OUR COMMENTARY ON OUR FINAL PRODUCTION 'SLOW BURN'

Our Preliminary Exercise

Throughout our year in media, we can see a drastic change in our skills, both technically and creatively. To begin with our camera movements were slower and more jolty, and we had no range in the camera shots we used. Comparing this to our final piece shows to us how we have improved and I am happy to say that I am a lot better with continuity and editing. I have learnt a lot and have applied this to our final production of 'Slow Burn'

Here is our clip of our preliminary exercise.

Final Cut: Slow Burn

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUDnvKwuvfM

Xtranormal Interview

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=-jiPuRZMzzI

Audience Analysis

The audience demofraphic we were aiming the film at was the teen audience possibly going as high as the mid to late 20's. We tried to make the film aimed at them by making the film about a group of teenagers, the story is relatively simple to follow when you take in to account some of the films that have come out recently (Inception). We also tried to make the subject matter something close to what the younger generation would know a little bit about.The drug fuelled underworld is a scene that only a few neo-noir films have tapped heavily into. We also tried to take elements from other films of the same sort of style, like 'Brick' and the last scene that was inspired by 'Bronson'.

Script Idea

Script Idea

Since we're only working on the intro sequence for our neo-noir, the script does not call for that much to be said, especially since we'll be cutting up a lot of silent action in the editing.

Our primary interest, script-wise will the be the brief introductory narration, presented in a sort of 'pause' in the fast-paced action of the sequence.

Since I'm co-writing the script, here's an idea for our narrative:

EXT. OPEN FIELD. DAY

NATHAN runs towards the camera, stopping close. He looks deadpan in to the lens.

NATHAN

I know what you're thinking.

"What's this silly wanker gone and done?"

Truth is, I haven't got a clue what's going on.

But, it's all downhill from here.

NATHAN looks over his shoulder, seeing his pursuers and looks back in to the camera.

NATHAN

Oh, shit.

Primary Research: Questionnaire

Primary Research: Questionnaire

1. Have you heard of the genre 'neo-noir'

• Yes - 7
• No -8

2. On average, how many times do you visit the cinema a month?

• 0-2 - 4
• 3-4 - 8
• 5-6 - 2
• More than 6 - 1

3. Out of the below list, which film are you most likely to watch?

• Se7en - 3
• Transformers - 2
• Black Swan - 2
• Hot Fuzz - 5
• Dirty Dancing - 3

4. Which film opening sequence would most appeal to you?

• A chase sequence - 4
• A slow titles sequence - 5
• A dream sequence - 2
• A gun fight - 4

5. Have you seen a film that you would describe as a 'neo-noir'?

• Yes - 4
• No - 11

6. If a film was described to you as a 'neo-noir' would you go and see it?

• Yes - 4
• No- 7
• Maybe - 4

7. Is your favourite film a....... (mark all that is appropriate)

• Action Film - 3
• Romantic Comedy - 3
• Black & White Film - 1
• Psychological Thriller - 2
• Neo-noir - 0
• Comedy - 7
• Fantasy -4
• Horror - 2

Audience Description
Our main audience is aged between 18-30, mostly male, but females would probably enjoy it aswell. The working classes and lower middle classes would probably be able to relate to the characters more than the upper classes. Much older people might find it difficultto cope with the storyline of the film, and find the characters maybe a little un-relateable. Race, ethnicities and religions would probably all enjoy the film equally, as it doesn't involve subject matter that would discriminate agains anyone. The film would probably have a similar audience to the neo-noir film 'Brick' as it has a similar subject matter and deals with some of the same issues as 'Brick' does. I think the distribution would probably go straight into television. I think that 'Film4' would be very interested in the film, as it is very similar to alot of films they like to show. I dont think that a stint in the cinemas would be cost effective as the budget would not be enough to pay for enough advertising to bring in the audiences, to make it really kick off. I think that devoted film magazines will probably see us as an independent indie film, if they like our film and give it a good review, then we may look at putting it through the cinemas.

REPORT ON A CONTEMPORARY NEO NOIR; BRICK.

Brick is a 2005 American film written and directed by Rian Johnson. He was inspired by the hardboiled detective novels written by Dashiell Hammett, and set out to create a detective film like the Film Noirs he had watched in his childhood.

The film is centred around California high school student Brendan Frye, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, a lonsum character; the anti-hero. Brick begins like a typical film noir; at the end. We are first shown the body of a young blonde girl, which soon changes to a scene of Brendan's locker. The text helps us to understand that it is 'Two days earlier', which (as all good noir films do) gets the viewer wondering about the first image seen, and how this boy at a locker has anything to do with such morbid death. Immediately the viewers are being thrown with questions; a great effect to have on this genre of film.

As we piece together evidence, it becomes clear to us that the blonde girl is Brendan's ex girlfriend, Emily. We hear of some problems to do with her, and realise that Brendan is attempting to get to the route of these problems by finding her and sorting them out. Unfortunately, noir films do not end how we would all like them to; She is killed before he could find out any further information.

This leads Brendan on a hunt to seek her killer, through codes and mystery, which is how he winds up involved with one of the top drug baron; The Pin. Not only is he a danger, but his violent associate Tug is often seen beating others, including our protagonist!

We all know thugs and drug barons are a one way ticket to danger, but no more so than the noir's most famous femme fetale, taking the form of Laura Dannon in 'Brick'. Knowing the good, old femme fetales, Laura is involved in The Pin's dealings. Gaining the trust as the film proceeds, from our protagonist and the audience who have not yet detected her as the femme fetale, it is later found out that this girl was partly to blame for the death of Brendan's ex girlfriend. She blamed her for the stealing of drugs. Brendan harshly explains what he knows, as she begs him to believe her that he is wrong and cries.

Murder is a key aspect to the storyline of 'Brick', along side drugs a mistrust. It is thought that the Assistant Vice Principle Trueman (the authoritive figure) would be an honest a wholesome person, but we are shocked to find that he encourages Brendan to snitch and also protects his name from any trouble that may or may not occur. This is a modernised style of noir; usually you would have the coppers, who at first would seem like the first people to turn to in times of desperation and need, but when it comes down to it we start to realise that noirs' authoritive figures are perhaps even worse that the problems themselves. Basically, noir's show no escape; it's more thrilling to see something that may prove a challenge to get through. As 'Brick' carries through, we find it difficult to trust anyone other than our protagonist. From his point of view, everyone is out to get him.

Sound is used in 'Brick', used in the same way of which would be used in noir films; The music would usually be downbeat jazz and piano music. In Brick there is a lot of use of traditional instruments, especially the piano, trumpet and violin.

The characters use very hardboiled language, much like was used in classic Noir. Hearing this type of language used gives us the sense of mystery, as it isn't exactly normal to hear it from teenagers in this time. However, it is still highlighted that this film is modernised, so we accept their language as it suits the genre accordingly.

After having watched both contemporary and classic noir, I can now say that I enjoyed Brick a lot more than what I would have done as I could appreciate the aspects to the storyline. It was nice to see how it was stylised into an old fashioned film genre, but with contemporary twists that keep a more varied aged audience entertained.