Prelim Task- Evaluation

Padnapped

Joelle Riley, Csenge Nemeti, Patrick McCann (2016)

Joelle, Paddy and I had decided to create a conversation scene which had conventions typical of the thriller genre, as well as include opening credits so we can really use the techniques which will be required to making an actual thriller opening sequence.

The plot behind this scene is the idea that a rich couple had found themselves in trouble with a business woman who kidnapped one half of the couple. Unconventionally, the male character was kidnapped and it was up to the female character to pay the ransom after a short conversation sequence. 

Editing

We used sharp cross-cuts to keep reminding the audience that Paddy's character is kidnapped and in danger even though my character had lied later on intentionally to Joelle's character when they exchange dialogue. The example that I've given on the left is not at the point yet for when the two characters talk about the captive being safe but it is one of the examples in which I think we used cross-cutting effectively.

This was done by selecting several spare shots which we took and inserted them between takes which would be too long. One was the mid shot of when I walk into the room in which Joelle is standing. Without the quick shots of Paddy inserted, the take would have been too long and looked empty. 

As well as this, knowing that we had several spare shots was quite relieving because we knew that if we needed to fill in certain parts (such as the shot of me walking in) then we can do so, without recycling footage. It also allows a variation to work with.

Another major editing task we had to do was to create a CCTV affect. This became my responsibility, however, we all contributed to decide on what kind of CCTV footage we were intending to achieve since there were many different options. For an example, some thrillers such as Rear Window (Alfred Hitchcock-1954) demonstrate a different kind of surveillance through a lens which enlarges what one may see through a camera. The point of view shot is then faded at the corners to a round shape to create almost a bevelled edge and the effect that the audience is looking through the lens themselves. 

Another thriller which uses surveillance is Silence of the Lambs (Jonathan Demme- 1991) which also uses a form of telescope but a blue filter is applied to make it seem like a night vision camera was used. 

Camera

I think that our camera work was successful due to the different shot types which were used in our opening sequence in order to aid the interest raised between our audience. As well as this, we came across complications (as mentioned in the construction process) which were resolved through re-filming. I was also responsible for the high-angle shot and found a way to do this by sitting on top of a cabinet in the corner. 


Our most successful shot was probably the close up of me (the antagonist) opening the door to the 'interview room' as it perfectly frames the subject we were aiming to film which was my hand reaching for the handle. I think that this shot helps establish the idea that the antagonist is in control and she is free to come and go between rooms as she pleases.

Mise en Scene

Our mise en scene largely focused on the costume of the characters to create representations and lighting to create the atmosphere of a cold environment. I think that the costume was rather successfull to create the essence of a rich victim (as produced by the big name brands he's wearing), a distraught wife (as produced by the shaken hair, sleepless eyes and tired costume) and a slick business woman (as produced by black clothing).

The lighting however, seemed rather inconsitent due to our own error of not being careful enough to remember the certain angles and areas light was placed into to create the pervious shot.

Sound

We had some complications to do with sound due to the noisy classrooms, which was of course our fault for not filming in a quieter environment or a time which wouldn't have been so noisy. We should also have planned for any music which we intended to included because this took up a lot of time during the contrsuction process.