Institution - Our Film

The distributors most suited to our film would probably be Universal Studios or Paramount Pictures.

Paramount Pictures has distributed films such as She's out of my League, The Love Guru, Mean Girls and Clueless.Therefore it would be very suited to distribute our film as it has distributed many others like it.

However, I think that Universal Studios would be better to distribute our film as it has distributed films such as Bring it on, Head over Heels, American pie, Love Actually, Bridget Jones, Pride and Prejudice, Love Happens and Leap Year. So therefore, even though Paramount has distributed Mean girls and Clueless which are quite similar to our film, as Universal has distributed more Romantic films of a wider range of sub-genres I think it would be a better distributor for are film.

Institution

The process of making a film is:

Pre Production - financing is confirmed and key elements such as cast members, director and cinematographer are set.
Production - film is created and shot.
Post Production - the film is put together by the editor.
Distribution - markets the film.

Distribution

The film distributor is responsible for marketing the film to the best of its ability and basically delivering an audience. The distributor must find the films USP (unique selling point) e.g. a sellable cast or genre and then market this effectively to the target audience of the film. The core audience of films is usually 15 - 24 year olds or family groups. Smaller independent distributors have to seek out and acquire the rights to distribute films e.g Lionsgate.

Here are some examples of distribution companies:

Sony Pictures is a Tokyo based global company focused on motion picture, television, home entertainment and digital content production and distribution. It also has a global channel network and deals with development of new entertainment products, operation of studio facilities, services and technologies. It currently distributes to 159 countries. Films distributed by Sony include Men in Black 3, The Amazing Spider Man and Bad Teacher.

Warner Brothers Pictures was founded on the 4th April 1923. It produces a wide range of different genres of film each year. It is responsible for releasing films to more than 39,000 screens in North America alone. It also distributes to non-theatrical markets including airlines, cruise ships, colleges, hospitals and other smaller markets. Among many of the films Warner Brothers distributed in 2012 were The Dark Knight Rises, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and Wrath of the Titans.

Lionsgate is a leading global distribution company with a strong a diversified presence in motion picture, television, home entertainment, family entertainment, digital distribution and new channel platforms. Films distributed by Lionsgate include The Hunger Games, The Expendables and Kick Ass.

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures is an American distribution company established in 1953 and owned by the Walt Disney Company. It handles the distribution of films produced by Walt Disney Studios and, as of 2012, Marvel Studios. Some of their films include The Avengers, Alice in Wonderland and Toy Story 3.





Part of our research into distribution was to think of an idea for a film of a given genre and pitch it to our class with our ideas of cast and distribution companies suitable for our idea:

Opening Sequences

Over Her Dead Body - Mise-en-scene

Over Her Dead Body is a film about a bride who gets killed on her wedding day and can't seem to let her fiance move on. The mise-en-scene in the opening to this film is key in setting up the story.

The first most obvious thing to be seen is that the key colour in the opening is white which practically takes over the every shot and has a lot of symbolism. It is first used to help show purity which is synonymous with weddings. Secondly when the character wakes up in this odd place, it gives a feel of cleanliness, peace and mystery which helps to present the setting as otherworldly.

The choice to show pictures of the couple before the first scene is good as it gives the audience insight into the relationship and makes it feel more realistic. Then you see a series of layouts (plates, table names) that are all being meticulously put together, this helps to show how the bride is desperate for her wedding to be perfect.

The main characters costume of a yellow dress and red lipstick helps to make her stand out and presents her as an important part of the film. Also the red of her lipstick could signify the oncoming danger she is about to be in. Another point is that she herself is in high contrast to the other characters who are wearing darker clothing, e.g. her friend is wearing a dark flowery dress which even though it is still girly, it is quite dark, keeping your attention on the main character which helps to portray the bridezilla image of it all being about her. She is also in contrast to the scruffy looking man who delivers the ice sculpture in that she is very well put together and he unkempt, this helps to highlight what a perfectionist she is. Her make-up in the other scene is a lot less fierce and she is wearing a white dress which may help to show that she is at peace.

The high key lighting of the wedding scene helps to give the sense of reality and also the slight hint of glamour associated with weddings. The lighting in the other scene is a lot softer and seems slightly top lit which helps to give a more mysterious and angelic feel the the scene.

The setting of the wedding is outdoors in view of the sea, this natural location helps to portray a sense of relaxation and serenity which helps to emphasize how stressed the bride is due to the contrast in her behaviour and the surroundings.

The setting in the other scene is basically just white, it does not seem to be anywhere and seems to be somewhat shrouded in fog which helps to add to the mystery of the place and the supernatural feel to it.

Opening Sequences

Clueless - Use of Camera

The use of camera in the opening sequence to Clueless is very effective in introducing the genre and characters of the film.

At the very beginning of the film the camera is constantly moving; using a variety of pans, zooms, tilts and hand-held camera work which helps to portray the lives of the characters as interesting and exciting. It also uses a wide range of different shot types such as crane shots, close ups and long shots, this continuous changing of shots also aids in the representation of an exciting lifestyle and is extremely eye catching  to the viewer. In addition to this it also helps to present the genre of a coming of age/ romantic film as it is very upbeat, also as it is aimed at a younger audience the movement is needed to draw their attention.

This hugely contrasts to the slow pan which hardly moves at all when the father appears, which helps to show how strict and corporal the characters lifestyle is. The camera then tracks the father around the kitchen which helps the audience to link with the main character as she is following him around as well.

Finally, there is close ups of the two girls in the car, this helps to show how important these two characters are and how vital they will be to the story. 

Opening Sequences

Two Weeks Notice - Editing

The editing in the opening sequence to the film Two Weeks Notice helps to introduce the characters and the story.

In the first scene the cutting pace is quite fast and somewhat irregular, this helps to show how passionate the character is about what she is doing and also implies the slight lack of elegance as to how she goes about doing it.

The pace of cuts then begins to decrease in the next scene as she is getting out of the police station, this helps to show how she is going back into her everyday life. Then when she is shown in her own flat there is literally only one cut and this is after quite a long shot of the character ordering food, this helps to portray how slow and routine her life is.

When we are introduced to the male character the editing pace is much faster and is in more of an organised rhythm, which shows that he leads quite an exciting, sophisticated lifestyle. Which is in a large contrast to the females very boring life, this contrast helps to foreshadow how the two characters fall out due to their different lifestyles.

Overall the editing in this opening sequence effectively introduces the characters and gives the audience some sort of idea as to what the film will be about.

Opening Sequences

Juno - Sound

The sound in the opening sequence of Juno very effectively helps to set off the story and genre of the film.

The Film starts in almost silence with only the diegetic sound of birds. This helps to show how deep in thought the character is, which is then confirmed with the voice over of "it started with a chair" giving us insight into what she is thinking about. As this is the first thing we hear we know it is going to be very important to the story.

It then goes into a flash back showing the significance of the chair, with the main piece of sound being a very soft piece of music with the lyric of "I gave so much love to this love". Although this is supposed to be diegetic it is also parallel to the story and helps to show it is a past experience and that the relationship may not be there anymore. This soft day dreamy scene is broken by a loud barking which helps get us to connect with the character in that she has been broken out of her day dream just like we have.

Finally, there is an upbeat country styled song played during the credits which helps to link to the surrounding, in that she live in a quite suburban town. It also helps to hint at the genre, in that it is a light-hearted song with the lyrics of "All I want is you" showing that it is going to be a cheerful film about a relationship - a romcom.

Opening Sequences

The Lake House - Representation (Gender)

The Lake house is a romantic story of a man and woman that fall in love through letters but are sadly unable to meet as they are in different times. The opening sequence is very effective in introducing characters and representing gender. It both agrees with and opposes gender stereotypes.

The first piece of music used is sung by a man which reinforces the idea of men being dominant and strong. However, the lyrics of "I can't seem to make you mine" counteract this idea as the stereotype of men and women in romantic films are that the woman falls in love with the man, and yet the lyric seems to suggest that it is in fact the man pursuing the woman. It also links in with the story in that Keanu Reeves is living in the past and so can't seem to meet up with Sandra Bullock.

Camera framing is also used to portray gender stereotypes, for example, the first image you see of the leading female is an extreme close up of her eyes, this type of shot is used to show emotion and so helps to affirm the stereotype of woman being very emotional. This is backed up by the close up later on of another woman showing how she feels about the main male character, Alex. Also during the opening sequence there are no close ups of any men which again confirms the idea that women are emotional whereas men are not.

The mise-en-scene of the opening sequence also helps to support gender stereotypes, for example, the character Alex drives an old-looking blue truck which is quite a masculine vehicle, this helps to portray men as being strong and tough. Also, on the building site there are only men working in big boots and hardhats which shows masculinity, and is a large difference to the ditsy girl struggling to walk around in a skirt and heels. Conversely, in the first few shots of the opening sequence the main female, Kate, is wearing a bright red coat which is an extremely bold colour, signifying her independence and strength. This helps to hinder that stereotype and also draws attention to the fact that Kate is unlike most girls; she is special.

Another point is that all of the authority figures in the hospital which Kate goes to are woman and literally the only interaction with male characters in that scene is a frail old man, this helps to show woman as being strong and powerful. Which again goes against the whole damsel in distress stereotype which is commonly portrayed in romantic films.

Overall, this opening sequence seeks to challenge the gender stereotypes, especially of woman, and it shows one woman as what you would typically expect of a girl just to help reinforce that idea that the main character is different to all the other girls.

Camera Movement

Camera movement is used to do many things such as to direct the viewer's attention, reveal off-screen space, provide narrative information, and create expressive effects.

Most frequently the camera will move when an object moves within the frame, therefore re-framing the shot or creating a following shot. In a following shot the camera itself will accompany the movement of the object with the use of a track, crane or hand-held shot allowing the audience to lead a figure into space, pursue a figure from behind or float above, below, or alongside.
This technique is not always used; the filmmaker may direct the camera away from the main action for other reasons. This draws attention to itself and is usually used sparingly to emphasize significant narrative details.

Camera movement also has the ability to create suspense and surprise, this is done by either revealing or concealing space. Also very slow camera movements within long takes focus the viewer of the passage of time and build narrative expectation.

Here is a mind-map I made showing all of the different types of camera movement:

Here are some examples of some camera movement:

Tracking shot



Pan



Tilt

Opening Sequences

27 Dresses

The opening to the film 27 Dresses is very effective. It works well in introducing the character in that it features a flash back, voice over and it follows the character around for the entire opening, and only features one close up of another character who happens to be the male love interest and it shows his emotions as to when he first sees her. This is very good as it focuses primarily on her therefore giving the audience insight into her life and also introduces the leading male and shows his first impressions of her.

The narrative structure is established as the normal todorov style in that it starts at equilibrium and the opening is ended with a disruption therefore setting up the rest of the film.

The core themes of love and weddings are introduced from the very beginning as it starts in a wedding and then features two more weddings just within the opening sequence, this therefore sets off the the whole theme of the film which is marriage and how the main character is always helping others find love but never fulfilling her own interests. It also features a lot of core iconography such as churches, flowers, wedding dresses, wedding cake etc. which also helps to introduce the romantic genre and themes of the film.

The audiences expectations are built and you start to get an idea of what the film will be about. In that you expect that she will end up getting married as the character has been introduced as someone so interested in weddings and you are shown a male character who shows some interest in her, therefore you begin to piece together that they will end up with each other.

The soundtrack is extremely important in establishing the mood of the film and creating the right atmosphere. At the beginning there is quite fairytale like music to give a sort of daydreamy feel to the scene therefore highlighting that it is a flashback and showing that that is all the character wishes for. Then the music in between the two weddings is very fast paced to help show the rush that the character feels and to build up the tension. During the dancing scenes there is upbeat pop music playing therefore helping to create a lighthearted feel to the film and connecting to music styles that the audience would listen to.

The editing pace is quite slow at the beginning of the opening sequence during the flash back, this helps to create a softer feeling to that particular scene therefore helping to get across the fact that it is a memory. The editing during the wedding scenes is a lot faster which helps to build tension and link to how excited the character must be feeling.

The main character is represented as the stereotypical image of a girly girl who is obsessed with weddings and is somewhat the perfect woman in that she handles everything (the typical homemaker sort of view of woman).

Overall this opening is very effective in setting up the story and making the audience want to continue watching.

Sound - Our film

The sound we are thinking of using in our film after researching into the romantic genre is mainly diegetic sound with perhaps a parallel piece of music over the credits section.
I think it would be best to make the music at the party sound like normal songs which would be played at a party, therefore making it diegetic. And then As the girl and boy are getting ready it would be best to play an upbeat, parallel piece of music as this is incredibly common to our genre of film. I don't think our film should feature any voice-overs or sound effects, although we may have to create a folley track to fill in the diegetic sounds of people at a party as it may be necassary to cut out the actual noise of the party.

Sound - Romantic Films

Sound in romantic films is predominantly diegetic sound. This is usually because the use of non-diegetic sound, like sound effects, is generally not needed as romantic films try to stick to reality and therefore sound effects, which would emphasize sound, with be inappropriate.

However, they do largely use non-diegetic parallel music, mostly during the opening to the film. This is because it firstly can enhance the meaning of what is happening on screen and also it can just make an otherwise boring title sequence much more entertaining to watch. Also it is a very key signifier to genre, in that as soon as you hear an uptempo, light-hearted, pop song, you immediately link it to the romantic genre, therefore making it effective.

They also occasionally use voice-overs to portray the characters thoughts and feelings, or just general narration to perhaps help guide the audience through confusing parts to the film. For example, in the film Angus thongs and perfect snogging throughout the film we hear the voice-over of the main character as if it is a diary entry, this helps us to identify with the character and therefore sympathise with her as if we were really close to her. It is also because the film is based on a book which is set out as if it were a diary. The film also works as an example of non-diegetic music.

The Rock – Camera Movement sequence analysis

NAMES:   Serena and Kirsten J  Date: 16/10/12
1.	Firstly the camera zooms in on the character that is speaking going into a close up frame, emphasis on what he is saying , also the camera could be subtly zooming into the action. Then the action (which is the car) drives towards us along with people chasing it. The action comes towards us – the camera is mostly stationary. This makes the audience feel like they aren't completely in amongst the action but are observing in from a safe distance
2.	Then there is a cut to the police cars following the car that had been stolen and the action moves past us but does not pan again like the first scene the audience feel like they aren't completely in amongst the action but are observing in from a safe distance. Then there is a cut and the camera is placed low down and produces a low angle shot and the camera is right in the action as it is attached to the character following him through the crowd of people from the front as it is a low angle shot it could show how the character is powerful or has a lot of power as he is also shoving people out of his way with ease which also shows the importance of him
3.	The worms eye view shot at the beginning of the scene literally attached to the tire highlights the speed of the car and the camera is placed where no person could realistically be (not a potential ‘point of view’)but the camera is right in the action.. Then there is a cut to the gear-stick of the car which is a significant object within the scene and the audience sees the action from several points of view There is close-up framing of the car
4.	The camera is stationary as we see the car drive away then the camera movement is handheld and jumpy to again emphasise speed and the way the car is shaking which can be seen as bringing the audience into the movie. we are again attached tot eh bottom of the car from a worms eye view Then camera cuts from the action coming towards us with a straight cut to the action going away from us. and when the car crashes into the other car we see this from several different angles including  a brief pan, mixed in with other camera angles and shots and points of view and the camera is high up which produces a high angle this is for the audience to feel like they are watching the action from a safe distance but still feel part of it.
5.	In this shot the camera is at high angle which gives the audience a brief sense of overview (where they can begin to see more of what is happening), also the camera is moving down and zooming in toward the cars racing towards it, this keeps the sense of speed and movement. It then cuts to a frame inside the car in which the camera movement is jumpy and moves with the car, this could help the audience to feel the speed of the chase and identify with the character (he’s being thrown around in the car – the camera is jumpy). We then cut to a shot where the camera is attached to the rear of the car in a sort of tracking shot this again helps to emphasise the speed of the car as everything is rushing past it. Then there are many fast paced cuts as one of the cars crashes showing the crash from many angles – this again emphasises speed and also draws attention to the crash and making it seem more devastating. Then it cuts inside the car to show the drivers facial expressions – this helps to show the sense of urgency that the character is feeling. There is also a shot of on lookers of the chase with the action rushing by them – this helps to emphasise speed and also helps to heighten the drama of the chase – how it is affecting people in their everyday lives.
6.	The handheld jumpy camera movements in this shot help to connect you to the characters and make the audience feel drawn into the action. Also as the camera is zooming in and out of the characters face it draws attention to him and the importance of the dialogue, this also slightly disorientates the audience which helps to link with how the characters may be feeling. Also the fact that the camera is moving rapidly again helps with the emphasis of speed and urgency.
7.	The camera is at a low angle and does not move allowing the action to rush past emphasises the speed and also makes it feel like the cars are high up which helps to add to the sense of danger. Shot inside car showing facial expressions – showing the difficulty he is having with driving which heightens the sense of danger and the possibility of a crash.  Camera is far away and jumps with cars this gives you a brief overview of the action but also keeps you connected as you are still moving with the cars. Quickly cutting closer to the action helps to keep the sense of speed and danger and keeps the audience connected to the chase. Facial expressions of urgency emphasises his dialogue of “get out of the way” and helps to make the audience approve of him as even though he’s the one being chased he is still worried about the safety of the pedestrians. Low angle shows STOP on floor – gives a sense of irony in that they should be slowing down but it seems that they are speeding up. Shot giving an overview of the town this again helps to show the height and sort of gives an air of what’s to come as it is looking down the street, but also stays connected to the chase as the camera tilts up as the car seemingly jumps over the camera.
8.	The handheld jumpy camera movements again draw the audience into the action and connect with the characters. Also the camera zooms right into the characters eyes which shows us his facial expressions of determination and helps us connect with what he’s feeling.

Sound

Sound brings an extra dimension to a film and helps to manipulate the audiences response and emotions and enhance meaning. Sound in modern films is extremely sophisticated with a digital, synchronised soundtrack which combines the elements of dialogue, music and sound effects. Modern films are also helped by a Foley Track which is sounds are made in studios to enhance the quality of the film.

Diegetic

Diegetic sound is where the source of the sound is part of the film world, as in if  it was reality and you were there you could here it. Diegetic sound can be on or off screen, in that if for example if two characters were having a conversation with one character being on screen and the other being off screen in another room, you could here both sides of the conversation even though the other character is not shown on the screen. This helps to create the sense that we are watching a 3D world rather than just a flat screen - helps to immerse the audience in the world of the film as if it were reality.

Non-diegetic

Non-diegetic sound is sound which is not part of the film world and is added on later, this can include things like voice-overs or orchestral music. It is generally used to change rouse emotion or to connect you to the characters feelings. A good example of this is in the film Psycho, in which the use of the almost scretching sound of the violins helps to enhance the feeling of terror and even though you don't see much of the actual act you know that what is happening is incredibly alarming.


Sound Bridge

This is where sound from one scene is carried on into the next, or is begun in one before we see the relevant images. Without the use of sound bridges films would seem very disjointed as they not only give the effect of a real diegetic world, but it also gives the sense of linking or joining together, making it more coherent and therefore part of a films continuity. This example from The Matrix shows at the end of the scene how it links into the next shot by playing the alarm sound before we see it therefore creating more fluidity and meaning between the shots.


Parallel and Contrapuntal Sound

Parallel or synchronous sound is when the music tone and mood matches the action on screen, this helps to provoke the appropriate emotions for the situation.

Contrapuntal or asynchronous sound is where the feeling of the music does not fit with the action that is taking place on screen, this can be used to lighten the mood of a film and perhaps make it into a more humorous moment, it is often used to make a point and can also be used as a signal of danger. For example, in Jaws when we are watching happy holiday makers on a beach, the image of happy people and everything being okay is challenged by the contrapuntal motif of the shark which we immediately attach to the threat of the shark, therefore helping to signal danger to the audience.

Editing

Editing is the post-production stage in which the sequencing or joining together of camera shots, sound and/or text is performed, it is basically how the individual shots are put together. There are two main types of editing continuity editing and montage.

Continuity editing is when the sequence is edited so that time seems to flow, uninterrupted, from shot to shot, this is achieve by using only straight cuts. This can also involve cross-cutting which is where a sequence cuts between to different settings to make it appear as if the action is occurring simultaneously. This editing technique is used to make the film seem as real as possible and allow the audience to be fully immersed in whats happening on screen and even forget that they are in fact watching a film. Some techniques commonly used in continuity editing are establishing shots, match on action, eyeline matches, point of view shots, shot-reverse-shot, and parallel editing.

Establishing shot is a way to set up the scene and location so that the audience are given context and are aware of where the action is taking place.These are generally cityscapes or just general long shots. Here is a video with a few examples.



Match on action is where a cut is made on the action, for example, one shot showing a person opening a door and then the next shot shows the person walking through on the other side. This technique helps to create a sense of fluidity to the film and helps to make it seem more real as it seems like a continuous flow of expected and matched shots, even though they may be happening in completely different places, the audience would be unable to tell. In the example below you see the woman pushing the scrabble board on one side and then match on action is used as the next shot is showing the woman from the other side and it is the continued action of pushing the scrabble board creating the effect of one continuous, real action.



An eyeline match is when a character is looking at something off screen and then the next shot shows what the character is looking at matching the their eyeline with the correct angle and shot. This technique is commonly used in conversations as well as the technique of shot-reverse-shot which shows a character looking at and talking to someone off screen, which is then matched with another character looking back at the first character who is now off screen. 



Point of view shot is where the camera is used to show what the character is doing and seeing, as if we were looking through the eyes of the character. This helps to connect us to the character because we are doing and seeing exactly what they are therefore provoking us to feel the same emotions as the character.


Parallel editing is achieved by the use of cross-cutting which creates a link between two different events or actions and makes it seem as if they are happening simultaneously. This can help to create tension as you are waiting for the two scenes to join. The example below from The Silence of the Lambs is an interesting example of parallel editing because it is used to mislead the audience making them think that the police are outside his door when in fact they are in the wrong place.



Montage is when a collection of different or random images are used to build up an impression. This is frequently used in title sequences or to show the compression of time (in modern films when this technique is used it generally features a sound track over the top).


Here is a mind-map I created showing all of the aspects of editing:

Romantic Film

The most common editing style in the romantic genre is continuity editing. This is most likely because romantic films are extremely focused on telling the story and making it seem as if it is real, therefore they must make it flow smoothly and keep the editing unnoticeable.

Another technique frequently used in romantic films is cross-cutting. This helps to create a link between two characters or, for example, in Legally Blonde it helps to create suspense between the main character and action between other characters relating to her (all signing the letter), this gives some variance in the way the film is edited, showing different aspects of the story from different points of view and making it more interesting, rather than just the usual linear editing style common in the romantic genre.



Our Film

For our film we are going to mainly use continuity editing to stick to the codes and conventions of the genre and to help keep our story linear and easy to understand, as this is what the target audience wants. We are, however going to use a lot of cross-cutting between the two main characters to help create a link between them and help to immediately portray that something is going to happen between them. We are also going a few interesting edits, such as a graphic match, to try to give some variance to our film and make it a little more visually interesting for the audience.