Evaluation 1How I matched and subverted conventions in my opening sequence

Editing – (matched conventions)In terms of editing, I matched conventions. This means I made a film similar to another film, which in our case is Scream. When editing we focused on the camera time on certain actors to demonstrate protagonist. This is matched conventions as the protagonist is the only individual on screen in the film Scream. When we were editing we also focused on the concept of cross cutting to show parallel lines of action and reveal narrative information. This was when their was a clear shot of the antagonist outsider the house looking in. This again is matched inventions as in the film Scream, the protagonist is being watched by the anonymous killer. Within our editing we also included eye line match of the phone which is matching conventions in Scream, whereby there is also an eye line match of the phone when it rings.

Camera –(matching conventions) When filming we included composition and framing. This is used to deny or grant information to an audience. It is often used to suggest danger, which in this case it is, as we reveal a tracking shot of the house from the garden to show isolation and vulnerability. This matches conventions in Scream, as they also have a tracking shot of the home.

As well as this we used a variety of shot types and sizes. We used close ups to show emotion such as her fear after the third phone call. This matches conventions as they depict this scene in Scream and demonstrates the emotional intensity of the characters expression.

Sound –(matched conventions)

In our film we used non diegetic sound to create suspense. There is a temporal shift in sound when our character begins to start choking, as this create suspense and tension.

The non diegetic sound of the voice over, creates tension and draws our attention to the fact that something sinister is going to happen. This is a convention used in many horror films to subvert the attention the antagonist.

Mise En Scene The mise en scene, in our film was filming included:

COSTUME = we establish a binary opposition as our girl is wearing leggings and slippers which you would wear if you were home alone. It also helps show youth and vulnerability making the film more realistic.

LIGHTING = The lighting we use starts dark and scary which creates an eerie effect. The lighting gradually begins to lighten as the sequence moves into the house. This helps create a sense of suspension as we suspect something bad to happen to the girl shortly.

MAKEUP = We used black and blue eye shadow to show bruising and swelling as well as a hint of red to suggest death. The aim of this was to make it evident to the audience that the girl is at the end of her fate.

PROPS = Our props did not establish or hint scenes of violence, except when the camera did a close up of the poison before she drinks it.

Actors In most thrillers, a young blonde girl is usually the protagonist. This is apparent in nearly all thrillers, as blondes are stereotypically dumb and therefore more vulnerable. Our character was blonde and pretty to make our film more appealing to male audience. This matches conventions as in the film Scream, the girl is young and blonde and is seen home alone which would make the audience automatically assume something bad is going to happen to her.