Shona's Evaluation Presentation

http://www.slideshare.net/ShonaAddison/evaluation-on-childrens-film10

Over view

Throughout creating our childrens film begginnig sequence we looked at a variety of different things that helped us to be able to come up with the idea that we decided to choose. we went through a progress of watching some opening sequences from a range of films such as jamanji; which we watched in class. we then did our own research and and looked at opening sequences of childrens film. Our group decided to look at wallace and gromit and the curse of the ware rabbit. Harry Potter and the philosophers stone and wall-e.
we then decided to write about what made them a good opening sequence and what codes and conventions they have within them. This all lead towards how we would decide what our idea is, how it would work and what feautures we would have to include.
  we knew it was vital to introduce the main characters, as the audience want to get to know them as soon as they can so they are not confused. We also decided that in order to have an effect on the audience we had to target a specific genre. As we are a group of girls we decided on a chick flick adventure. This then included sleep-overs with a group of girls who idolise certain celebrities such female teen singers. for example miley cyrus - which is who we decided the celebrity in our opening sequence would be. A catchy theme tune or song in the opening sequence was also a major part that would give life to the production; and create a catchy beginning which would then link to the whole film if it was to be created.
  We also considered cinematography; this includes the props,costume, scenery etc. we thought about each one of these individually and clothed each character in the way a young girl would dress at a friends sleep - over. we decided on pyjamas and then jeans,coats,t-shirts and leggings for the day to day clothes of these young girls. The props we used were cakes and a journal. we thought cakes would be a typical thing for young girls to do in a group as in many girls film that is apart of their routine as friends. The journal was vital as it was the key to the entire story ; this was what would create the journey for the three girls. we decided a simple scenery for when the young girls discuss the journal and begin to eat the cakes as it then was easier for the target audience to concentrate on what the girls are talking about and why they have managed to have miley cyrus's personal journal. We then decided to use a bathroom with mirrors for the 'gettin dressed up' scene as we were able to clearly see all three girls, and get a great effect as you would see at least 2 of the girls within the mirrors.
  Throughout the entire project we thought of different ways in which we could create effects and make the project better. we tried our best to make our opening sequence as interesting ad informative as we could so that the audience were interested and wanted to find out what adventure these girls would go on.

Our Feedback

1. Conventions of an opening sequence?

The credits appeared even though they were at the end, but that was due to malfunctions with the media devices, so it wouldn't run at the beginning.
The Soundtrack set the scene well, and fit the audience it was aimed for.

2. Specific genre conventions?

The soundtrack is girly and suits the audience. Also, its clear that the sequence is going to be a girly film, and will be for about 6-10 year old girl, who enjoy programmes on the Disney Channel.

3. Variety and Quality of Camera work?

The Quality of the camera work is good, but the variety wasn't great.
We had good use of the tripod but the change in scenes isn't too detectable.

4. Use of special effects?

The use of recorded media that i took independently.
The transitions were good and flicking between the concert and getting ready was interesting.

5. Sound Quality and Effectiveness?

 The soundtrack was brilliant and fit really well with the theme and targeted the audience we aimed for.
The way the soundtrack faded when there was dialogue was smooth, although the dialogue could have been louder.

6. Use of mise-en-scene?

We utilised our props in a effectively and used outside scenery in a subtle way.

7. Editing?

The transitions were good, and especially cutting to the concert, and using the Ripple dissolve.
Fade in fade out dissolve was good.

8. Best Features?

Cutting between the concert and other footage. The soundtrack was catchy and made the film.



Shona, Becca, Holly.

Peer Feedback

FEEDBACK.


1. Conventions of an opening sequence?


Clear that the soundtrack is for the younger generation.
Great Choice, but the establishing shot could be more defined.
The credits should have been at the beginning.


2. Specific Genre Conventions?


Girly- Very Chick Flick
The types of characters suit the genre.
Good choice of Soundtrack.


3. Variety and Quality of Camera Work?


Good Camera Work
Good use of tripod
Not much variety but what there is, is good


4. Use of special effects?


Good transitions.
Flying scene is a nice effect.


5. Sound quality and Effectiveness


Music added to the atmosphere of the girly film.
Good music fade when dialogue comes in.
Upbeat, and suitable for children.


6. Use of Mise-en-scene?


Good use of props, sofa, makeup etc...
Scenery used well


7. Editing?


Transitions worked well
Good Continuity


8. Best Features?


Great song
Bathroom Shot
Ripple Transition






-Shona Addison, Holly Burkett, Becca Hart

Children's Film Task

Analysis of children’s film opening sequence- Shona Addison

Analysis of children’s film opening sequence

Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone

The opening scene to this film uses most conventions for an opening sequence. The media company which represent the film (Warner Brothers) is the first things that you see when the film begins, followed by the film menu, and in the background the picture of the main location throughout all the films.

The scene then dissolves into the first location for the film and does a pan view master shot to establish the spatial relationships between objects and to define the setting, and atmosphere. There is then a close-up in an object, and straightaway the audience is informed to what the genre will be- magical- because something magical happens from it. We then see a tracking shot of two characters talking and discussing the events happening and already mention the main characters name. There is then a low angle shot, looking up at a flying motorbike from which the main character is brought from, to show that he has a connection with the magical world, and it straightaway establishes the characters story, without giving away every single detail, making you want to find out more. The opening finishes with a zoom on the main characters most predominant feature, that which makes him unique, and will be the basis of the story- the lightening shaped scar. The main character is clearly identified; as his full name is said, and dramatic music enhances the importance of it.

All the while the soundtrack is playing dimly in the background, and whenever speech is not happening the music gets louder. There are no credits which run through the very beginning and are instead shown at the end, so not to take away focus from the scene, although it is conventional to put them in the beginning. The narrative is the dialogue and shot types which describe the setting. Since the film is a PG there is no narrator to explain everything, as the target audience should be able to understand it without commentary.

The colours in the scene are dark, representing night, but not scary to frighten children. Typical of this genre, we are introduced to a very friendly and caring looking character which is sure to be the parent figure of the film. Throughout the opening sequence it is clear which genre the film will be, and the general story behind the film, which will be developed over time. The PG rating is stuck to, and the film is surely one of the classic kids films now-a-days.

Shona Addison

The script

For the Scene with dialogue (Sleepover scene) we have a plan to go through certain points
- What we found
- Whats in the object
- Whats are we going to do about it.

For the next scene we thought a bathroom scene with us getting ready would be effective, and we could cut between that and shots from the concert.

We also thought that using footage from the concert will look good, and be a good feature.

The Planning of 'Just Wanna Have Fun'

Part 1 risk assessment

Part 1 of Shot types

Overview of mind map

Part 2 of Shot types

Soundtracks- Mind map

Storyboard

Mind map close-up

Part 3- Shot types

Props - mind map

Part 2 - risk assessment

British Board of Film Classification

The British board of Film classification also known as the BBFC is a company that decides - using the societies views to determine what classification each film should be.
There are 9 main categories that help decide this. They are :
1. Discrimination
2. Drugs
3. Horror
4. Imiteble behaviour
5. Language
6. Nudity
7. Sex
8. Theme
9. Violence


each of these then relates to what classification they are apart of.
They could be any of the following:

     U stands for Universal. This means that it is suitable for ages 4 and over; this allows young children to watch the film also. No discrimination is present, unless specifically disapproving of it. The film must also be clear of drug usage, and if any appears there must be a moral behind it from Young Children to learn from. Scenes must also not be disturbing to young children or cause them anxiety, and the outcome must always be reassuring. In sequences with use bad behaviour there must not be a emphasis on reality. There may be some natural nudity as long as there is not sexual content. With regards to sexual content, there may only be references and slight kissing seen. Infrequent use of bad language and mild violence only. 

Unaccompanied children of any age may watch a film certified with PG. A PG film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However, parents should consider whether the footage may upset younger or more sensitive children. PG stands for Parental Guidance. Offensive language or behaviour will not be acceptable unless clearly disapproved of or in an educational or historical context.  Discrimination by a character with which children can identify is unlikely to be accepted. References to illegal drugs or drug misuse must carry a suitable anti-drug message. Frightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense. Fantasy settings may be a mitigating factor. Detail of dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy is not accepted. Also, no glamorisation of realistic or easily accessible weapons. Mild bad language may be used only and Nudity but without sexual background. Sexual activity may be implied, but should be discreet and infrequent and also the use of Mild sex references and innuendo only. Where more serious issues are featured nothing in their treatment should condone unacceptable behaviour. Moderate violence, without detail, may be allowed, if justified by its context.

12A may only be viewed by children aged 12 and over, although an adult may accompany a child under 12 to see film with this certificate in a cinema.

15's may only be viewed by children ages 15 and over.

18's may only be viewed by adults.

R18's may only be viewed by adults and seen in licensed cinemas.


We are going to use the certification PG because we wanted to make an opening scene that represents a realistic film that children can relate to. Most films rated 'U' are animations, and we wanted to use real life actors instead of Models and Animations. PG will appeal to a child-based audience and still be interesting.

12Q1 10 Holly, Becca, Shona.

What did you learn?


We learnt that consistency and continuity is very important when making a film as it makes it look realistic and professional. We also learnt that camera angles are important and needed for continuity and allow it to make sense all the way through, making the audience interested.


How has this practice helped you prepare for the real thing ?


It has helped us get a feel for how to use the cameras. And what camera angles to use best, and to make sure we have the correct lighting. We have also learnt what shot types to use for different scenes and allow us to use them effectively for a professional look. Finally, we learnt to consider our surrounding whilst filming, because background noise will carry though over dialogue.

By Becca Hart, Holly Burkett and Shona Addison :)