Big Hero 6 Case Study Introduction

Film genre and type of production?

Genre: Animation, Action, Superhero, Comedy (IMDB)

Style of Production: Hollywood Film,
High Concept Film, Event Movie

Budget: High Budget

Rating: PG (IMDB)

What's the film about?

Themes of the Film: 

->Coming of age

->Disney

->Outsiders

->Crime-fighters

->Friendship

->Good vs Evil
->Comedy

Synopsis:

The special bond that develops between plus-sized inflatable robot Baymax, and prodigy Hiro Hamada, who team up with a group of friends to form a band of high-tech heroes. - IMDB - WIIRED


Global and UK release dates? Where and what formats?

Release Dates: 
23rd October-> Japan [Tokyo International Film Festival], Russia
25th October-> USA [Austin Film Festival] [Philadelphia International Film Festival], Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Azerbaijan
27th October-> USA [Savannah Film and Video Festival]
31st October-> United Arab Emirates [Abu Dhabi Film Festival]
1st November-> USA [Hawaii Film Festival]
[REST FROM 6th OF NOVEMBER - 11th OF FEBRUARY (France)]
UK release dates-> 30th January 2015
IMDB

Release Platforms:   

>>THEATRICAL RELEASE<<


Nationality of the film?

Nationality: 

->American Japanese Cast

->American Finance (Disney)

->Dystopian Setting [Americanised Tokyo
                                 (San Fransokyo)]

->Global Target Audience - Global release

->American Production

->>Overall Film: American

                                                                              Institutions behind the film's production and                                                                                             distribution?

Production Companies: 

->Disney Animation Studios

->Walt Disney Motion Pictures

Distribution:

->Forum Hungary (theatrical) [Hungary]

->Walt Disney Studios Japan (theatrical) [Japan]

->Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures (theatrical) [Argentina, France, Singapore, USA, UK]
->Walt Disney Studios Sony Pictures Releasing (theatrical) [Russia]
-IMDB

What's the film's production budget? What's the source of finance?

Production Budget: Very big (precise budget TBC)

Sources of Finance:

->Walt Disney (Hollywood)

Any connections with other films?

Connections with Other Films:

->From the creators of: ->Wreck-It-Ralph
                                      ->Frozen
                                      ->Tangled
->Don Hall - IMDB [Part of many other Disney Productions such as The                                           'Empero's New Groove' (2000) and 'The Princess and the Frog' (2009)]
->Chris Williams - IMDB [Part of many other Disney Productions such as 'Bolt' (2008) and                                                        'Mulan' (1998)]
->Behind the scenes book is on sale - AMAZON
->Loosely based on a comic - WIRED - MARVEL

Who's the director? Reputation?

Directors:

->Chris Williams

->Don Hall

How has the film been cast? Who is in it?

Cast:
Japanese/American Cast
Predominantly Male Cast
->Scott Adsit - Baymax - IMDB
->Ryan Potter - Hiro Hamada - IMDB
->Daniel Henney - Tadashi Hamada
->T.J. Miller - Fred
->Jamie Chung - GoGo Tomago
->Genesis Rodriguez - Honey Lemon

Audience?

Core Audience:

->Young Children (6-12)

->Fans of Disney
->Fans of Pixar Styled Movies
->Families

Secondary Audience:

->Teens (13-16)

->Fans of Actors

Tertiary Audience:

->Fans of children Film

->Fans of big event movies

->Parents looking to entertain the whole family (family day out)
>> The trailer and Disney website were both good sources of information for this<<

The Knife That Killed Me Case Study Introduction

Film genre and type of production?

Genre: Thriller-Drama Film

Style of Production: Independent Film

Budget: Low Budget (£3million)

Rating: 15 -> INSIGHT (BBFC): "Strong Language" "Violence" "Drug Use" "Strong Sex References"

What's the film about?

Themes of the Film: 

->Gang Crime

->Rivalry

->Outsiders

->Death

->Friendship

-> Hatred

Synopsis:

A journey through the memories of teenager Paul Varderman as he reflects on the events leading to the fatal moments 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. Outliners. At 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. - IMDB

Global and UK release dates? Where and what formats?

Release Dates: 
Schedule

->18th April 2014 - London Independent Film Festival

->25th June 2014 - Coventry Literary Festival

->15th July 2014 - Premiers at the Museum of Science &Industry, Franks Cafe and The National Media Museum.

->27th July 2014 - York Picturehouse. [question and answer]

->18th October -  Rome Film Festival, Italy]
Release Platforms: 

Online Streaming [VOD] and DVD (Universal Studios).  

>>NO THEATRICAL RELEASE<<

Nationality of the film?

Nationality: 

->British Cast - IMDB

->British Crew

->British Setting - Yorkshire

->British Target Audience - UK release

->British Production - Green Screen studios - North East England
->>Overall Film: British [English]

Institutions behind the film's production and distribution?

Production Companies: 

->Gloucester Place Films - IMDB

->Green Screen Productions - Who hired Producers and Directors.

Producers: 

->Alan Latham - IMDB

->Thomas Mattinson - IMDB

Distribution:

->Universal Pictures [Backing DVD Release] >>LONDON<<

->Focus Features [Distributing in the U.S] >>CALIFORNIA<<

->Stealth Media Group [International Film and TV sales and Distribution company] >>BRIGTHTON<<

What's the film's production budget? What's the source of finance?

Production Budget: £3 million.
Sources of Finance:

->Premier Picture - WEB

->Matador - Gave subsidies through Gloucester Palace Films and International Picture 3 - WEB

-> Universal Pictures (who also bought the rights of the film)

->Post Production was by University of York (TFTV Department)

Any connections with other films?

Connections with Other Films:

->'300' and 'Sin City' - Same Green Screen Techniques.

-> Despite there being no promoted synergy with other films, there is synergy with the novel that the film is based on.

Who's the director? Reputation?

Directors:

->Marcus Romer - First time Director. Previously know as a small time TV actor (Emerdale) and as a playwright. - IMDB - BLOG

->Kit Monkman - Small time Filmaker.
    - IMDB - WEB

How has the film been cast? Who is in it?

Cast:

British Cast

->Jack McMullen - Main Character. Crossed over to film from TV soaps such as 'Waterloo Road' and 'Grange Hill' therefore he does have a British TV reputation - IMDB

->Predominantly small time actors making a start in film

Audience?

Core Audience:

->Bristish Teens and Young Adults (15-30)

->Fans of the book

Secondary Audience:

->Regional people - people who live in York (where it was set)

->Fans of Jack McMullen

Tertiary Audience:

->Fans of Drama's

->Fans of gang crime themes

->Fans of Independent movies

My Preliminary Exercise Evaluation

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

This was the group with which I worked. I am on the left, Shayam in the middle and Godgift on the right. We managed the task well between the three of us by clearly dividing the planning and shooting work evenly, helping us to work quickly and efficiently. I then did my own edit of the footage.






How did you plan your sequence? What processes did you use?What theories did you try to take into account?
Initially we started to plan our sequence by brain storming a few ideas and managed to come up with 2 different plausible sequences. After this we
re-analysed the both plots and decided upon the one we thought would be most effective and could convey its genre well though a short sequence. We then drew up a rough shot list and chose the costumes for our characters that would easily connote the stereotypical roles they represent (a popular girl and a geek). Then, we designating jobs to each of us, Godgift created a storyboard, depicting our ideas from the shot list. Shayam created a shoot schedule, which included timing, props and the costumes needed, whilst I created a script and space plan for the sequence. We then arranged a meeting in which we went over the three processes that we used and tried to visualise the camera positioning and check that no continuity rules such as the 180 degree rule and the 30 degree rule had been broken.

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

During this task we used a variety of technology. Firstly, the camera that we filmed our sequence on was a Canon Legria HFG30, with a high quality microphone, seen in the picture to the left. We had this on top of a tripod that allowed us to pan smoothly and experiment with different levels. Along side these technologies we also used a clapper board, which we filmed at the beginning of each shot for easy recognition when editing the cuttings, and headphones which were used to make sure the sound levels were correct. After this, for editing, we
used Adobe Premiere which is a professional editing software that allowed us to create invisible cuts between our shots and helped remove any continuity errors.





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

From the beginning of our task we were all quick to notice that there were clear limitations to what we had been asked to do and therefore were big factors that needed to be taken into consideration when executing the task. For example, the time limitations meant that we had to plan a sequence that was short and simple and that we could easily film in 1 hour. It also meant that we had to plan our shoot strictly with timings throughout and that in editing we could not afford to try create special effects or even introduced new sound, meaning that we had to make sure we would be able to connote our genre clearly and carefully through the filming and avoid any continuity errors that could cause a problem when editing. Another limitation was the surroundings and props that we had on offer, this meant that it was important to incorporate our school setting and plan a story line and genre to compliment that. Finally, we also had to take into account the camera and character positioning when planning, shooting and editing. This is so that we could make sure that the camera was only filming the conversation on one side of an imaginary axis linking the two characters, in order to stick to the 180 degree rule and also so that we could create a impressive match on action and avoid any jump cuts (30 degree rule).

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

Overall I think that our sequence was quite successful. This is because we did manage to create a smooth final edit that contained 2 matches on action, no jump cuts and invisible cuts between shots. I also think that the acting was strong and we were able to covey the genre of a teen-comedy drama well. As well as this I think that we used a large range of angles and levels and managed to use a shot reverse shot in the conversation. However, despite the positives, I also think there were a lot of things we could have done better. For example, we only used the clapper board in the second half of our shoot, as, due to lack of organisation we forgot to get one until reminded.  We also ended up not following our schedule and storyboard very effectively as we thought of new ideas during the shoot and also underestimated the amount of time for each shot. Lastly, we didn't plan enough in certain areas; in our second shoot session we forgot one of the props (The geeks glasses) which limited us to the number of retakes we were able to take to ensure continuity.


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 think that this task has been extremely beneficial to my learning. This is because I now understand the importance of planning out your sequence in detail before the shoot and accurately judging the timings that will be needed for each shot, but also to allow time for extra ideas that I may want to incorporate later on. This is because otherwise you will end up improvising on the spot and are likely to come away with many continuity errors and therefore a badly flowing sequence. Therefore for the rest of my foundation coursework I will make sure that all my shots and timing and props have be planned thoroughly beforehand. Secondly, I have learnt that it is best to keep all the props used, in the building between shoots because otherwise props can be forgotten creating continuity errors, which is what happened to us when the 'geek's' glasses were forgotten and therefore, on the second shoot the shots we could retake were extremely limited.

Evaluation of AOTT activity

To do this task I was in a pair with Godgift and we came up with an idea for a film called 'Under the Influence'. The concept was created whilst disscussing different genres and decided upon a quite original genre of romantic-horror.  This opening plays on a representation of an average, routinely meeting with her boyfriend and then walking home together. This is then juxtaposed with his subtle obsessive tendencies, for example, squeezing her hand tightly and of course the representation of him stalking her in shot 7 and 8. However during the rest of the film these tendencies become amplified and he becomes fixated on her as her fear towards him develops and he eventually kills her to satisfy his possessive nature.

We tried to include quite a lot of information about the scenario and roles of the characters during the film opening. The two main characters of the film were introduce in the opening shot where he is running to catch up with her. The relationship between the two characters is then made clear when you see them holding hands and walking home and can therefore see the romantic side of the genre. Following this, you are given hints to his dangerous nature through subtle connotations of obsession, for example, him watching her in shot 8 through the window. We also represented the main actor and production companies through the credits.

The film idea is about a man that is too in love and becomes obsessed. There is a clear link between this concept and Shot 9 where the title of the film 'Under the Influence' is shown. The link is through the meaning of 'Under the Influence' which is what you are described as being when you have consumed a drug. In this case, she is his drug and he is hooked, therefore justifying his obsessive actions.

We have created this opening to be partially clear, partially subtle, but still have part of the information completely withheld. What I mean by this is that we wanted the audience to understand that they were in a relationship and that he was walking her home, but on top of this we wanted the audience to pick up on his subtly odd nature. However, we also wanted to set up enigmas (where information is withheld and it is ambiguous) about the extent of his danger and what he was planning to do, which would be explored and answered during the film. This means that we are able to give the audience something to think about and draw them in to unanswered questions without risking them being totally confused, not understanding any of the beginning, and possibly turning it off.

The first two things we included which was essential to an opening was the introduction of a plot and  a character. We did both, we introduced the main couple but also introduced his obsessive nature. This is because there are key connotations and representations in both categories, that are important to covey in order for the genre or at least help the theme to be understood. It is also essential to include credits in your opening sequence, this is a legal requirement, but also a good way to connote your genre. We tried to connote our genre through the font we used, a slightly creepy typewriter font (normal, but with a sense of peculiarity), however you can also connote your genre through the names of actors, directors or production companies. For example, if it is directed by Stephen King it is likely to be a horror film, or if it is produced by 'Marvel' it is likely to be a superhero film.

I think that overall our project was quite effective as a film opening. This is because I think we used a range of framing and showed the characters from various perspectives. I also feel that we were able to represent the relationship quite well. However, I think that the darker side of his personality was not as clear as we would have liked and is not fully understood. I also think that we should have experimented with more different angles to help to connote his obsessive nature.

My Continuity Sequence

 1) In my opinion, our sequence achieved partial continuity. This is because the beginning managed to achieve a narrative flow, predominately due to the transition between shots 2 and 3 of the ball being thrown down which provided a match on action, whilst, simultaneously presenting the accident from two different point of views. Ontop of this we also created a very clear master shot that, whilst setting up the audience's spacial awareness, also holds the viewers interest as it pans upwards and straight into the dialogue between Monica and I on the balcony. Finally, we were also successful in eliminating the chance of any jump cuts, which we were able to do by keeping each shot at least 30 degrees different from each other. Shot 1 to 2 is a clear example of this. Before the zoom at the end of shot 1, the frame is extremely similar to the beginning of shot 2 and could of potentially caused a jump cut. Therefore we intentionally included the zoom, to help preserve the continuity.

2)However, despite this success, some of the transitions were out of sync. This was seen in the transition between shots 3 and 4. The problem with this transition was that the beginning of clip 4 was far too long and therefore resulted in jump back in time, disturbing the narrative flow. I would have also edited out the second zoom in the first shot. This is because, unlike the first zoom which I felt was a good way to prevent a jump cut and also took us into the room, the second zoom blurs the shot and turns our attention to the walls and not the character. Ontop of this, I would have also edited out the beginnings of each shot or at least start filming slightly later, as the actors seem to be waiting for a cue to come into shot. Finally I think that shot 5 should be re-shot at a flatter angle. This is because, although we were trying to create a canted angle, I believe it is now too canted and therefore looks like a vertical shot now.

The Intouchables Film Opening

GENERIQUE "INTOUCHABLES" (EDIT) 2011

Film Name: The Intouchables
Made: 2011
Directed: Eric Toledano, Oliver Nakache.
Genre: Comedy-Drama
Setting: Paris (both suburbs and central)
Time Scale: The film is all a flashback to their past (time not specified)
Sequence:
-Prior to the sequence beginning, Driss is driving Philippe 's Maserati at high speed. They are then chased through the streets by the police, and eventually cornered. Driss claims the quadriplegic Philippe must be urgently driven to the emergency room; Philippe pretends to have a stroke.

-During the sequence the fooled Police are escorting the pair to the hospital.

-The order of events is significant to the story telling because despite the fact that you only see them driving to the hospital it is clear that there has been an encounter with the police escorting them prior to the sequence and highlights there must be a reasoning for this.

-During the sequence two main characters are introduced, Philippe the quadriplegic, which is highlighted through the actors movements, and Driss, who in the opening sequence is depicted as his helper due to the fact that he is driving Philippe, someone that is in need of help, around.

-Despite there only being one action during the sequence you are able to understand a lot about the scenario of the film. For example, through the juxtaposition of the upbeat lively music and the story on screen (disabled man being escorted to hospital) the audience can realise that the film is most likely to be a comedy not tragedy as otherwise the music would have been darker and much more serious to accompany the pictures on screen. Aswell as this, we can also see that Driss and Philippe have come from extremely different backgrounds due to their different ethnicities, clothes (Driss is wearing a hod die and leather jacket. Philippe is wearing a shirt and long formal jacket).

-However it is clearly withheld who's car it is and the reason as to why they are traveling to the hospital. But through breaking down the scene we can estimate that the car is most-likely to be Philippe, due to his possibly higher wealth status.

- I also think that the use of split screen is also extremely effective, especially when they are driving in the car as it enables the director to connote where they are going and who they are at the same time and also works nicely with the title graphics that come up on the black.

-The title sequences sets up enigmas for the audience as they have many questions left half answered and encourages the audience to carry on watching.

My Finding Nemo Still Analysis

Narrative
In this shot, 'Marlin', the orange fish and 'Dory', the blue fish are frantically swimming, whilst gripping on to each other for comfort. This panic and hast in connoted through their facial expressions and the seemingly in motion positioning of their fins. This suggests that these two characters are in danger or are at least scared by something. Bruce, the shark in the background, anchors this due to his large rows of sharp pointy teeth, demonic expression and cold blue emotionless colour which juxtaposes the fishes small warm and brightly coloured curves. Aswell as this, the positioning of Bruce in the frame is also key. He as been purposefully raised to the top of the still and the fish have been lowered to the bottom which highlights the sense of hierarchy and food-chain whilst amplifying the connotations of danger and intimidation.

Genre
The nature of this shot suggests that the film is possibly a horror, thriller or action-adventure film, due to the arrangement of the scene. However, because of the animated cartoon style of the film, the possibility of a horror is dramatically decreased and the likelihood of a kids action-adventure film becomes the most likely genre to suit. This is also anchored by the child friendly nature of the shot as it has carefully censored any blood, violence or gore to keep the overall film rating 'U'.

Audience
Due to the empty blue sea that surrounds the characters and the very tight framing of the shot, the intensity of the fear is increased as it causes the audience to feel as there is no escape whilst also highlighting the petrified expressions on Dory's and Marlin's faces. Also, because of the juxtaposing sizes of the protagonists and antagonist the audience immediately become sympathetic towards the small helpless fish and build up an emotional connection with these characters that highlights the audiences want for the seemingly innocent fish to survive.

My Film Still Analysis Homework

Analyse your chosen shot and identify in what way it could be described as signifying your chosen genre?
 In this shot the character is pumping her fist in the air. This movement connotes that she may have achieved something or at least is happy about something, therefore highlighting the positive, upbeat nature of the shot. This positive emotive energy in the shot suggests the genre could be either drama, teen, romance or possibly even comedy. However, the wide framing of the shot creates a less attached and weaker emotional connection with the audience that would have been created if the film was a romance or drama. Therefore due to the less intense, yet still emotional connotations and school-like background signifies that a teen comedy is the most likely genre for this film.

What did you actually do to achieve the effect?
We achieved the clear representation of a school field through the props used in the scene (the football pitch and goal posts) and made sure her fist pump was clear to connote her positive mood.

How did you intend the audience to read or interpret your still – what meanings did you attempt to communicate?
I intended to communicate, to the audience, connotations of victory, pride and happiness through the fist pump. I also attempted to emphasis the school based narrative through the football field setting which is strong iconography of teen films.

Identify what is successful about your shot?
I think our shot is successful in connoting the school-like atmosphere through the use of a football field with pitch markings, the football post to the right of the shot and the football goal in the background.

What would you do slightly differently in hindsight?
 If I could redo the image I would choose a slightly tighter frame as I think that too much of the emotion on her face is lost due to the wide angle. Instead I would make it a long shot as that way you could keep her enough of her facial expressions without loosing the atmosphere of the location. Furthermore, I would make her fist pump more exaggerated and emphasize the excitement that she feels and would also brighten the lighting of the image dramatically as the mood is significantly dampened by the overcast sky.