Evaluation

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Audience Feedback


Questionnaire 1
1) What do you think about the camera work? - shots, angles etc
I really like the shot where in his dream, it’s canted and you can tell it’s a dream because it’s unrealistic and it has more of a dramatic effect. Also I like the 180° shot because it has a lot of impulse and it kept me on edge.
2) What do you think about the music/soundtrack? - Background music, sound effects etc.
I really like how there is a different type of music played when it’s his dream compared to real life. At the beginning I like how the music build up and creates more tension, and then in his dream it’s very sad and sympathetic, which then changes back to the same music which was in the beginning, and from then it has a lot of impulse and keeps the audience on edge.
3) What is your opinion on the storyline so far?
I really like the storyline, because there’s a big twist and you can follow it easily. It’s really unique and not a typical horror like other film. This way it’s keeping the audience interested.
4) What do you think about the acting skills?
I think they were really great, because you could feel the emotions of the character. For example, the scene which came after the dream was very tense as the main character was in pain due to his wrists, and the way he acted out the emotions really connected with me.
5) Overall, what are your views based on appeal and characteristics of a general thriller, and whether our thriller meets these requirements?
It has met the requirements, because it is an original and a unique storyline. It shows that there will be some action involved as well, and really grabs the audience’s attention. The opening sequence shows what the overall film would be about and makes you feel scared.


Questionnaire 2
1) What do you think about the camera work? - shots, angles etc
The camera work is good; you have used a variety of shots and angles. You’ve used a 180° shot which creates a bit of action and the continuity is very good.
2) What do you think about the music/soundtrack? - Background music, sound effects etc                          
The music fits well and tells a story as there is a limited amount of speech used. The sound effects make you understand what is going on e.g. the bit when he goes into the dream.
3) What is your opinion on the storyline so far?
It’s very good, as you can follow it easily, and it isn’t confusing. You’ve made it clear on who the characters are and what’s happening to them.
4) What do you think about the acting skills?
The acting skills are believable and you feel tension when the boy is tied up. This makes the audience feel tense as they don’t know what is happening next, this is due to the acting skills.
5) Overall, what are your views based on appeal and characteristics of a general thriller, and whether our thriller meets these requirements? 
 The overall scene is good as it gives an overview of what the film is about. As an opening scene, it creates the atmosphere which is good as it makes the audience to keep watching. There are a few hidden twists in the opening sequence which makes the audience think about the others throughout the film. The requirements make you feel scared.


Questionnaire 3
1) What do you think about the camera work? - Shots, angles etc
They were really great, I loved them! I think you have a range of angles and it really gives the 3D experience. Due to the angles, I can automatically assume that you’re filming in a house. This is established within the first couple of seconds into the video.
2) What do you think about the music/soundtrack? - Background music, sound effects etc 
 I feel that the music/soundtrack really adds extra texture to the sequence as a whole. The fact that it is sync with the actions of the actors, the background music gives off the idea that the opening is perhaps a thriller/horror. This establishment lets me as an audience know if it’s going to be a movie I will like or not. The sound effect enhances the movie and adds emphasis to certain aspects to the movie, making it more exciting and interesting.
3) What is your opinion on the storyline so far? 
 The storyline so far is very simplistic which I feel is very essential in the opening of a movie, as for when too much is going on it is easy to lose track of what’s going on. I personally don’t like being crammed with too much information as it can ruin the movie. However, the opening is easy to keep track showing the movie is establishing what it is about. Me as an audience can take a prediction on what it may be about, which is a child whose dreams contradict with reality.
4) What do you think about the acting skills? 
 The acting skills are excellent, the fact I do not notice is that there is no hint of the actors trying to act, makes it seem more natural and realistic. This is something I like most about the opening sequence. Also by making it look natural shows that something can happen in real life. The actors, especially the main character really reflects on myself.
5) Overall, what are your views based on appeal and characteristics of a general thriller, and whether our thriller meets these requirements?
It definitely does, one thing I’ve realised is that over the years people have become less scared of these thriller movies, and more ideas have to be made to keep people scared of these films. This movie definitely does this through turning reality against you. The introduction of the movie shows a child and his parents who resemble a typical family, this makes the intro more frightening as it is based on reality rather than just it being non-fictional.


Questionnaire 4
1) What do you think about the camera work? – Shots, angles etc
It was really good because the camera wasn’t shaking, therefore it looked professional. Especially the 180° shot, made the tension and impulse build up.
2) What do you think about the music/soundtrack? – Background music, sound effects etc
I really liked the sound effects, especially the voice over because it was eerie and creepy. Also the heartbeat which is used before he falls into a trance, builds up not only tension but the characters emotion showing he is really affected by the footage.
3) What is your opinion on the storyline so far?
I like how it is vague and and you get some idea of the whole storyline, therefore this makes the audience want to know what will happen afterwards.
4) What do you think about the acting skills?
The acting was really could and realistic. I really like it when it was the dream and you could feel that the main character was suffering.
5) Overall, what are your views based on appeal and characteristics of a general thriller, and whether our thriller meets these requirements?
I usually get really scared at thrillers and horrors, and I think this did the job. It was also unique because of the storyline, and it becomes more frightening to you.


Questionnaire 5
1) What do you think about the camera work? – Shots, angles etc
I thought they were very good. You used a variety of angles and shots concentrating on the main character. I really liked the canted shot in the dream sequence and the 180° shot, as it built tension throughout.
2) What do you think about the music/soundtrack? – Background music, sound effects etc
The soundtrack was very good and was in sync with the action by the character. The sound effect of the heartbeat built the tension of Sai’s reaction.
3) What is your opinion on the storyline so far?
Overall, the opening had shown the main points of the storyline where the main character’s dream comes into reality. I thought the storyline so far is excellent as it left me on edge from what could have happened next.
4) What do you think about the acting skills?
The acting skills were brilliant! They showed enthusiasm and got into their character very well and also appeared natural.
5) Overall, what are your views based on appeal and characteristics of a general thriller, and whether our thriller meets these requirements?
I was scared, especially with the sound effects and the voice over which gave it a creepy feeling. It grabbed my attention because it’s not a typical horror due to the unique storyline.

Call Sheet

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Zayd and Davina capturing the shots we will be using for the opening sequence.

       Ninthuja filling in the log sheet using the small monitor, to make sure we know where to start and stop capturing.

  Zayd and Davina watching over the shot, to make sure we have not captured too early or too late.

    Zayd and Davina watching the shots, and choosing which ones too use in the final sequence.

Analysing the shot to check for any mistakes.

Minutes of meeting form


Production: The Living Nightmare – Opening Sequence
Production team: Zayd–Cameraman,Editor–Ninthuja,Producer & Director-Davina
Date: 12th February 2011, 19th February, 28th February, 13th March 2011
Those present: Sai, Nisha, Manesh, Zayd, Ninthuja, Davina
Apologies for absence: N/A


Matters discussed:


1) The different types of shots that will be used, not going to rely on the script the whole time, as we will be trying out different shots.
2) The exterior shots of the house. How we will shoot it without any inconvenience, since it was difficult due to the road layouts.
3) The suitable footage of ‘The Evil Dead parts maybe too extreme for our main character, as he can feel affected by it.
4) Changing the main location for our sequence.
5) Reshooting certain scenes


Action taken / to be taken (and by whom):


1) All had a group discussion about the suitable shots that can be used in a certain scene. We would have three takes of each different shot then choose the most suitable shot for the scene.
2) Group discussion and making sure the road is clear when the car has to drive out. Making sure the car drives out the correct way to avoid any accidents which could occur. By retaking any shots, we had to be very careful when the car is reversing down the road to go back into the drive way. From this we had to make sure the road is clear and no cars are driving through so it would be safe for the car to reverse.
3) Since the film was not suitable for over 18’s, we had to get permission from Sai, to see if he can watch the footage. Sai was affected by the footage, due to it being very gory and disgusting. We had a member of staff stand in front of the TV. This way, Sai didn’t have to watch the gory scene from the footage, and we could film his reactions for the sequence.
4) From the first shooting we had a main location; however, we had only had a limit of time booked in there. This affected the location due to us reshooting and we had to change the main location for the sequence. We had all had a discussion and decided that it will be held in the living room, and the props that will be used, are already set out.
5) Group discussion including the actors. We had to find available dates for everyone in the team, to make sure they are free to attend the filming. As we were finding dates to choose when the actors especially are free, it was very difficult due to school, work and family occasions.

Ninthuja directing Sai, the main actor, as to how his eye levels, body language and movement should occur for that scene.

Zayd fixing the camera onto the tripod.

Davina applying make-up as wounds for the nightmare scene, on Nisha, the mother.

Zayd watching over the scene which had just been shot, to check for any mistakes. 

Ninthuja and Davina adjusting chains onto Sai's feet for the Nightmare scene.

Zayd waiting on the scene to be prepped for the shot of the 'Games Master'.

A shot of the bloody chair with chains draped over.

A shot of Nisha after the make-up of wounds/bruising had been applied.

Character 1
Name: Sai
Ethnicity: Brown
Age: 12 years old
Social Class/Status: Middle Class, low status, as he is always told what to do and never has the strength to stick up for himself when his dad starts to become abusive towards him. He also gets bullied at school, which gives him less self-esteem, therefore he finds it hard to stick up for himself. He likes to think of himself becoming a super hero when growing up and always has a creative imagination.
Gender/Sexuality: Male
Ability/Disability: none
Regional Identity: Manchester
Martial/Family status: Not married, middle class. He has a close relationship with his mum, and tries to get along with his father. His father is his role model in many ways by having a lot of control and sticking up for himself.
Physical looks/build: short black hair, brown eyes, average size, slim, wears glasses.
Personality: Caring, Soft hearted, bubbly, energetic, innocent, rebel, childish, push over and lets anyone do whatever they want to him. He likes to try and be independent, but he hasn’t got any self belief. Very emotionally strong, as he likes to keep his emotions and thought to himself and never shares them. He tries to act like he has a lot of power and always looks up to super heroes.
Costume, hair & Make-up: Casual, everyday wear, hair would be out the way from his face so the audience can clearly see his facial expressions. Make up – red marks on arms, blood and scratches.
Representation Issues: His appearance brings out his personality, as they show he is a very caring person, tries to do things independently without any help, and has quite stiff body language as he likes to isolate himself from others around him.


Character 2
Name: Nisha
Ethnicity: Brown
Age: 33
Social Class/Status: Middle class, Works as an accountant for a company part time. A low status compared to the dad as she always has to do what the father’s decision is.
Gender/Sexuality: Female
Ability/Disability: none
Regional Identity: Manchester
Martial/Family status: Married To Manesh and has one son Sai. Tries to be independent yet her husband is very controlling. They argue quite often, but try not to because of Sai. Her relationship with Sai is very close as they bond a lot compared to Sai and his father.
Physical looks/build: Medium Brown hair, hazel brown eyes, slim figure, does natural looking make-up, always dressing up, quite tall.
Personality: Caring, motherly, over protective, soft-hearted, only cares about Sai, funny, energetic, always down to earth and she let’s loose and never is up tight. Very glamorous, and she is very emotionally strong as she is keeping strong to keep Sai and herself live a happy life. Tries to get Sai and his father to bond, but doesn’t happen all the time.
Costume, hair & Make-up: work/office wear, smart trousers and white shirt, blood stains and scratches. Her hair is always neat and natural make up, looks very casual and sophisticated and glamorous.
Representation Issues: She is a very loving and caring mother towards Sai, and would do anything for him. Nisha is also down to earth when working, and very protective about Sai as he gets bullies at school, therefore she gets worried about his safety very easily.


Character 3
Name: Manesh
Ethnicity: Brown
Age: 38
Social Class/Status: high status/high class, he has a job which is very well paid which gives him a higher status as well as class.
Gender/Sexuality: Male
Ability/Disability: none
Regional Identity: Manchester
Martial/Family status: married to Nisha, he now lives on his own, and has a very wealthy career in which he has a very high status. Always arguing with Nisha, and telling her what to do and what not to do. Doesn’t bond with Sai, always telling him off and never has a conversation with him. He is always talking at him instead of talking to him. He tries to be a role model to Sai but ends up shouting at him.
Physical looks/build: brown hair, brown eyes, good and average figure, quite tall.
Personality: Can be caring, short tempered, controlling, stubborn, want things done his way, vain, everything always has to be about him, self-centred. Doesn’t know his own strength, he always tried to set a good example for Sai but never succeeded.
Costume, hair & Make-up: office/work wear, smart trousers white shirt, messy hair and blood stains.
Representation Issues: appearance makes him seem like a nice guy, but inside he is very short tempered and stubborn, from his appearance he feels big and powerfully about himself knowing that he has got a very high classed job and that he will become very wealthy. He is very vain, and self-centered; this makes him feel that he can control everyone.


Character 4
Name: Games Master
Ethnicity: White
Age: 28
Social Class/Status: low class, high status compared to Sai, as he has power over him.
Gender/Sexuality: Male
Ability/Disability: no disability, ability to hurt/kill people in their dreaming, yet they are getting hurt in real life.
Regional Identity: Australia lived there for 6 years then grew up in Wales.
Martial/Family status: Never been married. He used to live with his family, but they were very abusive towards him so he left them at the age of 18.
Physical looks/build: rough look, stubble, messy medium black hair, average slim size.
Personality: Sarcastic, mean, thinks big of himself, vain, demented, psycho in the head, cold hearted.
Costume, hair & Make-up: ripped jeans, with a black coat. Hair is very messy yet not on the face. Make up, scratches across his face and splashes of blood.
Representation Issues: From his appearance, people have the impression that he is not a nice person, this shows that his personality brings out his appearance. He doesn’t like people, and always walks around giving a dirty look.

Interview 2


1) What do you look for in a thriller?
I look for adventure, suspense, good knowledge of things, big impacts and build ups. Good dialogues as well, they are the main thing otherwise if it is just ordinary dialogues it doesn’t interest me that much. For example, in Gladiator, there were a lot of motivational and appealing dialogues that I really liked. Also I like the music as well, if it is an action the music has to go with it and that would grab my attention and make me enjoy the movie more.


2) What grabs your attention most in a thriller?
The acting and dialogue, because they tell the storyline and can get a message across to the viewers. A good story line that isn’t boring or simple, and which isn’t similar compared to other movies. I like something which is unique, original and completely different. Also a lot of adrenaline, rush and impulse. That way it keeps me on edge and keeps me watching.


3) Would you prefer a thriller to end resolved or with a cliff hanger and why?
Resolved, it should have to have a conclusion and not something that carry’s on. I prefer it to end that way because it would conclude everything that’s happened in the movie, instead of ending without anything and waiting for the next release if there is one.


4) When you watch a thriller from a certain sub-genre, what do you expect to be in it?
In a Sci-Fi, there would be a lot of high tech visual equipment, something that has a lot of power and very fast adrenaline and impulse which appeals to me more.


5) If you were to expect something different in a thriller, what would it be and why?
A lot of confusion from the beginning till the end climax where everything is resolved. I would expect this because the viewers would then understand the climax and be more it would be a lot more interesting and unpredictable.

Interview 1
1) What do you look for in a thriller?
There has to be a good story line, a lot of action scenes and something different and unique not like other movies.


2) What grabs your attention most in a thriller?
The actors, the acting required grabs my attention, for example If there is a very sad and dramatic scene the actor has to show the emotions and that will grab my attention. Also there has to be an interesting topic, nothing boring or similar to other plots in other films, something original and unique.


3) Would you prefer a thriller to end resolved or with a cliff hanger and why?
I prefer it to end with a cliff hanger because it keeps you thinking after it has finished and keeps you on edge. I can also give is my own conclusion and it makes the movie overall more dramatic.


4) When you watch a thriller from a certain sub-genre, what do you expect to be in it?
I expect a science-fiction, something that is futuristic and not realistic. This way it separates me from the realistic world and I can focus on this and it builds more of an impact.


5) If you were to expect something different in a thriller, what would it be and why?
It would be a big twist, because it would build up a really good climax. Something that would get you thinking during the film, and when it comes to the climax; the audience would then understand the story line. This would keep them on edge. For example, in Inception, the audience had to concentrate and understand until it came to the climax. Which then, it ended with a cliff hanger and had a big impact.

Research doc:
From all our research findings, our sub genre was concluded to be a Horror and Action. Our target audience will also be 18; therefore the certificate of this film would be 18. We chose to have a psychotic killer in our thriller, as from our research our target audience prefer that in a thriller. This will appeal to them even more. Also for my initial idea I have given a complex story line where she has a different background to others and she doesn’t have any friends or family, which makes her even more psycho. Also we added tension and suspense on how the 3 bullies think she is dead but she isn’t. As our sub genre consists on action, during the killing parts, there would be a lot of adrenaline and exaggeration which keeps the audience gripped to the screen. The Thriller would end with a cliff hanger as most of our audience prefer it to end that way other than it being resolved.


Initial Idea:
A girl called Raegan was adopted and she is very different to everyone else, she has never fitted in with anyone and a loner. At the age of 16 she is at school where 3 girls Katie, Lisa, and Blair have always bullied her. There then is a school camping trip for geography and they start making fun of her and hurt her physically without anyone knowing and threaten her not to tell anyone. Raegan has had enough and she punches Blair, but she doesn’t know how big of a mistake that was. After when everyone is sleeping, the 3 bullies go to her tent and grab her and drag her to the inner woods. After they start punching, kicking her, calling her names such as "Raegan the Retard" (they call her that because she is weird and psycho). The 3 girls then get carried away and push her down a steep hill as she lands into a rocky river, thinking she died. They act like nothing ever happened. No one notices she is missing as she is never noticed by anyone. She ends up in a mental hospital because people think she is mad talking about how girls can kill her like that. Whilst she is in the mental hospital she becomes a lot more psycho and hunts the girls down to kill them one by one. 2 years later the girls are at college, and things start to heat up where they think they are seeing Raegan everywhere they go. What they don’t know is that she is still alive. She stalks them all the time. One day when they are walking home, she stops in front of the girls they start to run, as they chase them into a forest. Then Lisa trips over a log and Raegan grabs her leg and starts to pull her until they see a car drive and stop. Raegan disappears and then the car stops and drives off,
Lisa runs after the car, sits and puts the belt on she turns her head to the right and see’s Reagan sitting in the driver’s seat with a bomb. Raegan locks the door as she lets herself out. She triggers the bomb watching and taking a video on how Lisa is burnt alive suffering.


Blair and Katie are the two that are left in the forest alone. They see a small house in which Katie thinks they should go in. Blair thinks it’s a bad idea and runs off. Raegan then gets boiling water from the house and burns Katie’s face whilst taking a video of it. She then gets a sharp knife slaughtering each body part to watch her suffer and strangles her with a tight rope. Still the video is rolling of Katie suffering.


Blair is the last of the girls, as she is trying to find her way out, and Raegan chases her into the graveyard as she punches and hurts and kicks and cuts her face with a knife. As Blair is suffering in pain Reagan buries Blair alive. The camera then turns to Reagan’s face as she starts to laughs in a psycho way and says "now we can all be together”. The camera then cuts to a blank screen.

Lighting


Natural light is light which is made by things in the nature, and the sun. However, artificial light is light from electricity and the contrast and brightness can be changed. Artificial lights are from photofloods, halogens and “local light” (lamps, TV, street lights). Hard lighting comes from the source. Sunlight and on-camera flash are two types of hard lights. Strong types of light that create shadows can eliminate details and produce shadows. Soft light is indirect, e.g. the sunlight coming through curtains. The shadows are not as harsh and this type of lighting is ideal for portraits.


3 point lighting is important as it conveys the mood or atmosphere of the scene. Bounce lighting is when the light bounces of a particular source (e.g. umbrella, wall and blank drop sheet). This is to surround the central object with light. Bounce lighting can only work through reflection, and a form ambient light can bounce indirectly which will illuminate the central object of a photo.


Blogging

Blogs are used to record the daily events that happen in their lives, or to keep family or friends updated. Photo blogging is for mainly photographers who like to share their photos to the public. Video blogging, is when instead of writing anything, they would record themselves on camera to share to the public. Blogs have conventions and some are with our without templates, so the write can write about anything other than what the template has structured out for the writer. 


 Information which is referenced should be linked with a text link to allow readers to read on about any further information. Some blogs are categorized, and allows readers to view all of the articles to do with a certain topic of their choice.

BBFC Guidelines

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Professional Job Roles


Producer


Producers are one of the main roles, in television, film, and video productions and they manage everything that would take place. They will conclude everything that will take place, and will turn it to a finished piece. Producers can also be involved in distribution and marketing. A Producer must also report directly back to the client about any changes made or anything they would like to contribute to, such as adding something to the film. The Producer works close with the director, and other staff included. The Producer needs to have some directing skills, as they may direct themselves. They would also take care of all project operations. The producer is responsible for the budget and allocates each crew member a certain budget for them.


Pre-Production – Producers bring together all members on the creative team. They assist the Executive Producers to raise the finance for the Production. They then choose Line personnel e.g. Line Producer, Production Manager, and Associate Producer. Producers also participate in the location, approval of the final Shooting Script, Production Schedule, and Budget.
Producers are responsible for everyday operations that proceed, even though some are responsible to the Line Producer and any Associated Producers. The producer is in constant communication and consultation with the director. Producers approve on script changes and cost reports.


Producers must be good businessmen/women, strategists, motivators, negotiators and creative visionaries, with the ability to spot and deal with any situations that occur, because they have to make sure everything is going successfully and there are no problems involved. They also do whatever it takes to get the film made. They need knowledge and a thorough understanding of all creative processes in the film making. They must know how to prepare a budget for the production, and how to secure financial recourses for the production. Producers need to be excellent communicators, so they are able to work with others sensitively under pressure. They are also expected to plan, inspire and supervise. Producers have a legal responsibility under health and safety for the workplace, as they make sure nothing will cause any injuries for anyone and it is a safe and clean environment to work in. Must be able to identify hazards, asses the risks and develop procedures to control the risks.


Director

Directors may write the script. They must develop a vision for the finished film and design a practical way of achieving it. During pre-production, there are crucial decisions made as they have to select the right type of cast, crew and locations for the film. This is crucial, because it has to be suitable for the type of movie that is going to be produced. Then they will direct the rehearsals and the performances of the actors once in production. They also manage the sounds, lighting, camera, sound and special effects. 


When in post-production, directors work closely with editors through many technical processes of editing. At all stages directors are responsible on motivating the team to produce the film they have envisioned.
Directors must have a very artistic vision and creative skills to develop an engaging film. The are also expected to be confident leaders as they are in control of what happens on set. Director’s must also have a passion for filmmaking. They should constantly make decisions, but must also work with the others in the team. They should have outstanding communication skills to get the best from the filmmaking. Directors also need self-belief and motivation to succeed.

Thriller questionnaire

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Conclusion of Questionnaires and Interviews

We sent out 30 questionnaires overall to the public with different age ranges. We did this, because we wanted to find out what the public look for in a thriller, to help us decide on what type of thriller we would make. Also to find out whom our main target audience will be.

From our research we have found out that all our recipients have watched a thriller, and many know what a thriller is. Many of our questionnaires were fill out from the age range between 17 and 20. Another majority of questionnaires were filled out by ages between 13 to 16 and 21 to 25. A small amount of questionnaires were filled out by ages 26 and over’s. From this we concluded that our thriller will be aimed at 15 to 20 year olds. We chose this because it was the highest amount of age ranges and we thought that people who fall in this age range would watch a thriller.

We had also found out more males watch a thriller than females. From the pie charts, we can see that more than a half of males had answered the questionnaires whereas there are less than a half of females. From this we concluded that our thriller may contain some features which may be more appealing to males however the thriller will still be suitable for females to watch.

We then asked what sub genres of thrillers they are interested in. From this a big majority of the public had chosen Action, Psychological and Horror. However the minority of people chose crime and supernatural. From this we concluded that our sub genres for the thriller we will produce are Horror and Action. We chose this because our feedback had shown that more people are interested in these sub-genres. So we chose the two main sub genres and will base our thriller on them.

We also asked the public what their favourite thriller movie is and what sort of villain they look for in a thriller. In these two questions we had got a wide range of answers, but most the questionnaires had got the same which were Paranormal Activity, Scream, The Ring, Inception and Bad Boys. This is due to the fact that from out sub genre’s our main ones chosen were psychological, action and horror and these thrillers consist on the sub genres. As they chose their favourite thriller and chose they sub genre, the villain they would mainly look for is a psychotic villain. However a small amount of the respondents wanted a serial killer, and as action had been chosen quite a lot, the audience preferred to see a super hero fighting a super villain. From this we had concluded that our villain would be psychotic as our target audience would be more interested in that.

We also asked how many films they would watch in one month, a very large amount has responded between 1 to 5 movies, and another amount had said 15 or over. This had shown that thrillers have been watched consistently. We also asked what certificate rating for a thriller they would watch. More than a half of the audience had said 18, a majority of people said 15 and a minority had said 12. From this we concluded that we will choose the certificate rating 18 as most of our target audience watch it with that rating. Even though our target audience is 15 to 20, we had found out that the people who are under 18 still watch certificate movies.

Our final question for the questionnaire was if the Public prefer a cliff hanger or the ending to be resolved. Over a half of the audience prefer a cliff hanger, whereas a small amount of people prefer the ending to be resolved. From this we concluded that our ending will end with a cliff hanger. We chose this because our target audience prefer a cliff hanger.

We also used another type of research to find out what our target audience prefer in a thriller. We used an interview because it is more in depth and we can get a lot more information.

The first question we asked was what they look for in a thriller. Most of them wanted a different two of lot and not a typical one. They wanted a thriller to have a very good story line and to keep the audience gripped to the movie until the climax. 
The respondents would also prefer a thriller to have a very complex twist and something very mysterious with suspense. Also many referred back to the music as they thought music can have a big impact on a thriller to add more tension and suspense to keep their attention throughout the movie. This helped us decide to think of a more complex story line and not just a typical one which will get our audience bored within the two minutes.

The second question we asked was what would grab their attention in a thriller. From all the responses, we had gathered that the audience want the actors in the thriller to be played very well and have a big impact to make them interested. The thriller has to be very realistic, as they are not very interested in movies that look fake and poorly edited. Some respondents said that the dialogue and the adrenaline grabs their attention as they know what is going on and makes the thriller seem more thrilling and keeps the audience watching on. 


Lastly, there has to be a good storyline, instead of a typical one. Such as a thriller with the sub-genre of horror, would have a storyline about a haunted house. To the responses we got back from our audience show that they want a more different and exciting storyline then just a normal one. Overall, we have concluded that, our storyline will be different and exciting which will keep the audience gripped. We will use music, with a lot of impulse and exaggerate scenes that will have a lot of adrenaline.

The third question we asked was that if the audience prefer the ending of a thriller with a cliff hanger or to be resolved. From this we can conclude what they prefer and we can decide if we will end ours with a cliff hanger, or to be resolved. From the responses many preferred a thriller to end with a cliff hanger. They chose a cliff hanger, as it brings more anticipation and excitement to them. The audience are left thinking, and making up their conclusion’s to the film. However, a minority prefer it to end resolved. They don’t want something that we carry on as a sequel.
 They would prefer it to be resolved if it weren’t a sequel, however if the thriller is a sequel, they would want it to be a cliff hanger, as they have the urge to watch the next one. From this we have concluded that our thriller will end with a cliff hanger, as it keeps the audience on edge and leaves them thinking and feeling shocked.

The fourth question we asked was that if they watched a thriller from a certain sub-genre, what they would expect to be in it. We asked this question to get an idea of what our audience looks for in certain sun genres, so we get a rough idea what we can do in our thriller, to keep them interested. Our responses show that they would expect there to be misleading events, meaning expecting something they didn’t know what was going to happen.


 This grabs their attention as the thriller would be unpredictable and keeps them watching to see something happen unexpectedly. Also, one respondent had out Sci-Fi, and we had found out that in a Sci-Fi our audience would expect it to be very hi-tech and computerised. There should be a lot of adrenaline and fast pace camera movements also they expect it to be non-realistic. A minority said that they would expect some action and humour.


 They chose humour as it neutralises the scary part of the film, which can give the audience a reaction by them laughing. From this we concluded that our main subgenres are horror and action, and there would be a lot of adrenaline, and fast pace. This makes the thriller seem very impulse exciting, however the audience will be kept on the edge of their seat, as there will be horror included.

The final question we asked was that if they were to expect something different in a thriller, what would it be and why. From this, we can find out what the audience wants for a thriller to be different than any other thriller. This helps us as we can think of a genuine storyline which is completely different to other story lines in other films, which makes our target audience want to watch it and find it very appealing. 


The responses we got, were that a majority of our audience, would prefer something mysterious with a big twist, which then builds up during the film and it is all resolved. They expected this because the viewers can then understand the climax more and it is unpredictable. Also, they expect the characters to be illustrated clearly, this way we can find out the motive of that character which helps the audience; understand why the character is portrayed in that certain way. From this we concluded that in our thriller, there would be a big twist, yet it won’t be very confusing as some of the audience would not understand it, and they would lose interest. 
Therefore, if there are twists going on, there is more likely to be more action and slight horror, when the tension starts to build up.

Conclusion of Genre

The main elements that consist on making a successful thriller are suspense, tension and excitement. The sub-genres of a thriller are mystery, crime, psychological, and horrors. Thrillers are mainly characterised of violence, crime and murder which shows that the society is dark and corrupt. Thrillers are based with plot twists, mysterious scenes and cliff hangers. They promote moods with adrenaline rushes, anticipation, expectation and terror. This adds more of a thrill to the audience. In common psychological thrillers it mainly consists on mind games, death traps, stalking, horror and obsession. Also, there is always someone who is generalised as a villain. The characters in thrillers are mainly criminals, stalkers, assassins, innocent victims, menaced woman, characters with a dark past, psychotic individualists, terrorists or cops.

The conventions of a thriller generally associates with lighting, sound and editing. There are quick cuts and camera angle change as the music builds up on tension and suspense. This grabs the audience’s attention as it shows the main sub-genre of a movie from the way the camera is positioned and the pace of the music. The audience are more likely to be interested in a movie with different types of shot which makes it a lot more exciting, than just keeping to a single shot. The pace of music has a big effect, as it created a certain atmosphere for a certain sub genre. E.g. if it were a horror thriller, there could be slow, low pitched incidental music to create tension. 


The lighting also can be used in two different ways; it can either be naturally occurred, or artificial. Natural lighting can be used in horrors, as they might just use the light from the streetlight, sun, or moon. This makes the scene look a lot gloomier and the audience will know straight away that it is a horror. However, an artificial lighting can be used, by changing the colour. E.g. if they are showing a flash back in a scene, they can use artificial lighting by changing it to black and white. This helps the audience know that it is a flashback, and grabs their attention even more, as it helps them focus more to understand the plot. However, the forms of a thriller show that it is constructed, and tells the audience how the story is told, from a person’s point of view narrative. 


There are many combinations of a storyline which ultimately make up a thriller. Some forms of a thriller are flashbacks, which encounter the pervious lifestyle of a character, which tell the main parts of the story, and so the audience understand the storyline clearly. The flashbacks are either used at the start or run throughout the film. This provides interest, as it first can start off by being very confusing and mysterious, until a flashback is shown and it helps explain and concludes the storyline.

The forms and conventions relate to the Similar Textual Analysis we did on an opening scene of a film. Fast and Furious, is a thriller with the sub genre of action. However, Paranormal Activity and The Ring are horror. In both these films, there are good uses of conventions when using certain camera angles and sound. In Fast and Furious, there is a whipping shot when it reveals the rest of the setting with incidental music playing in the background. This grabs the audience’s attention as it has a lot of adrenaline and impulse which makes it interesting for the audience. Ambient sound is used in Paranormal Activity and The Ring, which are emphasised and non-diegetic.
This gives more exaggeration and keeps the audience on edge of the seat. In The Ring, the storyline is mainly told by two girls having a conversation about their own experience. From this, the audience know what to expect yet, the tension builds up and becomes a lot more thrilling.

Textual analysis on the 5 first minutes from the opening scene of ‘The Ring’

The scene opens with a long shot of a house which is where the main scene is set. It then cuts to the next shot of two girls, who are watching TV. This is a point of view shot from the television which then zooms into a mid shot. This all shows the main settings and what the two girls are doing. The camera then cuts into an over shoulder shot showing the conversation between the two girls. This has been used as it shows the two girls are having a conversation with each other, and it connotes no one else is around.

 As the tension builds up, the camera zooms close up into Becca’s face. This was an eye-level shot, so it shows the scene is becoming more intense. The camera then shows a long shot of the two girls by zooming out. The shot then changes to a worm’s eye view at the bottom of the stairs at a still shot. As this happens, you see both girls slowly walking down the stairs as if they are walking towards the camera. This is used to show how they are scared to answer the phone and gives a more focused shot.

 There is then an extra long shot of the corridor with a big close up of the phone on the side, the girls walk towards the camera, but turn to answer the phone. This builds up tension while they walk slowly and answer the phone. This is used to gives more tension and shows an enigma code that something could happen when the girls answer the phone. As she walks into the kitchen a long shot occurs as she pours a glass of juice. She walks on as the camera then cuts to a big close up of the side of her face.

The shot then cuts to a close up of the remote as it then cuts to show the fuzzy TV. A long shot is used as she walks up the stairs and stays in one position as she walks past. This used to create more tension as we see their reaction from the walk, which connotes that they are scared to answer the phone.

There is use of synchronous dialogue in this scene. The scene opens with an ambient sound of the rain. This is non-diegetic sound which enhances it even more. They used this to give more effect of the scene and create a scarier atmosphere. As the dialogue between the girls occur, we can hear the background sounds of the TV until they switch it off. When the TV switches off, there is an enigma code that gets the audience thinking something unpredictable will happen. “We thought it was some sick joke.” As she says this line, incidental music is used to build more tension into the scene as it becomes continuous.

 The phone then rings, which is non-diegetic, as it has been enhanced. This gives more tension and shows that something will happen. The ringing becomes louder as the camera shot zooms closer to the phone. We then hear a TV being switched on and being very fuzzy. This sound is diegetic as the sound increased from the TV. We then hear another diegetic sounds, as she walks past the camera, you can naturally hear her footsteps.

The mise-en-scene of this scene for costume would be formal uniform. They both are wearing a skirt with a white shirt. This connotes that they both are students who still go to school.

The lighting is natural at the start of the scene; there is natural atmosphere lighting, in one room the light is on. This connotes that this is what the atmosphere outside is like, and it is night time. The room’s with the light on, shows that there is someone in that room and no one else is in the house as there are no other lights on.

 During the scene there are mainly natural house lights and a TV light which would enhance it a bit more. This gives it a more vibrant environment and as the lighting becomes darker, as she walks into the living room shows that something unpredictable will happen and creates more tension for the audience. The lighting made me as a viewer seem more curious and spooked out. During the shot of the fuzzy screen on the TV, the lighting was enhanced and this made me feel that the atmosphere did not seem normal and made me question myself on what is going to happen next.

There were different settings used in the shots. The main setting was in the house whereas the different shots took place in a bedroom, kitchen corridor, and living room. The props for this opening scene that were used were a remote. This showed that they were watching TV. A clock and phone were also used which built up the plot, including the television.

The shot position then opens with the girls sitting on the bed. As the tension build up during the scene, their facial expression became more serious, scared, shocked and curious. This shows that as Becca’s friend tells the story about a tape which kills you in seven days after being watched.

 As the pace of the shot moves along, Katie starts to panic and rushes her dialogue as she wants to tell her part of the story when she watched the tape. The ways they change their positions and start to have a pillow fight, shows that it isn’t structured. And the phone rings and the camera zooms to a close up of the clock to show the time, both the girls turn their head at the same time to give a more realistic and scarier atmosphere.
 This shows that it is structured, from their timing of the phone ringing and when they turn their heads around.

As they answer the phone, they both have a very stiff body language as it shows something mysterious can happen. They both sigh with relief when they find out it is Katie’s mum. Katie is then waking around the kitchen pouring her a glass of juice. Her position is very free and unstructured. As she hears the TV turn on, her position becomes a lot more stiff this connotes she is scared and confused on what is going on.