The potential plot of our film.

The first plot idea we had, was that a somebody was plotting to blow up the government, whilst another person within the government tries to stop the plotter. It would become a battle of wits between the two men... until finally at the end, the audience discover that there is only one man. The character is a rare form Schizophrenic, the variation being that this man literally has a split personality. So it comes about that the man plotting to destroy the government, is the same man trying to defend it... though he doesn't realise it.


Pros:-

• Gripping storyline
• Political/Psychological thriller conventional

Cons:-

• Impossible to portray within 2 minutes, as we would have to reveal that the protagonist and antagonist are the same man within the films opening. This would result in the audience losing interest as the plot would have already been revealed

our product.

In our plot the conventions we will be using the conventions:

• The film will be based on a crime.
• There will be a quick editing pace at some point in the film. 
• There will be mood building music.
• There will be dim lighting.

The conventions we will be challenging will be that:

• The hero and the villain are separate people.
• The hero prevailing.

target audience

Universal; Suitable for all

Discrimination
No discriminatory language or behaviour unless clearly disapproved of.

Drugs

No references to illegal drugs or drug misuse unless they are infrequent and innocuous, or there is a clear educational purpose or anti-drug message suitable for young children.

Horror
Scary sequences should be mild, brief and unlikely to cause undue anxiety to young children. The outcome should be reassuring.

Imitable behaviour
No dangerous behaviour or use of weapons.

Language

The film can only contain mild language like using the word idiot and stupid.

Nudity
only appropriate nudity i.e. shirts come off.

Sex
Mild sexual behaviour (for example, kissing) and references only (for example, ‘making love’).

Violence
Mild violence which is only occasional mild threat or menace only.

Parental Guidance

General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children

Unaccompanied children of any age may watch. A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children.

Discrimination
language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly disapproved of or in an educational or historical context.  Discrimination by a character with which children can readily identify is unlikely to be acceptable.

Drugs
References to illegal drugs or drug misuse must carry a suitable anti-drug message.

Horror
Frightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense.

Imitable behaviour
No detail of potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy.

Language
Mild bad language only.

Nudity
Natural nudity, with no sexual context.

Sex
Sexual activity may be implied, but should be discreet and infrequent. Mild sex references and innuendo only.

Theme
Where more serious issues are featured (for example, domestic violence).

Violence
Moderate violence, without detail, may be allowed.

 

Suitable for 12 years and over

The ‘12A’ category exists only for cinema films. No one younger than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult, and films classified ‘12A’ are not recommended for a child below 12.

The ‘12’ category exists only for video works. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video work.

Discrimination
Discriminatory language or behaviour must not be endorsed by the work as a whole. Aggressive discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly condemned.

Suitable only for 15 years and over

No one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema and no one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video work.

Discrimination
The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour.

Drugs
Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse. The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances (for example, aerosols or solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable.

Horror
Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised.

Imitable behaviour
Dangerous behaviour should not dwell on detail which could be copied. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

Language
There may be frequent use of strong language which may be acceptable if justified by the context. Aggressive or repeated use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.

Nudity
Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.

Sex
Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour, but the strongest references are unlikely to be acceptable unless justified by context. Works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation are unlikely to be acceptable.

Theme
No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds.

Violence
Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification.

 

Suitable only for adults

No-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema.
No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an ‘18’ rated video.
In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC’s public consultations and The Human Rights Act 1998, at ‘18’ the BBFC’s guideline concerns will not normally override the principle that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:

• where the material is in breach of the criminal law, or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence
• where material or treatment appears to the BBFC to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – for example, any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which may cause harm to public health or morals. This may include portrayals of sexual or sexualised violence.
• where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context.
• Where sex material genuinely seeks to inform and educate in matters such as human sexuality, safer sex and health, explicit images of sexual activity may be permitted.

Rated 18

To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas. 

The following content is not acceptable:

To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas.

The following content is not acceptable:

• any material which is in breach of the criminal law, including material judged to be obscene under the current interpretation of the Obscene Publications Act 1959
• the portrayal of any sexual activity which involves lack of consent. Any form of physical restraint which prevents participants from indicating a withdrawal of consent
• the infliction of pain or acts which may cause lasting physical harm, whether real or (in a sexual context) simulated. Some allowance may be made for moderate, non-abusive, consensual activity
• any sexual threats, humiliation or abuse which does not form part of a clearly consenting role-playing game. Strong physical or verbal abuse, even if consensual, is unlikely to be acceptable.

Drugs
Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or give instructional detail.

Horror
Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted, provided disturbing sequences are not frequent or sustained.

Imitable behaviour
Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied, or appear pain or harm free.  Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

Language
Moderate language is allowed. The use of strong language must be infrequent.

Nudity
Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief and discreet.

Sex
Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. Frequent crude references are unlikely to be acceptable.

Theme
Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers.

Violence
Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated, and must have a strong contextual justification.

• any material which is in breach of the criminal law, including material judged to be obscene under the current interpretation of the Obscene Publications Act 1959
• the portrayal of any sexual activity which involves lack of consent. Any form of physical restraint which prevents participants from indicating a withdrawal of consent
• the infliction of pain or acts which may cause lasting physical harm, whether real or (in a sexual context) simulated. Some allowance may be made for moderate, non-abusive, consensual activity
• any sexual threats, humiliation or abuse which does not form part of a clearly consenting role-playing game. Strong physical or verbal abuse, even if consensual, is unlikely to be acceptable.

Drugs
Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or give instructional detail.

Horror
Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted, provided disturbing sequences are not frequent or sustained.

Imitable behaviour
Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied, or appear pain or harm free.  Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

Language
Moderate language is allowed. The use of strong language must be infrequent.

Nudity
Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief and discreet.

Sex
Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. Frequent crude references are unlikely to be acceptable.

Theme
Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers.

Violence
Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated, and must have a strong contextual justification.

 after reviewing the specification for each age group i have concludes that our film idea itself if it was to be carried on would be a 15 where as our actual piece is a 2 minute opening, in those 2 minutes the material/ content is suitable for 12 viewing.

 

toy story opening credits

star wars titles

Star wars is considered to be one of the most famous films in history, or definately percieved as being the most famous Sci fi film of all time. 

"As of 2008, the overall box office revenue generated by the six Star Wars films has totalled approximately $5.51 billion". wikepedia

Star Wars is un-doubtively famous for its opening credits. Each of the six film saga begin with text schrolling down the screen. the title itself "star wars" is in a unique font which is only used in star wars the film and is shown different to the rest of the text, it is larger and is not solid. This is probably to distinguish the title so the audience is alerted of what its called. The yellow text on the backdrop of space is a good contrast as it is very visible and appealing. The only apparent convention in these titles is the space themed background, this associates with science fiction. The soundtrack again is made specifically for the film, the ohrcestral piece is considered to be the Star Wars soundtrack, this shows its popularity. The schrolling text gives an overview of events in the past films and a lead up to the plot of the film which they are in, this helps continue the stroy and re-introduces the viewer to the story so far.

star wars opening credits

Eurotrip titles

The opening titles in Eurotrip follow a theme of a in flight brochre, that of which promotes safety etc. i believe the strategy of this is to develop humour and to interest the audience already in the opening of the film. this is done by the "comic" like animation and fast moving transitions between titles. The titles themselves are contained in the animation in a live text like format, i believe this was chosen to fascinate viewers with moving pictures and also to promte the idea that the film is a comedy and not of another genre. the font style is chosen to create the effect of the word being stamped on a document, this again relates to the flight brochure idea. apparent conventions shown in these titles are :

• "the gag" these are visual, aural, verbal jokes, carefully timed and delivered for maximum impact
• the visuals in the animation are outlined cartoon drawings, often associated with comedy.
• the actions in the animation are funny and make refference to toilet humour etc
• the soundtrack is very upbeat and creates a mood that can be portrayed as happy

eurotrip credits

The Shining conventions

The shining conventions:

Mise-en-scene: at the beginning of the scene the little boy riding the tricycle is seen wearing a red jacket, commonly in thrillers red represents danger, coincidently the boy is in danger as he rides round a corner and is faced with what seems to be ghosts. The twins (ghosts) are wearing light blue dresses, this shows irony in the scene as the colour blue is associated with calmness etc, the boy as shown is not calm or soothed by the sighting of the girls. Irony can be very common in thrillers. The little boy is in peril, this is also very common in thrillers, his age is mainly represented through the use of a tricycle which demonstrates youth.

Camera work and editing: the boy is being followed at the start of the clip, he is followed round the corner of the room, and this produces tension as we do not know what is round the corner. The camera then cuts to a close up of the back of the boy with the twins at the top of the frame, usually this would represent the twins having power of the boy, meaning the boy is very vulnerable, this creates tension and is a convention of a thriller movie. The camera then cuts to and from the boy and the twins, demonstrating a shot reverses shot, this confrontation is shown in both thrillers and horrors. At one point in the clip, we see a flashback/ jump shot of the girls lying dead, hacked up and an axe lying next them, this produces fear in the clip and adds to the thriller like behaviour of it.

Sound: throughout the whole of the clip, there is non-diegetic sound playing in the background, it is very orchestral and produces fear and tension, this is substantial in thriller movies. The music becomes louder and a sharp contrast of a large cymbal being hit alerts the audience and makes them “jump” again this is common for thrillers.

the shining

I chose to use the shining as its story is based around a killer, it is a typical slasher/thriller film. I used this as during the film making process it is encouraging to make an original idea so challenging conventions is a great way of doing this. After watching films such as the shining we have considered to challenge the convention of having a serial killer who is 1) human and 2) uses a murder weapon of some sort.

The Dark Knight conventions

The dark knight conventions:

Mise-en-scene: During the opening of the clip, a character distinguished as “the joker is holding a clown like mask and is wearing a violet tuxedo. This contrast of colours is very un-usual, especially in thrillers, although the wild range of colours depict the jokers character, he is considered mad and dresses this way, this would be a convention in thrillers as his colour is representing a theme of madness, danger etc. as well as this his henchman are carrying guns and other weapons, these represent a convention in thriller, due to a connation of danger, and crime films which dark knight falls under. Policemen and cars represent the crime sub-genre in the thriller itself; this is a major convention in crime films. The setting and idea of the bank heist represents clear evidence of crime, this shows direct convention of crime thrillers.

Camera work and editing: The dark knight has very clear and frequent camera shots which all are features of a thriller film. The tracking and panning of the characters shows address to what they are doing, and begins to create either suspense of tension as we are trying to predict what they are doing next. At the beginning of the clip, the joker is seen standing in the middle of the frame, but we can only see his back and not his head, this creates mystery in the seen and suspense to establish who this character is. This is very common in thriller films, as these keep the audience engrossed in the action and hold anxiety to what they will do. Throughout the action of the clip, the camera shots are very quick cut, there is no messing around. The shots jump from character to character to show what they are doing, the shots are long and close-up shots, and this is another convention of thriller movies.

Sound: The clip begins with non diegetic sound in the background, this is ambient sound which sets the scene and follows the action established in this scene. The non diegetic sound begins to increase in pace to the follow up of action, again this is a convention of thriller, action and crime films.

the dark knight

I chose to use three completely different thrillers, as this broadens the quantity of conventions and gives a wider understanding as well as help with developing an idea of our own. i chose to use the dark knight as its hidden twists and interlect make it a gripping thriller, this was very appealing and inspiring to use when developing our personal idea.

sin city conventions

Sin city conventions:

Mise-en-scene: The entirety of sin city is in black and white, this is on behalf of both mise-en-scene and editing. The colours portray a dark and mysterious atmosphere where as the effect of black and white is edited into the film, showing how both aspects comes across. In the opening of the clip the police approach the main character “Marv” with guns, guns are common properties in thriller movies. The policemen and the police cars are obvious conventions of a crime genre; sin city falls under a crime thriller, this then depicts conventions of both the thriller and sub-genre crime. The clear contrast of red showing blood on Marv’s face and on the police siren can be seen as a connation of danger, which is very appropriate as the police intend on killing the criminal Marv.  The half lit environments and shadows also demonstrate tension building as well as the setting showing stairs. The choice of a set in a city or town and use of windows shows conventions through iconography, a clear convention is also shown through the set of the prison; this depicts crime and thriller conventions.

Camera work and editing: The camera angles are very quick, there are quick cuts and a variety of angle changes, and this makes the storyline very fast paced and is also a convention of thriller movies. The clip begins with a close up shot of the main character in the middle of the frame this shows his importance and again is a convention of thriller films. The majority of editing in sin city is the effect of black and white filming, this is a convention of a thriller on behalf of the colours, and dull colours represent a gothic atmosphere which is common in a thriller. Sound bridges of non-diegetic sound build atmosphere in this clip, this is superimposed into the clip showing the aspect of editing as well as a convention of thriller movies.

Sound: there are frequent points in the clip where ambient music is added to create tension or other emotion, developing the mood of the clip, this sound is non-diegetic, which as stated is a certainty in thriller films. The main character Marv also narrates over the top of the clip, this is classified as non-diegetic sound as it replaces diegetic sound n the clip, narration is very common in both thriller and crime films.

sin city clip

As we are making a 2 minute opening to a thriller film we need a good understanding of famous thrillers and conventions used in them, one way we developed understanding was through analysing clips and stating the conventions in them which make them such famous thriller films. I chose this clip from "sin city" as this relates to one of our film ideas in the way that we wouldwish to use the black and white effect.

thriller conventions

The conventions of a thriller movie fall into a list of categories, as do other genres of film. these categories are; sound, editing ( including camera work ), mise-en-scene, setting, iconography etc. 

• Sound: Music that delivers the feeling of tension as well as an upbeat racey sound to match the action etc. the sound is depicted as a wide variety of non-diegetic sound, this is a result of building tension and suspense in the appropriated scenes. diegetic sound is also very common, although this is found to be quieter in the scene.
• Editing: quick cuts, a large variety of different camera changes, tracking and panning shots are also common, particularly when showing a group of people who, as the audience, we should be interested in. zooming in and out of shots is also a certainty. titles reflect the type of film also, different font styles, sizes and effects reflect the beginning of the film. The credits are often superimposed over a shot or on a blank screen following non-diegetic sound, this creates the atmosphere for the start of the film. long shots and close up shots appear in a majority in thriller films, this is usually during points of action to show where it will take place as well as a build up of mood. the framing in thrillers usually is presented with the main character(s) at the higher level of the screen, this showing an essence of power in comparison to the characters who are not as important.
• Mise-en-scene: lighting is a very important factor in thriller movies, half lit character faces and the use of shadows portray a very dark and evil extrerior which builds tension in the storyline. dull colours such as greys, blacks and whites are often present as well as a bright contrast of red in blood, this usually connates blood or danger in the more horror like thrillers. mirrors and stairs are substantial convention in thrillers also, these add unpredictability or mystery to the plot which again builds tension etc. properties (props) such as guns and large knives are seen frequently in thrillers.
• Iconography – Shadows, Street Lamps, Confined Spaces, Running Water, Bars on Windows, Cities/towns. These are all conventions of thriller movies.

The thriller genre can include the following sub-genres:

Sub-Genre's of Thriller are:

Crime Thriller - These type of films are a mix between crime films and thrillers which are about successfull or unsuccessful crimes and show suspenceful accounts of the people involved. These films often focus on the criminals rather than the police. Crime thrillers usually focus on the element of action scenes. These films are usually about any crime such as murders robberies etc. An example of this type is 'Silence Of The Lambs' which is about murder.

Disaster Thriller - This type of film involves a natural or artificial disaster such as a tsunami, earthquake (natural) or nuclear (artificial) etc. An example of this type of film would be 'The Day After Tomorrow' where the disaster they face is global warming throughout the film.

Psychological Thriller - In this sub-genre the conflict between the main characters is mental and emotional, untill the end which is usually violent. Alfred Hitchcock is very good at this type of film. Some examples of this sub-genre are 'Panic Room' and 'Phone Booth'.

Mystery Thriller - These films are suspenseful and include the Main charachter(s) trying to solve a mystery. An example of this would be 'Shutter Island'.

Techno Thriller - A Techno thriller is a suspenseful film where the use of sophisticated technology plays an important part. Examples of this type of film are 'The Matrix' 'I,Robot' 'Eagle Eye'.

Conspiracy Thriler - This is when protagonist faces a large powerful enemy which only the hero knows their true motive. Examples of this type are 'Flight plan' 'Snake Eyes'.

Legal thriller - This is where the lawyer-heroes/heroines confront enemies outside, as well as inside, the courtroom and are in danger of losing not only their cases but their lives. Examples of this are 'Fracture' 'Primeval Fear' and 'A Few Good Men'

Political Thriller - In which the hero/heroine must ensure the stability of the government that employs him. Examples of this are 'Rendition' and 'The Good Shepherd'

definition of thriller

To overall understand the thriller genre we chose to define it, this is also a good introduction to the thriller project. 


The Thriller genre in films is one which uses elements to create suspense or tension, in order to excite the viewers or to carry on the plot of the film.

The genre of thriller is the same in literature, the definition of thriller in books etc is "One that thrills, especially a sensational or suspenseful book, story or play"

list of popular thrillers

1. Fight Club (crime, drama, mystery thriller)
2. Psycho (drama, horror, mystery, thriller)
3. The Shining (horror, mystery, thriller)
4. The Godfather (crime, drama, thriller)
5. Terminator 2: judgement day (action, sci-fi, thriller)
6. Sin City ( crime, drama, thriller)
7. Jaws (thriller)
8. The Dark Knight (action, crime, thriller)
9. Se7en (crime, drama, mystery, thriller)
10. Alien (adventure, horror, sci-fi, thriller)

The following list shows 10 popular thrillers that were taken from IMDB. our final project is to create a 2 minute opening to a thriller film, we listed thrillers to demonstrate common examples and case studies that may help with our final idea. we plan to assess these films and list conventions and camera shots that together will educate us on the subject of thriller films.