Evaluation: How did you attract/adress your target market?

My media product attracts a female audience because of the subject of love. Generally, women are more in touch with their feelings and most girls like a good love story; so instantly with the genre of my media product I have attracted one gender.

The plot is another way of addressing my target audience. If my target audience can not relate to the plot, then they will think it is not worth watching, they will want to watch something that they are interested in. Therefore I have created a plot which I know women will be able to relate to (especially younger women).

I have also made the other main character ( Rocco, male character) attractive and when the target audience see a picture of the film, they will want to see it because they want a glimpse of an attractive actor.

Evaluation: How does your media piece represent particular social groups?

My media product represents women rather than men more in the film; I think it because the main character is a women. I have represented women positively which is important as the target audience is women. I have represented women to be strong, independent and confident. I have done this because women that would watch my media product want to feel good after viewing it. Also romantic films are not supposed to make women feel like the weaker gender.  I have at times represented the main character as weak and fragile. For example, when she has just been left and there is a zoom up on her face, crying. Although she is vulnerable, some women may still feel that she is strong, which is still representing women positively.

In the opening the female main character is wearing a 

black, satin night dress. This could be interpreted that women are sexual objects but then again the character is portrayed as a young adult so it is not frowned upon.

My media piece represents the younger age group (18 -25) to be quite promiscuous as later in the film I would have shown her on nights out, trying to find new potential boyfriends. This could be seen badly but as the target audience is younger, they will accept it and relate to it.

I have not really represented any race or cultures in my media piece as it’s not what the focus was about. I have not included this because I think it would take away the theme of romance if there was too much concentration on different races and cultures.

Evaluation: What media institution would distribute your media product and why?

I think my media product is definitely an independent film and therefore would be distributed by an independent film institution.  I do not think my film has the characteristics of a major blockbuster hit to be distributed by a major media institution.

My media product can be deemed as an independent film by looking at the titles. I have not put any of the actors names in the opening sequence of my media product; I have not put any other information such as the production group or the director. My media product simply introduces the title of the film (The One) over the opening clip; the font is nothing special, just a plain, white font. I have done this because it shows that my media project is a low budget product and I can not afford to spend a lot on titles. I would have a list of credits at the end, establishing who did what in the film but that is it.

Independent films are normally on a much lower budget and the film is normally the vision of the director rather than what the audience want to see as well as the director. Independent films are not usually advertised very well and hardly ever make much money. In independent films, the effects and editing is very simple; there is not enough money being invested to be able to add eye pleasing special effect. This is what I wanted my media product to be, simple. Titles can really help emphasise whether a film is independent or not because a big Hollywood block buster would spend loads of making sure the opening titles were long and lavish.

Major media institutions distribute well known, high profile films which are going to make huge amounts of money in the box office. The films have been well advertised and there are well known actors that have been casted; a lot of hype is built up. The titles for a major hit are long, they include nearly everyone that worked on and off set. They include the production company and director, several times.

My media product is the total opposite, therefore it would be distributed by an independent film distributor.

Evaluation: Who would be the audience for your media product?

As my media product is based around the theme and genre of romance, it is more likely to have a target of a female audience. It is a fact that real romantic films attract women rather than men. Although the target audience is for women, it is not saying that men will not view my media product; it’s just the chances are lower. The target audience is women because there is a strong, main female character in my media product and some of the issues she goes through are relatable to almost every single women. For example, an unwanted break up, making an effort for the one you love and girls nights out (would have been shown later in the film). Women can emphasise with the main character and they can generalise the plot to fit their own experiences which is why a women audience is more likely because they imagine they are the main character too.

I would say that the age of my media piece would appeal to 14-25 year olds. I think this because at 14 you are ready to see chick flicks with your friends and you want to relate to the main character. There are some mild sexual scenes which is why I would not expect a younger audience because they may not understand. There are no references to violence, drugs, blood or gore or I would expect the age range to be much higher. I think that people who are 18 – 25 are very suitable as they are the age range that can emphasise the most with the plot, therefore I think they would enjoy my media project the most.

My media piece would appeal to any race; there are no references to certain races and it is not an issue. 

Evaluation: In what ways does your media piece use, develop narrative forms and conventions of real media products?

My media piece is based on the idea of romantic films and therefore my piece has a romantic genre. My media

product uses the same narrative structures as a real, professional romantic film. It has the two main characters who

are in love, there is a problem posed which will determine how they’re relationship goes and there is a strong

female character in my product. Personally I think those three are the main conventions of a romantic film. The normal narrative structures for  romantic films are two people meet each other

but there are problems,(disequilibrium) stopping them from having a relationship; or there are two people who fall out of love and

face  consequences when they are without each other. In Almost every romantic there is a happy ending which is an iconic ending for a romantic film.  I have used this knowledge to help develop my media product so that my media product is more realistic. If I were to have produced the whole film I would have made an ending in which the two characters meet again and fall back in love and eventually get married - this is the happy ending and it would have made the audience happy too. This is an example of how I am using the conventions of real media products and then using them to strengthen my media piece.

In the opening of real media products, action and enigma codes are used to release sufficient information but keep the audience hooked and wanting to know more. I have posed questions to keep the audience hooked. For example, the audience want to know whether he is going to propose to her and then why he breaks up with her. This is an enigma code and it keeps the audience hooked.

In the opening, most films pose a problem which will determine how the rest of the film goes. I have used this to create the same effect, I have introduced the disequilibrium. At the end of the of the opening I pose the problem that the  boyfriend is splitting up from his long term girlfriend. Not only does this use the idea of posing a  problem in the opening; it also

follows the narrative structure of a romantic film. The audience are left a bit confused becausee they had just heard Scarlett talking about how much she adored him in her voice over and now Scarlett has just been dumped but this is good because it means that they will watch on to find out what happens to Scarlett next.

                 

The characters in my media product are also typical of a  romantic film; as I have a strong, main female character. Also the male, is supposed to be attractive to the audience which is also key because in romantic films you always see a 'hunk' who the audience fancy temporarily whilst they are watching the film. Lauren who plays Scarlett is also typical of a female character in a romantic comedy - she is pretty, stylish and has alot going for her. This makes the audience warm to her because she appears nice and normal.

My film opening...

Who would distribute my film?...

As I mentioned before, my media project is supposed to be an independent film so obviously a massive distribution company such as Sony or Columbian Pictures would not be interested or appropriate for my film. 


For my film production, I need a small independent British distributor like Dogwoof or Guerilla Films. I would say that probably Guerilla Films because they have a history of distributing romantic comedies such as 'Understanding Jane'. As my film is a romantic one, it would probably be suitable to go with Guerilla Films. 

Titles on my film opening...

My Media project - 'The One' is not going to have a long, expensive titles sequence as it supposed to be an independent film with a very low budget. I am simply going to introduce the films title over the first shot; no actors will be introduced until the end of the film where they will be listed in order of appearance. I would do this because the actors would not be famous and unknown so it would not be appropriate to advertise their names - also there would be no reason for the actors to argue whose name appears first in the titles (this is what happens when a film has a lot of A-list stars)

The directors name and all of the crew would also be listed at the end. The only thing to be displayed at the beginning is the film title. 

Day of filming...

Today I filmed my film opening, I think that it went pretty well - I got all the shots and scenes I needed to and my actors were very good which made the day easier! Now all I have to do is edit it using imovie :-)

Target Audience...

As my media piece is a romantic; I would assume that generally my audience would be made up of female. However, I would expect some males to view it and not all just women. I think that mainly my audience is women because women tend to like romantic films rather than men due to the theme of love and normally there is a female character that the female audience can relate to. 


I would say that the age range of my audience would be around 14 -25. I think this because the characters are young and adults and young couples can relate to the feelings and situations of the plot. Also younger people (14 year olds) may like the idea of love and my storyline may appeal to them. Also younger people like to aspire that one day they will have a life like what they see in films and my story line can be interpreted as realistic so it would attract a younger audience. 

Certificate 

I would put a 12 certificate on the film. There is no strong language, or any references to violence, drugs, blood or gore. However, there are some scenes where there are lots of references to alcohol consumption and there are some sexual scenes which may concern parents or viewers. Overall, my media piece does not include any horrific scenes that would harm viewers. By putting a 12 certificate on my film, it also means that my 14- 25 target market will be able to watch the film. 

How I intend to introduce the characters

Both characters are lying in bed. Scarlet is the main character; we follow her in the opening which would imply this. It is also her voice we hear in the voice over which narates her feelings, this could also represent that she is the main character. As she is in bed with Marco it would suggest that he is also a main character when in fact he is only in the opening and ending of the film.

Script...

In the opening sequence, the main dialogue comes in the form of a voice over from the main character Scarlet.


Scarlet:(voice over)
        Today's the day...I know he's going to ask me. it's our
        four year anniversary, I've seen the box and I'm proud to
        say I am completely and utterly in love with him. I know I
        haven't always had the best relationships but this is  
        perfect.

        I know strawberries are his favourite; I just want every-
        thing to be right. I never thought this would happen to me.
 
        Just look at him. Am I just the luckiest girl in the world?
        No wait, I am the luckiest. 

Costume, Hair & make-up...

The costume, hair and make-up is really quite simple for my film opening. As my opening is based on the fact that it is the morning of their anniversary, I need it to look as though Scarlett (main female character) has just woken up. 


As she has just got out of bed, she will be wearing a black silk nightdress. I chose the silk nightdress as opposed to some cotton pajamas because a silk nightdress is more sexier and youthful. Also in most romantic films, the females always have nice lingerie. 


For her hair, I am going to leave it long and wavy. I'm not going to put it up or make her hair look too dressed up because I am supposed to be portraying the fact that she has just got up and it's morning. Also I think the long, blonde, wavy hair looks good with the black silk nightdress because it makes her look pretty and the audience like to look at pretty things. 


Her makeup is also going to be subtle, I'm trying to create a natural beauty look which is effortless. Scarlett will only be wearing some foundation and lip gloss. 
  

Props list...

In order to film my opening scene correctly according to my plan, I will need the following items:

• mobile phone/alarm
• Heart shaped lights over the head board
• Strawberries and pancakes
• Roses on the table
• Tripod
• Camera
• MAC - imovie 

My characters...

For my opening scene, we are only introduced to two characters; Scarlet and Marco. To play the on screen couple, I have asked two friends who have kindly said they would play the parts. So... Lauren is going to play Scarlet and Jeff is going to play Marco. 

                                                                                    

Storyboard...

Final idea...

So for my final idea, I have chosen to produce my first idea 'The One'. I have chosen to create this idea because I personally like it the best and I think that it will be fun to produce. 

Synopsis of the opening

It is the morning of Scarlett and Marcos four year anniversary. Scarlett wakes up early to prepare a nice, special breakfast and clean up. She wants the day to be perfect as she has a hunch Marco is going to propose to her. When he finally wakes up and sits at the table, he starts general conversation but Scarlett is too busy daydreaming and starring into his eyes to notice any conversation. Out of nowhere, Marco ends the relationship and it takes a while for Scarlett to process that thought, she sits at the table stunned and lost for words. Marco apologizes and leaves immediately.

What am I going to reveal in the opening?

• What their names are
• They have been in a long term relationship
• She is expecting him to propose to her
• She is completely in love with him
• It is their four year anniversary
• He is ending the relationship

I am going to reveal those things because the audience need to understand how Strong Scarlett thinks their relationship is so when Marco ends the relationship, the audience emphasise with her and warm to her character. the fact Scarlett is so in love with Marco also needs to be portrayed because it shows the heart break she feels and it poses the romantic genre. In the opening, I am showing that he is breaking up with her because the audience will then want to know what happens next. 

What I am not going to reveal in the opening

• Why he broke up with her
• If they ever meet again
• What happens to Marco next
• What happens to Scarlett next
• If either of them ever find love again

I am not going to reveal too much in the opening but I am going to introduce the disequilibrium as it is necessary in the opening sequence to pose a problem or a change in the story. The rest of the plot is focused  on Scarlett and her adventures on finding new love and live a totally different life than she did with Marco; therefore I want it to be a surprise for the audience and I do not want to give them any hints in the opening otherwise the audience will become bored and they won't be hooked. 

Genre 

The genre for my film is romance. I have the typical characteristics for a romantic film. For example, there is the happy ending, emotional appeal and the romance between them is broken/challenged. I also have the strong female character (Scarlett) who we follow  throughout the film as she is the main character. The whole theme is abut love and there is a generally happy and light tone to it which complements the romance genre. 

Idea no.3

My third idea is based on two people (Sara and Chris) who cannot fall in love because of their religious views and their relationship is forbidden. Their families do everything they can to stop them seeing each other and emotionally punish them so they do not go behind their backs. 


In the end, Sara cannot take the pain and kills herself, she leaves a note for Chris explaining her love and how she couldn't deal with it. Chris feels so guilty that he then takes his life along with his families. 

Idea no.2...

My second idea is based on a popular teenage girl (Megan) who falls in love with a 'geek' (Ethan) at her high school - because of her popular status, her friends would not understand and would make fun of her. Megan keeps her crush a secret until she gets paired with Ethan in a science project and gradually she tries to tell him how she feels but her friends are on her case 24/7 saying that 'she has changed'.


In the end Ethan and Megan go to prom together and Megan decides that its not all about popularity and gets with Ethan.

Idea no.1...

My first idea is based on two characters (Scarlett and Marco) that have been dating for almost four years. Scarlett is completely and unconditionally in love with Marco and has a hunch that on their four year anniversary he is going to ask her to marry him. On the morning of their anniversary Scarlet is left heartbroken as Marco breaks up with her with no explanation why, We follow Scarlett on her adventure to find new lovers, wild parties and friends - trying to forget Marco.

In a twist of fate, both Scarlet and Marco end up at the same wedding and their love is rekindled as they realise that no one else will ever be good enough for them. Shortly after they reunite Marco proposes and Scarlet gets the lavish wedding and the man she always dreamt of. 

Narrative Structure 

My chosen genre...!

For my film opening I am going to be portraying a romantic genre. Firstly, romantic genres are always generally most popular with females. Romantic genres can have either negative or positive tones but in most romantic films it starts of with either a positive tone and ends in a negative tone, vice versa. Romantic films also have the same idea, that there is a big adventure to find or to convince the other person to love them back as much as they adore them.


Conventions of a romantic Genre

• Happy, emotionally satisfying ending - normally optimistic
• Miscommunication (love then hate then love)
• Strong female characters
• Romance is being challenged by a person or a problem
• Film told from the point of view of both lovers
• Needs to be emotional appeal
• Two opposing characters that fall in love
• There is normally some sort of conflict between the characters

An example of a film which is categorised under a romantic genre is The Proposal. Two opposing characters, a strict uptight editor and her funny, charming assistant end up in an adventure together - faking their love for one another to so she can keep her visa and not face deportation back to Canada. In the end they both fall in love with each other.


The typical characters in a romantic film are generally totally opposite and would not even be associated with each other which makes the adventure even more exciting and we warm to the two characters and in the end the audience really wants to see the opposite characters together. 


For my production I need to ensure that I follow the conventions of a romantic genre so I produce a realistic film opening that is a romantic genre. 

What is genre...?

Genres are categories which films are classified into. Films can share or have similar conventions which fit them into a certain genre. Different narrative elements will introduce and set the genre; this will also appeal to different audiences. Some people may not like the horror genre but love musicals. Themes and tones can also contribute to genre, as they all compliment each other. An example would be a theme such as guns and violence could fit into the action genre

Different genres in the form of a wordle...

Conventions of a film opening...

So from my research into film openings, I have found that the typical conventions are:

• The main characters or some of the main characters should be introduced in the opening
• Action and enigma codes should be used but leave the audience wanting to know more - answer some questions
• The length/content of the title sequence will convey the type of film it is 
• The genre of the film is set in the opening
• The opening needs to hook the audience so they WANT to carry on watching
• A problem should be introduced in the opening aka disequilibrium. The rest of the story/film will then show their quest to find the state of equilibrium again.

How does the opening of Pretty Woman work...? What are its forms and conventions in terms of genre/film language/film openings and film narratives/structures ...?

Pretty Woman is a classic romantic comedy from 1990; it has the typical two opposing characters that are eventually going to meet and fall in love. The movie also follows the typical film structure for a romantic comedy (man/woman character meets the other character and they fall in love). In this film, the equilibrium is when Edward (Richard Gere) a wealthy, respectable business man leaves his glamorous rich party, gets lost and finds himself driving the streets of the rougher parts of Los Angeles. The disequilibrium is when he meets Vivienne (Julia Roberts) who coincidently contradicts his lifestyle as she is a prostitute.


The opening shot of Pretty Woman sets the theme and message of the rest of the film, there is no visual action; however there are diegetic sounds of a piano playing and cocktail party music in the background setting the scene, and that what we are about to see is a very sophisticated, upper class party. A man says "no matter what they say it's all about the money" this suggests the message that will be foreshadowed throughout the film. We then see a close up shot of a pair of magicians hands manipulating money as part of a trick. The trick is being performed on two women hindering at the fact women can be bought. This is complimented by the line "penny for the wrist, how much for the rest". 


We learn that we are viewing an upper class, expensive party through the use of mise en scene. The party is being hosted in the Hollywood hills and is set in a pricey mansion. The setting is very light and sunny showing its innocence and care free attitude. Clothing also denotes the class of the party; all men are wearing tailored suits with shoes whilst the women are wearing conservative cocktail dresses and heels with their hair and make-up perfectly applied; everyone looks formal. Body language and posture also helps indicate their social position in society; all the ladies stand tall and the men walk with their heads held high. In the background we can see waiters pouring drinks and tending food at the white and pink buffet tables. Generally, all the furniture is white portraying wealth. After this, the name Edward is repeated from different characters, showing us that he is important to the plot and everyone is eager to see him. 


We then cut to Edward, who is currently in the middle of breaking up with his girlfriend. He asks her if his secretary called her and she replied "yes she did, I speak to your secretary more than I speak to you"; this shows us that he doesn't have any time for relationships and is very business orientated. We then see a shot of the back of his head whilst he finishes the relationship; this shot is useful because it tells us that he is quite emotionless and reinforces the fact that his work is his number one priority. After he has put the phone down, we see he is above everyone both in status and literally at the party as he is looking down on the party scene. 


Edward is very attractive to women, his ex-girlfriend who is married says "I couldn't wait for you" showing that she would rather be with him than her current husband but she had to settle for second best.


The film then cuts to Edward in the parking lot, asking for his lawyers keys as his limo is buried behind other cars. This tells us that he is not used to waiting and just uses somebody else's sports car because he can. Edward is very stubborn and is persistent that he uses his lawyers car. His lawyer is hesitant as Edward is normally driven around and hasn't got a lot of practice with cars. 


Once he has driven off, we see Ariel shots of him driving down Beverly Hills. Non diegetic music is played in the background; the music is very literal to the plot with lyrics like "I won't miss the way that you kiss" and "I'm over you", this relates to his break up with his girlfriend. 


We then cut to the rougher parts of Los Angeles and get a mirror shot of a pair of hairs exchanging drugs for money; this contradicts the first scene where money is being manipulated by a magician. It also tells us that we are no longer in the nice part of Los Angeles but we are in the rougher part. Various shots are used to present the setting and again the use of mise en scene helps emphasise the differences between the two places within the same city. Instantly, we notice that the light is much darker than the first setting; not only because it is night time but it also represents the danger and poverty of the place. It is not all white and light that we saw in the wealthy party setting. There is graffiti on the shops iron bars which tells us that stores get broken into so iron bars are needed. Prostitutes are roaming the streets looking for money to pay for drugs, food and rent. The prostitutes are wearing very revealing clothes such as short skirts, low cut tops and heels; their hair and make-up is very messy and over the top. This totally contradicts the women's style at the cocktail party. 


A visual joke is then made before we are introduced to the other main character Vivienne; the Hotel in which she rents a room in is clearly very run down as only two letters work out of the neon 'hotel' sign. Those two letters are 'ho'. 


Vivienne's alarm is going off at night which tells us she is either a prostitute or has a legal night time job. Knowing what sort of place she lives in and by the clothes she is wearing we can tell she is a prostitute. 


Before leaving her apartment she over hears a conversation between another tenant an the landlord; the landlord is asking for the rent. Vivienne then goes into her bathroom and lifts the lid of the toilet to find the rent money but she doesn't have enough. The fact that she has to hide the money in the toilet shows that it is a rough area; it also tells us that she wants to pay the rent which is important to win the audience over. 


Before Vivienne goes into the Blue Banana Club we see that a prostitute has been murdered; this emphasises and reinforces how dangerous her lifestyle and the area she lives in is. The next scene is between her and her room mate Kit who has spent their rent on drugs; we learn that Vivienne is honest, she is not into drugs and just wants to pay the rent. This helps us warm to her as we wouldn't generally sympathise with a prostitute. Whilst in the club a fight breaks out behind them, they just turn to see what has happened to them but then go back to their conversation, this shows that fights happen all the time and they are used to it. 


We then jump to a shot of Edward asking for directions to Beverly Hills, a tramp answers him but only jokes "you're here, that's Sylvester Stallone's house right there" this portrays that he is now lost and in the roughest part of town. It is also an indication that he and Vivienne are going to meet soon. 


The scene then cuts back to a discussion where we find out that Vivienne is new to this town and new to prostitution; this also makes her more likeable to the audience. Finally, Edward pulls up as he is lost and cannot put the car into gear, Vivienne goes to help him and ends up getting into his car and they drive off together. From that moment we know somewhere along the line they are going to fall in love. 


In conclusion, the opening scene to Pretty Woman works well due to its unrealistic plot and the background of the two characters. Through the use of mise en scene we are supposed to fall in love with the characters and like the idea that they are eventually going to fall for one another. 

Titles...

Titles generally portray how the rest of the film will plan out. For example, long, expensive titles which list most of the cast and crew would suggest an expensive, high class film which will be a big block buster hit. It shows that the films have the money to spend on lavish titles. On the other hand, short titles with little information of the actors and crew would suggest a poorer budget and perhaps an independent film. Normally, in smaller productions the actors/actresses are not as well known as those who are casted for the big Hollywood films, therefore their names are not listed in the opening. 


An example of a big budget opening title sequence would be James Bond Quantum of solace. The title sequence last over three minutes which is rather lengthy for an opening which only consists of names that the audience will probably forget; but they can get away with it because it's iconic of a Bond film and the transitions are very smart and expensive. The camera angles and the special effects are all pleasing to the eye and all work together to create magnificent titles. The opening sequence is another little short story in its own right and this hooks the audience so they do not get bored. 



The title sequence starts by introducing the production team and then Daniel Craig as he is the main character and playing Bond. The directors name (His name is first and not accompanied by any other actors names being displayed, the order of their names suggest their role/rank in the film. The sequence also includes the director of photography, production designer and editors names (and many more). This all connotes that they are dealing with a lot of moeny and a big blockbuster hit. 


An example of a low budget opening title sequence would be the Blair Witch Project. The budget for this film was extremely low and the titles reflect this. Compared to Quantum of Solace it is shameful. None of the actors names appear and there is no non diegetic sounds unlike James Bond. The only thing to appear from its 26 second title sequence is the name of the film and the two production companies. 


Comparing them both suggests that the budget of the film is represented in the titles.

How is Bullet Tooth Tony's character introduced in Snatch...?

We do not get introduced to Bullet Tooth Tony until an hour into the film. Generally, we are introduced to the main characters in the opening - however Snatch has taken a different approach. Even though we are not properly introduced to Tony, we are aware that he is involved in the storyline; this is good as otherwise we (the audience) would be confused and we would probably become distracted and unable to follow storyline. There is a lot of hype based around Tony's character through the use of action and enigma codes. This ensures that the audience is familiar with him and they can get a general idea of what he is like before actually being introduced to him.


We are first introduced to Tony by an action code when he is mentioned in a conversation. As the group ate talking about him and hoe he should help assist in their plots, there is a flash back to shoe Tony and help the audience know who they are talking about. We see a bar with topless women, dated music and alcohol. The dated music implies that it is a flash back as Madonna was playing. The mise en scene also implies that it was a flash back as the clothes were typical late eighties style complimented by the long, gelled swept back hair. The fact that he was in a stripper bar surrounded by alcohol and naked women suggests that he is sleazy and not an upper class person. 


Whilst we are seeing this flashback there is a voice over from the conversation which is describing him. This helps the story flow and the dialogue fits with what we are seeing. This again helps the audience gain an understanding of Tony's character and what part he will play in the storyline.


We see other flashbacks as the women in the conversation are describing him. The other flashbacks include violence, weaponry and strong language; this makes us think he is the typical gangster character and he is characterized to be the fearless tough guy. The visual clips what we are watching also compliment what we hear via the voice over. This makes us aware of his personality and we also gain an understanding of the other personalities (characters talking within the group) This is a good way to put across the characteristics of Bullet Tooth Tony; this method also saves time and saves explaining his character later which could possibly complicate things. 


We learn how Tony got his Bullet Tooth nick name through conversation, this emphasized his gangster characterization. 


Overall, through the use of quick crosscuts between current conversation and flashbacks to the eighties we learn how Tony is portrayed and we learn a lot about his character before formally being introduced to him. Also we are informed that Tony has been shot six times and yet he is still not beaten or weaker, this unconsciously tells us that he will become a main character. This introduction is quick and effective which also shows characterization. 

Character and characterisation ...

Character = the qualities and characteristics which a character portrays. 


Characterisation = the way in which the character has been portrayed and how the audience has been able to think this. Dialogue can portray characteristics and the way in which they talk about the character. Names and actions can also characterise a character as we can pre judge what they will be like. For example, Bullet Tooth Tony does not sound like a pleasant, nice character.  

Analysis of a film opening - Layer Cake

Layer Cake is a British gangster/thriller film directed by Matthew Vaughn in 2003. The opening of this film is well directed and is a prime example of how excellent film openings should be. It has all met all the criteria's which entices the audience to want to watch more. A lot of money was spent making the opening and it has paid off - literally. The opening is also very long and many hours were spent on making it perfect so that the audience can relate to the main character (Daniel Craig)and understand the plot. 


The first voice we hear is Daniel Craigs ; it becomes more apparent that he is the main character later on through his voice over. The fact that it is his voice over in the opening would imply that he is the main character. We can hear that his voice is posh and he is well spoken by the dialect he uses and how h pronounces it; this would make us think he is all business and no messing around. In his voice over, he starts talking about illegal crimes such as bank robberies to illegal drugs. The fact he is talking about prison sentences makes perfect sense to the audience when we learnt hat he is a drug trafficker. The audiences reaction to this information is disbelief as his posh voice would automatically suggest that he would not associate himself with illegal actions and drugs. The audience had stereotyped him based on his voice. 


At this point, the audience may see him and his career choice as bad and not warm to him; this hooks the audience as they are intrigued about him and the illegal lifestyle he leads. Throughout his voice over we learn more about Daniel Craigs character; we learn that he is very smart, sophisticated, organised and professional as he owns a share in a  very successful estate agency; this would explain the large amounts of money he receives. 


As the voice over continues we understand that he is not the stereotypical drug trafficker that we might have pictured; he is professional and just making  a living, even if it is not honest. We learn that he understands the law is not 'stupid' and he hates 'guns and violence'. We can emphasise with him and what he is saying; this makes the audience more inclined to like him. Now not only are the audience hooked, they are also bonding and relating to the main character.


At the end of the voice over/opening scene Daniel Craigs character introduces other characters which work with him in the drug industry. He explains a bit about them and how they relate to him. Through Craigs descriptions we learn that their boss Jimmy will be important as firstly, he is the boss, secondly, Craig's introduction of Jimmy is longer than the rest and thirdly, Jimmy wants to have lunch with Craig's character. This can be referred to as the 'Inciting Incident' as what happens in the meeting will decide what happens later in the film. This again hooks the audience because they want to know what will be said; also Jimmy comes across as a mysterious important man and the audience are curious towards him. He looks like a business man who you would not want to mess around with. He is wearing a tailored suit, he looks sharp, powerful and untouchable. 


When we see Craig's character in the opening he does not look like a drug dealer; the use of mise en scene would suggest otherwise. When we first see Daniel Craig he is wearing blue jeans, a plain white T-shirt and a long black coat. His hair is short, tidy and he generally looks clean; like any other normal person; totally unlike the stereotyped perception of a drug dealer. This again makes the audience warm to him because he is not some dirty, untidy drug trafficker that we might have imagined.


Throughout the voice over, there are both diegetic and non diegetic sounds. All through the voice over there is a subtle non diegetic music being played. The music is low paced, fresh and calm which compliments Craig's appearance and his calm tone of voice. 


There are also diegetic sounds such as screaming (bank robbery), sirens (police cars) and explosions (bank robbery). Synchronous sound has been applied because Daniel Craig's voice over matches with the diegetic sounds and what we see. This is very pleasing for the audience as it makes the whole opening flow and understandable. Another example of synchronous sound is when Daniel Craig is explaining who to avoid like the plague; we see exactly what and who he is talking about and see instantly agree with him.  


Expensive transitions and complicated shots have been used throughout the opening. For example, the first thing we see is an establishing shot of a bank robbery taking place. Diegetic screams and explosions add to the hectic atmosphere as well as Daniel Craig's voice over. We then see a transition take place, a woman crouching is smoothly turned into a bearded man talking about other illegal drugs. Another example of a good transition is where a woman is walking out of a shot and then is continued by a new scene of a police guard walking; this introduces a new setting and scene. Generally, when there is a transition which leaves one scene and introduces another, the lighting changes from dark to light. There is a track shot Craig's character walking through a chemist; the chemist is selling branded legal drugs which is what he thinks will happen is  the future. As he walks past the branded futuristic drugs there is a transition and the products return to what they are supposed to be.  All of these transitions are excellently executed and grab the audiences attention; it also makes them want to watch more. 


The use of action and enigma codes has also hooked the audience and made it a brilliant opening. Even though the audience is aware that he is the main character and we learn some things about him; we still don't know a lot about him and this is intriguing. We want to know more about the people he works with, his name and why Jimmy (the boss) wants to have lunch with him. The fact he works in an illegal industry is also thrilling and we want to know more about how he is involved. There is a right balance between action and enigma codes which is good because the audience can follow the film but still want to watch the rest as they are enticed and curious.  


In conclusion, with the use of transitions, mise en scene and sound, the opening of Layer Cake is very successful. It introduces the main characters and hooks the audience mainly through the use of Daniel Craig's voice over which helps the storyline and opening scene flow. It also makes the openign scene more enjoyable as we warm to his character and we want to see what will happen to him next. 

Silence of the Lambs - Action & Enigma Codes...

Narrative codes - Action and enigma Codes

In the opening of films, to hook the audience it is a good thing to pose questions and answer some of them. The best films are those that can balance out the action and enigma codes. The audience needs to know what is going on so that they can follow the plot; however the films also needs to hold back information from the audience so they have a reason to keep watching. 


Audiences likes to try and guess what's going on and what's going to happen next but if they know all of the information it takes away the thrill and excitement of it.


On the other hand, if the film poses lots of questions and does not give the audience hardly any answers, the audience can become annoyed and the film is not a success.  


Definitions: 
Enigma Code - an enigma code is the question that the film poses. Sometimes enigma codes are answered almost instantly but sometimes they can be answered later on in the film. Enigma codes can be very significant or they can be little.

Action Code - An action code is the answer to the enigma code. Action codes inform the audience of any relevant information which could help them understand the plot better.


The silence of the Lambs - Action and Enigma Codes in the opening

Who is she?                                      Clarice Starling
Who is Hannibal Lector?                  Not answered in opeining
Is there a link between Lector and Bill?             Not answered

Where is she?                                     FBI training HQ 

Why was she chosen?                       Hardworking -sweat around the collar of her jumper and the fact she was training of her own accord

Why is she running?                                She's training 

Media opening presentation

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Examples of narrative structures...

For my coursework, I will have to follow the conventions and plan to follow a narrative structure. I will have to introduce the disequilibrium to entice the audience. 

Narrative structures...

Narrative structures help break down the plot of a film. It is the order and structure in which the film is being presented to the audience. Generally, we break the plot/film down into three separate stages; beginning, middle and end. They can also be referred to as the equilibrium, disequilibrium and the resolution. This is the most simplistic way of representing a narrative structure:

The beginning/equilibrium is the beginning where things are at peace and it shows the normality for the main characters.  


The middle/disequilibrium is where an event occurs to change the beginning/equilibrium; this change and how it affects the characters is the middle section to the plot. 


The end/disequilibrium is the end of the plot and things return to a normal state, the equilibrium (normality) is achieved although it may be new.


Another more complex model to demonstrate the narrative would be his model:

Normally, the narrative structure is based on conflict between two people or groups. Also in films, we do not always see the film produced in chronological order. For example, sometimes we see the end scenes before the first.

...So, how does a film opening work?

The opening scenes of a film opening are crucial as they generally determine what the rest of the film will be like, in terms of genre and it is in the opening scene where the film is working it's hardest!


To be a successful film opening the film has to make sure that it hooks the audience so therefore we want to watch more. This is the main priority of a film opening. If the audience are not excited pleased in the first few minutes, then they are not likely to bother to carry on watching the film.


A film opening also has to introduce the genre, whether it is horror, romance or comedy, the audience should be able to determine what genre they are viewing. 


The film opening must introduce the theme and tone;this could compliment the genre. For example, a horror is not going to have a light hearted theme or tone; this would confuse the audience and the theme/tone would certainly not match the genre or film.


The audience must gain an understanding of the plot line. The plot definitely should be introduced because if not the audience won't become hooked as there is no twist or plot to be hooked on to. 


Finally, the opening should establish the time, place, setting, main characters and atmosphere. Again if the audience could become confused if in the opening the time and place kept changing. It is the time, place and setting which help the audience understand the plot and the concept of the film. 


So... a film opening works by hooking the audience into wanting more and to do this, a film opening uses all of the above to ensure that it does.