Ahren Hughes – Final evaluation of our finished film.

Evaluation of film – ZOMG

1. In what way does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of a media project?

Our final product in media, is a horror film. Or more specifically a zombie, it uses and challenges the boundaries of other zombie films as ours like many starts “in the thick of it” as if to typical zombie fashion it doesn’t take long for the zombies to appear and start reeking havoc. Also the use of the fog effects live up to the zombie film success checklist as most great zombie films have at some point a scene that quilts and drowns the characters in the creepy abyss of foggy weather. We also used a very forested area as this also has mystery about and gives a certain addition to the suspense as it makes the audience feel like there is something more. The forested area was also well used in the Blair witch project(1999) which was a very successful film in the aspect of it really creeped people out and kept the audience watching http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D51QgOHrCj0 . The unique thing about our final project was the way that we combined the opening credits, eerie and suspense music with the action. We also try to shock the audience or as it is sometimes known we add a feature called “Screamer” this is where something pops up on screen after a loud screaming sound. We altered this a little bit in the part of our film where Joey grabs the zombies shoulder and it turns round really quick and screams. This is used to make the audience jump out of their seats and get the blood pumping.

Forested area in The Blair Witch Project(1999)

2. How does your media product represent a particularly good social group?

Our media project singles out women in the film as always getting into trouble as there are only 2 female characters in the film and one of them is a damsel in distress and the other a child. This is sexist and in a way through use of the child’s role projects the assumption that if the child were attacked by a zombie it would be helpless, this is not necessarily representative of all women as other films from other genres shows strong powerful women such as Lara Croft from Tomb Raider(2001).

 Although in every film there is a certain typical feature of representative, in our project it shows men to be the heroes and rescuers. But every film is different and has different aspects of representative. The women characters are vastly outnumbered in this film also as most of he main characters are male.

3. What kind of media institution might distribute your film and why?

I highly doubt our film would make it big and I have some doubts are film would make it small time with someone like Film Four. Zombie films are in decline, simply because all the good ideas are seemingly gone. Whether it’s a pandemic such as in 28 days later(2002) or mutation like Resident Evil(2002) all these ideas have been used and people want originality but how can it be brought to them as there is only a handful of believable theories as to how a zombie apocalypse could happen. (And even they aren’t that believable). Our film didn’t have a massive budget and if it did go somewhere small like Warp Films it would be hard to make money from as there would only be limited room for merchandise such as a DVD, Soundtrack and a Poster.

 There isn’t any real room for further merchandising as there could be some sort of sequel but as far as a game goes there would be no chance as there would be know means of making profit if they put it into production.

4. Who would be the audience for your media project

The audience for my media project would be mainly males aged 18 and above.

This is down to the blood and gore. The graphic scenes in our film certainly suit a more mature film rating and could be offensive or unsuitable for younger people.

 The reason our target group is aimed more at males is because it has more males in it and going back to representation most males would rather see some guys save girls to make them seem and feel more masculine then to see women kill a load of zombies and save the day and a man. Our film was originally intended to be a 15 as mid teens find zombie films quite cool and it would improve grossing if it went to cinema or to DVD but with the amount of bad language and mental trauma the film has and projects 18 was the only real suitable option.

 Here are the necessary links to see how we classified our film.

http://www.bbfc.co.uk/

http://www.bbfc.co.uk/classification/guidelines/15

http://www.bbfc.co.uk/classification/guidelines/18

5. How did you attract/address the audience?

We attracted the audience through use of blood work, films these days seem to have an over use of blood where it is not needed. We tried to only use as much blood as needed. Although yes a zombie film needs a hell of a lot of blood we tried not to oversell any points and make it all seem necessary. This seems a little bit like a contradiction but it isn’t. Most people actually lose interest if there is a lot of blood and the point and use of the blood is over sold, it makes films seem more like a laughing stock and stops people from taking it seriously. And we tried to keep the film as serious as possible.

 We didn’t address the audience really as we didn’t want to directly make the audience view the story from a singular view point as each of the characters have there own individual differences and are unique. Although the audience can guess who the main character is, we tried to make the bias and focus on him as little as possible so everyone got a decent amount of screen time and got to be seen by the audience for there differences.

6. What did you learn about technology from the process of constructing the product?

I never actually got to film or have a real part in the editing, but the HD1000 cameras we used were very high tech for a short film and did a superb job, and the final cut program used on the MAC computers seemed very professional and taught me that if I want to make a film its really not all about Hollywood productions and its not as hard as most people think. I had never used the technology that I had to use making the film and therefore had no experience but I think now if I needed to I could edit with final cut and assemble and film a piece if I was called upon to do this.

7. Looking back to the preliminary, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

From the preliminary task I learnt that there is a 180 degree perspective that cannot be crossed and I also learnt the value of filming from different camera angles.

 I also learnt that the editing is just as important as the filming as if the piece is not fitted together correctly it makes the film look unprofessional and rather silly.

The only thing I would change is that I would have liked to spend more time on costumes and maybe got more F/X included. And maybe to even make the film a little bit longer. I would also like to try directing the film as I we all had a lot of good ideas we couldn’t use. But that being said I am relatively happy with the way our film turned out and I would be delighted to do it again, the team have all been terrific and id like to think I’ve pulled some of my own weight also.

Film ratings research 15 - R18

15 – Not suitable for anyone under the age of 15
Films classed as 15 must as a whole not endorse discrimination in any circumstances but can include it; they can show drug use but must not promote or encourage the misuse of illegal substances; however they cannot show the misuse of easily accessible or dangerous substances such as aerosols or solvents. Strong horror content is allowed as long as they are not sadistic or sexualised. Easily accessible weapons must not be glamorised but dangerous behaviour is allowed as long as it doesn’t dwell on suicide or self harming as this is classed as something that could be imitated if shown in full. Violence may be strong but should not go dwell on inflicting pain or injuries, strong sadistic or sexual behaviour is not allowed.
There may be frequent use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’). The strongest terms (for example, ‘cunt’) may be acceptable if justified by the context. Aggressive or repeated use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable. Nudity is only acceptable if there isn’t strong detail involved such as sexual encounters.
No theme is unacceptable as long as the treatment meets the criteria that it is acceptable for a 15 year old.
18 – Not suitable for anyone under the age of 18
In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC’s public consultations and The Human Rights Act 1998, at ‘18’ the BBFC’s guideline concerns will not normally override the principle that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas

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.
In the case of video works (including video games), which may be more accessible to younger viewers, intervention may be more frequent than for cinema films.
Sex works are works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation. Sex works containing only materials which may be simulated are generally passed as ‘18’. Sex works containing clear images of real sex, strong fetish material, sexually explicit animated images, or other very strong sexual images will be confined to the ‘R18’ category. Material which is unacceptable in a sex work at ‘R18’ is also unacceptable in a sex work at ‘18’.
R18 – Restricted 18: can only be shown in specially licensed cinemas.

The ‘R18’ category is a special and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults. 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.
These Guidelines will be applied to the same standard regardless of sexual orientation.


All research has come of http://www.bbfc.co.uk/ and most of it has been re-worded but all of it follows the same guidelines that is on the above website.

Film Ratings Research U-12a/12

U – Universal
A film with the “U” rating has very strict limitations to what can be shown in it.
There must be a very sensitive treatment for the film and no reference to illegal drugs or any discriminative language towards any ethnic or religious background.
It should also be aimed at four year olds as they reach the general age to start imitating what they see and will interpret what they see as a general way to act or attempt to copy.
Films under this rating should have only natural nudity if not any and there should not be any nudity under any circumstances. These films cannot also have any material that may make children anxious or upset. Although we cannot interpret what will upset a child a film rated U must follow these very strict guidelines and must have no bad language or very in-frequent mild bad language.

PG – Parental Guidance
A PG film is a film that can be watched generally by kids unattended but that should be at the decision of the parents or guardian as there may be material that could be found offensive.
Any discrimination is only acceptable in an anti-discriminative message or way; this is also the case with illegal drug references as they may only be used in anti-drug messages. In the PG film any violence or horror scenes must be very short and not prolonged over a certain time limit.
Bad language may only be mild but can be used so much to an extent.
There must not be any sexual content in a film with this rating.

12a/12
12a and 12 films have exactly the same criteria the only difference is that 12a is a rating for cinema-based films and 12 is a rating for buying and rentals.
Any person under the age of 12 cannot view these films as there content is too explicit and may be harmful or offensive.
The treatment must be suitable for young teenagers but the theme must be mature.
Sex scenes and nudity must be very brief and discreet.
Any suicide or murder scenes must not be in detail as this can be considered as imitable material and is seen as inappropriate. Any drug use must be infrequent and not be seen as glamorous or have any instructional use.
Any disturbing sequence is not accepted but physical or psychological threat is ok.

Conventions of a horror document

Treatment FULL FILM

Treatment (Updated 11/04/11)

Whole film: ZOMG

Target audience: 15 – 20 year olds, males.

The certificate of the film is a 15, so that is the age and upwards of people we are trying to appeal to. Males will watch this film more than females because males like Zombie films more.
The film appeals to Young males but over the age of 15. Other films like this one:
28 days later...
dawn of the dead ...



The film opens to a small group of characters inside a woods looking for a missing person.

The characters find the missing person has become a zombie, which then attacks them and the numbers, obviously, multiply as others are infected. The film then goes to the opening sequence.

After the sequence the plot turns to a character in York twenty four hours earlier, before z-day. The film will quickly play over the day with interruptions every so often of “breaking news” screens, interrupting the actual film until this characters plot is revealed and the story focus transfers to Joey. The opening ten to fifteen minutes will show the normal lives of the characters before they ultimately are separated. After a while trying to encourage help from the police who are all “busy” and the other emergency services (where the lines are busy). Giving up on the authorities they decide to search for their friends themselves, finding much of the city to be “quiet”  they decide to go to the river near Mikeys house where they used to play as children where the story first started and the owner of the land (the farmer) helps them search.

After the story is resumed from the opening sequence the characters are seen fighting the zombies, where it is assumed they were eaten and became zombies. The characters are seen searching the streets to find someone to tell, to spread the news to the authorities and the armed forces, finding no one on the streets they enhance further into the town and focus on searching for their relatives.

Roaming the streets they begin to hear sirens coming from the centre of town, as they near the fire engine they see it is wrecked and the sound has gathered surrounding zombies, who upon hearing Joey and Harry behind them begin to turn and chase them, some running at great speed to assault them. After escaping the characters realise loud noises attract the creatures and decide to travel the back alleys to reach their separate destinations, as they travel together through the alleys they hear a woman crying for help, they find her and try to quiet her before the zombies arrive, upon finding her they realise its too late as she’s surrounded and they stand helpless as they watch her pulled apart by the zombies, a child found crying hiding behind a bin near the woman is found by the characters, Joey lifts the girl and carries her on his back.

As the three characters find their houses they realise their families are dead, the houses are burning and zombies are screaming and groaning from inside. They proceed to the police station which is barricaded and riot shields are nailed with wood to the windows. The police are taking in survivors and using the helicopter to transport them to the hospital and “secure facilities” as they are told by the superintendant who lets them in, however after entering the four policeman (inc. The superintendant) are the only survivors, they have been driven mad by the zombies, ensuring their own survival by slaughtering the other policemen and eating their flesh (the irony being they are avoiding becoming zombies, by acting as them).

Joey and the child escape on the helicopter used by the “police” to “bring in” their next meal but Harry is shot and killed by the policemen and Joey is shot and severely wounded, hiding his wound from the child as they take the helicopter away to a hospital further south where the infection has yet to spread. He manages to fly her there and ensure her safety before succumbing to blood loss and collapsing as the hospital staff try to save him. The camera cranes up from the shot of his body to reveal the carnage spreading slowly from the north to the south of England. The credits roll. 

Ideas for our soundtrack

This is the song Square Enix denied our use of. And the songs below we wont be using either, these are just songs were using as inspiration for our film soundtrack which we will be recording soon.

Photograph of Location: Thorpe hesley

(Research into Genre) Common Conventions of a horror, found at http://www.slideshare.net

Codes And Conventions Of A Horror - Presentation Transcript

1. Codes and Conventions of a Horror
2. Example of Horror Films
   • “ Psycho”- Psychological
   • “ The shining”- Psychological
   • “ The exorcist”- Religious
   • “ Wolf Creek”- True story
   • “ The Decent”- Monster/Gore
   • “ Saw”- Psychological- gore
   • “ Texas Chainsaw Massacre”- Gore
3. Horror film
   • Horror Films are unsettling films designed to;
   • Frighten and panic
   • Cause dread and alarm
   • Invoke our hidden worst fears
   • Captivate and entertain us in a cathartic experience.
   • Often conclude in a terrifying shocking Finale.
4. Fears created by horrors
   • For different types of audiences it can deal with our fears;
   • Nightmares
   • Our vulnerability
   • Alienation
   • Revulsions
   • Terror of the unknown
   • Fear of death
   • Loss of identity
   • Fear of sexuality
5. Characters
   • There's always a lead character, that often results as the survivor in the film.
   • The Killer/ monster often has a trademark characteristic in the way he kills, for example the people he kills or the weapon he uses to kill them.
   • Its usually good against evil, the two characters conflict.
   • The outcome is the good person always survives, or defeats the “bad guy.

Location

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&hl=en&tab=wl

Impale effect