Big Hero 6 Case Study Introduction

1. Film genre and type of production?
   
   Big Hero 6 is an upcoming American 3D computer-animated action-adventure superhero-comedy film. It is a high concept event film and is a massive blockbuster. It uses loads of VFX and CGI which is both expensive and impressive. It features superheroes from comics by Marvel Studios which Walt Disney have made into a film. Rated PG for action and peril, some rude humor, and thematic elements.Official Website
   IMDB
   Wikipedia
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2. What's the film about?.
   This film is about the special bond that develops between Baymax, a plus-sized inflatable robot, and prodigy Hiro Hamada. When a devastating event befalls the city of San Fransokyo and catapults Hiro into the midst of danger, he turns to Baymax and his close friends adrenaline junkie Go Go Tomago, neatnik Wasabi, chemistry whiz Honey Lemon and fanboy Fred. Determined to uncover the mystery, Hiro transforms his friends into a band of high-tech heroes called "Big Hero 6."     
       
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3. Global and UK release dates? Where and what formats?
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   Big Hero 6 will premiere on October 23, 2014 as the opening film at the Tokyo International Film Festival.
   It will be theatrically released in the United States on November 7, 2014.
   Before that it will feature in a number of film festivals in the USA; the Philadelphia International Film festival and Austin Film festival on the 25th October 2014, the New York International Children's Film Festival on the 26th October 2014, the Savannah Film and Video Festival on the 27th October 2014 and at the Hawaii Film Festival on the 1st November 2014. It will be released in the UK on the 30th January 2015.
   A positive effect of a prolonged release would be that if loads of people liked it then there would be a positive word of mouth and therefore more people would want to go see it at later dates in their country. It will be globally released in around 54 countries.
   IMDB
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4. Nationality of the film?.
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   American
   IMDB
   Wikipedia
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5. Institutions behind the film's production and UK/US distribution? Where are they based?.......                                    
                                
   - Based on a comic written by Marvel but Marvel have no creative input into the film itself  as the comic has been adapted to suit a Disney audience. Disney and Marvel have  a symbiotic .relationship.
   - Produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Pictures
   - Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures have offices all over the world and they will distribute the film globally as Disney is a vertically and horizontally integrated company.
   Wikipedia
   Marvel
   Official Website
   Article
6. What's the film's production budget?
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   The production budget for this film is $165million as it is a big budget film and all Disney animations have very high production budgets as it costs loads of money to make and it's also a high concept blockbuster film.
   Wikipedia
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7. Any connection with other films?
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   It can be related to all other Disney animation films such as Frozen and Wreck It Ralph as they will probably use the same animation techniques. The film is also based on a comic by Marvel Studios so there is some interlink there.
   Wikipedia
   Walt Disney Animation Studios
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8. Who's the director?..
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   Don Hall and Chris Williams are the director of this movie.Don Hall is known for his work on 'The Emperor's New Groove' (2000), 'The Princess and the Frog' (2009) and 'Tarzan' (1999). Chris Williams is known for his work on 'The Emporer's New Groove' (2000), 'Bolt' (2008) and 'Mulan' (1998)
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9. How has the film been cast?
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   There is a real ethnic mix in the casting with people from various different backgrounds being cast. There are really no big name Hollywood actors in this film because it will be predominantly animation so you'll only here their voices so it'll allow Walt Disney to spend more on the making of the film. The actors may be recognised by American's as some of them have acted in US TV. The main characters are played by Ryan Potter as Hiro Hamada, Scott Adsit as Baymax, Jamie Chung as GoGo Tomago, Genesis Rodriguez as Honey Lemon, Damon Wayans as Wasabi and T.J. Miller as Fred.
   Official Website
   IMDB
10. Core audience? Secondary/tertiary markets?
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    The core audience for this film would be mainly kids all across the world. The secondary audience could be fans of Walt Disney films or someone who likes a good comedy/adventure/action combined film. Also in that catergory would be fans of the Marvel comic. The tertiary audience would be parents who are taking their kids to watch this film and as their is a Japanese influence in the film maybe fans of manga.
    Wikipedia
    Official Website  .

The Knife that Killed Me Case Study Introduction

1. Film genre and type of production?.The genre of the film is a teen thriller/drama and is being produced by a small British independent company in Yorkshire with a low budget. It is rated a 15 due to reference to oral sex, violence and swearing.
   Green Screen Studios
   IMDB
   BBFC

1. What's the film about?
   
   “The Knife That Killed Me” is a compelling journey through the memories of teenager Paul Varderman as he reflects on the events leading to the fatal moment his life is cut short. Paul moves to a new school and becomes involved with ‘The Freaks’, a group on the periphery of school life, those who don’t fit in: scene kids, emo kids, indie kids. Outsiders.At the same time he attracts the attention of the schools twisted and manipulative bully, Roth. When Paul delivers a message from Roth to the leader of a gang at a rival school, it sparks a dangerous feud.Faced with growing pressures from both groups, Paul must decide where his friendship lies, a decision that may cost him his life.
                       
   Themes: Teen gangs, rivalry, knife crime and peer pressure.
   IMDB
   Wikipedia
   
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2. Global and UK release dates? Where and what formats?
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   - Screening at London Independent Film Festival on Friday 18th October 2014.
   - Multi-platform premier at the National Media Museum, Bradford, Museum of Science &    .Industry, Manchester and Frank's Cafe, London on the 15th June 2014.
   - Screening at Alice Nella Citta Rome film festival from the 17th-19th October 2014
   - LEAP charity screening at Notting Hill Picture House on the 23rd October 2014
   - UK release date: 24th October 2014
   - Global release date : no theatrical release but available for online streaming
   - Format: Video on demand (VOD) and DVD.
   - Screened at Coventry Literaru Festival in June 2014
   - Online premier - July 2014
   - Question and answer session at York Picture House cinema on the 27th July 2014
   Facebook
   Official Website
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3. Nationality of the film?.
   British - small independent national film
   Localised to one region - Yorkshire
   All British crew
   Kickstarter
   Newspaper Article
   
   
4. .Institutions behind the film's production and UK/US distribution? Where are they  based?..
   ....- Produced by Green Screen Studio
   - Produced by Green Screen Studios
   - Universal Studios,based in the UK (UK distribution)
   - Focus Features, based in Hollywood, owned by Universal Studios (US distribution)
   - Distribution by GSP Distribution (Yorkshire based small scale distribution)
   - Stealth Media Group, based in Brighton (World distribution)
   Stealth Media Group
   Green Screen Studios
   
   
5. What's the film's production budget?The film had a budget of £3million and it was financed by Gloucester Place Films who are  a part of Matador Pictures.
                                               
   Kickstarter is a campaign to help fund small independent creative projects from films to art. This film raised £20,094 by 283 backers for their premiers.
   Kickstarter
   Wikipedia
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6. Any connection with other films?Based on the best-selling novel by Anthony McGowan. The film was shot in a green screen studio and uses similar styles and techniques (the green screen) to other films such as 'Sin City'
   Amazon
   Marcus Romer's Blog
   York University
   
                                                       
7. Who's the director?..............
   Kit Monkman and Marcus Romer. Marcus Romer also wrote the screenplay for the film.
   Marcus Romer is the artistic director of Pilot Theatre and is a published director, playwright and actor.
         
   
   
8. How has the film been cast?
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   The film is cast with predominantly British actors who aren't that well known or are slowly gaining recognition. The main actor is Jake McMullen who was in Waterloo Road so some British teenagers might recognise him as he has a national reputation for British TV.
   IMDB
   Wikipedia
   
   

   

   Jack McMullen

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9. Core audience? Secondary/tertiary markets?
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   The core audience for this film would be British teenagers/young adults (16-24 year olds) The secondary audience is likely to be fans of the book as well as fans of small independent films. Fans of the teenage thriller/drama genre and people who like small independent films. The tertiary audience would be the local community as the film is Yorkshire based.
   Fan Site.
   Wikipedia

Continuity Task Evaluation

This is the continuity sequence that my group filmed and edited. 

1. Who did you work with and how did you manage the task between you?

I worked with Angela, Eddie and Mario. I feel like we worked really well as a group because we all had an input in the final product and everyone listened to each others ideas. We all contributed to the idea and the narrative of the sequence as we all agreed on a particular genre, comedy. Eddie drew out the storyboard while we all contributed and dictated what he should draw and write. He also filmed and framed most of the shots. Angela wrote out the shot list in the shoot order that we planned to do and any props we needed to make the shoot day as efficient as possible. She also directed the shots and did the clapperboard. Mario and I were actors in the sequence but we also helped with the pre-production. I wrote out the script and helped Eddie frame the shots that I was not in. We split into pairs to edit our sequence and I was paired with Angela. We shared out the editing task and worked really closely in order to get the match on action as good as we could.

I worked with these three people; Angela, Eddie and Mario.

2. How did you plan your sequence? What processes did you use? What theories did you try to take into account?

We planned our sequence collectively as a group, all sharing out the work that needed to be done although we did make all the important decisions like the narrative, dialogue, action and framing of the shots together. We tried to incorporate the three main theories listed in the brief; match on action, shot/reverse shot and the 180 degree rule. We used a variety of different processes in order to plan our sequence efficiently. We did a rehearsal the day before which meant all of us knew the narrative and action really well.

Storyboard. 

One of the processes we used was a storyboard. It was a very helpful process for us as it meant that we all knew how the shots should look which made the job easier for all of us. It also meant that if any of us had forgotten a shot we could refer back to the storyboard and figure it out. It also helped a lot with editing as it told us what order to put our shots.

Shot list and shoot schedule

Another process we used was a shot list and shooting schedule. This meant that on the shoot day we could easily shoot the shots in a logical order according to their location. This made the job so much easier as we didn't have to waste time on the day deciding when to shoot the shots. It saved us a lot of time and meant that we had more time filming which was more important.

Script

We also used a script which aided the efficiency of our shoot day as Mario and I both knew our lines and there wasn't many retakes of the shots. 

3. What technology did you use to complete the task, and how did you use it?

Canon HF G30 and shotgun microphone

We used a Canon HF G30 to film the shots and a shot gun microphone for the audio. Eddie did most of the filming work with the camera and Angela did the sound check.

Adobe Premiere Pro

We used an editing software called Adobe Premiere Pro to edit the sequence. We had to re watch the shots then choose the ones we wanted to use in our sequence. Then, we had to cut the shots we took using in and out points and place them on the timeline. We also used the razor tool to cut some of the shots in between. For the audio, we adjusted the level of sound so that it was consistent throughout.

4.What factors did you have to take into account when planning, shooting and editing?

We had to take into account a lot of factors. When we were planning we had to consider our location as we were shooting in a school and there were factors such as the bell and school children walking around that we had to plan around which I feel we did really well. We also had to take into account the lighting, framing, sound, dialogue, action and camera movement. When shooting we also had to take into account location and as there was also another group filming we had to take into account the times that we took our shots as in the middle of some of our shots we could see the other group in the background meaning we had to re-film those shots. Whilst editing we really had to consider our match on action as it had to be as near to perfect as possible in order to avoid a jump cut. We had to cut and match our shot/reverse shots for our conversation as well so we had to take into account the timings to get a perfect match. We also had to take into account the 30 degree rule which meant that we couldn't use our master shot as much as we wanted to as it was too similar to the conversation shots which would've broken the 30 degree rule and the continuity of our sequence.

5. How successful was your sequence? Please identify what worked well, and with hindsight, what would you improve/do differently?

In my opinion, I think that our sequence was very successful as it followed the brief exactly and we used the three main techniques they asked us to use well. Our sequence had match on action, used the 180 degree rule and the shot/reverse shot effectively for the conversation. We edited it well and the main aim of this task was continuity and I think that our sequence flowed really well and had a good narrative structure to it. We also used a lot of genre signifiers so that the audience could identify it easily. In hindsight, I would like to film an extra two-shot of the conversation as in our sequence there were a lot of shot/reverse shots continuously and having a two-shot in the middle would have broken it up a bit and made it a bit more easy on the eye and more enjoyable for the audience. I would have also drawn a neater storyboard which would have made it easier for us to read and understand. 

6. What have you learnt from completing this task? Looking ahead, how will this learning be significant when completing the rest of your foundation coursework, do you think?

• I have learnt loads of continuity techniques such as the 180 degree rule, the 30 degree rule, shot/reverse shot and match on action. 
• I have also learnt that it's always good to film some extra shots even if you weren't initially planning to use them as they may come in handy when editing. 
• The master shot is vital as you can cut back to it whenever you need.
• Planning is a very important step in pre-production as it makes the shoot days so much more easier and you can use your time more efficiently for filming.
• I have also learnt lots of editing techniques such as the in and out points, using the razor tool and how to get the match on action as near to perfect as possible. 
• I have learnt how to avoid jump cuts and breaking vital rules such as the 180 degree rule and the 30 degree rule. 

All of this learning will be significant to the rest of my foundation coursework as the brief is to film an opening sequence which means I have to use the continuity techniques in order to aid the narrative flow of my sequence. I also have to use the pre-production skills that I have learnt to make the filming as efficient and easy as possible. 

AOTT evaluation

1. Summarise your film idea. Provide a brief synopsis and outline what happens in your film opening.
   
   In our film opening Ela has to stay behind after school to meet with her mentor but the school is empty. The mentor (Mario) turns out to be a psychopath killing all his mentees through different forms of torture but in the opening sequence you only see him kill Ela with a compass. He then washes his hands in the toilets as if it's a normal act. This is quite sinister and scary.
   
2. What kind of information has been included in your film opening?
   
   - Credits, eg. starring Mario Louka
   - Antagonist
   - Title
   - The main shots that will give the audience a clear idea of the genre
   - Protagonist
   - Setting
   - Genre signifiers
   
   
3. How do the titles link to the main film idea
   
   The titles are in a typewriter kind of font which is common in many horror films and it's almost always recognisable for the audience so they can figure out what genre the film is. The positioning of the titles means it doesn't cover any of the action and doesn't take away from the focus being on the shots.  title itself, we thought was very sinister as a mentor is someone you trust to help you through but in this case it's the opposite so we're going against stereotypes in order to make the film more scary.
   
   
4. Summarise the expected audience reaction. What should the audience be thinking by the end of your opening? Is your opening clear or ambiguous?
   
   We want the audience to be in suspense as our grid is quite enigmatic as they can't really tell the whole story from the images. By the end out our opening the audience should be thinking what will happen next and whether or not Mario will get away with it. Their heads should be full of unanswered questions about the plot so that they have the interest to carry on watching it. However, the genre is clearly connoted through the typeface, blurred image of his eyes, the blood on the compass and the low key lighting. Our grid connotes the genre well and since there is a picture of Ela it also suggests that Mario had something to do with her killing. I think our opening is therefore pretty clear.
   
5. Identify three things that you included in your grid that are important in the construction of an opening sequence and explain their role in understanding the film?
   
   - Introducing the main characters. This is important so that the audience know who to focus on and who the action is based around. In this case we have used binary opposites to illustrate that Mario is the antagonist and Ela is the protagonist.
   
   - Setting the genre. The genre needs to be established very early on as it plays a vital part in the way   the film pans out and if the genre is not clearly established in the opening few scenes then the audience are going to be confused.
   
   - Setting the scene. This is also very important as the audience need to know where the action is unfolding and here we can clearly see that it is a school location.
   
6. How effective is your project as a film opening? Explain your answer.
   I think our film opening is quite effective because it connotes the genre of horror really well and the audience can piece the shots together to figure out what happens in the opening sequence of this film. The blurred eyes of the protagonist in the middle draws all the attention to him highlighting to us that he is one of the main characters and the fact that it as extreme close up of his eyes and blurred signifies the fear of the unknown and connotes the genre really well. The blood dripping off the compass, the dead body, typeface, washing blood away are all genre signifiers as well. We edited the images so that they are low key lit and sort of in the shadows to further hint at the genre. Overall I think our film opening works really well. 

Continuity Exercise Evaluation

1. What techniques did you try and use to aid the narrative flow (continuity) of your sequence?
   
   
   We tried to use a variety of techniques to aid the continuity of our sequence such as the establishing shot which was used to make it clear to the audience where they are and to set the scene for the forthcoming action. We also did a reverse zoom on Iggy skipping out of the school as this sort of puts the audience in the situation and helps aid the narrative flow. We attempted the 30 degree rule where the shots were varied so as to avoid a jump cut and confuse the audience. We also had a few match on actions but some of them didn't work very well without a few minutes in the editing suite.

    2.  In hindsight what could you have done differently to aid the narrative flow (continuity) of your sequence?

• In the first shot there was a slight pan to the left which could have been a slight pan to the right as the actors were sitting on the right so it makes more sense.
• There was a big jump from the 2nd to the 3rd shot so we could have cut from the master shot to the mid shot in the end
• The reverse shot could have been a bit shorter
• Iggy fell twice so the match on action between the fourth and the fifth shot was wrong and in order to fix that shot 4 should have been him falling and then shot 5 of him on the floor lying in discomfort.

Film Opening Analysis

The Hunger Games

1. Identify the film and its genre
   The film is called 'The Hunger Games' and it is an action/thriller film.
   
   
2. Identify where the story takes place and the timescale
   
   The story is set in the future with futuristic hovercrafts and various technology advances such as holographic presentations. It is set in America in a town called Panem, in District 12. It is also set in the Capitol.
   
   
3. Summarise what happens in the sequence in chronological order. How significant to the story telling is the order of events?
   At the beginning of the opening sequence there is an establishing shot of District 12 where we can see the run down houses and the dirty streets. Katniss goes to hunt. We then see an interview between a presenter and the host of the Hunger Games. There is a stark contrast in setting as the capitol looks very weird with very weird wealthy people. We see Katniss (main character) comforting her sister as she has just had a nightmare.. After this it is the reaping. Katniss's younger sister's name is called out but Katniss refused to let that happen and volunteers herself to be this years tribute for the Hunger Games. Then a boy is picked (Peeta Mallark) and the opening scene finishes with both Katniss and Peter shaking each others hands. The order of the story is important as it builds up tension slowly and the slow reveal of information about characters and settings.
   
   
4. Do events link to each other or are the distinct, unconnected events?
   
   The events link to each other but are also sort of distinct. You can work out the different scenes but there is chronology to it so that the distinctive events link up to form the story as a whole.
   
   
5. Which characters are introduced and what are their roles in the film? How do we find this information out?

• Katniss Everdeen - she is the main character in this film and we can tell this as most of the opening scenes are based around her. She also comes to the rescue of her sister which is typical of the good main character to do. It also foreshadows that she will be doing a lot more saving throughout the film.
• Peeta Mallark - he will be Katniss' supporting male character as he is also sharing the stage with her and the opening scene closes with them shaking hands. We can see he is very innocent by his facial expression and we can deduce that these two characters have some past history as Katniss has a vague flashback when he comes onto the stage
• Primrose Everdeen - she is the sister of Katniss and we can see that Katniss is very protective of her as she comfots her after her nightmare and also puts her life on the line to save her sisters. This kind of suggests that something bad will happen to her in the future as she is Katniss' weak point and cares for her a lot. The antagonist will do something to hurt Primrose in order to hurt Katniss. 
• Mum - she is there as a moral support for both her daughters but we can see the hurt expression on her face when Primrose's name is called and her comforting her daughter after Katniss volunteers
  herself.
  
  6. How much information is revealed and how is it revealed to the audience? What is deliberately withheld?
  
  There is a slow reveal of information but the audience still doesn't fully know what will happen in the rest of the movie. The fact that Katniss volunteered herself shocked us as she is the very first volunteer from their district. We are introduced to the main characters, the settings and the genre. The director has intentionally withheld important information about how brutal the Hunger Games are in order to build up the action and keep the audience hooked.
  
  7. What do you think the audience needs to know at the start of your film? Explain your answer.
• I think the audience need to know the main characters as the story will be based around them and it is important to establish them very early on in the film.
• I also think the main setting needs to be revealed, so an establishing shot, showing us the area that we are in and so that the audience get a feel of where the rest of the film will be shot.
• The genre needs to be clearly identified as the story will be based around this and if the audience are unclear at the start as to what the genre is then they are more likely to be confused throughout the film. 

My Film Still

1. Analyse your chosen shot and identify in what way it could be described as signifying your chosen genre?

The genre we were trying to connote was a mix between a presidential drama and thriller. Mario was supposed to be a maleficent president who rules the country in favour of him so that his every decision only makes a positive impact on him. This shot signifies our chosen genre as Mario is in the foreground and looks very powerful and evil. The fact that he's standing behind a podium also adds to this effect. The grey curtains in the background also add a sense of mystery as the audience do not know what is behind them and the slight smirk on his face suggests he's up to something. The way in which he's gripping the edges of the podium also reinstates his authority and his facial expression signifies the evil intent in his actions. The old and rustic podium also helps to add to this effect. 

2. What did you actually do to achieve this effect?

• Low angle shot to make him look very powerful 
• Mysterious and smirky facial expression to hint at his real character
• Old and rustic podium to help hint at his evilness
• Foregrounding him as the focal image makes the audience focus on just him 
• The grey curtains in the background keeps the audience wondering.

3. How did you intend the audience to 'read' or interpret you still - what meanings were you attempting to communicate?

• That there's more to this character than meets the eye
• He's evil 
• Something bad is going to happen soon and the president will be the cause behind it
• Not everyone in a powerful authoritative position will use their power for the greater good

4. Identify what is successful about your shot?

• Signifies the evil nature of Mario 
• The low angle shot makes him seem powerful 
• The composition of the shot with Mario in the foreground and the big grey curtains in the background
• The framing (mid-shot, angled) 

5. What would you do differently in hindsight?

In hindsight, I would change the lighting a bit as the high key lighting doesn't really help connote the genre. I would have half his face in light but the other half in shadow which will make it even more obvious to the audience what kinds of character he is.