21. Storyboard

TASK: Create a storyboard for your film opening.

Displayed above is a copy of my storyboard that I created for the opening of my film. For each scene, I have stated the time, type of shot, lighting, sound, music, and character(s). Additionally, I have written a small description of what is happening with that specific scene. The storyboard is a very beneficial method for me to use when I come to filming the opening of my film as it is a great way to use this as a step-by-step guide as it act as a reminder of what type of shot I should be using for that specific scene and what characters are in it etc. The storyboard will also help me in post-production, especially when adding any sound into the film opening. 

20. Scripting

TASK: Create the script for your film opening.

Scene one:

Aida has just left school and she is walking home by taking the shortcut through the woods.

Aida receives a text. She reaches for her pocket and sees that the text is from Ella.

Ella: Hey Aida, do you want to hang out later?

Aida replies to the text.

Aida: Yeah sure, what time?

Ella: In an hour?

Aida: Sure, I'll meet you at our usual spot in an hour.

Aida puts her phone away.

Aida is halfway home at this point. She hears rustling noises in the bushes and looks around, however no one is to be seen.

She continues walking.

Seconds later, she hears footsteps on the dry leaves, she stops walking but does not turn around.

Aida is approached by the killer from behind and suddenly she is strangled with a rope until she is unconscious.

Killer drags Aida and puts her into the boot of the car.

(Scene fades to black)

Scene two:

Aida wakes up in an abandoned building, she finds herself tied to a chair.

Aida looks up and the killer is standing in front of her.

Aida: What do you want from me? (screaming)

Killer: I want to see what your insides look like (laughing)

Aida: Let me go! (screaming)

Killer: If you scream one more time, I will cut you up like an animal.

Killer puts duct tape over Aida's mouth.

Killer: Now, you will stay here and I will be back tomorrow morning.

Aida attempts to untie herself. Hours later, she manages to set herself free from the duct tape and rope.

Aida begins to run.

Car lights appear.

The killer is back unexpected.

Aida begins to run even faster.

The killer gets out of the car and runs after Aida and catches up with her and stabs her to death.

(Scene fades to black)

19. Timeline planning

TASK: Create a timeline for your film opening.  

Displayed above is the timeline planning for my film opening of 'Psychasthenia'. In the timeline I have clearly

labelled the titles which flow throughout the first timeline at the top and the action is matched to the title which is labelled at the bottom. I have also included a second timeline at the bottom which displays the diegesis of the film opening. I have labelled the non-diegetic and diegetic sounds at the top of the line and then underneath the line I have described the sound.

 

18. Costumes

TASK: List the costumes you are going to shoot your film opening with an image and explanation.

Antagonist

Black hoodie

The black hoodie is convenient as it will enable the antagonist to hide their face, therefore they are unlikely to be recognised. The audience will be unable to see the antagonist's face, so this immediately creates mystery and suspence. The hood is key to hiding the identity of the antagonist, therefore this is essential to include if I want the antagonist to not be recognised. I will purposely be using dark clothing in order to display the dark personality of the antagonist, it is also much easier to tell the antagonist and protagonist apart through the choice of clothing.

 

Black jeans

 

 

The antagonist will also be wearing black jeans in order to stick with the dark theme and display their dark personality. The black jeans blend in with the rest of the outfit, therefore the antagonist is likely to not be recognised. Additionally, if the antagonist was to wear bright coloured clothing, this would immediately catch people's attention, therefore avoiding bright colours on villains is essential as they are often conveyed wearing dark coloured clothing. The use of the colour black yet again easily implies that the character is evil and has mystery to their character.

 

Black boots

 

The antagonist will also wear very bulky black boots. These will also blend in perfectly with the rest of the outfit, yet again making the antagonist's identity hidden. These boots will be very beneficial for the scene where the antagonist is walking across the leaves, this will create a diegetic sound of the crunching leaves as they are being walked on which will add a mysterious feel to the scene. The boots will also be essential when the antagonist walks up from behind the victim, as the boots are heavy, therefore they will make a rather loud sound when approaching the victim.

 

Leather gloves

 

 

The antagonist will also wear black leather gloves. These are typically worn in psychological films by the killer/psychopath and since my film genre is psychological, using leather gloves will be highly beneficial. Seeing the killer wearing leather gloves, will create a sense of mystery, as typically they are worn so fingerprints of the killer are to be traced. This also shows that the killer is rather clever and chooses wisely what he does with the victim and how he kidnaps the victim in the first place. It also makes it seem like this is not his first kill as he is very prepared and organised with the clothing he wears, but also his choice of location and where he takes the victim.

 

Victim

 

Blouse

 

 

The blouse will be worn by the female victim. The blouse is very floaty and flattering which compliments the innocence of the victim. The use of light colours contrasts with the dark colours that the antagonist wears, therefore this displays their differences in character. Light colours are often associated with purity and all things good, so this instantly enables the audience to tell apart the victim from the antagonist. A blouse is also often worn as part of formalwear, therefore we can immediately guess that the victim is a student which links to the scene where the victim is walking home from school.

 

Jeans

 

 

The victim will wear blue jeans in order to make the outfit seem much more casual, after all, the victim is not expecting anything to happen so it is important that the victim wears what she usually would on an every day basis. The casual look of the victim yet again implies her innocence and perhaps her vulnerability. For the victim to have these qualities is essential in a horror film, as the victim must remain as innocent looking as possible.

 

Flat shoes

 

 

The victim will also wear flat shoes. Flat shoes yet again add to create a very simplistic and casual look for the female victim. They also adds to the innocence of the character. Additionally, I have purposely chosen the victim to wear flat shoes, because during the scene of her trying to escaping, it will be difficult for her to run in them, unlike if she wore for example, trainers.

 

School bag

 

 

The victim will wear a school bag which will be rucksack, this will further emphasise the victim as being a student. Portraying the victim as a student immediately conveys the victim as naïve and vulnerable. The bag with also feature light colours in order to blend in with the rest of the outfit, so the character is easily identified as being the victim.

 

 

 

 

17. Locations

TASK: List the locations you are going to shoot your film opening with an image and explanation.

Woodlands, Clapham

The first scene of my film opening will be located in the woodlands which is a conventional setting in a horror film. The victim will be taking a shortcut home by going through the woodlands, however it will start getting late and dark and darkness is key to creating an eerie atmosphere. The victim will be using their phone to have a conversation with their friend, however as she enters deeper into the woods, she finds that she has lost service, this creates a sense of mystery, because if anything was to happen there is little possibility of getting help. Due to there being a lot of trees, I will be including diegetic sound of wind in the background and also the sound of ruffling leaves as the protagonist will be walking over a ground of scattered leaves. Adding diegetic sounds will make the scene seem much more realistic and we will also be able to hear when the protagonist approaches from behind due to the sound of leaves crunching when the protagonist walks over them.
 

Displayed above is the exact same location, however this is presented in a map form through Google Maps. The location is marked with a red place marker so it is easier to identify exactly where the location is. The location is also clearly labelled, so the name and address of the place is easily identified.

Houghton House, Ampthill

The second scene of my film opening will be located in a ruined house which is yet another conventional location in a horror film. The building's interior and exterior both look visually unpleasant which instantly creates an eerie atmosphere within the second scene. There are areas of the building that have collapsed, the doors are missing, as well as the windows and the building itself is very empty, this is beneficial as it will enable me to create a more realistic horror effect. The antagonist is most likely to take their victim to an abandoned building, being in the middle of nowhere as there is little possibility of the antagonist being found, but also little chance of the victim running away as they are most likely to be unaware of the location. Moreover, this location will be used as the place where the victim is kept captive and tormented. At night, when the antagonist leaves, the victim will try to escape, however the antagonist will come back unexpected and will find the victim trying to escape, he then stabs her to death.
 

Displayed above is another example of my second location that I will be using, however this is in a map form displayed through Google Maps. The location is clearly labelled with a red place marker, this makes it much easier to identify exactly where the location is. The location is also clearly labelled with the name and address of the place so it is easily identified.

16. Prop list

TASK: List the props you are going to use in your film opening with an image and explanation.


Duct tape

The duct tape will be used to tie the victim's wrists and ankles to prevent them from escaping. Additionally, the duct tape will be used over the victim's mouth to prevent them from making any sounds, such as, screaming. Tying the victim with duct tape will preclude them from getting away, but will also enable the antagonist to gain full power over the victim by doing anything to them. This is also a very ordinary product that is easily accessible and not at all expensive, therefore this could suggest that this is the antagonist's first kill so they have opted for something that they can acquire last minute if needed. The duct tape will be used at the very beginning of the film opening when the victim is abducted and thrown into a van, all the way throughout to the end of the film opening when they are taken to an abandoned building where they will be held captive.

Rope


The rope will be used to tie the victim to the chair. Although they will be already tied up in duct tape, using rope to tie the victim to the chair will be much more efficient and an advantageous way to secure the victim into place, therefore there is little chance of the victim escaping. The rope acts as double security, so if the duct tape tears then the rope will be used as an alternative. Like the duct tape, this prop is easily accesible and is priced at an affordable price, yet again it suggests that this is the antagonist's first kill so they can obtain the prop last minute. The rope will be used towards the end of the film opening when the victim is already abducted and placed in an adandoned building.

Chair

















The chair will be used to tie the victim down using the rope. I will be using a very old looking chair, preferably a wooden chair in order to link in with the abadoned building so everything blends in and coordinates with one another. Using this type of chair will make it seem like the chair was already there, therefore the killer hasn't gone through the effort of buying and bringing their own chair, they have infact conveniently came across it. Aditionally, placing a modern looking chair may not work as well, and it may be too eye catching, therefore this will not fit the scenerio.

Mobile phone



The mobile phone will be used by the protagonist at the very beginning of the film opening. The protagonist will exchange a conversation with her friend whilst walking home from school. Moreover, including this conversation at the very beginning of the film opening will allow the audience to understand where the victim is and what they are doing. The mobile phone will be an essential part of the film opening as it will have a significant purpose at the end of the film opening also. The victim will place the mobile phone in their pocket, therefore the antagonist will not know that the victim has a cell phone, the cell phone will then be used as a source for help.



 

15. Mood board

Create a mood board for the sub genre of film you are going to create.

Displayed above is my mood board of images and words that associate with a psychological horror film. I have used different images and words to convery the specific genre, and i have used both black and white photos and coloured ones. I have specifically used black and white images as this portrays the paranormal sice of the psychological sub genre and i have used coloured photographs to show some of the modern aspects of psychological movies. Creating this moodboard has given me insparation on things, such as, locations and characters that i could possibly include in my own film opening. Creating a moodboard has been very beneficial to me, as i can look back at it and expand my ideas further when creating my film opening.

14. Brainstorming synopsis

TASK: Start thinking of ideas for your film opening. This can be done in the form of a mind map. 

Discuss:

• Plot
• Characters
• Setting
• Conventions
• Diegesis
• Editing
• Mise en scene
• Cinematography 

Displayed above is a mind map that I created using http://www.mindmeister.com/. I have used a mind map in order to display all my ideas for my film opening. I have tried to go in as much detail as possible about each of the items as this will be much more beneficial to me when I come to producing the different stages of my film opening. My wide range of ideas enables me to have a clearer picture of how my film opening will be set out. When filming, I can also look back at this as a reminder of the cinematography that I need to include, as well as a reminder to follow the plot exactly as planned. When I come to editing, this plan will also be beneficial as I will know exactly what editing to use, but also to include certain diegesis at specific scenes.

13. Production company logo

TASK:

1. Create a production company logo using Photoshop. It should link with the genre of the film you are creating.

Below is my production company logo which I created using Photoshop.

2. Post the logo with an explanation of how the logo represents your company, explaining your choices linking it to the genre.

For my production company logo, I chose the name 'Corrupt Productions' this is because I felt the name sounded right, but also I chose the word 'Corrupt' as it associated with immorality and dishonesty which are traits we often see throughout any sub genre of horror. I also did not want to overcomplicate things by picking a long name, so I opted for an interesting short one, yet one that is memorable. My production company logo features a misty background which I thought linked very well to the horror genre. The mist makes it look like it is night time which is  a popular convention used throughout many horror movies and the full moon which is hiding behind the mist supports this. My film opening will mainly be set in the dark which further supports the idea for my production company logo. To find the ideal font for my production company logo, I used www.dafont.com and used the font called 'Ringbearer'. I thought that this font was very simplistic and easy to read, which was what I was after as I did not want to overcomplicate things. Films that are in the psychological sub genre usually tend to use very classic fonts, as it gives it more of a professional approach and the audience can easily read the writing.

3. Explain what the job of the production company is, what the difference is between a major and independent production companies.

 

A production company is used to create the film, by helping with such aspects as casting, scripting, budgeting etc. However, they also have other important responsibilities, such as, finding cast to star in the film and most importantly, a director. They must also take responsibility if anything goes wrong, such as, injuries.

A major production company is a company that releases a substantial amount of films frequently and commands a share of box office revenue in a given market. Some examples of major production companies include: Universal Pictures and 20th Century Fox. On the other hand, an independent production company feature films that are produced mainly outside the major film studio system. Independent films can also be distinguishable by their content and style and the way in which the filmmakers' artistic vision is noticed. In major production companies, it is usually the employees that decide the content and style of the film, therefore this makes it much harder to come up with an idea due to different opinions. This also means that independent production companies tend to do much better than a major production company due to their concise focus on the message that the film is attempting to communicate. The reason for this, is because major production companies tend to care more about how much money they are going to make instead about the content of the film.

4. Give examples of production companies that create films in your genre.

Blumhouse Productions - Multi-media production company that has pioneered a new model of studio filmmaking - producing high-quality micro-budget films. Blumhouse has a first-look deal with Universal Pictures and has produced the highly-profitable Paranormal Activity, making it the most profitable film in Hollywood history. Other successful films by the company include: The Purge, Sinister, and Insidious.



Hammer Films - One of the oldest film companies in the world. Synonymous with horror, after defining the genre in Britain with classics such as Dracula, The Curse of Frankenstein and The Mummy. Recent output includes the worldwide box office smash The Woman in Black, Let Me In and The Quiet Ones.



Twisted Pictures - Mainly create films of the horror genre. They received great box office success of Saw in 2004, which lead to a nine-picture distribution deal with Lionsgate. The company went on to produce six sequels in the Saw film series. Other filmography include: Dead Silence, The Tortured and Texas Chainsaw 3D.



New Line Cinema - Is one of the few film companies that still works in the horror genre, being widely known for the iconic, A Nightmare on Elm Street and Final Destination franchises.




Looking at every individual production company logo, we can see that they are very diverse. I can see aspects of my own production company logo having similar features to the production company logos presented above. For example, the font I have used is very simplistic, making the logo easy to read and conveying a professional image, this is very similar to both Blumhouse productions and New Line Cinema as they both use very classic and minimalistic fonts. In my production company logo, I have used a misty background, which is similarly featured on the walls of the Blumhouse production company logo and the writing is also very similar to the colour of the wall, only slightly brighter in order to make the writing stand out so it is readable. Similarly, I have created the writing so it is of the same colour as the mist, only slightly darker so it is legible.

12. Blood Experimenting

 

TASK: Discover the best method for creating realistic looking blood for filming.

 

Below is a video showing the different types of blood which were used for blood experimenting.

 

I experimented with two types of blood as part of the blood experimenting task. The two types of blood were: Thick and realistic looking blood and dripping blood.

Thick, realistic blood:

•  2 tablespoons of honey
• 4 drops of red food colouring
• 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder

This specific blood proved to be the most realistic, as it was very dark in colour, but not too dark and it had the right amount of thickness. This type of blood would work very well to create wounds and cuts and it is not all runny, so would drip down realistically from the wound or cut. As this proved to be the most successful, I have considered to use it in my film opening. However, I must ensure to use the right amount of each ingredient, otherwise if I use to much of something it may result in being darker or lighter, therefore ensuring I use the right amount of each is important in order to achieve perfect realistic looking blood.

 

Dripping blood:

• 4 drops of red food colouring
• Washing-up liquid

This type of blood proved to be extremely runny and the colour projected a bright red. This blood could perhaps work when someone is laying down and the blood is dripping, however if a person is standing, the blood would drip off too quickly which would make it look unrealistic. I wouldn't personally use this in my film opening, as I would much rather use a thicker and more realistic looking blood. On the other hand, I think I could have added cocoa powder, as this would of perhaps made it slightly thicker and much darker. If this would have worked with cocoa powder, then I believe it would have the right consistency for dripping down walls or even down someone's face. This also would have worked to create a slow-flow of gore.

 

Overall, i found that the 'thick, realistic blood' proved to be the most effective as it was thick and dark, yet still remained looking realistic. However, due to my sub-genre of horror being phychological, i will not be using much blood as psychological horrors are mainly associated with the mind, therefore the mind is perceived to be the only weapon for creating fear and emotional instability. On the other hand, some psychological horrors do incorporate a weapon and some do show blood, however some only show the action of the killing. Similarly, my final scene will show the victim being killed with a knife, however due to filming the back of the killer, there will be no gore on display and the killing still adds to the psychological element of my film opening.

11. Preliminary Task Video

TASK 1: Shoot and edit your preliminary task video.

Displayed above is my preliminary task video. In the 45 second video I have presented match on action, shot-reverse shot and the 180 degree rule. This task is very beneficial, as it enables me to practice the different techniques and improve on areas that need improving. I can then apply my improvements and the different techniques to my film opening.

TASK 2: Explain what each of the continuity editing features you have been asked to demonstrate are.

1. Shot-reverse shot

Shot-reverse shot is a film technique that is used to show one character looking at the other character, and then this is reversed to the other character looking back at the first character. This type of shot is mainly used when two characters are having a conversation. Usually if one of the characters is speaking, the camera will face them and if the other character exchanges dialogue then the camera will immediately switch to them. However, if the character exchanges very short dialogue, the camera may not necessarily switch to them. The characters are typically placed so they are facing each other in opposite directions, therefore the viewer initially assumes that they are looking at each other. Below is a diagram displayed on how the cameras must be set up in order to achieve the perfect angle for a shot-reverse shot.

2. 180 degree rule

The 180 degree rule is a basic guideline concerning the on-screen relationship between two characters within a scene. There is usually an imaginary line called the axis, and this connects the two characters. This means that the camera must always be on one side of the axis for every shot in the scene, whilst the characters both remain in the centre and the camera faces towards the characters. The first character is always right of the second character, who is then always left of the first. Below is a diagram displaced demonstrating the 180 degree rule.

 





 3. Match on action

Match on action is an editing technique which is used for continuing editing in which one shot is carried on to another shot portraying the action of the subject in the first shot. This technique gives the video a sense of continuity, therefore it draws the viewers attention and the audience know exactly what is going on, rather than switching the shot to a different scene every second which may cause confusion for the audience. Below I have displayed how I have used the match on action in my preliminary task video.

10. Preliminary Task Storyboard

TASK: Complete a storyboard to plan your preliminary task.

Above I have displayed my digital storyboard that I have used for my preliminary task video. Firstly I planned my dialogue and the type of shots I was going to use in my preliminary task video and I have displayed this throughout my storyboard. I have included 6 shots for my storyboard and each one states the type of shot in the video, the camera movement and the dialogue or sound that has been used. When I finished filming and editing my video, I then used images from the video to incorporate into my storyboard in order to make the storyboard look more visually appealing. The storyboard that I have created will be very beneficial to me when it comes to the production and post-production stage as it is a good form of planning and is good for me to look at when I film and edit my video.

9. Preliminary Task Script

TASK: To practice writing a script for your film opening you are going to write a short script for your preliminary task.

Aida walks towards the library and enters. She sees Rosie and approaches to find a seat.

AIDA: Hey!

ROSIE: Hi!

AIDA: Have you done your Sociology essay?

ROSIE: I'm doing it now actually

AIDA: I finished it last lesson

ROSIE: I find it quite difficult, could I use your sheet?

AIDA: Yeah, sure! (hands over sheet) I have a lesson now so I'll collect it later

ROSIE: Thanks! I'll catch you later!

AIDA: Bye!

Aida gets out of her seat and exits the library.

8. Audience Expectations

TASK: Answer the following questions:

1. What is the sub genre of horror you are creating? 

The sub genre of horror I am creating is Psychological.

2. Who do you think the target audience for this sub genre is and why? Back up your points with specific examples and conventions from the genre. Why do you think these people will enjoy your sub genre?

The target audience for this sub genre would most likely be anyone from the age of 15 to 30. Films that are a 15 usually include strong threat and horror, therefore this is the lowest age of audience that i can target this particular sub genre at. However, some 12A and 12 films include moderate physical and psychological threat, but these must not be too frequent or sustained, therefore having a 12A and 12 audience may be considered to be inconvenient for me as I will want to include strong threat and horror which i can only do so if my audience is from the age of 15. In addition, I have stated that the sub genre is aimed towards adults up to 30 as psychological horror movies can appeal to any age as it would depend on the person, however adults up to 30 tend to be much more interested in this particular sub genre than for example a 50 year old. I believe that both men and women would enjoy psychological horror movies due to both having an interest in the different elements that a psychological horror movie has to offer. For example, men would typically enjoy scenes with gore and violence, however women find more interest in scenes which create suspense and entertainment.

3. What demographic do you feel would watch your film?

The Jicnar scale puts people into categories A, B, C1, C2, D and E based on their job. Their job will usually determine their education level and income so is useful in considering the type of lifestyle that your audience may lead.

I believe the demographic that would watch my film would be social E. Although this category only has a percentage of 8 in total, I have come to the conclusion that this will be my demographic due to teenagers and students falling under this classification. In addition, my film will be aimed towards those whom are 15 years old or older, therefore teenagers or students whom are 15 are most likely to be unemployed, which only means that they will have much more time to go to the cinema and watch movies. Moreover, someone who is from the B demographic group will have a professional career and a busy schedule, therefore they will be less likely to attend the cinema and watch movies.

4. What BBFC classification will your film fit into? Use the BBFC website to decide this. The sub-genre that you choose to create will determine whether your film will be a 15 or 18. What effect will this have on your target audience?

The BBFC classification that my film would fit into would have to be a 15. Due to psychological horror movies not displaying very strong violence or strong horror, it would be unsuitable to display my film as an 18. Psychological horror movies are mainly associated with the fears and emotional instability of a character, therefore it is unlikely for a psychological horror movie to include very gory scenes, strong detailed sex or sadistic or sexualised threat. Many horror movies are classified as a 15, therefore I don't think this will have any particular effect on my target audience. In addition, anyone whom is younger than 15 may feel that it is too scary, therefore they may be unable to handle some of the scenes that are displayed in a 15 classified movie. It is crucial that I do not exceed the guidelines of a 15 by including strong detailed sex or very gory scenes. On the other hand, due to my film being a psychological one, I don't think this will be a problem.

In order to know exactly what my target audience expect to see in a psychological horror movie, below I have created a short video asking several people who I believe to be my target audience, the question "What do you expect to see in a psychological horror movie?".

7. Nine frame analysis

TASK: Analyse nine frames of an opening sequence in detail. To do this again use the art of the titles website or take your own screenshots from an opening sequence.

The film that I have chosen to analyse the following nine frames is 'The Conjuring'. I have used http://www.artofthetitle.com/ to get the nine frames of the film. The opening sequence of a film enables the audience to gain ideas about what the film is going to be about and perhaps capture interest which makes the audience feel intrigued with what is to happen next.

 

 

1. The first shot shows who the film was written by, these two people are at the very beginning of the opening sequence as this displays their importance. The background is black and white, mainly black which informs us that this is a horror movie, perhaps a supernatural one due to the black and white colouring which is often featured in paranormal films that present real life stories. The background is also of a newspaper and the font too suggests that this film is perhaps of a real life story which happened several decades ago. It could be said that this is a period inspired film. We can identify this by simply looking at the typography and colours which often would appear in older films. We can also see the words 'ghost-hunter' in the background, yet again illustrating that this film could be somewhat related to the paranormal. Additionally, it seems that the newspaper is projected onto a translucent screen and is zoomed in, this is purposely done so the audience are able to see the significant words in order to identify the genre of the film. The non-diegetic soundtrack that is being played is very much haunting, which may give the audience a rather disturbed and uneasy feeling.

 

2. The second shot shows who the film was produced by. The background is also black and white.This image also looks like it has been projected onto a translucent screen. The image shows a male and a female sitting down in front of a big crowd. It looks like they are sat in a lecture, which links back to the first shot as it says " ghost-hunter gives second lecture here" so we can only assume that either the male or the female presented in shot 2 is the ghost-hunter. The clothing that the male and female are wearing look rather old-fashioned, which suggests that the film is based on the past and they are lecturing about one of their cases. We know that they are ghost-hunters, so this further supports my point about the movie having a paranormal theme. The use of the overhead projector which is used for teaching yet again suggests that film is based in the 70s. The typography of the title sequence continues to be the same, which is still kept very simplistic which conveys a professional image. This image is also a long shot which is used in order to show the audience that this really is a lecture by showing the back of the heads of the other people and their surroundings. The non-diegetic music continues, which increases the uneasy feeling.

3. The third shot shows what looks like an article from a newspaper with the heading "Haunted Artifacts Museum" the word 'Haunted' suggests that this is a film related with the paranormal and the non-diegetic music supports this. However, the non-diegetic music becomes much lower and the volume decreases. The use of the colour black supports the dark matter and dark energy of the film. Considering the article mentions a museum, it could be implied that the image in this shot is of the museum, however due to it looking slightly out of place, it could be abandoned hence why it is described as 'haunted'. This image also looks like it has been projected onto a translucent screen, and we get the idea that all of these images and newspapers have been gathered from true past events that perhaps the ghost-hunter is making them as part of his paranormal case. The newspaper article is yet again black and white which suggests that this film is based on the 70s as they did not produce newspapers with colour during that time.

4. The fourth shot shows yet again a background of a newspaper, however this one has an image of a women dressed in what can be said 70s clothing. This yet again implies that the film may have historical aspects linking to the paranormal theme. Looking closely, we can see words in the newspaper article, such as, spirit, dead boy, demon hunters and witches coven all words associating with the paranormal theme. The article mentions a dead boy, therefore the film could be based around a true story about the dead boy and the ghost hunters are called in to investigate the matter of this paranormal force. We can only assume that the woman photographed in the newspaper article is the dead mother's boy, however we question why she has a smile on her face. Through this shot, we also discover the names of the ghost-hunters which are Ed and Lorraine Warren and we can assume that they will be significant characters throughout the film due to their name being mentioned several times. The lighting that is projected onto the image suddenly darkens just seconds before it is changed to a different image, this creates a very mysterious and eerie atmosphere, but also links to the death of the young boy. The non-diegetic music progresses and continues to produce an eerie feeling which connects with the story of the dead boy and the demons. Reading the article and listening to the non-diegetic sound in the background instantly brings a feeling of uneasiness.

5. The fifth shot shows a sheet of acetate which is lifted so its perpendicular to the camera. When the photograph is flipped, it reveals an entirely new image, creating a transitional moment. The use of real life photographs yet again indicate that this film is going to be based around a true story, due to real life photographs of the two families that have been shown. The photographs that have been shown must indicate their importance to the story, meaning that they have relation to the story or are victims of the paranormal events.  The non-diegetic music continues, however we also can hear the diegetic sound of the person flipping the photograph. The typography still remains very classic and minimal so it doesn't overcomplicate the professional image of each shot.

6. The sixth shot shows a woman standing next to a house with five other girls whom vary in age. Their faces, besides the woman's is covered with the names of the characters in the film, perhaps this shows their insignificance and that the only significant person is the woman. Children are also a key symbol used in horror films, especially in psychological horror movies, therefore the fact that children are included instantly implies that this is a horror movie. Looking at their style of clothing, we can see that it is not modern, therefore we can guess that this photograph was taken several decades ago, again linking to the idea of a historical matter. The non-diegetic music continues, however the voices of what sounds like demons clashes with the sound, adding to a much more sinister feel. The image is a medium shot which is used to show the audience their choice of clothing in order for identify which period this photograph was taken and what period this film will be based on. In this shot we can also see the incorporation of macro shots of hands shuffling sheets of acetate as well as the archival imagery. This is used to show the before and after shot, the after shot including the titles of significant actors.

7. The seventh shot shows what looks like a black figure with a sun reflection. The black figure of the person could suggest evil due to the hidden identity. The reflection of the sun brings light to the scenery, which doesn't make it completely sinister. The location in the photograph looks like the woods, which is a very popular location to use in horror movies due to it being isolated which brings a feeling of suspense and mystery. The same non-diegetic music continues and we can hear the diegetic sound of the pages flipping. The photographs, newspapers and sheets of acetate that are shown are continually flipped at a rather slow tempo, which makes the film seem much older. The slow pace is used purposely so the audience are able to absorb the simplicity of the compositions and the content, but also the eeriness of it all is to scare the audience as with the slow pace of it all, we never know if or when something is going to jump out. The shots are not designed to impress the viewer, nor does it have to. The impression that anything can happen at any moment is what creates the paranormal and eerie atmosphere. However, if looked at closely, in some of the shots some things actually do happen.  

8. The eighth shot shows a number of people around a table, however their faces are blurred which makes them non-identifiable. This also adds to the idea of the film being a paranormal one, as typically when a place is haunted and a photograph is taken, the paranormal force takes dominance which blurs the identities of the alive ones. The significant of the people who are around the table with their hands on it, all in the same position further supports this idea, as it appears that they are trying to dismiss the paranormal forces. The director has yet again used black and white cinematography in order to convey this is a period inspired film. The use of photographic compositions and an archival approach adds to the eerie, yet genuine quality of the opening sequence, creating a 70's period piece. The ominous and off beat pace continues and this is further supported by the use of non-diegetic eerie music which at times sound like the voices of ghost that impede throughout.

9. Lastly, the final shot displays a long shot which shows a house and a large tree nearby, however the tree has rope attached to it which is tied into a circle which indicates that someone has used this to hang themselves. Most likely a member which lives in the house presented. The use of the big house which looks like it is in the middle of nowhere is a convention location that is used in horror films. The use of such a location creates mystery and suspense, but towards the end of the opening sequence, we can already gather that this is going to  be a horror film, especially one that is associated with the living dead. The cinematography used is yet again black and white which is very old-fashioned and is used to portray the period that the film is based on. The typography even for the title still remains very simplistic which keeps with the professional image. On the other hand, this particular shot differs to the rest, due tot the fact that this does not look like a photographic image, instead it looks more like a sketch drawing and it makes it look like something that would've been designed in the 70's as sketch drawings were very popular during that time as not everyone had access to technological resources such as cameras. 

What has this analysis taught you and what can you take forward for your own film opening?

This analysis of the opening sequence of 'The Conjuring' has taught me a diverse range of skills which will be very beneficial when it comes to planning, filming and editing my own title sequence. Analysing each shot has made me much more aware of why specific images are used and what they convey. I have learnt that every image links to the next in some kind of way and this enables the audience to guess what the film may be about. The entire title sequence of The Conjuring was in black and white, and I learnt that the use of such cinematography is used purposely to convey the period of time. For example, if this was a modern 21st century film, the use of black and white for a title sequence or even the film is very unlikely. The use of diegesis is also key for a title sequence, and throughout the whole of the title sequence for The Conjuring there was non-diegetic eerie music which created tension from the very beginning and mystery as it was hard to predict whether something or someone will appear to scare the audience.  The use of the non-diegetic eerie music also made it predictable from the very beginning that this was going to be a film within the horror genre. The whole idea of a film opening is to get an insight into what the film will be about, but also to present significant people who made the film possible in the first place. The titles of the names are displayed at the very beginning after the production company logos  and can usually last from two minutes up to five. The names of the people involved in the film are presented from most important to least important. Most important being at the very beginning. The typography that is used to present all of the titles is also significant as this helps to create meaning at the very beginning and through typography we can usually assume what kind of film it will be. Learning about each of the different elements which are used to create a title sequence has proved to be highly beneficial, as I can now incorporate these techniques into my own title sequence.