Audience Research

Finally! It's finished!

My Ideas So Far

I'm still deciding on some of the details of my opening. I have, however, come up with some shots I think would be effective. These have been storyboarded, and I will upload that when it's finish. For now, I'm just going to blog my shot descriptions to show some progress.

Opens to credits. Names of actors and other key production credits appear white on a black background, slowly fading in. Music begins. Quiet piano chords.

A black screen is suddenly lit from the spark of a cigarette lighter, briefly illuminating the face of main character (Alex.) This repeats. The lighter sparks again, igniting this time.

Close up of lighter lighting a small candle creating a small pool of light, illuminating a small collection of items (blurry photographs, rough sketches.) This hints of a life before the events of the film, intriguing the viewer.

Pan shot of the entire room. Messy. Shady. Lit by several more pools of candlelight. Camera pans slowly around, eventually reaching the main character. He is sitting before a large window. Roughly lit by street lamps from outside and candle light. His face remains hidden.

Close-up of mobile phone. It reads 'No Messages.'

Shadow of Alex pulling on a jacket is projected onto a wall in flickering candle light.

Close-up of hand pulling large front door open, and feet leaving.

Shot through door viewer of Alex back, walking away from the house.

Shot of the Forum, and skyline. Alex walks into the frame and stops, looking at the building as the title slowly fades into the skyline and music reaches a slight crescendo.

Close-up of Alex's face, shaded by a hood, but partially visible in the light coming from the building.

That's as far as I've got. There are some OK shots in there. I know my character is heading somewhere, not quite sure where though. Suggestions welcome. Hoping lighting, music and mise-en-scene will establish the mood. This is only outlines the general direction of the opening. Additional shots and changes are bound to happen on the day.

My Ideal Audience

Just a 25 (ish) word statement which personifies my idea of the ideal audience for my work.

"Jack is sixteen. When he's not at a party or trying to get served at the pub, he likes modern art, pondering life, and watching Skins."

Preliminary Task

I've done my Preliminary short piece of film. It's nothing amazing but it has to be there.

Questions, Questions...

I've come up with a few questions for my audience research which I hope will give me relevant feedback and advice when it comes to my work.

1) Can you think of any iconic film openings? What do you like about them?

2) Is there anything that you would consider particularly important in a film opening?

3) Would you prefer to be thrown straight into the action, or a more gentle start? Why?

4) Would you consider visuals, or dialogue more important in the opening scene of a film?

5)Do you think filming in black and white would be too strong?

I've already got some responses on tape and hopefully many more to come.

Black and White?

I've had the idea of filming my opening entirely in black and white, hoping to emulate the effct of my key influence 'Control.' I think this would create a good atmosphere, would help to emphasise any interesting lighting and imediately give the piece an edge.



This is an example of the kind of effect I want.


Here are a few articles I've read and think will be helpful.

http://cybercollege.com/tvp027.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low-key_lighting

Mood Board

Just a few pictures of characters etc that I think create the right mood... I used InDesign to arange the pictures.