12 U260 Children's film final

Individual Task

My group consists of me, Michael, Emma and Henry. Our childrens film opening sequence is about a father and daughter's quest to find a magical cup of tea. Me and Henry will be acting in the film as the father and daughter. For the plot we need a cup of tea and a book as our main props. The costumes used are just simple clothing and doesn't have to be anything in particular, however me and Henry have to wear the same thing on both of the filming days so that we have continuity. I am responsible for bringing in the mug for the tea. We will be filming most of it in the forest part on the Long Road campus and we dont need to get permission to film there. However there is one scene which will be filmed near classrooms so we may have to get permission for that.
Olivia Cutmore

Individual Task

Individual Task

In our film's opening sequence, Olivia and Henry will be acting the parts of a father figure and his daughter whilst Michael and I will be filiming. We have based our production on a magical cup of tea which turns the people who drink it into magical creatures as we will not see this in our opening sequence, the only props needed are a colourfully tea cup we wanted it to be colourful as our target audience is young children so this will attract their attention. Another prop we will need is a book which the father is reading which we hope to borrow from the college and the actual tea which we are hoping the staff in the media department will be nice enough to provide for us. The only costumes in our productions are what the father and daughter are wearing as it is based in present times we have not set a procific costume design but we have agreed that whatever Olivia and Henry wear must be worn on both filiming days as it will help the continuity of the film. Olivia and Henry are responsible for their costumes and Olivia has got the responsibility of bringing in a cup.

We are mostly filming outside in the woodland walk area as this creates a brilliant mystical setting for the cups location, as this is public ground and open to every student at the college we do not as a group believe we need permisson to film here. The other location we will need is the classrooms and maybe the corridor, we will probably need permisson to film in these two places from our teacher and from the teachers teaching lessons in the corridors near where we are shooting.
Emma Squires

individual task

We will be having two people acting in our opening sequence, Henry as a father figure and Olivia acting as a daughter. Emma and me will be doing the camera work. The props we will be needing include a brightly coloured cup to signify its importance within the movie and to show that it is magical because of the colours. Another reason for it to be colourful is that it is for children so having bright colours appeals to our target audience more. Because we really only have one prop, it doesn't matter who brings it in. We dont have a set costume for our characters but we want to make sure that they wear the same thing on both filmingdaysso that the contiuity of the opening sequence flows nicely. We will be mostly filming outside so we shouldnt need permission to film although for one scene we will be near classrooms so might have to check first. We would ask the nearby tutors or anyone in the business office of we are allowed to film there or not. We hope to get the filming done with as little retakes as possible in order to save time and so we can spend more time on editing if need be.
Michael Turner

soundtrack planning for children's film

we have decided to have the style of our soundtrack as fast paced with a jolly feel to it. we will have the soundtrack through the title sequence credits only and none of the acting scenes.

Our Films Classification

we have decided to use the PG classification for our film because we feel that it is suitable for all audiences, but parents should be advised top accompany children under 8 years old because our film genre is fantasy adventure, it doesn't include any imitable behaviour but could involve scenes of mild violence later on in the film. Our film mentions nothing about drugs or drug use or abuse so it would fit into the criteria of the BBFC. Because our film is a fantasy a certain amount of horror is needed to create mysterious bad guys etc. our opening sequence however shows no signs of prolonged or intense frightening scenes. Our film will contain no bad language so would actually fit in with the criteria of a U. There will be no nudity in the film so this goes along with BBFC guidelines. There is nothing in the film that should interest unacceptable behaviour or show anything like sex etc.

risk assesment

mise-en-scene research

Props
a colorful tea cup- we have used a colorful because children are usually drawn to bright colors
a book- the dad reads from a book to tell his daughter the myth of the magical cup of tea.

story board, mind map and shot list

BBFC Film Classifications

U
Means that the film is "suitable for all" It is impossible for people to predict young children's reactions to films but this category says that the film is good enough for all audiences. U films should include a positive framework and offer counterbalances to all the negative aspects of film e.g any violence, threat or horror. A film with a U rating includes no discriminationatory language or behaviour unless it is clearly disapproved of. It can also use infrequent bad language as long as it is only of a mild nature. The "U" category aslo contains no refernce to illegal drugs or drug missuse unless, like behaviour and language, it is clearly disapproved of. This classification also includes occasional nuditiy as long as it is natural and with no sexual content. The sexual references are mild with instances of kissing or referencing "making love" only. Also, even though the theme may be problematic, the treatment must be appropriate for young children and must be sensitive.


PG
Is also known as Parental Guidance and means that it is targeted at general audiences but some scenes may seem unsuitable for younger audiences. Anyone can watch a PG film and the content in these films are interpreted as being suitable for anyone over 8 years old however, parents are usually advised to think about wether or not the content is suitable for their children if they are younger or more sensitive. Within a "PG" film, there is only mild language with discrimination that is clearly disapproved of or used in an informative or historical context. There can be included frieghtening sequences within a PG film but they should not be too long or intense. Illegal drug use or abuse can be used if it is innocuous or if it carries an anti-drug message. Like the U films, there can only be natural nudity and the sexual content may be implied, but must be discreet and infrequent. Violence is allowed within the PG category but must be without detail and justified by its content for example history.


12 uses the same classification criteria as a 12A which is explained in the blog by Olivia and Emma


By Michael
http://www.bbfc.co.uk/

BBFC Film Classification

research the BBFC's classifications and research the 9 areas
once you have blogged this answer the following question What will your film be classified and why?

12A is the same as a 12 but it is the classification used for cinema. No one aged below 12 is allowed to watch a 12A film without being accompanied by an adult. 12A films are not recommended for anyone below the age of 12 but they can go if the adult thinks its personally suitable for the child.
Discrimination- discriminatory behaviour can't be in the film unless it is said to be bad.
Drugs- in 12A's they should be infrequently used and should not be glamorised or give instructions of use.
Horror- moderate physical and psychological threats can be in the film but disturbing scenes should be infrequent.
Imitable Behaviour- Dangerous behaviour should not be shown in great detail which can be copied or shown as pain or harm free. Weapons that are easy to get hold of should not be glamorised.
Language- moderate language is allowed but strong words like 'fuck' should not be used frequently.
Nudity- it is allowed but in a sexual context it must be brief and discreet.
Sex- sex should be discreetly and briefly portrayed. Frequent crude references are not likely to be acceptable.
Theme- mature themes are acceptable, but they have to be acceptable for teenagers.
Violence- moderate violence is allowed but shouldn't be detailed. There should be no emphasis on injury or blood but some gory moments are allowed. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly implied and must have a strong justification.

15's
15 films are only suitable for people 15 and over.
Discrimination
the film must not have discrimoatory language or behavior
Drugs
drug taking can be shown in 15's as a whole but must not incurage it to the audience, if it uses redaly avalible substansis such as solvents and areosols it might will probably not be accepitbale
Horror
most are allowed unless sadistic or sexualised
Imitable behaviour
Dangerous behaviour such as self harming and hanging should not be dwelled upon the actual scene. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.
Language
There may be frequent use of strong language such as "fuck". really strong words such as cunt can be used only if it fits in with the context. constant use of the really strong language would not be acceptable
Nudity
Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context dependng on detail. There are no restrictions on nudity in a non-sexual way
Sex
sex can be shown without strong detail, verbal referances would be allowed. the strongest refferences wouldn't not be allowed but unless justified by the context. films that purpose that is to arouse would not be allowed
Theme
nothing not allowed.
Violence
Violence may be strong but cant stay show infliction of pain for prolonged lengths of time. The strongest images are unlikely to be acceptable. Strong sadistic violence is also unacceptable. There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but any portrayal of sexual violence msut be neccisery to the narrative

12 and 15 by Olivia

18
No one younger than 18 can view it or buy it or rent it. There are exceptions where the BBFC believe they should not give people free rein to watch these films these are...
- where the material is in breach of criminal laws
- when the material is said to maybe risk harm to the individual or their behaviour to society
- where there are more explicit scenes of sexual content which are not justified by the context.
Sex Education at 18
- where sexual material seriously seeks to educate those on things such as safe sex and sexual experiences.
Sex Works at 18
- these are films and material which seek mainly to create stimulation and sexual arousal.

R18
explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material containing adults.
not acceptable when there is.
going against criminal laws.
material which could encourage sexually abusive actions or interest.
any material which shows sex without consent.
any material which could leave long lasting physical or mental damage.
penetration by any object which is likely to cause any physical or mental damage.
any sexual threats, humiliation or abuse which doesn't have the look of any consent.

18 and R18 by Emma Squires

Opening Sequence Conventions

We watched a 2 minute opening from Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire which is a fantasy/adventure hybrid genre. The title sequence is quite mysterious. this fits in well with the genre of fantasy/adventure because fantasy is mysterious as it is not based on reality and things that we as an audience do not experience in everyday life.

The theme tune in Harry Potter is used through every Harry Potter film but is slightly altered each time to fit more to the pace and different sub genres used. The theme tune in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is quite mystical which fits in with the fantasy genre. the fast movements and short shot durations show through the other side of the hybrid genre adventure.

The establishment of setting helps tell us the genre of film as the House that the scene is set in is big, abandoned and dark and black. Its shows fantasy as their is a lack of establishment of characters and the whole set itself is very mystical and doesn't give away much to the audience.

Emma and Olivia

opening sequence genre

The genre of monsters Inc is a hybrid of both animation and fantasy. It is an animation because it uses CGI to make the movie. You also know that is a fantasy movie because after the title sequence it opens up to a normal kids room. A fantasy film is defined by starting off with reality then changing into things that seem less real as if in a dream. It also uses creates that are made up (monsters) which adds to the emphasis on the genre.
Within the title sequence, you get to see the credits and media companies. Walt Disney is one of the companies involved which adds to the genre because Walt Disney and comedy are closely linked together. This is also true for Pixar because they have a strong reputation for animation. The opening sequence to monster Inc challenges traditional opening sequence conventions because it doesn't introduce you to the main characters of the movie until the very end of the title sequence. The use of a theme tune is based around the images on screen which makes it flows well. again challenging traditional film conventions because it doesn't introduce you to a narrative until the title sequence ends. It also doesn't establish the scene until after the title sequence.
There is a big contrast between the end of the title sequence and the start of the movie because the titles are bright and colourful which is generally associated with children's films whereas the opening of the film is dark and portrayed as scary which conflicts with the target audience of children. The narrative of the film isn't introduced until quite far in to the film where the elements of comedy are added in.
Henry + Michael

pirates of the caribbean opening

the opening sequence starts with a plain black background. after a while, little flames start to rise showing that there has been a fire. this reflects the genre of the movie because fire is generally associated with danger or action. after this, the title of the film appears around the flames. again this shows the codes of an action film as the title is moving forwards through smoke which relates to the fire and action/danger.

The opening sequence starts out with a lot of fog with a large ship coming forward from the background to the foreground. This helps to establish the location and the narrative as the film is based around ships and living on the sea.
the opening sequence challenges traditional conventions because it doesnt introduce you to the makers and producers of the film. this doesnt seem to have any effect on the film.

the sequence also introduces the main characters to the audience. the characters in the opening sequence are younger versions of the main storyline so it lets the audience see how they have grown up.This also allows the audience to see what happens to the characters in their past and how it relfects their characteristics and personalities in the main storyline of the film. The narrative is explained more when we are introduced to the younger versions of the main characters. With the dialogue, you can see that the main topic is pirates and this is to emphasise the fact that the movie is centered around pirates.

with the movie being introduced with the young girl singing, it adds to the effect of eerieeness within the narrative. the opening sequence overall portrays an image of danger and foreboding. this is heightened when they come across a burnt ship and a young boy washed up on part of the wreck.


Henry + Michael

opening sequence conventions

The title sequence is very colourful which helps towards it being directed at children as it attracts them to it and creates a joyful vibe which parents will like as well. There are also Monsters is the opening credits showing that they are to be interlinked with the films genre. Throughout the title sequence doors are used to as the letters and introduce the company names etc. then at the end a door opens and the camera zooms in through it and into darkness introducing the start of the film and it also links the title sequence to the actual plot of the film.

The media company who distributed Monsters Inc was Pixar this is shown through their logo which is used before the title sequence starts and it is also shown through the title sequence as well. There is a use of editing through fade to black transitions to make each new title or company stand out.

There is no use of establishment of the main characters, we think this is because they want to set up the narrative in the film before introducing the full plot and the main characters. there is also not much of establishment of settings. two different settings are used which are made to look seperate to the audience but are actually the same. this is to help build up towards the main plot of the film.

There is a Soundtrack used through the opening credits which is upbeat and happy. This fits in well for children and fits in well with the genre which is fantasy. we can see this is the genre by the characters used. However we do not see the use of any codes which give away a sub genre.

Introduction of the narrative. This is shown through the first scene where you get a rough picture of what might happen but not what the full plot is, so you can only guess what might happen rather that what will definetly.

Emma and Olivia

Preliminary Task

Evaluation

What did we learn
During our preliminary task, we as a group believed we worked well together and all took to the task as a group. As we have used final cut express throughout this task we have improved our knowledge of this program and have learned how to upload scenes from a camera into final cut, how to edit it using transitions and audio if we wanted to using garageband. We also learned how to convert the video and how to upload it to youtube and upload it into our blog.

How did it go?
The acting could have been improved, but considering the actors involved aren't actually actors it couldn't have been helped. It was also too short once we had edited it, if we had been given more time after editing we could have added more. Within the filming session one member of the group was helping with both our group and another as they were missing a member of their own group, this meant our filming was slightly rushed. However we did think the conversation was filmed well and the use of the 180 degree rule was successful. Overall, we think our movie went well whilst being edited but it could be longer.

Preliminary Task

Today we recorded the preliminary task based on continuity. We filmed a sequence in the LRC. The film was simple with a character walking into the LRC then having a conversation about one of the books our film flows well using the 180 degree rule to full effect. We started by having Michael walk down the the corridor and into the LRC as he did this we used a zoom and a tilt on the camera to focus in on the sign to show the set and location. In the second scene where Michael collected a book off the shelf we used a close up of this to show match on action. Then whilst filming the conversation we used over the shoulder shots through the bookcase. Then the last shot we filmed we used a wide shot to show the whole setting and the characters spacial awareness. The continuity through the conversation was good and we stuck to the 180 rule but the transaction from the corridor into the LRC was staggered and didn't flow. Because of the simple storyline, we were able to concentrate on the continuity of the sequence more.

 




 


the first shot is a master shot that is used to establish the scene. the character is walking down the corridor towards the LRC. it then goes to a wide shot to establish the character and the location. the third shot a close up of the character taking a book from the shelf. next is a point of view shot of looking through the bookcase to the main character holding the book. it then goes to a point of view from the other persons perspective and the conversation begins.the final shot is of the conversation focusing on the 180 degree rule using the over the shoulder hot type. the conversation is about the book that the main character picks up. - Michael Turner

Differences between conventions used in different films

How are the conventions constructed differently in the two film sequences - Emma Squires
What is a convention? A convention is a habit or long accepted way of doing things through repeated experiences that makes the audiences become familiar with these.

We focused on watching two, two minute long clips from Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows and Agent Cody Banks. The two film clips were constucted differently through the establishment of questions. whilst Agent Cody Banks established its characters and questions with the audience, Harry Potter abd The Deathly Hallows didn't. This was done most likely to draw the audiences attention and make them want to watch this particular film more.

Another way they were constructed differently was through the title sequence/credits. In Agent Cody banks the title sequence was more aimed at children whilst Harry Potter abd The Deathly Hallows was more engaging and dramatic this helped engage the audience as well as make it more accesible to older generations.

In Agent Cody Banks, the entire two minute clip was mainly set in the family home so the audience would not have been able to relate the genre with mise - en - scene. In Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows, the audience can relate the genre to Mise - en - Scene. The genre in Harry Potter is Fantasy/Adventure. You can see this through the use of dark lighting used to create urgency and the all the different locations that are used.