Final evaluation[1]ns

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Gender: Male

Age: 17

1) What do you think about the camerawork? – Shots, angles etc.

It looks very similar to the films I have seen, very professional. I noticed how you took different angles, and it managed to flow very well. Although there was one part I noticed which was quite unnecessary in my opinion, which was the close-up of the boy holding the remote control, only that part bothered me, because we already saw him holding the remote, I didn’t feel a close-up really needed to be there, it kind of confused me. But other than that everything was really good.

2) What do you think about the music/soundtrack? - Background music, sound effects etc.

I really like the music; it really went well with the theme of the storyline. I began imagining an adventure was going to occur later into the film. It set a very dramatic atmosphere. I also realised how all the sound effects were not off beat and on time, everything was in sync, very nice.

3) What is your opinion on the storyline opening so far?

It looks like it would be a very exciting film, I think it was set very well. Especially in the nightmare part, I started feeling pity for him because it really seemed like he was suffering and scared.

4) What do you think about the acting skills?

I think the acting was very normal, it didn’t seem like it was too bad, it could be a little improved from the little boy, he seemed a bit nervous at the beginning, that’s what it felt like to me, but I think he done a good job in the nightmare bit. The parents were good, and the boy was very good too, I wouldn’t criticise the skills overall.

5) Overall, what are your views based on the appeal and characteristics of a general thriller, and whether our thriller meets these requirements?

I think this is a very good thriller, and it seems like the whole film will have a great twist to it. I can’t really point out anything wrong to be honest, I liked what I saw, well done.

Gender: Female
Age: 18

1) What do you think about the camerawork? – Shots, angles etc.

There are different types of shots I can see, for example when you keep cutting from different perspectives, I think it’s done very well. Especially when the little boy is looking out the window, it’s flows continually.

2) What do you think about the music/soundtrack? - Background music, sound effects etc.

I really like the soundtrack; it gives a sort of adrenaline rush, it sets the atmosphere very nicely, and goes very well with the storyline. The music used during the nightmare scene was very good, it portrayed his feelings very well, and we as the audience could almost feel his struggle and pain.

3) What is your opinion on the storyline opening so far?

It seems like the whole film could be a very interesting story, as the beginning in my view, set a very firm foundation of thriller, and the way the sequence ended was like a cliff-hanger, very impactful. Somehow, the clip reminds me of A Nightmare on Elm Street, I think you did get your inspiration from there; also Inception comes to mind too. It would be fascinating to find out if this storyline will be similar or of a unique type, but I have to say the nightmare scene was very well thought out, as I enjoyed watching that part.

4) What do you think about the acting skills?

I think the little boy’s acting was extremely good, I couldn’t help but watch over my favourite part which was the nightmare scene; I could feel his emotion in that part. He was very good. The parents also acted very naturally and came off as any other ordinary parents, everything wasn’t over-performed. It was very comfortable to watch.

5) Overall, what are your views based on the appeal and characteristics of a general thriller, and whether our thriller meets these requirements?

I think this can be seen as a thriller, if understood well I feel this film will be an extremely interesting to watch, especially by those who are interested in action and adventure which is what this seems to be. All the elements included in this sequence are very complementing to the genre.

Gender: Male
Age: 16

1) What do you think about the camera work? – Shots, angles etc.

I noticed that there were various angles in each shot. I especially like the part where the camera circled the boy; I think it is a 180° shot, I think that part really added to the emotion of what the boy was feeling at the time. I also liked in the nightmare part, where the camera was slanted, I feel it set the tension the atmosphere.

2) What do you think about the music/soundtrack? - Background music, sound effects etc.

I really like the theme music, it sounds full of suspense and it fits well with the action that was going one. I also liked the voiceover; it’s quite creepy, because the tone sounded sarcastic as well as evil, it was quite chilling. I liked it, everything went well.

3) What is your opinion on the storyline opening so far?

I don’t know if the boy is going to die in the film or if he going to be the hero; from what I’ve seen so far, I think it would be really interesting to see him take on the villain. I think the concept is different, to see a young boy as the hero would be a great idea. Knowing that the genre is action and horror, it does keep me wondering how the storyline would be like. I liked what I have watched so far, and would have liked to see more.

4) What do you think about the acting skills?

I think the acting was very normal, it didn’t seem like it was too bad, it could be a little improved from the little boy, he seemed a bit nervous at the beginning, that’s what it felt like to me, but I think he done a good job in the nightmare bit. The parents were good, and the boy was very good too, I wouldn’t criticise the skills overall.

5) Overall, what are your views based on the appeal and characteristics of a general thriller, and whether our thriller meets these requirements?

Honestly, I think the beginning did drag a little, but I also know it is only an opening sequence, so after watching it, I thought that bit was a very good way to set the scene. Since the drama already had started, I can only assume the rest to be action-packed, I think this take is very unique, and tells the audience when it’s beginning that the rest of the movie is going to be like an adventure, this will definitely appeal to me. So I think this is a very good thriller.

Gender: Female
Age: 19

1) What do you think about the camera work? – Shots, angles etc.

It is very excellent! I can see a lot of effort has been put into this. As a media student myself, from my own experience, I can admit, to avoid the amount of takes I would have to shoot different angles, I kept the some of my sequence at one level and increased the effects while editing. However your skills are showing through from your impressive camerawork, you managed to cover low to high angles as well as used different types of shots from wide to close, and the continuity is flawless in my opinion. Good work!

2) What do you think about the music/soundtrack? - Background music, sound effects etc.

The choice of your BGM was very suitable to your genre which I know is action/horror. The timing of all the transitions is on point and everything managed to flow smoothly. The Echo sound effect enhanced the mood in the atmosphere, which I felt was very effective.

3) What is your opinion on the storyline opening so far?

It seems like a very adventurous type of storyline, which is quite exciting. It’s intriguing in a sense I want to watch what is to come next and what obstacles this boy is going to face and whether he even survives. The way the clip ends surely increases anticipation of what is going to happen to the little boy.

4) What do you think about the acting skills?

I think the boy’s acting was very sincere, especially in the nightmare scene, but there were areas where his acting seemed a little over-exaggerated, however it didn’t put me off. On the whole the parents’ acting as well as the little boy’s was nicely performed.

5) Overall, what are your views based on the appeal and characteristics of a general thriller, and whether our thriller meets these requirements?

I can agree this sequence does follow the conventions of a thriller without a doubt, there is nothing to fault. Although I can point out the lighting during the television scene seems to be a little off, and when there is a shot reverse shot between the boy and the television, the lighting seems a little off; I presume there was a mistake in editing. Overall, it is a very good sequence.

Gender: Female
Age: 17

1) What do you think about the camera work? – Shots, angles etc.

I think the camerawork is really good; it gives off a professional feel. I’ve seen different media works, but these shots are of a different standard; I really like how it flows. Also the angles add to the effect, I really like it when the nightmare bit started, the camera was sort of moving in a sort of circular motion, that bit was especially very good.

2) What do you think about the music/soundtrack? - Background music, sound effects etc.

The background music and sound effects were very good; it creates a good dramatic atmosphere. Everything was very clear for me to understand, the dialogue wasn’t too loud or too quiet, also the echo effects in parts are really cool, I wasn’t really expecting it, I think it went very well with the whole sequence.

3) What is your opinion on the storyline opening so far?

I think it was easy to understand and not too exaggerated. It was a good storyline overall. I enjoyed watching it.

4) What do you think about the acting skills?

The acting was realistic for most parts, but the boy’s acting seemed unnatural in a few places, like for example, after he had switched the T.V off. But in his emotional part, I really like his acting, it was very good. I liked the mum and dad’s acting on the whole, it seemed very natural.

5) Overall, what are your views based on the appeal and characteristics of a general thriller, and whether our thriller meets these requirements?

I think the whole sequence was very good. I think this can be classed as a really good thriller, but there are little slip-ups here and there, for example, the blood on the boy’s wrists did seem a little blatantly fake, and u could tell it wasn’t real. But I think, those things can be overlooked, because I liked it.

I had written out a formal letter to send via email to the President of New Line Production, Toby Emmerich; whereby the company New Line Cinema distributed the movie we had used, The Evil Dead. However, since it is an American company, it was difficult to find contact details, as there were certain regulations in place to be allowed to access details, with exceptions if there were business connections. I had even tried to contact through their official website, but it hadn't allowed me to access the email page.

Below is the document I was going to send to the company :

Copyright clearance form

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Risk assessment

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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.

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.

Final production design

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NOTE: Every time we re-filmed certain shots, these props and designs were reviewed to ensure continuity and consistency were remained constant. 

Production design final

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0.00

BLACK SCREEN

VO ETHAN’S MOTHER (Cathy):

Now, Ethan, we want you to go back to sleep ... Mummy and Daddy won’t be long ... Nanny’s going to be all right.

VO ETHAN’S DAD (Brian):

Cathy, come on. I’m pissed off hanging about like this!

VO CATHY:

Now promise, straight to bed?

VO ETHAN:

Yes, mummy.

FADE UP:

1. EXT. ISOLATED STREET (NIGHT)

a) ELS street. In the distance a car (headlights on main beam) comes rapidly towards camera ... As it passes the camera, rapid pan to LS semi-detached house. Another car pulls out of the drive into the road, and away, with a man and a women inside.

b) MS of an 8 year old boy (Ethan) looking out of an open bedroom window.

2. INT. HOUSE

a) POV shot Ethan looking out of window at the again empty street.

b) MLS Ethan as he closes the window firmly shut. He turns to camera looking worried (his mother has suddenly left him alone at home to attend an urgent business meeting.

c) CU Ethan’s panic-stricken, sweaty face as he glances up at a clock on the wall.

d) CU clock at 11.50 pm.

e) BCU TV remote “play” button pressed.

f) CU TV screen moving from pause to play, showing that a DVD of Saw 3

is being viewed.

Several SRS to intercut film sequence with:

g) CU Ethan watching the movie, but very soon becoming too frightened to continue, frantically running up to turn the TV itself off.

h) BCU hand turning off TV.

0.45

h) LS Ethan sitting on his bed, with a vacant / motionless expression, slowly falling into a strange trance, as if he is being hypnotized.

We can hear something bizarre fading in and out, in the background, a muffled soundtrack of Saw 3 is somehow continuing to play out the scene....

Slow dissolve to:

3. (Dream sequence) INT. DIM FOREST

a) LS canted angle Ethan discovering that he is chained to a tree.

b) CU hand movements, restrained.

c) CU feet slipping on damp floor as he tries to sit up more.

d) MS father chained to tree, staring into the distance.

e) MS Ethan looking across at the next tree...

f) MS of Ethan’s mum, chained and trance-like.

g) MCU Ethan.

1.00

VO GAMES MISTRESS (THREATENING / MYSTERIOUS):

Ethan, you were told to go to bed, not to watch as you did. You must now reap what you sow.... The game has already started ... and all of you must play.

h) Top shot LS room.

ETHAN:

No wait, what did I do?

Wake Up! Wake up!! WAKE UP!!!

VO GAMES MISTRESS:

Evil laughter (echoed).

Visual FX: The forest area starts to spin.

You chose your own fate, there is no waking up from this nightmare my friend. Not for any of you.

Sound FX: An over-powering drilling noise is emanated into the forest.

i) (Visual fx) CU Ethan spinning around, hyperventilating.

j) (Visual fx) CU Cathy spinning around, hyperventilating.

k) (Visual fx) CU Brian spinning around, hyperventilating.

ETHAN:

Scream!

Jump to black.

Silence.

Slow dissolve to:

4. INT. BEDROOM

a) CU Ethan suddenly waking up, sweating and gasping for breath.

He slowly comes to his senses to realise what is happening, thinking he had just dreamt the most terrifying nightmare ever; he gradually looks across to the TV screen.

b) MS TV blank screen

c) CU Ethan, a chilled wind blowing across him, causing him to shiver.

d) CU of open window, where curtains are wafting in the wind.

Slowly getting up, he groggily approaches the window and shuts it.

Sitting back down on the bed, he begins groaning in agony, finding something on his wrists.

e) BCU clamped impressions on both his wrists

f) MS Ethan falls to the floor, shocked.

g) LS of Ethan on floor, with his feet towards camera.

h) CU of foot showing a red triangle on the sole. Ethan’s hand starts to rub the foot, not knowing that there is a mark causing the discomfort.

i) LS of Ethan fainting.

Fade up title:

Living Nightmare

Fade to black.

NOTE: This script has been immensely changed, the main basis still applys, however as the filming progressed, dialogue was adlibbed and improvised, but remained consistent, therefore we were unable to record the final dialogue as we went along. The actors were given these scripts, knowing the approach they would need to take, they managed to use their iniative to present the storyline appropriately and efficiently.

Briefly summarizing this storyline, the film is titled 'Living Nightmare', under the genre of horror and sub-genre of action, also with the rating of 18. It is starring one main actor named Sai, an 8-9 year old boy, two sub actors acting as the mother and father, and two extras (father and daughter) as means of setting the scene at the beginning.
The story begins with the mother and father having to leave the house suddenly during the night, around 10:55pm, due to their grandmother being admitted in the hospital following a heart attack. However they leave behind their young son, and the mother makes a verbal agreement with him to go straight to bed, as he was sitting in the living room at the current time. As the parents leave, he switches on the TV to continue watching, what apparently happens to be 'The Living Dead', a classic horror. He happens to have been watching from a particularly gruesome scene, where eventually he turns it off, as the scene becomes too graphically horrible for him. Sai begins to fall into a trance, once he had slowed down hyperventilating, where he finds himself awake in an unknown/abandoned place tied to a chair, to also find his father and dad unconscious on the sides of him, obviously harmed, considering the blood stains. In this frantic situation, he finds himself conversing with a voice he can't seem to locate, who seems to be the cause behind everything, The Evil Master. Then the most surreal event occurs, where a chainsaw noise is emanating into the surroundings, before he screams and wakes up back into his supposed reality. Sai is convinced he had just dozed off before waking into his nightmare, however he begins regaining consciousness slowly, and all his senses gradually heighten. At that moment, he manages to take a look at the painful areas, to find the chain impressions on his wrist to be bloody from his struggle on the chair, extremely confused, he limps across the room to trip to another pain barrier on the  insole of his foot. Without realizing, he removes his sock and begins massaging this area, where only the viewers are able to see that there is a fresh burn mark of a triangle shape, burnt into his foot - symbolising the presence of the Devil. At that moment, all the commotion and pain becomes too overwhelming for the young boy, where he immediately faints and drops to the ground.

The whole story is based on the Protagonist personality within Sai, who is generally seen to be very shy, scared and weak. However his strength his shines through once he is determined to save his parents, and also amend this peculiar way of possessing human nature, as he finds many are being abducted this way. In that case, he finds himself revisiting having to fall asleep, everytime he needs to encounter the Evil Master to save everyone. there is much action to come, where hidden traits become showing within Sai, to be a true Superhero to all the victims. 

Final Idea

The group has drawn to a conclusion about the final idea. In a brief summary: the characters involved would mainly consist of two main actors, who is a young 8 year old boy, called Ethan, who is seen to be the protagonist of this film, and a replication of jigsaw (a psycho), who takes the role as the maniac villain. There will be supporting ‘actors/actresses’, who wouldn’t necessary take up a key role, as they will be acting as if they are in a trance set by the villain; however they will be associated to Ethan, as part of his family and friends.

The clip will begin with the viewers acknowledging that Ethan lives in a cottage style house, which seems to be located in a very secluded environment, which supposedly already foreshadows, an unsettling event to come. He seems to be alone in his house, very late at night, and so we clearly are able to see how young he is; this sets worrisome mood amongst the viewers, as we wonder how irresponsible the parent could have been. But reportedly, as the mother had gone out for their anniversary dinner, insisting they ask a babysitter to come in for Ethan. He refused, which at the moment, he regretted. It happens to be due to the fact he has been very psychologically shaken by the film he had been watching, which was certified horror movie; Saw 3. He decides to give into his curiosity and realised why the film was rated 18, and wished time had turned back.

Suddenly, he falls into a surreal trance, where seconds later there is a cut to a cold, dim isolated place which seems to be unknown. As Ethan comes to his senses, he realises in each corner of the room, his parents and best friends are sitting upright staring at him in an expressionless manner. In mass confusion, he slowly approaches the corner his mother is in, before he is immediately halted short as if someone had grabbed him by the hand. He then looks down to see his arms chained to the wall, before noticing the rest of his loved ones are chained too. Panic stricken, he frantically looks around the room in distraught, before the almighty voice of ‘Jigsaw’ appears. There is a short conversation taking place regarding the situation between them. A drilling noise of some sort had started emanating into the room, getting louder and louder. He wonders whether he’s dreaming and keeps exclaiming to himself to wake up, before the chains on his wrist gradually tightens, where he shuts his eyes in discomfort and when he opens his eyes again.

He finds himself in the living room again. He looks at the blank TV screen. It seems to be really cold as the window is opening gushing in a waft of cold air. He then slightly relaxes when he find himself in the comfort of his home as he thinks its may have been a slight nightmare regarding the film he had just watched before he had a nap. He gets up from the sofa feeling quite wary and approaches the window to close it, to find the TV screen plug connection had been out. He stands there for a spilt second wondering how he even managed row watch the film and remembers that he didn’t even leave the window open. Slowly he looks to his wrist to find the chain imprints, trembling he falls to his feet, to find the reason behind his loss of balance where he sees a burnt in impression of a triangular mark. At this moment, Ethan immediately faints, unable to handle the current situation.

A boy, who seemingly has got himself into this terror, somehow is the only key to get himself and everyone involved, out of this, so he has to be become the hero. But the mystery behind this bizarre and dreadful turn of event still remains unknown, just the same way we may speculate how he even managed to get a copy of the movie, ‘Saw 3’. Until then, it is up to the 8 yr old Ethan to decide whether he will stand and fight till the end, or keep running and hiding forever.

NOTE: This idea was initially drawn by the whole group, however during script development, slight changes were made, considering the situations involving the actors, settings and such minor issues which arose. Ultimately, the storyline reflects and vaguely bases upon this idea stated above, however vast alterations were made.