Strengths and Weaknesses of Preliminary Task

In our preliminary there were both strengths and weaknesses in our final peace.

One strength of our preliminary task was the different types of shots used in our film. For example we used shots such as shot reverse shot, close up, medium shot. This shows that we understood and knew about different shots and how they can be used for effect. Another strength was how simple and straight to the point our idea was. By this I mean the audience knew right away what was going on and what the film was about. We knew if we kept the idea simple and to the point, it would be effective and easier to explain. We also did not break the 180-degree rule, this give the film a look of professionalism and also shows that we were thinking about everything we shot.

 Although there were areas of our preliminary that could be improved. One of the main things was sound, the sound on our film was hard to understand and there was a echo in the room. To avoid this we could of done a test of the room first to see what the dialogue sounded like before shooting. Another Weakness was that people said our film was too short and would of liked to see more. To avoid this we could of made some scenes longer and could of put more detail into the dialogue. One other problem was with the opening shot, there was a lot of dead space and the camera shot was a little bit wobbly.

The Pitch

Make a shortlist of thriller themes and plots that are of interest to you and what can be easily created with facilities you have available. When you have a preferred choice, write a brief synopsis (outline) of your film. Present the following information for presentation.

Ideas for the narrative: Write a brief a synopsis of your film

An un-identified man is seen in an office. He phones a hitman and orders a hit on an ex business partner who has refused to carry on dealing with him. The hitman is killed by the business partner he then decides to target the man who ordered the hit.

Explain how your ideas relate to Conventions of the genre

• Concealed identity of man – who is he?
• No insight into back-story
• Implicit violence.

Creative ideas for filming

• Extreme long shot
• Pan
• Black and white effect
• Gunfire

Justification: how you will convince the film company that these ideas should be taken up? Explain how your film will succeed at the box office (Don’t forget the unique selling point (USP).

• It has a 15 certificate so it will attract a wider audience - make more money
• Violence featured in our film will be brief and mainly implicit, so it is made more Psychological
• No drugs or sex scenes are shown
• Several conventions of a thriller film are used, such as black and white effect, implicit hints to the audience, camera shots such as close ups ect.
• Will use superimposed images and fast pace and jump cut editing to keep audience hooked 

Potential Target Audience

We decided as a group that our target audience for our thriller opening would be suitable for those aged 15 years and over. In general most thriller films, such as What Lies Beneath do have a 15 certificate because of the conventions used in the film. The BBFC Website states the following information that is allowed within a 15 film.

' There may be frequent use of strong language (eg 'fuck'). But the strongest terms (eg 'cunt') will be acceptable only where justified by the context ’

‘ Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context. ’

‘ Sexual activity may be portrayed but without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour. ’

‘ Violence may be strong but may not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. Scenes of sexual violence must be discreet and brief. ’

‘ Dangerous techniques (eg combat, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on imitable detail. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised. ’

‘ Strong threat and menace are permitted. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. ’

‘ Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse. ’

 All of the above information we will take into account whilst planning our opening scene for our thriller film.