My Sweded Film

What is a Sweded Film?
A sweded film is an amateur recreation of a famous film using limited resources and technology. They are much shorter than the original film and use budget props to mimic the source material.

How to make a Sweded Film:

• Before we started we had to decide on a popular film that we would base our sweded film on. As a group, we decided on Titanic. 
• We then selected 5 iconic scenes from the film that we would attempt to recreate with the limited resources that were available to us. 
• After deciding on the scenes, we then needed to find actors that were willing to feature in our sweded film.
• We proceeded to film our 5 chosen scenes using an iPhone, by recording one scene at a time. 

After all the scenes were filmed, we then began editing the scenes by joining all of them together to create one video and then adding in the famous 'Titanic music' to correspond with our scenes.

Our Sweded Film: 

Analysis of our Sweded Film:

The first scene that we chose to recreate was the scene where Jack wins a ticket to go on the Titanic. This scene was used to demonstrate the excitement of being able to go on the Titanic, while also outlining the beginning of Jack's journey. The second scene that we filmed was the scene where Jack and Rose meet for the first time, illustrating how they are very different from each other as Jack is an ordinary working class boy whereas Rose had been brought up in an upper class family. The third scene that we chose to film is where Jack and Rose are standing at the front of the deck of the ship whilst imagining that they were flying. We chose this scene as it is the most iconic scene in the whole movie and is also easy to reenact. The fourth scene we filmed is during the sinking of the ship, when Jack struggles to hold on any longer and lets go. We chose to film this scene as it is yet another iconic scene in the movie as it shows heartbreak and emotion while demonstrating how much the characters love each other. The fifth and final scene that we chose to film is of Rose as an old lady, telling her granddaughter her story of when she was on the Titanic. We chose this scene as it summed up the movie and showed how even after all those years Rose never stopped loving Jack. To conclude, I believe my group were successful in creating our sweded film as we were able to effectively sum up the film in 5 scenes and with the limited materials that were available for our use. 

Introduction to Cameras - How to set up a Camera

In order to set up a camera ready for filming you need 3 things:

• A dolly
• A tripod 
• A camera

The Dolly 

The dolly is a three-legged camera stand which has wheels on the end of each leg in order to allow the camera to move easily to film in different areas. Each leg has a release button, which is pressed to open it out fully. 

The Tripod 

The tripod has three legs that insert into the dolly at each point. To extend the tripod legs, each screw needs to be untightened to release each leg in order to get the correct height. To secure the tripod into the dolly, the latch from the dolly needs to be placed over the clip on the base of the tripod to hold it into place. The breaks of the tripod should also be kept on to stop the tripod from moving out of place. 

The Camera

The camera should be clipped securely into it's holder on the top of the tripod. The SD card should be inserted into the camera to allow filming to be recorded. The camera should also be adjusted into the correct position for filming using the stick which is used to pan the camera round. 

Camera Techniques

Wide Shot - A shot where the subject takes up the majority of the frame. It also shows the subjects surroundings.

Close Up - In a close up shot, a certain feature or part of the subject takes up most of the frame. It is most commonly used to show detail and emphasise the characters facial expression.

Mid Shot - A shot taken from a medium distance.

Medium close up - A shot that shows the face and shoulders. It is halfway between a mid shot and a close up.

Over the shoulder Shot - This shot is done from behind the shoulder of the person looking at the subject. This is used to indicate the position of each person.

Point-of-view Shot - This camera technique shows a view from the subjects perspective. The subject whose point of view it is is usually made obvious.

Tracking Shot - This type of shot is commonly used to make it seem like the subject is being followed.

Tilt - This is a vertical camera movement in which the camera points up or down from a still position. It is often used to give a character more power than another.

Pan - The panning camera technique is a swivelling camera movement done by moving the camera from left to right, usually on a tripod in a fixed location. A pan is also used to track the subjects movement.

How is gender presented positively and stereotypically in the sequence from Skyfall?

In the sequence from Skyfall, mise en scene is used to show how James Bond is in control as his assistant 'Money Penny' waits for him in the car. The stereotype of how women are bad drivers is also  presented through Money Penny as she smashes both of the car mirrors at which point Bond then takes control of the steering wheel, showing how once again Bond is in control. However, M is also presented as someone who is in charge, although she is portrayed to look masculine through her short hair. This implies how in order to have power, women must act like men to sustain an authoritative position.

Sound is also used to show how James Bond is an action hero, as non diegetic sound is used through fast paced action music to show how he is going to catch the villain. There is also a diegetic voice over from M which demonstrates how she is in charge as she gives Bond instructions on what he should do. Dialogue is also used by Bond as he tells Money Penny to 'keep her head down.' This implies how Bond is in control due to his male gender as he is the one giving instructions.

Additionally, there is a wide shot from behind M when she is standing at the front of her office, which shows how she is in control of everyone who works there. This can be depicted as when everyone else is working she overlooks them, demonstrating her high authority. There is also a medium close up of Bond when he is on the motorbike, showing how serious he is and the determination in his face.  The tracking shots and close ups that are captured by the camera present Bond as the action hero, as he is the character that the camera mainly follows.

Lastly, editing is used as there is cross cutting between two scenes to show how they are happening at the same time. The fact that M is in the office behind the scenes while Bond is the one who is where all the action is happening demonstrates the stereotype of men going out to work and women staying at home. The quick cuts are used to reinforce how James Bond is the hero as they show him overcoming danger. The eye line match that shows Bond taking the steering wheel shows how he is taking control and that Money Penny isn't capable of controlling the car.

The effectiveness of a Storyboard

What is a storyboard?
A storyboard is a sequence of drawings, typically with some directions and dialogue, representing the shots planned for a film or television production.

Why do you need a storyboard?

• A storyboard is the best way to share your vision to others.
• It makes production much easier as it is a starting point or suggested thoroughline around which you can plan your coverage. 
• It saves you time as it will make the creation process go more smoothly. 

How to make a storyboard?

1. Create blank slides 
2. Add your script
3. Sketch your story 

Prezi of our Thriller Film Opening Sequence

Editing Techniques

Jump Cut - A 30 degree jump in the action that moves the scene forward by a split second. Helps the conversation flow.

Slow Motion and Montage - A montage is a series of shots that condense time. Works well with sound. Also adds comedy to the scene.

Split Screen - Shows two things happening at the same time in different places. Shows different scenes are connected.

Wipe, Fade and Dissolve - Transitions that link one scene to another.

Still/ Freeze Frame - Used to show a characters facial expressions and motivations alongside a non-diegetic voiceover. Freeze frames are used to demonstrate the significance of certain scenes.

Rhythmic Editing - Used to cut something in time with the music. The faster the music the faster the cuts e.g. action films.

Quick Cuts - Used to speed up the action.

Shot Reverse Shot - Used to show a conversation and cut between characters.

Cutting on Action/ Match on Action - A quick cut that shows action and allows a scene to progress. E.g. fighting, catching something, running.

Cut Away/ Kuleshov Effect - The middle shot is taken away and the meaning is changed.

Flashback - Used to show the past or a characters motivations.

Match Cut - Cuts from one scene to another by matching the action. Mainly used as scene transitions.

Sound Bridge - A piece of sound that links two scenes together. One way of doing this is by hearing the sound before you see whats happening in the next scene.

Pace - Slow pace or fast pace. Slow pace builds suspense and builds on dialogue. Fast pace films are for action films.

Camera Time - The amount of time the camera spends on a particular character. Shows their importance.

Sound Techniques

Diegetic sound - Sound that is in the scene that the actors can hear.

Non-Diegetic sound - Sound that the actors cannot hear.

Synchronous sound - Sound that matches the action but added in afterwards as a sound effect.

Asynchronous sound - Sound that doesn't match the scene - voiceovers that reveal flashback information.

Contrapuntal sounds - Sound that contrasts with the action and change/ alter the meaning of the scene.

Different Types of opening sequences

• Title
• Setting
• Introduction to characters
• Credits/ actors names
• Reveal elements of genre and narrative
• Introduction to storyline
• Understanding of tone and atmosphere of the film

The discrete title sequence

A mini film before the film and helps to get the audience into the mood of the film but not tell you what the film is about. It gives you an idea of the tone and the genre of the film. 

Example of an opening sequence: 

The girl with the Dragon Tattoo

• Actors names
• Tone of the film 
• Dark colours - black, white and grey - signifies that it is a dark film
• Fire
• Eagle
• Snippets of the narrative
• Form of romance
• Ink across the screen - links to the fact that the girl is heavily tattooed
• Keyboard and leads - shows that information is being transferred on the internet

The traditional title sequence

 Although the traditional opening is slightly stylised you will see the title of the film, font introducing the actors that will reflect the genre and the sound will create a mood that helps to reveal narrative information. 

Drive

• Focuses on the main character 
• shows the names of the actors in the film
•  shows the setting 
•  sets the tone for the film

Straight into the film

A film that goes straight into the story and doesn't have any extra title sequences. This is most likely seen in horror films. 

The stylised opening

A combination of straight into it and discrete.

Mesrine

• Sets the tone for the film
• Title
• Complicated editing techniques

Three Point Lighting

- The three point lighting technique is a standard method used in visual media such as video, film, still photography and computer-generated imagery.
- The goal of three point lighting is to create the illusion of a three-dimensional subject in a two-dimensional image.
- There are three lights used in three point lighting, which are the key light, the fill light and the back light.

The Key Light 

- The key light is the main light used on the subject. 

- Whichever way the subject is facing in the frame, the key light should be on that side of the camera. 

The Fill Light

- The purpose of this light is to fill in the shadows created by the key light, preventing them from getting too dark. 

- The fill light shines on the subject from a side angle relative to the key light and is often placed at a lower position than the key light. 

- The fill light should not create a second shadow. If two shadows can be seen then the fill light is too powerful and needs to be reduced. 

The Back Light

- This is used to separate the subject from the background. 

- The back light shines on the object from behind, often to one side or the other. 

Sub- Genres of Thriller Movies

Conventions in Thriller Movies

Drive Poster Analysis

Run Lola Run Poster Analysis

Sherlock Holmes Poster Analysis

How is the Bride represented in the two sequences of Kill Bill Volume 2 through the use of sound and mise-en-scene?

In the first scene, diegetic sound is used through the Bride's heavy breathing, which connotes her fear and panic as she is buried alive. Non-diegetic sound is also used in the first scene as funeral music is played as the coffin is bolted up. Also in the first scene, synchronous sound is used as the sound of crickets represent the isolated location that the Bride has been taken to. The lighting in the first scene is dark which represents the Bride's fate. The Bride's facial expressions are fearful and distressed as she closes her eyes and cries to herself. The setting of the scene is in a wooden coffin in an isolated area. The small space in the coffin is shown as the camera is positioned from a low angle, showing how claustrophobic the coffin is. Furthermore, a torch is used in the first scene which symbolises how there is still hope for the Bride.

On the other hand, in the second scene non-diegetic sound is used when the Bride tries to escape. The sound in the second scene contrasts to the music in the first scene as the music is more uplifting which represents how there is still hope for the Bride. There is also synchronous sound and non-diegetic sound as a drum beat can be heard which represents the Bride's heartbeat. The sound of the heartbeat is slow and calm which demonstrates how the Bride is less distressed than she was in the first scene. Additionally, in the second scene the lighting is brighter and more golden which symbolises hope as the Bride finds a possible way to escape. The Bride's facial expressions also change in the second scene as her face looks more determined as she presses her lips together as she concentrates on punching the top of the coffin. Make up is also used in the second scene as the Bride has dirt on her face to illustrate how she had been buried underground, and blood on her knuckles to show where she had been punching the coffin. Props are also used in the second scene as the Bride pulls a pocket knife out from her shoe. This object represents hope as the knife is the only way she will be able to escape. Lastly, the space inside the coffin appears more spacious than in the first scene as the camera is positioned at a higher angle to create the effect that there is more hope of getting out.

The 180 degree rule

What is the 180 degree rule?

The 180-degree rule is a basic guideline regarding the on-screen spatial relationship between a character and another character or object within a scene.

An imaginary line called the axis connects the characters, and by keeping the camera on one side of this axis for every shot in the scene, the first character is always frame right of the second character, who is then always frame left of the first. The camera passing over the axis is called jumping the line or crossing the line; breaking the 180-degree rule by shooting on all sides is known as shooting in the round. 

Understanding the 180 degree rule

Rule of thirds

How is Mise en Scene, Sound, Camera and Editing used in the opening sequence of Scream?

In the opening sequence of 'Scream' the Horror Thriller genre can be conveyed through the use of Mise en Scene. This can be seen through the use of costume as the victim wears white and pastel colours showing her pure and innocent nature, while in contrast the killer is dressed as the Grim Reaper, wearing a long black cloak and a terrifying white mask, signifying the idea of death. Furthermore, the victim has blonde hair, which demonstrates a clear stereotype of being a weak character as the hero usually has dark hair. Dark lighting is used at the beginning of the scene as the scene is set in dark lighting at night time which sets the dark tone and theme for the rest of the movie. The scene is also set in an isolated location which shows that there is no way of the victim finding any help and that she can't escape, which adds to the suspense. Also the victim's house is seen to have a lot of windows which shows that the victim can easily be watched from the outside. Props are used in the opening sequence as a mask is used to hide the killers identity, which adds to the mystery throughout the movie. The popcorn is also a crucial prop used in the opening scene as the popcorn only explodes at the end of the scene when the victim dies, which illustrates how the popcorn signifies the victim's fate. Lastly, the sharp knife that the killer uses as a murder weapon is used to convey the reoccurring theme of murders, which sets the gruesome theme for the rest of the movie. 

Diegetic sound is used in the opening sequence as the sound of the dog barking alerts the victim that there is an intruder outside as dogs are known to bark at intruders. Diegetic sound is also used when the phone rings in order to create suspense. The isolated location can be demonstrated through diegetic and synchronous sound as crickets can be heard in the distance. Furthermore, diegetic and synchronous sound are also used when the swing creaks to convey how someone has recently been there. Sound is also used in the opening sequence through the diegetic sound of dialogue as the killer has a sinister voice on the phone which expresses the fear of the victim when she's talking to him. The Horror Thriller genre is presented through non- diegetic sound as the music becomes more intense when it gets louder as the suspense builds up, which increases the tempo of the music. The increased speed of the non-diegetic sound is used to match the heartbeat of the victim as she becomes more fearful of the man she is talking to on the phone.

The use of camera is used in the opening sequence of Scream as a tilting down shot of the victim's house is used to set the scene. There is also a medium close up of the victim's face to highlight her innocence as she answers the phone, which shows how vulnerable she is. The camera also tracks the victim around the house which creates the effect that the victim is being followed. Furthermore, a dutch tilt is used to create the sense of unevenness which conveys the genre of the movie by making it feel like a horror. A quick zoom is used when the camera zooms into the victim's face which demonstrates how scared she is as she knows that she's being watched. The use of camera is also used to match the increased speed of the non-diegetic sound by making the camera shots quicker to match the speed of the music.

Editing is used in the opening sequence through match on action as we can see the phone as the victim picks it up to answer it, which illustrates her naivety as it's obviously the same person that is calling her as before. Slow pace is also used at the beginning of the scene to show how vulnerable the victim is and there are also no quick shots when she is playing with the knife when she is on the phone to the killer, which suggests irony as the knife is the murder weapon that eventually kills her. Once the victim figures out that she's being watched, match on action is used as she locks all the doors which shows that she's scared and wants to protect herself. Eye line match is also used to show that the victim is looking for an escape route which indicates how desperate she is to escape. Lastly, quick cuts are used to match the increased speed of the non-diegetic sound, as well as to show that things are suddenly moving very quickly in contrast to the slow pace at the beginning of the scene.

About Myself

My name is Emily Lipman and I am 17 years old and studying Media Studies at JFS. I have chosen to study Media as I have a keen interest in the world of media such as the film and television industry. I am also studying Business, Psychology and Sociology as my other A Level subjects which I am also very interested in. In my spare time I enjoy going on social media sites such as Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat so I can keep up to date with what's happening and I also enjoy socialising with my friends on weekends. When I am not socialising I like to spend time relaxing by watching Netflix series which include the likes of the teen drama and thriller 'Pretty Little Liars' and the British comedy-drama 'Skins.' I am also a massive fan of Romantic films such as 'Notting Hill' and Teen Drama films such as '10 things I hate about you.' I also go to the gym every Monday after school as I think it is important to keep fit. As of yet I don't have a part time job although I am planning on looking for work experience in the radio or music industry once I have decided on what I would like to study at university when I finish sixth form at the end of year 13.