Spy Guy Children's Film Opening Sequence Final

Individual Blog- Sophie

Our children’s film is a comedy/action opening sequence and what helped us to decide was doing our research on different types of opening sequence. This helped us find our main codes and conventions for our Children’s film. The two main characters are the spy and the business women. The spy is going to be played by Reece who has to exaggerate his character and make himself look like a rubbish spy who doesn’t really know what he’s doing. He is going to make a fool out of himself by falling over and being unable to use the special gadgets. The second main character is me who plays the business women who is getting followed by the spy. At times she does have a slight suspicion that something is going on but isn’t too worried and carries on like normal.


There aren’t many props that we need apart a brief case for the business women to make it look more realistic and more business women like. Reece as the spy is going to have a special gadget pen which looks like a normal pen but isn’t. As I’m the business women I will need to wear a smart skirt, some nice heels to show power and control and a smart coat. Reece however needs to look smart but because he’s not meant to be very good he looks scruffy by wearing shirt and jeans. Reece and I are responsible for our own costumes and props for our own characters.

The location of our children’s film is a sixth form college which looks like a work place and it also looks like the norm for everyday work. And it makes it more realistic for the audience watching doing in place that looks familiar. We don’t need permission to be able to film in this location as this is the only place we are able to film in and we go to the sixth form college which means we have permission.

Individual Blog - Reece

We have planned our opening sequence to our children's film thoroughly and efficiently over the past 2 weeks. We have done sufficient research into children's film conventions, genre conventions, soundtrack music and mise-en-scene. This research has helped us make our children's film as realistic as possible as we can adapt to the Action Genre's codes and conventions.
Our sequence we are filming involves a spy and a business woman. The spy is played by Reece (me) and I will have to over exaggerate what I'm doing throughout as i am meant to be a fairly rubbish spy. Sophie is going to act as the business woman in our sequence. She will be walking along normally throughout and only sometimes will she have a small suspicion that someone is following her, however she will take no notice of this and carry on. Lastly Cameron will be doing the majority of the filming - he will be finding out the best possible shots and correcting us if something needs to be redone.
We don't need to bring in any sort of costume for the spy as he is "undercover" and therefore I will be wearing my normal clothes however a spy pen and mobile phone will be needed as props for the sequence and I will be responsible for bringing these props in.  Sophie's character on the other hand will need to be dressed appropriately so she is going to bring in a black formal coat and some black shoes. She will also be bringing in a black suitcase as a prop to show she is a business person.
We have been limited to only film in the school premises so the sequence will be filmed in the corridors and grounds of the college. We will not need permission to film there and if we suddenly find we do, we will ask a member of staff for permission.

Mise-en-scene Research

The first major part of our Mise-en-scene is the location of our children film opening sequence. Our main location is a sixth form college which is teenage environment so some of the target audience like teenagers will be able to relate to it. Plus we are restricted to certain areas so we have to make the most of the locations we have available.

Example of Business
Woman Costume

We have to make sure the costume is right for a spy theme. Our spy is going to be in a relatively normal clothing as he is "undercover" for the duration of the scene. He will probably be wearing jeans, trainers and a casual jacket so if needed he can fit into the student role.  The person he is meant to be following is a business woman arriving for an important "interview". The costume needed is a smart black coat, black trousers and some sort of black shoes. This fits into the stereotypical business costume which should easily portray the character as business like
.

Example of a Spy Pen we will
use in our sequence

Props will also be important when portraying the characters to the audience. The business woman will be carrying a brief case to again reiterate that she is very corporate and professional at her job. The spy will possibly be carrying some sort of gadget which is usually associated with stereotypical spies. For example James Bond always has some sort of gadget such as a mobile phone which can control his car. A spy pen will be used as the gadget for him to open doors that the business woman closes behind her. He will also have some sort of earpiece which he will refer back to his base with the information he gathers. Lighting is another part of mise-en-scene. We will only be using natural lighting throughout the sequence due to the fact we do not have the equipment needed to create professional lighting. The time limit of 2 lessons to film also means we will not be able to attempt different lighting techniques.

BBFC Classification (12A - 18R)

12/ 12A

12 and 12A are exactly the same criteria. These classifications are classified when a film is suitable for somebody of the age of 12. They have done this because some of the content may not be suitable for somebody younger than 12 and could scare them or be inappropriate.

12A is only for films being shown in the cinema and you will not be able to find 12A DVD’s etc. 12A states that nobody under the age of 12 can see a 12A film in the cinema unless accompanied by an adult.(somebody 18 or over). They have introduced this as a parent may feel that the content is suitable to show their child. The ‘12’ category exists only for video works. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video work.

Listed below is the content of what the BBFC go by to classify their films.

15 Classified films 

      Films classed as 15, should only be viewed by people 15 years of age or older. This is classified as a 15 as the BBFC feel that the content in the film is not suitable for somebody below the age of 15 to be watching. You may not buy, rent, or buy a DVD with a 15 classification unless you are 15 years or older.

18 Classified film

An 18 classified film is the highest classification you can see in the cinema or buy in your regular DVD shop. It is classified at 10 because it has cintent that is only suitable for adults. This content includes things like nudity, sex, criminal offences etc. You will not be able to buy an 18 classified DVD unless you are obviously 18.

·      where the material is in breach of the criminal law, or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence

·      Where material or treatment appears to the BBFC to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – for example, any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which may cause harm to public health or morals. This may include portrayals of sexual or sexualised violence which might, for example, eroticise or endorse sexual assault

·      Where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context. Such images may be appropriate in ‘R18’ works, and in ‘sex works’ (see below) would normally be confined to that category.

R18 classified films

R18 stands for ‘Restricted 18’. These films are films that are mostly strong explicit films (porn).

Films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and video works may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops. ‘R18’ video works may not be supplied by mail order. The following content is not acceptable:

·      any material which is in breach of the criminal law, including material judged to be obscene under the current interpretation of the Obscene Publications Act 1959

·      material (including dialogue) likely to encourage an interest in sexually abusive activity (for example, paedophilia, incest or rape) which may include adults role-playing as non-adults

·      the portrayal of any sexual activity which involves lack of consent (whether real or simulated). Any form of physical restraint which prevents participants from indicating a withdrawal of consent

·      the infliction of pain or acts which may cause lasting physical harm, whether real or (in a sexual context) simulated. Some allowance may be made for moderate, non-abusive, consensual activity

·      penetration by any object associated with violence or likely to cause physical harm

·      any sexual threats, humiliation or abuse which does not form part of a clearly consenting role-playing game. Strong physical or verbal abuse, even if consensual, is unlikely to be acceptable.

SoundTrack Planning

Our Genre for our Childrens Film Opening Sequence is Action/Comdey. This needs to be represented well in our soundtrack that we use when editing the sequence. Action films have fast paced music usually using string instruments and drums in the background. For example the James Bond theme tune uses electric guitars to create a spy/secret agent feel. We will use this example and base ours around the tune.

However we will also try to add a comical edge to the soundtrack as we have added an element of comedy to the spy in the narrative. This way we will definitely conform to the genre and the stereotypical "spy" theme tune as well as the comical theme.

This is another great example of a spy soundtrack which conforms to the stereotypical fast paced music with guitars, bass and drums as well as other sound effects. Its suits the genre well

Mind Map of Ideas, Story Board, Shot List and Risk Assessment

Our Mind Map of Ideas

Our Shot List for the Opening Sequence

The Risk Assessment 

Our Story Board for the Childrens Film Opening Sequence

Extra Research: Adventure Genre

I have looked into the Adventure genre to get a better idea of different genres opening sequences.

Madagascar is an animated adventure following the lives of four zoo animals who want to leave and spend their lives in "the wild". They are then shipped to Madagascar by accident where the adventure unfolds.
The opening sequence begins with the film company's name and opening credits- like every other children's film genre we have researched into. The film then begins with choir music as the character is dreaming about being out in the wild. This alone gives us a brief idea of what the genre is as the character is already having some sort of adventure. It also instantly shows us the main characters in the film and this means it doesn't take to long to get going. When the character is in the zoo after dreaming we find out the main narrative as we realise the character is not where he wants to be and that he will somehow find his way out of the zoo. The fact we know they are in a zoo gives us a good indication of the location to. With all this information foudn out in the first couple of minutes the narrative looks exciting and the audience will begin to wonder what happens next. This is a usual convention of an Adventure genre as the film begins to unfold from the very beginning.

BBFC for Childrens Films (U & PG)

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is an independent, non-governmental body funded through the fees it charges to those who submit films and video works for classification. The body classifies films, DVDs and video games before they go on sale to the public. There are many legal considerations they have to consider when watching the film - this includes: Human rights act, Licensing act 2003 and Animal Welfare Act.

The children's film we are creating will have to fit into a rating of a U or a PG as these are the classifications that a child should watch. When watching the film the BBFC has to consider nine categories:
- Discrimination
-Drugs
-Horror
-Imitable Behaviour
-Language
-Nudity
-Sex
-Theme/Genre
-Violence

U Classification
The U classification is suitable for all audiences over the age of 4 year of age. The film should offer good morale's and counter balance out any horror or violence.

Discrimination should not be used in the film and illegal drug use and references should not be shown unless there is a positive drug message or it is used for education purposes. The can be mild horror however it should be brief and the outcome of it should be reassuring for a child. Dangerous behaviour which children are likely to copy is not permitted and there should be no emphasis on realistic/easily accessible weapons. There is some lenience with bad language but it should be mild and fairly infrequent. Nudity can be used if natural without sexual content and mild sexual behaviour can be shown for example kissing and references to "making love". Problematic themes can be present but the treatment should be sensible and appropriate for young kids. Mild violence can be used with occasional threat or menace.

Examples of U classifications are Shrek, Monsters Inc and The Incredibles. You can see that most of these films are usually animated and involve unrealistic genres and characters.

PG Classification
PG classifications are for films that are suitable for general viewing, but some scenes can be unsuitable for children. Any child may watch a PG without an adult and children of 8 years and above should not be disturbed when viewing it. Parents are advised to consider if the content could upset younger and more sensitive children.
Discriminatory language/behaviour is usually unacceptable unless used for education or historic purposes. Drug use can be used if innocuous or if it carries a anti-drug message with it. Frightening sequences should not be intense or prolonged however a fantasy setting can be a mitigating factor. Mild bad language is allowed and nudity without sexual content is approved of. Sexual activity can be implied but should be discreet and infrequent - mild sexual references and innuendo. More serious themes can be used however nothing in the treatment of the issues can be unacceptable. Moderate violence can be used without graphic detail in most genre types (fantasy, comedy).

Examples of the PG classification include The Chronicles of Narnia, National Treasure and Harry Potter 1,2 & 3. You can see these films are not usually animated and include more realistic characters and themes however films such as Toy Story 3 which is animated is classified as a PG.

Genre Conventions of Fantasy and Action Films

We have watched the opening sequences of Night at the Museum which is a Fantasy genre and Spy Kids which is a Action Genre.
Night of the Museum started off with the film companies name and then begun with magical music in the background to give the feel of magic and fantasy - this helps put across the genre well. The location was then established which is the Museum and a number of characters in the museum are seen but the audience is left to imagine what the role of the characters are. The music did change slightly when some important characters were pictured to give the audiences a slight hint. The main character was not established until after the credits and music had stopped and the narrative had begun. Not giving too much information away creates a sense of uncertainty which suits the fantasy genre as in most fantasy films anything can happen/come alive.

Spy Kids similarly showed the films companies name, however the music was much more fast paced and intense which definitely showed that the films genre was action. There is an establishing shot of where the film is set but differently to the Fantasy genre the main characters we introduced immediately to make the film more realistic. The narrative also begun straight away as the dialogue used introduced the "spy" theme. This fast start helps establish the genre of the film as it introduces characters, setting and narrative all in one and then quickly begins - this is the fast paced convention that all action films have.

The Conventions of A muppet Christmas Carol

The first main convention that we get shown is the opening sequence sound track which is a christmasy tune, jolly, wintery and it's the kind of music that would be played at christmas time. The opening credits are red writing with a white outline to introduce a christmas feel it helps to represent snow and christmas all in one. The credits don't cover the whole screen but they run slowly across the screen to create a slow and relaxed feel without over crowding the screen with too much writing. This helps to attract the younger the audience so because it is easier to watch. The introduction also establishes the location of a busy snowy city set in the past just before Christmas. Just by introducing snow and showing a festive period shows us that it's a family based genre. As the christmas period is the time for families to come together and enjoy christmas as a family. Straight away your introduced to two of the main characters witch are in fact muppets and this also helps to sow that its for children as well as for the old audience.

The costumes that the villages are wearing show that this film was set in past times when things were a lot harder in day to day life. Lighting in this beginning sequence is very dark to show and create the feeling of it's setting and time. There is an establishing shot to show the type of village that its going to be focused on and what type of characters will be the main focus of the film. The props in the background show the time it was set with the carriages and the fires on the street as this wouldn't be the case in our time. The music in the background was non-diagetic so the characters would not be able to hear it so its for the audiences benefit to get into the movie. There is also continuity of the snow which has fell across the city to show that its wintery times and for some hard times with the cold weather. 

Research: Conventions of Harry Potter Opening Sequence

Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone opening sequence shows the usual conventions of a children's film opening sequence. The theme tune is introduced before the images are shown on the screen and the location is established immediately as the name of the road is pictured. The first character seen is Dumbledore who is a main character and other characters who become important throughout are seen. When Dumbledore uses his magic this gives us an idea of the genre of the film immediately (Fantasy) and also helps us to establish some of the storyline possibly. More of the narrative is introduced when Harry Potter arrives and is left on the doorstep of the house. Dumbledore discusses what has happened which helps us put together the storyline. After this the Title sequence begins which is in a fantasy/magical theme of font and then the actual narrative begins when Harry is much older.

The micro elements contribute well to the opening sequence and they compliment the usual conventions of the Children's Film. Sound plays an important part as the non-diegtic sound used is the theme tune and  the magical sense created gives a idea of the genre and possibly the narrative. Mise-en-scene is greatly needed as the props, location and costume need to be realistic and appropriate to the genre and narrative. All characters are dressed well and props such as the magic lighter and flying motorbike again show the genre of the film. The lighting is dark and sets the scenes mood and atmosphere. Because it is dark it gives a serious feel and possibly something disastrous has happened and the audience will want to find this out. Special Effects are needed in this to show the magic realistically and to also show the title sequence. The magic once again helps portray the genre and also helps the audience know that the characters that have just been introduced are magical. If this was done unrealistically the audience may feel the film is not that serious or the characters are not that believable.

The camera shots are also important as they help with the establishment of the scene and location. The establishing shots help with this. Close ups help us learn and recognise the main characters and medium shots help us establish their props and costume. The camera shots have to be right to help get across each convention well. With poor camera shots the audience will struggle to understand what is going in the scene.

This research has helped us realise that the micro elements of the film help contribute greatly to the getting across of the narrative, characters, location and genre of the film. Without these micro elements the conventions would be pointless.

Preliminary Evaluation

We feel that we managed to create a fluent video that displayed good continuity and timing throughout. It looked realistic and professional with the editing we used together. As a group we were able to edit our sequence quickly and efficiently and even managed to add music into the background to add effect. We feel that the music added to the background of our sequence portrays the genre of the short clip, and is a good introduction to what follows. We added in a transition to help the flow of the clip and to make the clip look more professional. 

However we do feel that we should have filmed more footage for our clip as we struggled to make a 40 second sequence. If we did film more we would have been able to use a variety of different shots and clips to make the clip better and less rushed. 

Overall we enjoyed the task and feel we did a good job considering the time limit we had and that we didn't have too many skills that were needed before we started. We have learnt a lot of valuable skills needed for the Childrens Film task ahead of us.

Badman Preliminary

This is our Preliminary Task finished video

Filming Day For Preliminary Task

Today we filmed our storyboard we prepared in the previous lesson. The initial storyboard was based on a burglary in the college with a security guard protecting what the robber wanted. We stuck to the basic story line but changed the props, costumes, and camera shots/angles. We did this because we found it easier to capture the full essence of the scene. We feel we have created a successful scene that links in with the task we prepared, we kept continuity throughout the whole short film, this helped the rhythm and the flow of one scene to the other. However trying to link the scenes together and keep everything the same as the previous shot proved fairly difficult but we managed to overcome the problem with some thought and discussion. 

We enjoyed the task we carried out, as it involved imagination and creativity throughout. It was also one of the first practical pieces we have done so far in media, and a change is always nice. We learnt the basic skills we need to construct and develop our children's opening sequence.

Extension - Genre Conventions

Film choice: Shrek
Genre: Fantasy/Comedy

There are many conventions for the fantasy genre in Children's films. Firstly there has to be a main good guy (Shrek) and a main bad guy (King Harold) as well as their accomplices. There also has to be damsel in distress where the good guy is trying to save her from the bad guy. Throughout a fantasy children's film there has to be a unrealistic setting with usually unrealistic characters such as a talking donkey, dragon and cat. There will be action and fighting which is sometimes comical and the loser of the battle will often be punished rather than hurt/injured/killed. Another convention is the good guy winning the fight against the bad guy and saving the damsel in distress. The film will then end happily and the couple will live happily ever after.

Preliminary Task StoryBoard

Our idea for our Preliminary Task is a 40 second - 1minute story of a burglar who is trying to steal from the college. He is then caught by a sleeping security guard who calls up the police to arrest him. Throughout we have kept continuity through keeping the same mise en scene (props, costumes) and also used camera shots that makes the scenes continuous. We have applied with the 180 degree rule and match on action.

how are the conventions constructed differently in the two film opening sequences!

The two opening sequences that we watched were Monsters Inc and Princess Diaries. Monsters Inc opens with a catchy theme tune as background music. The animation introduces the main theme of the film as well as the credits and title. Its engaging with its use of colour and creative monster animation. However these monsters are not the main characters its just to set the genre of the film. It makes the audience question what kind of character will be in the story line.

Although Princess Diaries starts with a soundtrack with the opening credits rolling across the screen, characters are introduced at once, unlike Monsters Inc. The scene is set well with the establishing shots of New York and this helps the audience find out the genre and what era it was set.

In conclusion both opening sequences have similar conventions however the way they differ helps establish the genre and target audience.

By Reece and Sophie