Furthermore, “A Case of Revenge” quickly establishes the main character almost immediately within the sequence. This was drawn from the influence of “28 Days Later” which also uses the same approach to show the audience the main character in the opening. This sets up an enigma as the audience are inclined to know who this character is and their purpose in the film. This approach is extremely effective within the “thriller genre” as it is used in many films such as “From Russia with Love’s” opening sequence.
On the other hand, the use of “high key lighting” on the locations in “A Case of Revenge” meaning that the locations are clearly established meaning no suspense can be drawn from the locations as they are clearly seen by the audience. The use of “high key” lighting used within our thriller sequence is extremely unorthodox, as classic thrillers attempt to manipulate and play upon the use of “low key” lighting, which can create an ominous feeling and enigmas within the sequence, as the audiences view of the characters or setting is impaired due to the dim or dark lighting. Moreover, there are no multiple narrative structures within “A Case of Revenge” as the sequence looks at the main character’s journey and previous experiences. This is a direct difference to the 1998 thriller movie “Scream” which looks at multiple narratives of how the masked killer stalks his victims and kills them. Nevertheless, in many thriller movies women are seen as victims and vulnerable to their surroundings. However in contrast to this thought, “A Case of Revenge” illustrates that the main character is a powerful woman committing a crime. A “Femme Fatal.” This opposes and challenges that general view of women in the thriller genre as the main character in “A Case of Revenge” opposes the stereotype and in fact creates the tension and suspense by her atmosphere in the sequence.
Finally, “A Case of Revenge” is identifiably a British thriller as it uses a real life situations and transforms the location or scenario into a tense and suspenseful setting. Furthermore, the setting of “A Case of Revenge” challenges the typical conventions of the thriller genre. Our thriller sequence is filmed in a school which is unusual for a thriller sequence as many sequences within the thriller genre use locations like forests or abandonment buildings to implement the mild fear within that location as the audience may also be scared to be situated in that location.“A Case of Revenge” was influenced by the introverted approach of British thriller. This allows the theme of the thriller to grow and ask the audience to find the true intent of the sequence. The style used was not influenced by an American thriller, which looks at manipulating the typical “home alone” or “instant victim” approach allowing the audience to assume who the victim could be. “A Case of Revenge” uses its own unique style that could challenge both British and American thrillers as it uses a simple setting to provide a deeper message that may be able to relate to.
Question 2: How does your media product represent particular social groups?
Throughout our production, it is clearly evident that we have a various portrayals of different social groups situated in the opening sequence. Our opening sequence illustrates the diversity between age, ethnicity, gender and status in society. The main character and the central focus “A case of revenge” is a young teenager commonly known as “Madeline.” This illustrates that women can be the central character of suspicious in a sequence as “Madeline” the main antagonist/protagonist in the sequence is at the height of suspense and tension. The casting of a young female as the main character challenges the normal representations and stereotypes of women in the thriller genre. In “Classic thrillers” women are generally seen to be the victims of the thrillers as they are portrayed to be the victims of violent crimes. However in “A Case of Revenge” the main character committing a crime is a woman. This challenges the representation and stereotype of women as they are seen to be the main character of suspicion and not the victim of a crime committed by another character within the sequence.
Moreover, ethnicity is a key element in “A case of Revenge.” “Madeline” is of Arab decent and is portrayed as a terrorist. This falls into the common stereotypes of Arabs as they are seen to be a danger to other social groups and terrorists. Furthermore, another important portrayal in “A Case of Revenge” is status in society. “Madeline” a young teenager is seen to be undermined by her older superior teacher showing that adults and people of a higher status undermine youth views and beliefs in society. The short interaction between teacher and student is a metaphor illustrating how older members of society and people with higher authority control the youth and lower classes to show how they influence society and have the control in society. Young people are shown to be active, but also quite intimidating to other peers. Ethnic minorities are seen shown in different aspects depending on their ethnicity, whilst adults and people of a higher status are seen to be overpowering and always attempting to imply their superior authority on a situation.
Apart from representations, media stereotypes are important within “A Case of Revenge.” “A Case of Revenge” shows that a young girl of Arab decent is planting a bomb inside a school. This is considered a stereotype as Arabs are seen as a danger to society and terrorists in today’s ignorant society. Moreover, the bully of the sequence is of “black ethnicity.” Another stereotype is played upon within this sequence as it portrays that “black people” intimidate society and pray on the weaker members of society. The use of an “Arab” terrorist clearly states a message to the audience and quickly establishes that the main character in question is suspicious not only because she is menacing as she prowls through the school, but because she is “Arab” and considered a threat to society. The use of a “black” bully sets the mood of an urban social realism effect to the audience helping them also quickly establish that this character is a threat to “Madeline” and that this character fits into the general stereotype of “angry black women” in today’s society.
Although, “A Case of Revenge” uses stereotypes to help quickly establish the characters and their positions in the sequence, “A Case of Revenge” challenges representational stereotypes. “Madeline” is the main character who is plotting to wreak havoc and carnage within the school. This challenges the general stereotype of a weak vulnerable woman. “A Case of Revenge” makes “Madeline” and women seem like potential “Femme Fatal’s” as there is no stereotype within the sequence that shows that women are vulnerable, but really shifty, clever, smart women providing the suspense, tension and the overall feeling of a “Thriller” within the sequence.
This is an element uncommonly seen in sequences, as the dominant characters of suspense and tension are men, who are generating the action. This changes the general stereotype in “A Case or Revenge” as “Madeline” is portrayed as a “Femme Fatal” as she attempts to blow up the school and put the past behind her.
In addition, “A Case of Revenge” uses stereotypes within its Mise en Scene to quickly connote and suggest the role of the main character within the sequence. “Madeline” the main character within the sequence is wearing all black clothing suggesting that she may be a spy or somewhat of a suspicious character as she strolls through the school surroundings. The use of all black clothing connotes to the audience that “Madeline” may not be a protagonist in the sequence, but an antagonist within the sequence, as the stereotypical connotation of the colour black is “bad, suspicious or evil.” The use of the colour black helps to show the audience that the main character is suspicious thus is also used not to confuse the audience through a multi coloured costume, which may make the main character seemed pleasant and innocent.
Question 3: What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
“A Case of Revenge” is an independent low budget British film which looks at a teenage girl being faced with severe bullying. This results in a retaliation from the victim who seeks revenge on her school, by placing a bomb in the head teachers office, devastating the entire school. Due to the fact that “A Case of Revenge” is an independent British film, it would not have a big budget like a “Mainstream” Hollywood Production. The diversity between “Mainstream” and “Independent” films are clearly evident through the construction and distribution period. A “Mainstream” Hollywood production would be a movie like “The Book of Eli” which would have a large Budget to use of CGI effects and other aspects of a Hollywood film. A “Mainstream” production would have excellent casting with well-known and established actors such as Denzel Washington, Brad Pitt or Sylvester Stallone.
Moreover, a “Mainstream” production would have a simplistic theme allowing the audience easily work out the proposed theme in the production. On the other hand, independent films are generally low budget films, with actors who are not well established in the media. Furthermore, independent films usually tend to have a deeper theme allowing the audience to engage in the movie and think about the theme whilst watching the production. Many “British-based” films are independent and look to funding from the “Lottery” in order for their films to be successfully funded. An example of an independent film would be “London to Brighton” which looks at the theme of “Child Prostitution” and “growing up in dangerous circumstances.” This clearly shows that “A Case of Revenge” falls under the low budget independent film category.
However, independent films can still be distributed across the world using various approaches. “A Case of Revenge” could be shown with other independent films at an independent Cinema such as “Electric” or the “Prince Charles Cinema” this would allow a greater amount of people to watch the film at one given time. Moreover, independent films can also be shown at film festivals. Festivals like “Sun Dance” in the U.S.A attract a phenomenal amount of attention and many independent movies look to have their film view at this event. However, a production such as “A Case of Revenge” could be shown at Local film festivals held by students, allowing the production to once again attract its target audience as it is a student based film and has a target audience of 15-25 year olds, many of whom are students and may have witnessed or experience bullying.
In addition, films can be distributed on Social Networking sites such as Youtube, Facebook, Myspace and Bebo. These video sharing and social networking sites allow you to post your video up and send links to people with your target market. This would allow a film to be seen by many people across the world as the links are sent around the Internet. Posting “A Case of Revenge” on Youtube or any other social networking site would be ideal as it is a short film that can capture audience attention quickly and capture the target audience that “A Case of Revenge” is striving for. It will also have the ability to gain multiple hits on the Internet and if successful enough may receive media attention of T.V shows that dedicate themselves to finding videos with multiple hits. An example of this would be the Channel 4 show “Rude Tube.” There would be a possibility that a profit could be made from “A Case of Revenge” as it is possible to sell a film on Myspace. This would generate funds through distribution. The funds could then be put forward to a new production.
Furthermore, A film could be distributed on Terrestrial Channels on television. Channel 4 is a “public service channel” which has a tendency to show short films on a show called “3MW – 3 Minute Wonder.” The opportunity may arise for “A Case of Revenge” to be sent to “3MW” meaning that multiple views who tune into Channel 4 before the 7pm News will witness “A Case of Revenge.” This time slot would be ideal as “A Case of Revenge” tackles many points situated in the news today. These include “Bullying” “Terrorism” and how people are driven to crime through influences or by being ostracised by social groups. This would prove to be a hot topic and could be debated on the news or by students. Moreover, “A Case of Revenge” could be distributed to BBC’s “Switch” which is a show dedicated to young people and their opinions. This would help draw the correct target audience for “A Case of Revenge” as the average view of this show is between 15-25 years old.
“A Case of Revenge” would have the best distribution chance on a social and video sharing site such as Youtube, as it is free and can be easily seen by multiple viewers by sending links across the Internet. It would cost money for “A Case of Revenge” to be sent to a Terrestrial T.V. Channel, which could result in a loss of money, we as an independent board may not have money to give away.Question 4: Who would be the audience for your media product?
“A Case of Revenge” was originally produced for people aged 15 and above. This was due to the fact that a film of a “15” certification thriller sequences can be used within this rating as the conventions situated within a “15” certified film can apply to a thriller sequence. A thriller sequence would be easily portrayed within this certification as fear, threat and mild horror can be applied to the sequence. A certification of “15” would help the audience asses that there will not be too much horror within the sequence because it is not an “18” certified film, which would possible play on the horror frequency of the thriller genre. After producing the opening sequence to “A Case of Revenge” I believe that the rating should be reduced to a “12A” certification. I believe that the sequence plays on mild suspense and tension to develop. I believe that the sequence had mild tension and suspense, but not enough fear to move the certification to a “15.” I believe that with all these factors taken accounted for views aged 12 could watch this sequence as it shows no signs of challenging a 12 year olds psychological state through increased fear. “A Case of Revenge” has qualities of a certification of “15” but without the use of mild threat and horror in the sequence, the certification of “15” would be limited for the sequence. Overall, the appointment of the right certification for “A Case of Revenge” was a failure as the potentiality and actuality of the sequence differed once production had taken place. 
Moreover, reducing the BBFC certification to a “12A” may turn out to be a detrimental effect to “A Case of Revenge.” The marking of the movie may face a substantial effect as the company financing the production may be disappointed that the film didn’t arise to its chosen certification. This may limit the money spent on advertising the product, meaning a loss of profits for “A Case of Revenge.” Furthermore, the target audience of “A Case of Revenge” initially teenagers aged “15” and over may assume that “A Case of Revenge” now certified at a “12A” may not be suspenseful, or provide enough tension for their own thriller enjoyment. This may result in a loss of “A Case of Revenge” attracting its target audience, meaning that the audience watching the sequence may not be able to relate to “A Case of Revenge” as they may not understand the implications we had initially set up for older teenagers to understand. This may be because younger children of 12 years and under may not understand the themes or the messages behind “A Case of Revenge” as they are not old enough to experience these situations. As a result of this “A Case of Revenge” may come under harsh criticisms for not relating to the audience of a “12A” certification and not being suspenseful or tense enough to clinch the certification of “15.”
Question 5: How did you attract/address your audience?
However, the audience also wanted to seem more score, ambient sound, varied transitions, and faster editing within the opening sequence as some elements of the sequence were not successfully slotting into succession. This allowed us to evaluate what elements of the Opening sequence of “A Case of Revenge” successfully work and what may need improving. This allowed us to produce a successful “Final Draft” including all of the improvements suggested by the audience. This now meant that the audience would successfully be engaged to the sequence as the final draft includes all the final preparations and changes that would appeal to the audience.
Furthermore, “A Case of Revenge” attempted to use context, style and theme to successfully engage our target audience. Due to the fact that our target audience was 15-25 years olds, the use of a young main character and a school setting allowed the audience to engage with the sequence more as they share the same experiences as the character and the environment in the sequence. This is because the audience “A Case of Revenge” is targeted at if for students who are attending sixth form or college. Moreover, the theme of bullying was an appropriate theme for our target audience as many of the audience have witnessed or been victim to bullying at school.
Question 6: What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?
The use of “DV” Camera and tapes allowed the production of “A Case of Revenge” to look more realistic as the camera playback looked “grainy” and not a “High Defined” celluloid Image. The “DV” Cameras allowed us to produce “A Case of Revenge” on a cheap, quick, easily accessible piece of Software meaning that when the “rendering of the tapes” would commence, the instructions are very simple. This was suitable for “A Case of Revenge” as it is an independent film, which attempts to relate and engage our audience through real life circumstances, instead of simple minded Hollywood themes. The use of “DV” Cameras added to the crucial effect of engaging the audience into our sequence.
The final phase was deciding to place “A Case of Revenge” on a social networking internet website. Social Networking sights such as “Youtube http://www.youtube.com/” “Facebook http://www.facebook.com/” and “Myspace http://www.myspace.com/” allows me to place “A Case of Revenge” on a website that allows me to distribute the production to our target audience of 15-25 years olds.
Overall, the use of technology such as “I Movie” “Garageband” and “DV” Cameras has allowed “A Case of Revenge” to be transformed from an idea on a storyboard to a fully fledged production ready to be placed on a social networking site for our target audience.Question 7: Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
Written By Myles McCaulskey
No comments:
Post a Comment