds (youth)
Secondary- Fans of the book
                 - Fans of Indie films and the drama genre
                 -People local to Yorkshire where the film was shot
Tertiary- Inner city people who find the themes of the film relatable
             - Upper education institutions (e.g.schools/universities) wishing to use the film for 
               educational purposes on youth violence etc.  

AS Prelim Evaluation

"Geek vs.Chic"
Planning: 1 hour
Practical: 1 hour to shoot, 1 hour to edit

1) Who did you work with and how did you manage the task between you?
GROUP 1C: Amber Mota, Shayam Utting &Godgift Emesi
During the planning stage: We all coordinated what the synopsis of our sequence would be, our characters and costume, then divided up the rest of the planning work. For example, Amber constructed the layout of our set and wrote our script to coincide with our drawn up synopsis while I drew our storyboard and Shayam wrote out our shot list.
During the shooting: Amber- Camera woman/ Director
                              Shayam & Gift- Actors
During the editing: Shayam and I were partners for the editing stage and we divided the work up equally such as how I would be using the mouse while Shayam would tell me what shots to cut together and vice versa.

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

We planned our sequence by drawing up a storyboard that coincided with the synopsis of our prelim. As a group during our planning stage we deliberated the positioning of the camera and framing of our shots while we improvised acted what we wanted the characters to do. From this Shayam was able to write up a rough shot list straightaway, which later I used to draw up a storyboard using exactly what we had discussed and improvised acted. From the completion of the storyboard, Amber was able to write a script.
When drawing the storyboard, we included the 180 degree rule, 30 degree rule (to not have any jump cuts) master shots, match on action shots and use of shot order (e.g. LS to MS to CU) because we were trying to take into account the continuity theory, so that we could create a seamless narrative. When thinking about the narrative of our sequence, to be able to draw our storyboard, we had to take into account "Narrative genre& audience theory". As you can see on our shot list sheet which Shayam made, our genre was a Drama Comedy and so our characters became stereotypical teenage cliches, a geek and a popular girl. For example the audience would be able to identify one of the girls as a geek through the iconography of her wearing glasses and carrying many textbooks in her arms. Our narrative followed a certain order using 'Todarovs equilibrium' theory- in which they meet, a disruption is created through their argument and balance is restored when they head their separate ways with the popular girl storming out of the classroom.                                                                                                                                                                                            
3)What technology did you use to complete the task, and how did you use it? 

 

The technology we used during our shootings stage was a Canon Legria HFD30 (to film our sequence), a microphone (to boost sound), headphones (for the person working the camera to focus on only the sound in each take), a tripod (to adjust camera height and angles and make pans easier to do) and a clapperboard (to organise the set and make it easier when editing so we know what shots and takes we are using). During the editing stage however we used Adobe Premier software to edit our sequence.

4)What factors did you take into account when planning, shooting and editing?

When planning:

• The amount of time we have to shoot and how long we can spend on each shot
• What kind of camera we were using, so we would know the quality of shots we're going to get
• The set: how we're going to adjust the objects that were available to us in the room we were allocated to shoot in to create our set how we want it (e.g spacial awareness of characters in relation to objects in frame and positioning of camera)
• How many actors are available to us
• Scheduling of shots on the day of shooting

When shooting:

• Placement of camera (e.g sticking to the 180 degree rule and 30 degree rule)
• Constantly making sure the acting is exactly the same in every take
• How much time we have to shoot
• That everyone is quiet on set
• Retaking shots (but varying angles/pans/framing etc.) so we have a lot to work with when editing
• Sticking to the basic principles of our storyboard
• Lighting

When editing:

• Invisible editing
• Matching up cuts
• No jump cuts 
• Eyeline matching
• Shot reverse shot
• Use of cuts and dissolves to construct rhythm and pace
• Cross cutting does not confuse audience of time in sequence

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

In adherence to the brief:
Like the brief asked us to, we filmed a character opening a door, crossing a room and sitting down on a chair opposite a character, with whom she exchanges dialogue with. We also were able to demonstrate match on action (where the geek opens the door and the 'chic' girl puts her phone down), shot/reverse shot (during both characters exchange of dialogue) and the 180 degree rule. Although for the 180 degree rule, on the first day of shooting we forgot to adhere to, but remembered on the 2nd day of shooting and re-did our shots.
I think our sequence was successful in terms of the brief but also in the of matching up cuts but to the point where they aren't jump cuts. The acting was good as well because you can clearly hear what the actors are saying and they don't seem to break out of character (e.g laughing in the middle of delivering a line). We used a wide rang of shots and angles making our sequence diverse in techniques (for example, low angles, high angles and pans etc.)
However there are some continuity errors in our sequence with which if we hadn't rushed it would not have come up. This happened because we were shooting on two different days so it was hard to remember how the lighting was one day and keep it the same the next day. Also on one day we were wearing different costumes and the next day and forgotten to wear the exact same clothing meaning that we had to retake shots that were fine only because we were not wearing the same clothes. Our acting and maintenance of props, although similar in every take, was not exactly the same so some takes of the same shot would have the geek sitting down with books open and a different take of the same shot would have the geek sitting down but with books closed and her glasses aren't on. Also on the first day of shooting we didn't use a clapperboard but on the next day of shooting we did which confused us when editing because we didn't know which shot was which. In hindsight if we're shooting on different days we would keep our costumes on set overnight so we don't forget to bring them the next day. Also we would look over what we had filmed in the previous shoot so we can remember what elements to keep the same in the current shoot (e.g props/framing/ lighting).

6) What have you learnt from completing this task? Looking ahead, how will this learning be significant when completing the rest of your foundation coursework?
I've learnt that:

• Repetition in acting is key for continuity editing to be done properly
• Precise planning, such as making a shoot schedule, makes things easier on the day of shooting so things aren't rushed and done properly (because we hadn't made one for our prelim shoot so were rushed when shooting and didn't think about the composition of our thoughts properly)
• Dividing work across a group is key in making sure everything is done and no one is bombarded with a huge of work to do
• Use a clapperboard because it organises a set in terms of making sure everyone is quiet and helps with editing because you know what shot/take you are editing
• It's okay to deviate from your storyboard as long as you follow the basic concepts such as story line that you've planned
• Since this exercise has helped me spot any continuity errors easier, I will now be able to keep continuity rules in mind easier both during shooting and editing.
• To group up shots into set ups/takes so that it is easier too shoot and ends up minimising the amount of time wasted and costume changes etc.

Art of the title Activity

The name of our film is 'Under the Influence' and it is a Romantic thriller. The film opening consists of what seems like a normal teenage couple in which the boyfriend is walking his girlfriend home from school. Once the girl arrives at her home, she waves goodbye to her boyfriend and enters her room and starts reading her book in her bedroom while her boyfriend stands outside her house watching her through her                                                                                                                        window. 

The information revealed in the opening sequence is: 

• The two main characters (the couple)
• The fact that there seems to be something wrong in the relationship because the boyfriend seems very stalkerish with the way he watches his girlfriend from outside her house. This is especially highlighted through the CU of his face as he's watching her, which seems focused, and the slight shadows cast across his face even though it's broad daylight imply that he may have something to hide
• Through the iconography of the CU shot of the couple holding hands, demonstrate the genre of romance but then the subtle creepiness exuded from the boyfriend in through his action imply a thriller element to the narrative.
• Who is involved with the film (either through it's production or actors) through the credits and titles, which also show institutional info of the film as well.

We planned for the opening to be very subtle in hinting the themes of the film. By shooting a couple walking home together, holding hands, exhibits a very stereotypical romantic theme because it's something a normal everyday couple would do. However the shot where the camera is inside the girls bedroom and you can see the boyfriend from outside her window if you were to look very closely, is very significant. Firstly, because the audience has been invited inside the girls bedroom and not the boyfriend, it gives the audience an inside and personal view into the girls life. Secondly, the fact that the boyfriend is standing watching her from outside without her knowledge demonstrates something is wrong with this supposedly "stereotypical" couple we saw in the beginning of the film. Thus creating an enigma and persuading the audience to carry on watching so they can find out exactly what is wrong with their relationship.

Accident Sequence

1) What techniques did you try to use to aid the narrative flow (continuity) of your sequence?

• We tried to use the 30 degree rule  so as to not create jump shots, this was very hard to implement and so it was only able to work during shots 2-3 instead of all our shots. 
• By using different angling of the camera it creates different points of view for the audience to look through and immerse them into the story. 
• We also used tilts and pans to give a good sense of setting and draw the audience into the action
• A good example of a technique we used to aid the narrative flow can be seen in shots 2-3 called "match the action" but it's at different angles so as not to create a 'jump cut'
• We had a great use of an establishing shot in the beginning

2) In hindsight, what could you have done differently to aid the narrative flow (continuity) of your       sequence?

• For shot 1, we could have framed it well instead of cutting at the actors knees and leaving loads of space above her head. We also could have stopped at the first zoom because the 2nd zoom doesn't leave an idea of setting (time and space) 
• It would have been better to place shot 4 before shot 2-3 because it disrupts the continuity low if it doesn't come after shot 1
• The tilt up in shot 2 could have been smoother 
• Some of the acting especially in shot 1 and 6 disrupted the continuity flow because the actor was waiting for direction however the camera had already started rolling (stilted acting)
•  Also in shot 3 it would have been better to cut the camera before the sound of the ball dropping because it disrupted the continuity between shots 3-4.

Film Opening Analysis

Iron Man 3 (2013) — Art of the Title
Identify the film and it's genre:
"Iron Man 3"- Action, Fantasy, Romance& Comedy
Identify where the story takes place and the time scale:
Through the opening sequence of this film there is no given clue as to the setting of  the story but there is heavily implied that the story takes place in a present time and it is set in various locations. 
Summarise what happens in the sequence in chronological order. How significant to the story is the story telling in the order of events?
There is no chronological order to the events of the opening sequence to the film because it is actually a montage of interlocking angled transitions and timed freeze-frames bring that encompass three movies’ worth of Tony Stark Adventures'. Therefore the order of events of storytelling is not that significant because, since this is the 3rd film in the Iron Man series, it would be wiser to bring the audience up to date with what had happened in previous films rather than to set a scene and introduce characters (since the stories of the previous films are more significant due to how they link directly with the plot of this film).  
Do events link to each other or are they distinct, unconnected events?
Unconnected events- this may not only be because the opening sequence is compromised of a montage edited shots but because it helps to make emphasize the action scenes and make them seem more dramatic when they are frozen. However this might not be helpful because it doesn't give the film a sense of continuity due to how it organizes time and space in a compressed form by sequencing it in a montage form. 
Which characters are introduced and what their roles in the film? How do we find this information out?
The characters introduced are:

• Tony Stark (Iron Man)
• Pepper Potts
• War Machine
• Aldrich Killian
• Maya Hansen
• Savin
• President Ellis
• Happy Hogan
• We find this information out because when they happen to appear in a shot during the sequence the frame is frozen and their name appears, they also get their own few individual shots which help highlight as important to the plot of the story.

How much story information is revealed and how is it revealed to the audience? What is deliberately withheld?
Not much story information is revealed due to how the opening is montage edited and so there isn't really a sense of continuation as to what may happen next. But there is definitely a sense of the themes that would play throughout the narrative. The mise-en-scene created through the use of explosions, flying robots, guns, people fighting etc. establish that there will be a lot of action and conflict. The intimate shots between the main character (Tony Stark) and Pepper Potts (Main female lead) connote themes of romance between the two. However it is deliberately withheld how that romance come about and also what creates the reason for conflict and action in the film, thus acting as a hook for the audience to make them continue watching so they can find out for themselves how thing will play out.  
What do you think the audience needs to know at the start of your film? Explain. 
Although the film I analysed may be a bad example of this I know I definitely need to establish setting (essentially time and space of the narrative of my film). Other things I need to establish in my film's opening sequence are:

• Main Characters to the plot of the film because the audience always need to know who to focus on as a film progresses so they don't get lost in the story of the film.
• Credits (an institutional priority)
• An implication of the genre of the film
• The name of the film
• A hook for what may come up in the rest of the film so that the audience have a reason to keep watching.

Film Still Analysis

Narrative:

There is a romantic mise-en-scene created here through the intimate body language and the themes commonly associated and connoted by a sunset. The low key lighting helps to accentuate the romantic mood between the two characters. 

Genre:

Due to the romantic mise-en-scene created and character costumes that belong to a previous era, one can assume that the genre of this still is a romantic historical fiction.

Audience:

The fact that this shot is an open frame MS, demonstrates how both characters are in a peaceful setting and we can see clearly that even their expressions seem to be joyful and at peace; thus symbolising to the audience that the characters seem to be at the peak of their relationship where they feel comfortable and happy in each others presence. This is further emphasized by their body language illustrating complete freedom because the wind is blowing (this can be seen from the odd displacement of their hair) and the girls arms are spread wide. The fact the characters aren't looking or positioned directly at the camera reveal to us that they're in their own little world wrapped up in the thoughts of each other and also emphasizing the theme of freedom. This would appeal to any audience because from many gratification theories it is clear freedom is a fantasy for everyone.

My Film Still

1) Analyse your chosen shot and identify in what way it could be described as signifying your chosen genre

My chosen genre was 'fantasy' and the 'supernatural'. My still was able to signify this genre through the angles created through the 'frame in a frame' effect using the objects surrounding the focal image (the girl).This creates an inception like feel thus connoting the mystical elements of a fantasy genre. 

2) What did you actually do to achieve the effect?

I tilted the camera to create a 45 degree angle that makes the shot look unusual and as if the character has the mystical powers to walk on walls. I also played with the juxtaposition of light by using high key lighting only at the back of the shot to make the foreground look dark and create shadows. 

3) How did you intend the audience to 'read' or interpret your still- what meanings were you attempting to communicate?

I intended for the audience to become immersed in the magical feel of the shot but yet intrigued by the character in the shot. Although the character is already placed in the centre of the still, the frame in a frame effect, through the use of a locker hallway, tightens the audiences focus on the character and accentuates her centralization. The mise-en-scene of the tilting of the camera and juxtaposition of light gives a dominant reading to the audience that not only is there a theme of magic and fantasy going on but that the character is meant to be perceived as mysterious since the darkness is covering the character.

4) Identify what is successful about your shot

• The frame within a frame effect
• The 45 degree angle camera tilt
• Juxtaposition of lighting

5) What would you differently in hindsight?

I would take the picture from a higher angle; and instead of the shot being a long shot, I would try and make it wider (an open frame) so that the frame in a frame effect can stand out more and make space around the character tighter. I would also try and make the foreground look much more darker (almost to the point of looking like a silhouette) by limiting the amount of light coming from behind the camera.