Planning: Assigned Roles

Introduction

Before our film, we decided to assign roles for different elements of our film, for example lighting, sound, font and locations. This is because it will speed up the process of completing our film planning, so we are ready to start the official filming.

Jamie: Locations and Font.

I was chosen to research font as I have completed GCSE Graphics and have a creative personality which will help when selecting font types which are suitable for Spy Thriller films and can fit in with our film. Also I was chosen to do Locations, as I am familiar with the local and surrounding areas. Furthermore I know the narrative very well  and this will help, as I can then pick the correct location for different parts of the film which are suitable.

Amber: Sound, Costume / Make-up.

We believe that Amber would be suitable for researching information on Costume / Make-up as one of her other AS-Level subjects is Textiles and she completed this subject at GCSE and we believe that this would be the best person to appoint this particular topic of research to. We also chose Amber to research sound as she has done Media Studies at GCSE and has knowledge of sound terminology.

Kayleigh: Props, Filming Equipment.

We believe that Kayleigh would be suitable for researching information on Filming Equipment as she has experience with higher end cameras, as she owns one herself and will be familiar with the functions and features of the equipment. Also she wanted chosen to research props, as she has knowledge of what props certain characters use as Kayleigh has watched many Spy Thrillers, especially James Bond films.

Whole Group: Storyboard, Lighting, Camera Shots, Angles and Movements.

We decided to all complete the storyboard, lighting and camera shots, angles and movements. This is because we believe that these are key and essential elements that could potential make our film look professional, so we think that having plenty of group ideas on these topics will help make our film look like a spy thriller.

Planning: Film Idea Updated

After the Questionnaire and Focus Group we realised that our original opening scene and synopsis had some flaws which our Focus Group noticed. Below is an updated Film Synopsis and Opening Scene which we have improved.

The Updated Synopsis

The Protagonist in the film, Agent Boyer is set a mission by the British Government to obtain a weapon which is a threat to the world. Agent Boyer needs to obtain this world threatening weapon before it is activated and unleashes chaos into the world.

The Updated Opening Scene Idea

In the opening scene there will be a flash forward. Agent Boyer will be present in the opening scene and is searching for a weapon in a dark, sinister room. But Agent Boyer is unaware that a man is approaching her from behind. The man then says '' I wouldn't do that if I was you''. She then turns around and hits him. She then runs away from the room she was in and then a chase scene begins as the man is affected by the hit and chases her. The sequence then returns to normality and then Agent Boyer is walking in a street in a urban area, but the audience will be viewing her as if someone is stalking her.

Character: Secret Agent

Introduction

I have chosen to study secret agents. This is because secrets agents are going to be our protagonist in our film and we will need more extensive knowledge on this type of character. Also we want to make our protagonist look and act like a secret agent. I have chosen 6 types of secret agents which are all quite well known, all are original in there own way and each have differences and similarities, I want to explore how they different and similar and use this information.

Famous Secret Agents in Spy Films

• James Bond: Appears in the James Bond films

• Jack Ryan: Appears in Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

• Agent Kay: Appears in the Men in Black films

• Agent 99: Appears in Get Smart

• Nick Fury: Appears in various Marvel films

• Ethan Hunt: Appears in the Mission Impossible films

Gender
Most of the secret agents I have chosen to study, show that the majority of films use the stereotype that females are not powerful and are seen as vulnerable, for example in James Bond the woman is often vulnerable, weak and is unable to defend herself. However in Get Smart, though a comedy, it contains secret agent characters in which one is a female who is seen as desirable in the film and is capable of defending herself from danger, this helps defeat the stereotype of women in spy films and makes them appear more independent.

Costume

Most of the secret agents often wear dark clothing. This could be because that the identity of these people could try to be hidden to make them blend in the silhouettes. Also some films add there own uniqueness for there secret agent, for example in Marvel films, Nick Fury wears a black eye patch, this helps make the secret agent more memorable for the audience and adds mystery for the character. Also some secret agents from these films wear black glasses, this helps keep there identity secret and makes them appear more intimidating and powerful to the audience. In Mission: Impossible, Ethan Hunt who plays the secret agent often wears clothing which has pockets containing advanced technology and dangerous weaponry. Also belts containing grapples and ropes are often used. However not all secret agents wear military looking outfits, for example James Bond is well known for wearing a tuxedo, this helps him still look superior but helps him blend in with the rest of societies wealthy. Furthermore when the secret agents are not wearing military clothing and are in public areas, they will often still wear dark clothing to help keep hidden, but at the same time blend in with crowds to appear less conspicuous. 

Props
Most of the secret agents are commonly known for handling a pistol. However not all these secret agents have the exact same pistol or weapon for that matter, for example Agent Kay is handling a large silver metallic weapon which looks very futuristic and highly advanced, but this isn't a pistol and because it is a unknown weapon, the audience doesn't know what damage it can cause. But not all secret agents handle futuristic weapons, James Bond handles the most basic weapon secret agents are commonly associated with, which is a standard black, metallic pistol.

Personality
All the secret agents listed above all act confidently and don't show any shyness towards the people they work for or there co-workers. Also many of the secret agents often have hidden pasts and are very cautious when discussing there past to others. Also they are all very independent and sometimes dislike having to be working in a team with others.

What I have learnt
From these characters I have learnt useful information about genders that often are used for secret agents, however when we began thinking ideas for the narrative we knew as a group that secret agent roles were normally dominated by males. However I have learnt a lot about costumes. This is very important as we need our protagonist to look like a realistic secret agent to make our film look professional. Also this has helped because there are numerous costumes which can be associated with agents and not just a smart black suit. Furthermore the props has helped identity certain props that are often used. I focused on the weapon props as this will be the most easiest prop to access when we come to filming. Lastly the personalities of secret agents also helps us identity which of our friends or people willing to volunteer themselves into our film, has a personality similar to an agents.

Including a Female Protagonist
We have chosen to use a female protagonist because we want to defeat the stereotypes of women in spy films. This is because women are often seen as weak and vulnerable people and play the 'damsel in distress'. However not all films portray women this way, for example in Salt, Angelina Jolie is seen as a strong independent woman. Also in other films such as The Avengers Assemble and The Dark Knight, the woman is strong and possesses power.

Our Female Protagonist
Below is a quick sketch of what we imagine our female protagonist to look like:

The Male Gaze Theory

The character, Jinx is sexualised an is seen as a object of desire.

The Male Gaze Theory is based of the concept of gaze which is how men look at women, how women look at themselves and how women look at other women. 

The Male Gaze Theory is applied into films by when the camera lingers on the curves of the female body and events which occur on women. The theory helps sexualize the female body and portray her as an object rather than a person. Also the theory shows that the female characters exist in relation to the male. For example in James Bond, Die Another Day the character Jinx who is played by Hally Berry is sexualized as she comes out of the sea and she works along side the main protagonist within the film.

Hypodermic Syringe Theory

Hypodermic Syringe Theory

The Syringe Theory suggests that the media influences the audience with ideas.

The Hypodermic Syringe Theory shows that the media has a direct effect that is powerful on its audience.

Several factors that contribute to the theory:-

- The vast rise in radio and television use.

- The strong influence through advertising and propaganda

The theory suggests that the media could influence the audiences directly and ''injects'' them with messages which are specifically designed to trigger a response from the audience.

The model suggests a powerful and direct message that flows the information to the audience. This shows the media injects messages into a passive audience, which is instantly influenced by the message.People are seen as passive because they they end up thinking what there told through the media. Also they are oblivious that the media are having influences on them. 

Audience Profile

Demographics

Gender: Male

For our film, our target audience’s gender will be male. However within our films narrative we have used stereotypes which we have defeated. For example, one stereotype we have overcome in our films narrative is that women are often seen as vulnerable and weak characters. We have overcome this by changing our protagonist (hero) to a female, this then shows that the female protagonist can be powerful and controlling.

Age: 21

Religion: Catholic

Education: Secondary School Education, Higher Education

Qualifications: 9 GCSE's, 4 A-Levels

Occupation: Part time Waiter

Marital Status: Single

Income: £5.30 h/r

Nationality: British

Ethnicity: White

Psycho-graphics

He is a very enthusiastic and happy person. He enjoys meeting new people and spending his free time with his friends, however he does like to spend time of his PlayStation because he has an addiction to Grand Theft Auto. Also he loves going on holiday and exploring new places, as he is a risk taker and enjoys trying new things. He also enjoys the latest modern music and likes to listen to artists such as Ed Sheeran, the Wanted and the Script. He also works hard at his studies and wants to achieve the best. He wants a very good career and has his eyes set on high goals, as he is ambitious. He loves to watch movies on Netflix and likes to try new types of films that he wouldn't think he would be interested in and 

Likes

Playing Badminton and Tennis, loves going to parties, socializing on Facebook and Twitter, dogs, travelling the world and exploring new places, loves going out to restaurants, likes to swim, loves music.

Dislikes

Politicians, smoking, sprouts, drugs, anti-social behaviour, loud and rude people, rats.

Preliminary Task: The Sequence

Introduction

In our finished sequence for our Preliminary Task, we have used the over the shoulder shot, the match on action shot and the 180 degree rule. In the sequence, we decided to relate it to our genre which is spy-thriller so it involves a secret agent meeting involved Amber and Kayleigh. 

Preliminary Task Sequence

I uploaded the finished sequence to my You Tube account, this makes it easier to view the sequence. 

Below is the final finished sequence:

Shots involved:

- Match on Action

- 180 Degree Shot

- Over the Shoulder

Preliminary Task: Editing

Introduction
When we came to edit our Preliminary Task, we used the Apple iMacs to do this. In our group we had limited knowledge of using the iMacs as we have normally been used to standard windows computers. However we learnt as we had more experience on the iMacs and soon adjusted to using the basic functions of the computer. We used a editing software called Final Cut Pro, this software was new to us, however we came to know the types of editing techniques that the software could do. In our group we each took turns editing the film and each one of us gave suggestions of what we could do.

Editing
When we started the process of editing, we first uploaded the shots from the camera to the iMac. Once we fully uploaded all shots, we ensured that they were all in the correct file, then we started a new project and began to edit. We dragged and dropped each shot individually, one at a time and cut the shot down to what we thought was right. When filming we left 3 second gaps at the start and end of each shot. This was so that we wouldn't miss any important parts in the shot. We cut almost all the shots we used in the project, because most had long pauses especially the shots with dialogue and the rest had small amounts of time that needed cutting to be in sync with the rest of the shots, this was for the match on action. For every few shots that were added and edited, we watched the sequence in which we could identify any point of weaknesses that could be edited to improve it. Also once the whole sequence was edited we added some transitions that helped match the sequence to make it loom in place.

Problems
When editing we had some problems that cost us time. One problem is that when using the iMacs we had to try to become familiar with the operating system and this was the same for the editing software, Final Cut Pro. Also when editing we noticed that the compulsory 180 degree rule shot was not correct. This meant we had to re-film this shot and upload and edit the shot again to complete the sequence.

When we come to film the real sequence, we will ensure that we don't encounter the same problems by making sure we are 100% familiar with the editing software on the iMacs this will help increase our productivity and reduce the amount of mistakes made when editing the film. Also when filming we will look back at the footage closely to make sure we have filmed it correctly, so we don't have to go and re-film when in the editing process.

Equipment
The equipment we used for editing was new to us as we haven't had much experience with the iMacs and software, so we had to learn the functions in order to complete the preliminary task.

- Apple iMacs
- Digital Camera
- Final Cut Pro Software

Evidence of Editing
Within the editing process of the Preliminary Task, we decided to take pictures with our mobile phones. These photos show the equipment we were using and our group editing the sequence.

Photo Evidence:

Preliminary Task: Filming

Introduction

For our Preliminary Task, we were given the task to create a sequence that included a match on action shot, the 180 degree rule and a over the shoulder shot. My group involved myself, Amber and Kayleigh. I was chosen to film and handle the camera equipment, whereas Amber and Kayleigh volunteered to play the actors.

Planning

Before we begun to film the sequence, we planned each individual step which we were going to include. We created a storyboard with quickly drawn sketches and key information underneath each step. This was so when we came to film the diagram were easy to understand and the information was quick to read. 

Location

The Location in which we filmed was within our school, in the Sixth Form area. Within the Sixth Form area we choose a inside and outside place to film. Our inside location was the Octagon, which is a small building connected to the main sixth form building and for our outside location was the courtyard surrounding the octagon,

Equipment

When we begun to film, we quickly learnt the basic functions of the camera and became familiar of how the camera works. When filming we had to improvise to get the specific shots we wanted. For example we wanted the camera to follow the character without looking unsteady. However to do this we had to use a table and flip it upside down. This way we could slide the table and have the tripod in the centre of the table.

- Digital Camera

- Tripod

- Table (Improvised Piece of Equipment)

Filming Process
When filming we all worked together and we all respected each others decisions. Within the process we had no arguments over different shot types and cooperated well. We all shared our ideas and explored additional ideas which weren't displayed on the storyboard. Also in the filming process we developed both our understanding of camera terminology and use of the camera equipment. Throughout this process we all identified our strong and weak points and we will use this when we come to film our official opening scene.

Evidence of Filming
Within the filming process of the Preliminary Task, we decided to take pictures with an additional digital camera. We asked someone we knew to take these photos so that all three of us were in the shot so it shows us all filming. These photos show us acting, filming and improvising when the equipment didn't allow us to do the correct type of shots we wanted to do.

Photo Evidence:

Claude Levi-Strauss Theory

Claude Levi-Strauss Theory

Claude Levi-Strauss was born on 28th November 1908 in Brussels in Belgium and died on 30th October 2009 in Paris. Claude Levi-Strauss was famous for the Binary Opposition theory and in his lifetime he studied many myths and legends all around the world. From his studies from around the world he found that humans make sense of the people and the world through the use of binary oppositions. In narratives, Claude Levi-Strauss suggested that the narrative is positioned around the clash of binary opposites. 

Binary Opposite Examples

Good v.s Evil

Black v.s White

Strong v.s Weak

Boy v.s Girl

Protagonist v.s Antagonist

Man v.s Woman

Young v.s Old

Masculinity v.s Femininity

Independent v.s Dependent

Rich v.s Poor

Sane v.s Insane

Tzvetan Todorov Theory

Tzvetan Todorov

Tzvetan Todorov was born on March 1st 1939 in Bulgaria. He lived in France and spent most of his life there. Also in his life he published 21 books on a range of theories. He wrote mostly books and essays about ‘thought history’, ‘literary theory’ and ‘culture theory’. Furthermore, Tzvetan also was a professor that often visited many universities across the world, including Harvard University in America. Also Todorov is most well-known for his theories. He suggested that stories begin with equilibrium, which means at the start everything is balanced, and then something happens, this often disrupts the equilibrium, after this there’s then a decision that’s made and the equilibrium is then restored. The theory is often applied to a narrative and can be applied to a wide range of genres.

1.     Equilibrium

The first part of the narratives will display a peaceful start, where the characters in the narrative are happy and content and life is continuing as normal.

2.     Disruption

The second part of the equilibrium theory is that a disruption occurs, this means that the problem has started to cause a change and will affect characters in the narrative which means there situations will change.

3.     Realisation

This part is when the characters come to realise and understand the change and life is now unbalanced.

4.     Order is restored

The forth part is when the characters try to restore order and return things to the way they were, to help restore the equilibrium.

5.     Equilibrium is Restored

The final part is when the characters have successfully restored order and the equilibrium and there is once again balance.

Focus Types

Focus: The sharpness of a image.

Soft Focus: Out of Focus.

Sharp Focus: In Focus.

Depth in Field: The range of distances from the lens at which is acceptably sharp focus can be obtained.

Pull Focus: Adjust the focus to a different point during a shot.

Camera Angles

Low Angle Shot: A Low Angle shot is taken from below and the camera looks up at the character. This makes the character appear powerful and in control. Also it makes the character appear to have strength and can look somewhat intimidating to the audience.

High Angle Shot: A High Angle shot is taken from above and the camera looks down at the character. This makes the character appear weak and vulnerable. Also this shot can make the audience feel sympathy for the character as they appear smaller.

Dutch Tilt Shot: A Dutch Tilt shot can show a character or object from a unnatural point of view. This can help create confusion for the audience.

Eye Level Shot: A Eye Level shot is taken directly looking at the character, this makes the character appear that he or she has a balanced amount of power. Also it makes the audience feel more comfortable as it is more realistic, because it is what point of view they would likely see if they were having a conservation with the character.

Applying Vladimir Propp's Theory

The Hero

The character who defeats evil.

The Villain

This is the character who struggles against the protagonist.

The Helper

The character who helps the hero fight against villain.

The Dispatcher

The character who invites the hero to eliminate the evil.

The Donor

The character who offers help to the hero which helps in there overall journey against evil.

The Princess

The character who needs to be rescued from the evil character/characters.

Applying the Theory into Films

- James Bond - Quantum of Solace
The Hero: James Bond
The Villain: Dominic Green
The Helper: Camille
The Dispatcher: M
The Donor: M
The Princess: Camille

- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
The Hero: Harry Potter
The Villain: Voldemort
The Helper: Ron Weasley and Hermoine Granger
The Dispatcher: Moaning Myrtle
The Donor: Dobby
The Princess: Ginnie Weasley

- The Dark Knight
The Hero: Bruce Wayne/ Batman
The Villain: The Joker, Harvey Dent and Scarecrow
The Helper: Alfred/ Butler
The Dispatcher: Gordon
The Donor: Lucius Fox
The Princess: Rachel

- Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol
The Hero: Ethan Hunt
The Villain: Hendrick
The Helper: Brandt
The Dispatcher: IMF Secretary
The Donor: Benji
The Princess: Jane

Focus Group, Questionnaire & Feedback

Focus Group & Questionnaire

As a group, we decided to design a questionnaire focusing on the narrative, characters, stereotypes and opening scene. We asked 11 people to fill out a questionnaire after we read out the details of our film idea, 8 of these volunteers stayed for our focus group, so we can talk to them in more detail about our film ideas and gather their opinions about the narrative, characters, stereotypes and opening scene, so we can improve any weak points.

We asked the following questions:

·         Do you think the institutions involved are appropriate?

·         Do you think that involving Russia in a Cliché?

·         Is project nemesis a good name for a doomsday weapons? If not, any other suggestions?

·         We were thinking of Pursuit for the name of the film, what are your opinions of this? Any other suggestions?

·         What do you think about a female protagonist?

·         Is it a good thing that Agent Thorn is betrayed as aggressive? If not, why?

·         Do you think that Agent Swift is an appropriate name for a Russian agent? If not, any other suggestions?

·         Do you think defeating the stereotypes of gender in this film is a good idea? Would this affect the film popularity?

·         Is having a flashback in the opening scene clear and enigma creating?

·         Is it a good idea to keep the villains identity hidden in the opening scene or should we reveal them any why?

Question 1 - Do you think the institutions involved are appropriate?

Questionnaire Total:       Yes – 10                No – 1

Our Feedback & Response

From our Focus Group we learnt that they thought that the institutions were creative as they had a slight twist, rather than the typical MI5 and MI6. However we had to explain what the institutions was and what role it played in the film before they could fill out the questionnaires. However after explaining the concept of the institution they fully understood what it was and they liked the idea which we plan to use for our film. We will highly consider keeping the institution and hope it will work well with the films narrative.  

Question 2 - Do you think that involving Russia in a Cliché?

Questionnaire Total:       Yes – 7                  No – 4

Our Feedback & Response

From our Focus Group we learnt that having Russia as a country which is important for our films plot seems to be a Cliché for our focus group members, this is because that war has been associated with Russia throughout history and many spy thrillers use the country Russia in their narratives. Also other types of movies, not just spy thrillers have used Russia in their films. However if we continue to use Russia it may be a cliché, however the audience may jump to the conclusion that Russia may be the enemy in the film and help make the film not as hard to understand. But we will consider this when deciding our final film idea.

Question 3 – Is project nemesis a good name for a doomsday weapons? If not, any other suggestions?

Questionnaire Total:       Yes – 7                  No – 4

Questionnaire Suggestions & Comments

·         Russian Name, like Chekorick

·         Something more inconspicuous. Project Pursuit

·         A bit Clichéd

Questionnaire Suggestions & Comments Evidence

Our Feedback & Response

From our Focus Group and Questionnaires we learnt that there opinion of the name Project Nemesis was very appropriate, however we also learnt that this name could be further improved. Some suggestions where to match the project name with the title of the film, to make it more inconspicuous, the example given in the Focus Group and Questionnaire was Project Pursuit. Also a few members of the focus group believed that the name of the doomsday weapon was a bit clichéd and over used in films. Furthermore, one member of the focus group believed that if the doomsday weapon was Russian, it should have a Russian name. This opinion was agreed upon by other members of the focus group. All these suggestions made were very creative and in-depth ideas and we will take this advice on board, when considering the name.

Question 4 – We were thinking of Pursuit for the name of the film, what are your opinions of this? Any other suggestions?

Questionnaire Total:       Yes – 8                  No – 3

Questionnaire Suggestions & Comments

·         World & End

·         Appropriate

·         The words Nemesis & Pursuit sounds like films already out

·         Already like Will Smith

·         Its great

·         Sounds to emotional

Questionnaire Suggestions & Comments Evidence

Our Feedback & Response

From our Focus Group and Questionnaires we learnt that the potential name of our film came across with positive comments from our questionnaires and focus group. A majority of the focus group believed that the name ‘’Pursuit’’ was very appropriate to the plot of the film. Furthermore suggestions were made of other potential names as their opinions weren't justified why we should choose their name and they weren't suitable to the plot of the movie. From this positive response for this potential name, we are strongly considering in making this the official name of our film.

Question 5 – What do you think about a female protagonist?

Questionnaire Suggestions & Comments

·         Think it overcomes the typical action clichés

·         I dunno, you only said a name

·         Good

·         Its good because most are male so it varies – less stereotypical

·         Not much

·         As long as it doesn't turn into a love story

·         Original

·         Good

·         Overcomes male stereotypes. Good. Females need to be credited more

·         It’s a change from male leads

·         Yes, it’s a refreshing change

Questionnaire Suggestions & Comments Evidence

Our Feedback & Response

From our Focus Group and Questionnaires we learnt that the group loved the idea of having a female protagonist. Both Male and Females would like to have a female as the hero and appear strong and powerful, as many films use the stereotypes of females as damsels in distress. Furthermore the questionnaires showed that one member thought the idea was original and many in the focus group though this wouldn't affect the films popularity, in fact some people believed the film popularity would increase. From the suggestions of the questionnaires and the opinions of the focus group, we will be keeping the female protagonist in the film.

Question 6 – Is it a good thing that Agent Thorn is betrayed as aggressive? If not, why?

Questionnaire Total:       Yes – 10                No – 1

Questionnaire Suggestions & Comments

·         Sounds more like betrayed

·         He wouldn't be a nice person, he knows too many secrets

Questionnaire Suggestions & Comments Evidence

Our Feedback & Response

From our Focus Group and Questionnaires we learnt that many of the group members liked the idea of having the Agent Thorn being betrayed as aggressive, as Agent Thorn is Russian most people believed that he should come across to the audience as aggressive, also as an antagonist he should appear more unappealing to the audience. Also in the Questionnaires, a large majority believed he should become a violent and aggressive character. From the suggestions made in both the focus group and questionnaires, we will take this advice on board and keep the character remaining aggressive.

Question 7 - Do you think that Agent Swift is an appropriate name for a Russian agent? If not, any other suggestions?

Questionnaire Total:       Yes – 4                  No – 7

Questionnaire Suggestions & Comments

·         Doesn't sound remotely Russia, add levels of random letters (‘’ski’’ at end)

·         Needs to be Russian

·         Putin

·         Doesn't sound very Russian

·         Go more Russian

·         Doesn't sound very Russian

·         Swift sounds cold – like Russia, too clichéd.

·         Agent ‘Russian word/Name’

Questionnaire Suggestions & Comments Evidence

Our Feedback & Response

From our Focus Group and Questionnaires we learnt that the name Agent Swift is a suitable name for an agent, however as this character is Russian the name of agent would not be appropriate. These opinions came from both the focus group and questionnaires. However alternate suggestions for names were not given, this shows us what we need to consider.  We will highly consider changing the name to a Russian name, and will make sure that it is appropriate for both an agent and a Russian person.

Question 8 – Do you think defeating the stereotypes of gender in this film is a good idea? Would this affect the film popularity?

Questionnaire Total:       Yes – 10                No – 1

Questionnaire Suggestions & Comments

·         No, loads of films have done it

·         It should be as popular

·         Love it!

·         Females would like it more

Questionnaire Suggestions & Comments Evidence

Our Feedback & Response

From our Focus Groups and Questionnaires we learnt that the idea of defeating the stereotypes of genders in films was a great idea. The main gender stereotype we discussed with the focus group was the female gender. This is because in most spy thriller films the females are often the weak and vulnerable and we wanted to defeat this stereotype to make our film idea unique and original. From the questionnaires we gained a positive result as a large majority of people believe that this is a good idea, also that the films popularity would not decrease. In fact some members in the Questionnaire believed the films popularity would go up. We will keep this part of the film idea the same because of the focus group and questionnaires; however we will make sure any other changes made still make sure with other elements of the main film idea.

Question 9 – Is having a flashback in the opening scene clear and enigma creating?

Questionnaire Total:       Yes – 8                  No – 3

Questionnaire Suggestions & Comments

·         Could be confusing

Questionnaire Suggestions & Comments Evidence

Our Feedback & Response

From our Focus Group we learnt that having a flashback was a great idea because it is original as many films don’t contain flashbacks. However one member of the focus group commented that it may be slightly confusing to have a flashback at the beginning, which may cause the audience to lose interest. But we will consider the flashback, whether or not to have it in the beginning of the film. Also the flashback will have to make sense with the films narrative in order to work successfully.

Question 10 - Is it a good idea to keep the villains identity hidden in the opening scene or should we reveal them any why?

Questionnaire Total:       Yes – 9                  No – 2

Questionnaire Suggestions & Comments

·         Maybe have one of his soldiers in it

·         The audience will be more focused and interested

·         Keep the audience thinking and interested

·         It builds tension

·         It creates mystery

·         Mysterious

·         Keep hidden for a twist

·         Creates suspense. Could be revealed at the start as its less clichéd

Questionnaire Suggestions & Comments Evidence

Our Feedback & Response

From our Questionnaires we learnt that keeping the villains identity is a good idea, as many of the questionnaires said that it will help create mystery and keep the audience focused. Also in the Focus Group, similar comments were made, one comment was to have the villains soldiers in the film to make the audience wonder who could be the main antagonist. Furthermore keeping the identity as a secret could lead to a twist. Plus in the Questionnaires, a particular negative result of keeping the antagonists identity secret is that it may be viewed as a cliché. However, many helpful comments were given and we will consider keeping the identity a secret as a majority of the focus group and questionnaires believed this was the best idea.

Focus Group Video Evidence

Focus Group Photo Evidence