Hello Julie, this is how it works.
ASBK3-2010-2011
MARJ Productions
Monday, 15 April 2013
Monday, 2 May 2011
Establishing shots
The weather conditions are opposites like the location.I decided to do this to see how weather conditions effect filming.
clip 1 BEACH
I choose to take an establishing shot in the beach as the weather was very hot and I wanted to compare this to the establishing shot in London.I found that i had to film away from the sun as this effected the filming and made the clip difficult to see.Also filming on the beach was very noisey but this could be altered by muting the camera.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ybB6MhDlq4
Clip 2 Mountain
I then took the opportunity to film in a completely different location by filming in the mountains.Likewise when filming this clip I had to face away from the way which the snow was blowing as once again this made the clip difficult to see.And once again there was the same issue with the wind blowing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWQiUOF3cdY
Both clips show the opposite weather conditions.This shows how we had to time our establishing shot as we could not film the shot with the sun in the clip and we had to keep watch on the weather conditions.As you can see they can easily effect an establishing shot.
Mise en scene comparison
clip 1
audience profile
male
interested in film social network , has studied media
Clip 2
female
intersted in business and sport has never studied media
I choose these two people as they are of a different gender and have different interests.Also I took into account that one has had recent studies in media so this should have a different outcome on his answer.
Clip 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00C2UN9Jqrk
Clip 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DizsRuU07J8
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
Evaluation
Monday, 11 April 2011
Evaluation
Friday, 8 April 2011
Soundtrack To 30 Days Earlier
Breakdown of soundtrack:
The software I used to create the soundtrack was Apples GarageBand and Adobe Soundbooth CS4. The beginning pulsating synthetic sound you hear was created using the tools of GarageBand, I used the keyboard tool, and Imperial Pad Synth Texture sound to create an eerie dramatic connotation. This is then followed by a voice over that I recorded using a Sony HD camera's attachable microphone, I then edited this sound to create a more tense and dramatic feel. I did this through the use of Adobes Soundbooth CS4, I shortened the duration and lowered the tone to create an even darker sensation. A clap of thunder is then heard with the sound of pouring rain, I created this sound using two layers, I first of all used the keyboard tool and used the Nature sounds, however this caused me problems at the time as the clap of thunder was too long. Therefore I used the track volume tool to fade out the sound and then fade back in the sound of the second clap. This was overlapped with the sound effect of pouring rain, also under the Nature sound section. The following section of the soundtrack was a sample that was within the datdbase of GarageBand named Time Lapse. This was essential within our opening sequence as it created connotations of familiarity, peacefulness and tranquillity yet there is also an undercurrent of tension, which blends in excellently with our thriller genre. An eerie synthetic sound is then heard, I created this eerie sound through the tools of GarageBand. I used the Synth Pad named Cloud Break and recorded the sound through the keyboard tool. This is then followed by an even more thrilling sting and up beat tempo. These sounds I gathered for this section were from the software called Pro Scores, which provided over 300 template sounds. I combined the sounds of FX1 and Athmo 18.1 to create the upbeat, tense connotations throughout the chase scene. A rock bass guitar is then added to the fray to create an elevated sense of action and turmoil for the protagonist, I created this effect using the samples already within the database of GarageBand. I overlapped the sample Edgy Rock Bass 07 with Natural Drum Kit 07 to create these connotations. Towards the final seconds of the scene where the protagonist is cornered i used the track volume tool to increase the sound of the drum kit to show the audience how much trouble the protagonist is in.
Footage From London

Thursday, 7 April 2011
Wednesday, 6 April 2011
Final MARJ Productions 30 Days Earlier DVD Cover
Tuesday, 29 March 2011
'30 Days Earlier' - Updated final cut
Monday, 28 March 2011
Tuesday, 22 March 2011
Monologue
The first video is a clip to show Aaron Masons monologue which is featured at the beginning of 30 DAYS EARLIER.I decided that this would be a productive idea as by doing this we would know how effective the monologue is. Also the audience feedback helps us edit the monologue so it suits the audiences expectations.The audience group age ranges from 16-17 years old.Some of the audience were previous media students , I chose this deliberatley as these students will recognise the representation of Aaron Mason.The other students have had no recollection with media other than the daily media, but they have never analysed the media.Once again I chose this audience deliberatley as they will be able to judge the monologue on how effective it is to them and if it creates the same effect as monologues they have heard on films that they watch.
I began by asking the audience whether the monologue sound realistic like one they would hear on thriller films which they have seen. And why the monologue is realistic? The audience answered by saying “ that the monologue sounded very natural.”I then went on to ask that if they heard the monologue in a film would it make the film more intense? One member of the audience said yes, because it makes the audience want to know what has happened to the character and they begin to identify with the character. I then asked if the tone of voice made the monologue more intense ? The audience went on to answer that “Aarons to of voice is very quiet and needs to be louder also more emotion needs to be added to Aarons voice”
All of these comments were took on board and we went to record the monologue again but with these alterations.
Monday, 21 March 2011
DVD Cover
Wednesday, 9 March 2011
Backstage at Marj Productions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzMoL2-rP0A
Tuesday, 15 February 2011
Final credits

Thursday, 10 February 2011
30 Days Earlier possible credits
Thursday, 20 January 2011
Matthew Wright
Get well soon Matt!
Sunday, 9 January 2011
Location research - alleys
This is my primary research into possible locations we could use for the re-shooting of our alley shot. Our original shot didn't show a great deal of the beaten-up protagonist and the area itself didn't seem dark enough as we intended. In this video, I ponder whether we could use other areas instead of alleys and the micro elements we need to think about when filming.
Saturday, 8 January 2011
A delve into Garage Band
- Bass
- Drum Kits
- Guitars
- Horns
- Mallets
- Organs
- Pianos and Keyboards
- Sound Effects
- Strings
- Synth Basics
- Synth Leads
- Synth Pads
- Synth Textures
- Woodwinds
30 Days Earlier trailer
This is the trailer for our title sequence. I edited together many of our original scenes along with a few scenes I created for a more dramatic effect and to give a back story to the sequence. I couldn't find any sutiable music for the trailer, so instead decided on using no music to see if it would create a tense atmosphere with only close-up shots and quick cuts.
Thursday, 16 December 2010
Film Certification

After deciding on the narrative, I decided to determine what certification our film should have. To find out exactly how we should certify the film, I took secondary research.
Film Certification
Film Certificates are used to restrict certain age groups being exposed or possibly harmed by scenes in a film. The British Broadcast of Film Classifaction is an independent, non-governmental body which has classified british cinema films since 1912.
U - Universal films
Films with this certification are suitable for four years and over. U Films are usually set within a positive framework and offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror.
PG - Parental Guidance
Films with this certification is general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. This is why it is required for parents of young children to accompany them. A PG film shouldn't disturb a child aged around eight or older.
12A/12
12A certification has taken over from 12 in recent years. 12A allows children younger than 12 to watch a film, though they have to be accompanied by an adult. 12A films can contain mature themes, discrimination, soft drugs, mild swear words and moderate violent/sex references. 12 certification only exists with video works. No one youunger than 12 may rent or buy a 12 rated video work.
15
No one under 15 can watch or buy a film with this certification. Films under this category can contain adult themes, hard drugs, strong words, moderate-strong violence/sex references and mild non-detailed sex activity.
18
Only adults are permitted to watch a film with this certification. Films under this category have no limitation on bad language that is used, hard drugs are generally allowed and strong viloent/sex references along with non-detailed sex activity is allowed.
-Research taken from bbfc.co.uk and wikipedia.com-
After gathering all the relevant research, I examined the certifications along with the narrative of our title sequence to see which would suit our film best. We have chosen for a 12A certification as the film contains mature themes, some moderate violent references and no swearing or discrimination. I feel though that film suits best with 11 upwards due to the plot and references we have included.
Whilst we thought about the right certification, we also wanted to expand on our original target audience and appeal to family audiences as they are currently the largest cinema audience, with many films targeting family audiences.
Rough Cut feedback report
The shoot - props, costumes, locations and filming
Props
We had to carefully plan when and where we wanted to use our props as they were essential to the sequence, mainly because most of them had credits on. We did include more props than we expected and removed some that we realised weren't particularly necessary. To make our sequence more realistic, we decided to use a contemporary mobile phone as a prop in one of the establishing shots, as audiences recognise it easily. We also used a coffee cup momentarily in five of the shots to give this effect. The problem we had with our main props (posters with credits) was where to place them at Shad Thames. We soon decided on placing them on walls nearby to each other and we also spaced them evenly. Our other props were the two newspapers with credits. Matt and I used them for most scenes, covering the credits on the establishing shot and then holding them completely out so Jade could get a good view for the camera. We also had to be careful where we going to lob the newspapers as there were puddles and mud scattered across the street, this was for mainly continuity and in case we decided to scrap a shot.
Costumes
The costumes were easy for us to pick out as we already set on having the location of London and we wanted to fit in with the large public there. After researching and using our general knowledge of the area we decided on all of us to wear suits and smart wear to fit in with the commuters around London and to follow what would suit our main character: a man going off to work. Matt went for a different approach and wore a large beige coat with smart trousers as he wanted to subtlely give connotations with his costume that he was hiding something and wanted to look menacing.
Locations
We already had an idea which locations we wanted to use in our sequence as we wanted to give the audience understanding to where the film was set, by filming famous landmarks around London. We filmed at the Tower of London then Tower Bridge and the River Thames for this and also filmed the upcoming 2012 Olympic Stadium to give the audience a further understanding to when the film is set. The locations we needed were hard to find included the dead-end alley and a small street. Seeing as we didn't know our way around London properly, we weren't sure where we would find an alley. We decided to use Google Maps and find a suitable street that wasn't too crowded and had enough space to film the chase scene. Soon after searching, we decided on filming at Shad Thamesas it was perfect to place up our posters on plain walls and didn't have too many people in the area. When we were at Shad Thames, we found a nearby alley next to The Dean Swift that was desolate and small, which gives a claustrophobic feel to the scene.
Filming
The filming itself was quite easy as we all had previous experiences filming and took turns at filming scenes to see which of us captured it the best. Establishing and panning shots were relatively easy as we took a slow turn when panning and managed to capture a great deal of the location. We also used my own professional tripod when filming, which had great height and an in-built level meter which helped us to film scenes better. Whilst at location, we decided to take a more creative approach with filming, such as taking risks and capturing a moving shot of the 2012 stadium on the train. We also experimented with a quick pan when filming at the dead-end alley to give the audience a better view of the location and to keep with our current theme of constant live action and using no cuts.
The hardest part of filming for the sequence was the long shot track of the chase scene as we had to risk freehand filming to keep up with the live action and the realistic effect with our sequence. Thankfully, Jade managed to film it properly as she took extra care by filming the scene an extra twenty times to capture all the details and to remove the freehand effect. Another hard shot in our sequence was the mid shot track of the charatcers running. Matt and I took turns in filming this as it was hard to keep the camera steady whilst capturing the running. Again, we didn't want the freehand effect and we managed to refrain from this by holding tightly onto the tripod and camera.
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
'30 Days Earlier' - Rough cut
Updated Marketing




Tuesday, 14 December 2010
Updated posting schedule
Target, intended audiences
Shot list
Draft storyboard
Photo storyboard
Footage from London
Editing
Mise-en-scene survey
Possible locations
Possible props
Mood board
Casting
Typical thriller costumes
Typical thriller locations
Music survey
Preliminary task
Title sequence narrative
Thriller conventions
Time management, shooting schedule
The shoot
Finished product
Monday, 13 December 2010
Photographic Story Boards
Editing
Target Intended Audience
Thriller conventions

Sound
Sound in thriller movies is typically eerie and mysterious. Though, music in sub-genres can be varied such as physcological thrillers. An example of this would be 'The Beach' with the relaxing and paradis-themed music throughout the film to reflect how the characters feel on the beautiful island and also later in the film to show to the audience aurally how the characters feel whilst under the influence of illegal drugs. Other sub-genres include include action thrillers, an example of this being 'The Dark Knight', with loud and anticipating music to build the tension throughout and also to emphasise The Joker's insane and violent behaviour. Another sub-genre which is interesting is revenge thrillers. A specific example of this is 'Kill Bill: Vol.2', which has a unique soundtrack that is similar to Broadway show Chicago. In fact, the film seems more like a play than a movie. I found this incredibly clever as it invests something new to movies and also attracts audiences as it is different.
Titling
Titling in thrillers are also varied depending on the narrative. In 'Reservoir Dogs' The titling is bold and in white and fit well with the seemingly cartoon effects used. Futhermore, the colour changes constantly to stand out and represent each of the main characters effectively. Whilst typical titling in thriller movies audiences would usually expect is bold white titles on a black background. This creates a dramatic effect and creates tension as to what the film is about, as it is unclear at this stage. Films with titling such as this includes 'No Country for Old Men' and 'The Dark Knight'.
Opening Sequence ideas
The ideas include:
LocationLondon, Southend , Alleyways , Beach, Tower Bridge , Embankment.
Film name 30 Days Earlier... , Stalk, Figures, Disapeared.
Inspiration- Panic Room, Sixth Sense, Mystic River, Hard Candy, The Departed.
GenreThriller, Horror, Action, Romance, Comedy, Fantasy, Mystery.
Lighting Hollywood lighting, Hard low key lighting, Bright to create a surreal atmosphere.
CreditsUrban style credits, Credits displayed on poster, Displayed on poster, Along the bridge, Flying towards the screen.
Shots Establishing shot, Push/Pull, Tracking, Extreme close ups.
CharactersBusinessman, Gangsters, Police, Detectives, Gangs.
Music Diegetic-Police Sirens, Cars, Crowds, Screams
Non Diegetic- Fast paced, Jazz genre.
Costumes Business Suit , Pajamas, Ragged Shirts, Glasses, Hats
Props Newspapers, Alarms clock, Cigarette, Cars
This is the ideas for the opening sequence. We brainstormed the ideas above.We came to a decision that we wanted a location that would be easily noticed so the viewers can identify with the film. We also concluded that the genre will be thriller so all our ideas were influenced on this. Our house style has been included throughout our production pieces.The style for the opening sequence poster is red and black this was done to make the design clear and to match other peices of work.Also I think the colors used reflects the genre well.As both colors have connotations of DANGER which is the impression we wanted to give.
Time management

We created a strict schedule for our shoot at London on Monday 15th November. We devised different time slots for the specific areas whilst containing a sense of flexibility to ensure we would get the best possible shots. We also gave use enough time by leaving for our journey at 09.00 and gathered the filming equipment fifteen minutes beforehand.
Posting schedule

We devised a posting schedule for all of us in the group, to even all the posts. Obviously, this isn't a full planfor all the posts and another schedule should be posted soon when we gathered more ideas. All together we have accumulated the 30 posts evenly to each other, with all the post having interesting information on our planning and production.
Ryan
Genre survey
Target, intended audiences
Shot list
Draft storyboard
Photo storyboard
Footage from London
Editing
Audience's feedback to rough cut
Typical thriller props
Evaluation
Matt
Actor survey
Title sequence characters
Sequence script
Ideas for credits
Possible costumes
Music
Rough cut
Typical thriller camera shots, angles
Evaluation
Jade
Suitable non-copyright music
Mise-en-scene survey
Possible locations
Possible props
Mood board
Casting
Typical thriller costumes
Typical thriller locations
Evaluation
Alex
About us
Music survey
Preliminary task
Title sequence narrative
Thriller conventions
Time management, shooting schedule
The shoot
Finished product
Evaluation
Possible Thriller Costumes
A few ideas were devolped on what the antagonist could wear.We figured that he would have to look smart to reflect to more sinister look as if he were dressed in casual clothing he may blend into the background.
Sunday, 12 December 2010
Typical Thriller Props
Typical thriller camera shots and angles




Friday, 3 December 2010
Title sequence narrative
Along with this line, there is an instant flashback to when ‘it’ all began.
Thursday, 2 December 2010
Shot List



























