The final audition process is between Carlos and Robert:
Explaining the character Dan:
Carlos V. final audition
Robert E. final audition
Collectively our group have discussed who we wanted as our leading actor:
From the discussion, we have decide that Robert Eades will play the character Daniel because he fits the complete character we are trying to capture within our trailer.
I have considered idiosyncratic language when writing the dialogue for Dan. The BBFC rating for our groups trailer is a 15 so I have included strong language within the script.
To adhere to conventions whilst build an atmosphere, for the production of films, mise-en-scene is an essential factor, to building a skeptical to retain realism towards the genre.
The five aspects of Mise-en-scene are:
1. Positioning within a frame
2. Props/setting
3.Costume and makeup
4. Lighting
5. Facial expressions/ body language
A social realism genre still analysis:
The positioning within this frame adheres to the social realism genre. This is due to the convention of ordinary life/ authentic representation. The audience is easily aware of the class, being lower class due to the aspects of mise-en-scene, captured within this tight frame/ wide shot. Props develops the sense of authenticity/ realism such as the fan or the old fashioned television or the fact that the characters are sitting on the floor. The posture and facial expressions compliment the representation of lower class and the use of household props. The props adhere to conventions because the frame is interpreted as connotations of a social realist film. The actors in the film are not famous so the campaign doesn't prioritize endorsing the stars. This also creates an authentic impression of ordinary life. Facial expressions and body language portray emotion which adheres to the genre and becomes the focal point for such "feel good films". The facial expressions have connotations to sadness and the posture being slumped shows being annoyed or tired but also represents a sense of vulnerability. Costume also complements class representation which isn't designer or fashionably co-ordinated clothing which shows the characters being poor. Makeup would also be a natural look or simple because within this frame, the characters are at home so the use of makeup compliments the setting.
The lighting isn't low key or high key so the use of lighting is natural. This creates a sense of realism and has connotations to the idea of being natural/ ordinary life.
Within this frame, the camera angle uses a low angle to show vulnerability. Social realism films conventionally follow the narrative of a main character which the audience expect to be vulnerable so this still adheres to audience expectations. When the social realist film represent age as children or teenagers, fighting or gang violence is a conventional aspect. The setting also has conventions and connotations to a deprived area. From this, the audience see the authentic lower class conventional setting. The frame is simple but the positioning is significant to complimenting posture meaning the actors have been directed to overlook/ drape over tightly the main character. This creates connotations to use of posture showing a clear power statues. The main character who is barley visible has connotations to his insignificance as the three other characters enforce their superiority. Costume adheres to conventions due to being ordinary cloths such as track suit bottoms and over sized jumpers.
From this, the main film narrative is following the narrative of the protagonist who is preferably male, however, a female will subvert conventions and create a new dynamic to modern social realism films.
The protagonist will be an aspiring pianist who suffers from the Bipolar disorder.
The trailer and the potential film follows the struggles of the main character.
The starting frame/ scene will be set within a theater hall. A single spotlight will hit the piano and the main character will play his/ her composition piece.
From that, there will be a series of flashbacks, most of recent memories but one will be the significant moment of when he/she finds their passion for piano performance. This will most likely be a home video of an infant playing the xylophone. This moment will be use high key lighting, to set the atmosphere and will have a light hearted piano composition track.
The composition piece will be the name of the trailer.
The camera may be hand held camera and other camera techniques will be used to represent the main characters state of mind.
The piano performance is for a scholarship programme at an elitist music university which will provide him with the opportunity to do what he/she wants in life.
Playing piano is the one escapism opportunity from his Bipolar disorder.
Considering the location is Manchester, the main character's lifestyle is from a deprived area therefore music/piano is an escapism from real life.
The main character may suffer from a traumatic experience.
I have used survey monkey software to create an online questionnaire which I have posted on Facebook. By using social media, targets directly the audience/ possible intended target audience. Twelve people participated in my quick survey. Most people found it difficult to answer the questions due to lack of knowledge/ awareness off the genre. The social realism genre is more of an independent studios production with a below the line budget marketing so this leads to appealing for a niche genre. However, the idea developed by me and my group, will appeal to the age range who completed my survey. They will become my intended target audience however the film trailer will branch out it's appeal to adults because of the narrative ideas.
The results are as followed:
Even though the majority who answered was female, the film and film trailer pitch narrative will appeal to both genders.
The people who responded were teenagers so my intended target audience will be teenagers. However, the trailer will branch out to other ages based on appeal and it's unique selling point.
Most people were unaware of the films due to the genre being more independent studio then mainstream.
The colour scheme response is based on connotations associated with different aspects of the film genre such as black and shades of blue being tied in popularity. Connotations that compliment the film are blue which connotations to sadness and black has connotations to devastation.
Social realism films can be family films but are mainly marketed at adolescence age this is why 15 rating is most appropriate.
This suggests that the codes and conventions of social realism genre/ expectations from social realism films are gang violence related items such as weaponry and certain costume (mise-en-scene: such as tracksuits).
For an independent film genre to market and sell well for the niche public group, characterization is the most important aspect. The main character is expected to be a teenager which in this case will best suit to the film trailer ideas (shown in group one discussion ideas). The comment suggesting a variety of ages will accurate represent and retain the sense of realism which is conventional to the social realism genre. When it comes to traits, the conventional belief would be a socially inept/ awkward character which will develop the atmosphere of the film.
The Vampire diaries casting process that I will use in my own casting process:
Not well known actors- pick an actor that will represent the character in the best way
Instruct the people who are auditioning to get into a certain character role
Possible script improvisation, as long as the narrative is still there.
More than one audition- eliminate the people who are auditioning each time until the actor wanted is hired.
They should recite apart of the script that shows character
Rachel Adams audition tape: The notebook
Again, I have considered how to structure my own casting process:
Instruct the people who are auditioning to portray the emotions of the dialogue they are speaking
To get into character using aspects of mise-en-scene being facial expressions and body language
Don't always give direct eye contact to the camera- not always direct address
As the casting director, I may possibly create a dialogue with the person who is auditioning by reading lines of a script and waiting for their response.
Tom Hanks: Forrest Gump audition tape:
Possibly bring props into the scene to develop mise-en-scene such as use of body language
Audition tapes with other actors so that if extra characters interact with the lead, the leading actor and the supporting actor will know how to present themselves mainly through body language.
Denotation:
- The denotation of a trailer is a short promotional film, composed of clips, showing highlights of a movie due for release in the near future.
Codes and conventions of the British social realism genre:
- Often uses unknown actors
- Often uses a level of humour and sensitivity. The topics covered by the film genre are normally based around real life events but uses humour to create another dimension of appeal.
- Considers regional identity- plays a lot on film characterization and connotations that are built within every aspect of what makes the film. The location of my/ our film trailer will be throughout Manchester which will require a Northern accent.
-The age is important for accurate portrayal such as mainly using 13-20 year old actors.
-Social realism are often independent films which normally win contests such as the Sundance film festival.
-For social realism films a conventional aspect of certain context films would be rated a 15 by BBFC due to strong language, discriminative language, brief scenes of sexual violence etc...
An example of an independent social realist film: Kes
The BBFC rating board is dependent on what they believe is appropriate rating for certain aged films. The older the age is, the more explicit visual image and language is used which is what determines the age rating of the film. For my film/ trailer, the BBFC rating will be a 15 due to the possible language used in the film trailer but also mainly due to the level of intensity that will make up the atmosphere. The main character will be suffering from a sort of disorder/ mental illness therefore the trailer will be suitable for an older audience (primary audience, college students 15+). The genre also will be popular with 15+ due to the intended target audience interest/ secondary audience. Other ratings wouldn't be relevant, under 15 such as a 12A. Even though the film is assisted by an adult, the films possible use of language will go against a 12A regulations. The film isn't explicit enough for an 18 rating which is appropriate for the films narrative and for it to be relatable to the intended target audience.
The name of the film will be based on what my group decide to be the composition piece.
The character visioned will be played by a leading male actor
A social realist film genre
The narrative follows the main character through struggles to become a professional pianist.
The main character will be 17 or 18. Either way, the pianist is applying to go to a top university to study music on the scholarship programme.
He comes from a deprived background but the one thing he treasures is his love for music
The character can be seen to be socially inept and he gets involved with criminal activities due to being "at the wrong place, at the wrong time." He may commit criminal acts to help progress his music career such as stealing a tie for his audition/ interview. Either way, his criminal affairs are brought up within the interview. The question is, will his past effect his future career?
Or the main character has a mental illness which interfere with his piano playing. The interference could be bipolar disorder which the trailer shows dealing with the struggles.
Throughout the trailer a piano track will be playing. This track is either a composition made by playing the piano or a garage band piece. The tune is dependent on the mood that is being portrayed.
The trailer may go in full circle. It may start with the spotlight hitting the piano and his performance beginning. Then end with him at the piano, awaiting the three judges comments. Either way, throughout the trailer, there will be a series of flashbacks. The flashbacks will be what constructs the film.
A possible flashback which shows how he discovered his love for music is a home video. A possible idea is to link the happy memory with a memory short after of a traumatic experience such as the death of the parent who provided the instrument.
His deviant behavior may cost him the role of a lifetime or his illness may prevent his success.
Sneak peek of what is to come:
1. The film proposal- can change depending on what is possible
2. The construction of the piano piece that will be used as a non-diegetic, possible sound motif, played throughout the trailer.
3. Looking at quotes from famous pianists such as Mozart
ETC...
The questions that were asked: The interviewee's were told the narrative of the film trailer and the genre of the film which is social realism.
Four Voxpop questions asked:
1. Do you think the social realism genre film idea will draw attention from the male and/or female audience?
2. What colour schemes would you relate to the social realism genre film?
3. What certificate would you expect from the Social realism genre film?
4. Do you prefer a realistic plot line or a cliche one?
In-depth questions asked:
1.What is your favourite film genre? and why?
2.What features do you think most social realist films include?
3. What do you expect to see from the social realist genre film?
4. What locations would you expect to see within the trailer or film?
There seemed to have been some interference in the 3rd video, I apologize for that.
From the interviews, I have gathered:
-The rating certificate that has been agreed is 15 due to the possible explicit language used within the film and the criminal activity/ deviant behavior.
-All 3 people agree that a realistic plot line suits the genre
-In interview one, the interviewee suggested that the film will appeal to both males and females due to the relatable ideas.
-The features and the locations both include deprived areas such as back ally ways and working class areas throughout Manchester.
-Features also include having a male lead if possible but female lead would also work. The male lead would adhere to the conventions of this social realist genre idea.
-The colour scheme included black and white contrast to have connotations to darkness and purity. There should be hints of blue to represent sadness. A possible idea would be to use connotation colours for costume, depending on the frame of the trailer.
I have stuck these posters around college so that people are informed about how our group are looking for a person to act in our trailer
I have an audition poster so that I can let people know that our group needs an actor for our film trailer.
I have considered the centaury gothic typography that will be consistently used for "Dan." related subjects.
I have not added contact details other than mine and my groups names. However, I have included the room auditions will be held in and the time so people can audition.
I have also featured a line of piano keys to advertise a sense of narrative.
8 Mile can be classed as a biopic/ drama genre. The main star/ actor is Eminem which follows his journey which reflects on aspects of a rough upbringing. This shows following codes and conventions which adhere to what is expected from the genre.
Considering mise-en-scene the setting adheres to conventions because within the frames, the audience see's the deprived backgrounds. To add to this vision, props are used such as cigarettes. For the scenario to be realistic, casual clothing is used to show that the people are ordinary. In addition, this has connotations to being worthless/ lacks status.
Within editing, the trailer uses a single fade to white. This shows that there is only one good moment which shows happiness and a moment of clarity. There are straight cuts throughout to retain continuity between a series of events. A wipe is used which is uncommon in modern trailers due to not retaining the sense of realism but in this trailer the effect expands into colour. A series of jump cuts are used to show instant flashes.
The use of sound splits mainly from diegetic such as tapping of feet when the camera focuses on him jumping and non diegetic such as the score developed which is one of Eminem's rap songs- Lose yourself. To add to the atmosphere, SFX sounds such as the sizzling of fire builds to the intensity of the situation.
Various uses of cinematography consists within the film. This includes a shot reverse shot which displays a conversation. High angle shot shows vulnerability/ dependancy. The use of hand held camera creates a sense of realism which is allowing the audience to look into a persons life. A tracking goes to eye line match level to demonstrate the sense of understanding.
Some examples:
Non- diegetic score- used in the trailer and uses cross media convergence to promote the film
Remember me
The genre can be classed as a tragic romance and is influenced by the 9/11 bombing therefore conventions of a romance is subverted to create a tragic twist to the trailer and film.
Considering sound, a voice over is used to show the narrative is from the main characters perspective. Themes and strings are used to build on the trailer such as the use of guitar strings. The sound adds to the emotive response of the audience. A sound bridge is used with the guitar strings playing which represents the continues journey of the characters progression. Diegetic sound builds onto the realism of the atmosphere such as the sound of the train and the first fight scene showed. Within this, there are moments of silence which develops the intensity of the situation.
Editing includes effects such as quick fades which establishes continuity and includes straight cuts to show the narrative progressing. At the beginning of the trailer, a dissolve between the train and the main character on the train has connotations to the life, of the main character being destroyed, simply dissolving away.
The use of cinematography is used to build the atmosphere and creates a sense of realism. This is enforced in the use of hand held camera as he approaches the fight scene which not only creates a perspective of character but shows his state of disorientation. Allowing the audience to view the scenario from the eyes of the main character. The shot reverse shots display conversations which allows introduction of mise-en-scene facial expressions and body language. Within the framing, the emotions captured uses an eye line match, for an instant, to show the main character and his father trying to understand one another until the miscommunication. Cleverly, the hand held camera technique has connotations to the destructiveness of the conversation. This subverts the Romantic genre because the sole focus isn't on the romance but the main characters life. The use of high angle shot demonstrates vulnerability which adheres to the romantic genre due to invoking multiple emotive responses from the audience. In addition, the contrasting shot which is a low angle shot has connotations to empowerment of character. Another way lack of empowerment is shown is when there is a wide shot used. This is due to making the character look insignificant and vulnerable which is complimented by the use of facial expression and body language.
Genre denotation: The codes and conventions which are adhered to to represent a type of film. The audience is aware of what type of film to expect through understanding of genre.
The genre is Sci-fi/ fantasy/ adventure. The main image is simplistic yet sticking. The build up of the book adaptations is represented in the film poster. By having the protagonist wear red battle gear, has connotations to being dangerous and loved. The tagline has relevance to the film so the clever use will create appeal from existing audience. The colour scheme is basic so that the main focus is on the protagonist. Considering Mise-en-scene props, the throne is very centred so that it creates significance to the rise of the character. White also has connotations to purity and peacefulness therefore it creates significance to reflecting on how the protagonist is seen.
Scary movie is classed as a hybrid/ spoof film. It provides a level of comedy to the horror genre which creates its own level of audience appeal. The film posters main image endorses the film through star appeal. Considering mise-en-scene, what endorses the film is posture and facial expressions. All the actors staring in the film demonstrates a sense of character. The tagline typography is bold and illuminating which has connotations to the occult sense to the horror- comedy. The release date is advertised last in order for those who are interested, to when the film will be released (the exhibition stage).
This film poster is underdeveloped/ in early stages but would be released in this stage to promote the film months before the release as apart of the campaign. The audience is able to tell the genre due to the knife prop suggesting that the series is a slasher film. The tagline has a word in red so that danger is emphasized. The mask prop should invoke a sense of fear which is expected in the slasher genre which reflects in the knife the main character. Mise-en-scene facial expressions is important to the genre because the intensity of the film is based on emotions. The black background adheres to conventions due to connotations of death and devastation.
The romantic genre advertises the stars/ actors of the film so that it helps promotion.The main image is simplistic yet the medium close up clearly expresses the romantic relationship between the actors, This includes importance of mise-en-scene facial expressions reflecting the tone expected from the film genre. The lens is soft and faded in the background but you can see an outside environment which creates focus on the actors. What would endorse the film is the tagline, inspired by true events which as the films aim is to move people/ express emotion, is achieved in advertising that it's based on true life events. The lower tier typography is used for all film posters which includes the same information on who is responsible for the films production.
The brief:
I started to work on a film poster. Here you can see that it adheres to conventions of the action- spy sub- genre. I have used typography that has connotations to the spy genre aspect of spy activity meaning hacking. I have also included the staring actor which will attract my intended target audience which endorses the film. The conventions of this genre is simple which includes a basic colour scheme of red, white and black. This is due to the connotations of danger. This will allow the audience to be familiar with what to aspect of the film such as a conventional tagline. What also endorses the film and will bring in an audience is by mentioning other films produced by the director. This also provided a slight comical level to be expected from my film. All posters need a BBFC rating so I have chosen fifteen because it's the age that is given for my type of film. The main image is strong so it creates focus on the protagonist that is being advertised, on my film poster.
I have asked comments from peers. Positive comments include a strong main image and the advertisement of what the director has produced already. The negatives being that there is too much space, that there needs to be more features imputed. The background needs to have more images or an effect which will make the poster stand out.
