Lesson 07: Presentation, Structure and Sounds

Lesson 07: Presentation, Structure and Sounds

A double period concentrating on: Presentation, Structure and Sounds

16/10/13
MWE


Presentation

Today's lesson we discussed the importance of communication within the filming crew. How communication between the directors and actors are key and importance of informing the group. Therefore, we are encouraged to hold meeting to establish the plan for our film, let them know about: Props, Filming Schedule, Talking through scenes to film and the story plot.

The discussion regarding group dynamics had made us realize that we should take advantage of the time we have with our actors, and that better planning and communication will lead to a much effective execution of filming. So we plan on preparing all of the behind the scenes preparation: setting scouting, sounds, props etc. During the term break and then we will make the schedule for filming to avoid any hindrance, ensuring success.


Structure and Sounds

We've made research about films belonging in the same genre as our main project to see how they have structured.

Jennifer's Body

The sounds in the trailer is a mix of both Diegetic and Non-diegetic. However, at the start the sound is light and quiet which gradually starts to build volume and beat conveying this growing momentum. The layers of music also start thickening up as other instruments joins in. We can hear the electric guitar but there is still a strong beat-bass which is the most prominent layer. In effect, this seems as though it's phasing the audiences heart beat. It's setting the phase. The dialogue can be heard and as the intensity of conversation and vulgarity and violence grows so does the rise and dynamic of the instrumental, complementing one another.


Prom Night

The trailer begins with a cover of the iconic song "Time After Time" by Cindy Lauper. This track was released during the 80's and when put next to the title of the film "Prom Night", it strongly suggests an American themed film. The typical highschool prom pops into the audiences head but due to the rock-indie cover of the song in modernizes the this traditional concept of films; making the film relatable. Though the target audience are clearly teenagers, it also attempts to connect with the older age groups using the song. The track plays until midway of the trailer and then it starts to fade out along with the diegetic dialogue. Flash-like sounds then plays which effectively changes the aura of the film, from youthful and care free to sinister, this is further supported by the scream and the sudden chaos. The track becomes ire-cognizable and the familiarity and comfort which "Time After Time" offered is gone, leaving the audience to feel vulnerable much like the characters. The music adapts to the new ethos of the clip, there are time where the non diegetic sound is abruptly cut of and only the sound of breathing or heartbeat can be heard which magnitudes the eeriness and mystery of the narrative.


The Roommate

Much like "Prom Night" the music is uplifting and in time with the introduction of the characters and the blossoming of their friendship, it implies this concept of new beginnings. Again a like to the "Prom Night" sound bridge is used as a turning point, the trailers starts to become uneasy. The sounds is focused on the diegetic noise and the non-diegetic sounds is just used to keep the threatening atmosphere. It ends with an ear piercing strikes which moves in time with the choppy zoom in of the camera.  


A2 Projects Examples

The following extract was awarded an A, a trailer created by another media text. What stuck to me the most was the impeccable use of sounds. They suited the the range of shots used perfectly, it steadily built tension and once upon reaching climax it changed. A range of different sounds was used, a mix of both diegetic and non-diegetic: dialogue, news report and instrumentals. There are times in which diegetic sounds and non-diegetic sounds overlap one another. The instrumental is maintained in the back ground, subtly playing but the emphasis is more on the dialogue. It's enough to inform the audience of what is happening yet toy with their emotions. The shots are typical, but the editing and the phase of the cuts compliments the sounds which really made the clips effective.