Institutional Research

The prezi above is what my fellow group member Eddy has found out after conducting research on these companies that might distribute out film. In my opinion, I think that entertainment film distributors would help distribute our film because they are a UK based institution. Their high level of success in distributing the film looked appealing and they also distribute movies like ours.

Codes + Conventions

Audience Research

We wanted to focus on the female gender as our main target audience. This is because women tend to feel more emotion than men and because most of them are interested in love stories that could relate to their own personal life. Here is a video that Connie filmed to further help with what we want to achieve after producing this film:

Titling - Learning curve

The Notebook Analysed Titling

Just like every other film it begins with the production/ distribution companies and then it lists the actors/ actresses names of the main characters. In the next couple of shots the sun is rising, and in the sixth shot the title of the film comes up on the left just like the previous titles. The opening sequence has no dialogue and the colour theme is mainly red and orange. These colours represent love, warmth and happiness. These codes help the audience predict what kind of movie it could be without knowing the plot.

 After the first two shots above, the titles are now placed in little paragraphs. In the fourth shot the title moves to the right side of the frame and then it lists the names responsible for casting, costume design and music. The titling sequence is all in white and this is very common in romantic/drama movies. It symbolises innocence and hope and purity but it also stands out in the frame if the background is dark.



These last few shots show the audience images of nature and of a woman admiring it from a distance but in the sixth shot the mid shot shows the audience her facial expression. She looks sad/ worried about something, this could be the actual start of the plot. Just like the other movie 'The Last Song' the title tells the audience that the movie is based on a book by Nichols Sparks. The titling in these shots name producers and directors.

Love Actually Analysed Titling

The first six shots of titling includes the production/ distribution companies. It then repeats the title but in a different format without the logo and is placed on top of people hugging. The fifth title states that 'love actually is all around' and then the sixth shot shows the audience the title of the film. This title has a black background making the audience focus on the title and the red colour on love. This red colour symbolizes love and passion whilst the white colour on the word 'actually' suggest innocence and hope. 

The next six shots include the names of those acting in this film and each beginning letter of the name is red whilst the rest is white. The representation of these colours are the same as the title but because only one letter is red this shows that they're no one in the movie has a main part and that they all have equal screen time. These titles are placed on top of a guy in the recording studio, although we don't know what type of character he is playing, the mise-en-scene suggest that maybe he's someone famous and adored. 

The last six shots in the titling sequence lists more actors/ actresses and who created the movie e.g. casting, music, producers. The first shot shows the audience a Christmas tree and the title says 5 weeks to Christmas, this clearly states what time of year it is. It then moves onto establishing, close-ups and mid shots. They are placed on screen during a dialogue scene too. 

The Titanic Analysed Titling

The titling sequence for The Titanic is simple and only consists of four shots. Unlike other movies they don't include the actors/ actresses names or those who worked with this film but they do include the distribution/ production companies. As you can see, they use old photos of The Titanic docked in Ireland. The titling sequence doesn't explain anything but it just shows the audience that its historical and that it could be based on a true story. When the main title of the film comes up, its written in capital letters and this could suggest that its relevant and probably an important event that has happened which marked history. The background is the sea and this clearly suggests where the movie could be set.

500 Days of Summer Analysed Titling

During this titling sequence, there are a lot of numbers which signify the days that they spent together. It begins with production/ distribution companies and then it moves to home videos of when the two main characters when they were little. Throughout the titling sequence, they both slowly grow up and the titling font and white colour stays the same. This could connote that although they have the same features when they're young, they start to develop their personalities making them who they are. 

The names of the actors/ actresses come up on the screen whilst a variety of different scenes are shown in the background. Most of these shots are halved, On the left is the main hero of the film and on the right is the main heroine, but for two of the six shots shown above have black backgrounds. These shots are a representation of age and gender. It then moves on to name costume design and music. 

These last shots lists names that helped make the movie. This includes film directors, production designers, director of photography and written and directed by. The titling sequence ends with the number of the day the couple spent together. This is when the movie officially starts and explains to the audience what is going on. 

500 Days of Summer Analysed Opening Sequence

The film starts with a variety of two shots and f the couple sitting on a park bench. It then cuts to the couple’s hands which are placed on top of each another with the woman wearing a wedding ring. During this shot, there is a voice over, stating that it is a story of “boy meets girl”. The ring and hands could suggest that they're happy and engaged. An illustration is then played, with numbers that flick down from 488 to 1, suggesting that we are starting from the beginning, flashing back to the first day. A long shot of the main character is presenting, slowly zooming in on him. The audience now knows that he is the main character as the voice over continues, which then introduces him as “the boy”, and telling the audience his side and his back story. This then leads to a flashback of “the boy”, allowing the audience to connect to him more, as they see into his past. “The girl” is then introduced, and her past in presented to the audience also; here we get a view of her side too making the audience feel like they're both equal. The narration continues through these shots, and before the titling begins, a voice over admits to the audience that despite it is about a boy meeting a girl, it is “not a love story”. This statement leads the audience to believe that the film is not going to end happily, or at least there will be difficulties within the relationship throughout the film. After this statement, the titles begin, and the music changes from gentle flute music to more upbeat pop music. Whilst the titles play, videos play, showing the audience the childhoods of the two characters who are going to be followed throughout the rest of the film.

500 Days of Summer Analysed Poster

The poster for the film shows the two characters smiling at one another, surrounded by a white background. This suggests to the audience that the film will be based on those two characters, and that they may fall into a relationship together. The background is a photo montage of the female character, suggesting the male protagonist’s obsession with her, but it could also mean that he adores her and that the film will be from his point of view. The title is presented in a large, white font, and this could suggest the innocence and purity of their developing love. On the other hand, the yellow shape of a sun is placed behind it, represents the word ‘summer’ and that she is a star.

500 Days of Summer

Synopsis 
After it looks as if she's left his life for good this time, Tom Hansen reflects back on the just over one year that he knew Summer Finn. For Tom, it was love at first sight when she walked into the greeting card company where he worked, she the new administrative assistant. Soon, Tom knew that Summer was the woman with whom he wanted to spend the rest of his life. Although Summer did not believe in relationships or boyfriends - in her assertion, real life will always ultimately get in the way - Tom and Summer became more than just friends. Through the trials and tribulations of Tom and Summer's so-called relationship, Tom could always count on the advice of his two best friends, McKenzie and Paul. However, it is Tom's adolescent sister, Rachel, who is his voice of reason. After all is said and done, Tom is the one who ultimately has to make the choice to listen or not.

Information
Director: Marc Webb
Staring: Zooey Deschanel as Summer, Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Tom 
Distribution: 20th Century Fox
Production companies: Fox Searchlight Pictures, Watermark, Dune Entertainment III
Release date: 2nd September 2009 
Budget: $7.5 million
Grossing: $32.3 million

The Vow Analysed Titling

The movie begins by introducing the production/ distribution companies. The backgrounds of these shots have a variety of different colours and the main title of the movie comes up on screen after the name of the main character. This is different from other romantic/drama films. The camera focuses on the main title whilst the background is blurred making this show significance to the title. The next shots continue with the names of the actors.

The next six shots list names of the characters and the names of those responsible for casting, music and editors. Theses shots represent the intimacy between the two characters through the use of two shots, close ups and reverse shots.

The last six shots show the audience the characters' personalities and then it shows them the impact of the hit when the truck crashes into their car. As it zooms out the names of the screenplay writers/ producers are introduced. The next few shots then show the audience what happened after.



The Vow Analysed Opening Sequence

The Vow begins with a cinema and driving scene. What we first hear is instrumental music (non-diegetic sound) to go with what we first see which is a reverse crane shot show the two main characters exiting the cinema. Then the camera pans to show the audience what these two see which is an empty street with parked cars covered in snow. The titling sequence is played throughout the opening sequence. A minute into the opening, the other people in the cinema exit so what we hear is distant chatter (diegetic sound,) and during this the main title comes up on screen but it then they blur out the background to help focus on the title.

The mid shot was then used to show the audience that she's getting in the car. It then cuts to a two shot where the camera is at the back of the car; this shot shows intimacy and that they're close.You then hear the seat belt click, the car door slam, the engine starting and then as the characters sing along and laugh. These are all examples of diegetic sound. When they are driving, they use reverse shots to allow the dialogue to flow.

They then come to a stop the pan shot allows the the car to move the the right side of the frame to the centre, making the colour of the car noticeable. The colour of the car is red and as the main heroine of the movie is wearing a red coat to it suggests danger and blood, but the colour red also connote love and passion, either way they both have the representation of pain and hurt in common. Apart from this colour, because its set during the night time and the place is isolated it suggests that something bad is going to happen and also because its dark this represents negativity. When the heroine takes off her seatbelt and talks about moments, the hero then uses a voice over to explain his theory about 'moments of impact' whilst it quickly cuts to the truck behind them crashes into the car. The side window shatters and because she didn't have her seatbelt on, she goes through the wind shield. The camera tracks this impact which then cuts to a crane shot where you can see her laying on the hood of the car unconscious.

The Vow

Synopsis
A car accident puts Paige in a coma, and when she wakes up with severe memory loss, her husband Leo works to win her heart again.


Information

Director:Michael Sucsy
Starring:Rachel McAdams as Paige, Channing Tatum as Leo, Jessica Lange as Rita Thornton, Sam Neill as Bill Thornton 
Distribution: Sony Picture
Production companies:Screen Gems, Spyglass
Release date: 10th February 2012
Budget:$30 million
Grossing: $125 million 

Final Location

The images below are of a studio we actually filmed in. It's not the best but this place was free and with props we managed to make it look like a home.

ILIFFE STUDIOS in ELEPHANT & CASTLE

The image above is what it looked like inside. It looked like a standard kitchen and we managed to work with it by having the first argument scene just by the sink area.

Because there was a cafe by the studio we asked the people who worked there if we were allowed to film inside, but because their manager wasn't present, we were only allowed to film outside where we had access to the tables and chairs. This location was used to film the second scene which was the couple's first date.

Storyboards (Draft + Final)

Script (Final)

Never Ending

The first scene is shot in the ‘present’ and this shows the audience that something is wrong in the relationship. It’s set in either a kitchen/ bedroom. They’re arguing and they feel upset about each other. Ruben wants to mend the relationship but Jamie’s too stubborn to apologise.

*Shouting and screaming at each other in the other room*

*Jamie storms into room angrily*

*Ruben follows after her*

R: *in a demanding tone and grabs her arm* “come back here” *pulls Jamie closer by the arm*  

J: *offended* “get your hand off me”

R: “I don’t understand why you’re getting upset about this”

J: *sarcastic facial expression* “Upset?” *slight pause* “I’m not upset” *smiles*

R: “I can’t deal with this right now”  *storms off* “I’m going out, I’ll see you tomorrow” *exits*

J: *watches him leave*

   *Anger builds up, picks up picture frame and throws it at the door*

The picture in the frame was actually taken on their first date. This takes us to the second scene, which is a flashback to the ‘past.’ It is set in a café and the two characters are having a conversation, trying to get to know each other.

R: “So, tell me about yourself? You just moved to London, right?”

J: “Um, yeah, it’ll be two weeks tomorrow, I think.”

R: “So.. How have you been finding it? I don’t know about you, but when I moved down here, what is it, 5 years ago (?), I found it kinda hard, especially not being round the corner from my family and that…”

J: “ Yes! I know exactly what you mean! I mean, it was definitely difficult at first, but I’m just glad I met you. Thanks for taking me out today. I love it here, I can’t believe it’s only around the corner!”

R: “You look really nice today. I’m glad you returned my call.”

J: *smiles*

R: *smiles back* “So… How was your day?”

J: “It wasn’t too bad.. Just a normal day, I guess. I’m still getting use to the new job but it seems to be going smoothly I think.” *nervous laugh*

R: “Ah nice! Cathryn said you’re running that new dance school in Elephant and Castle?”

J: “Yeah, it’s great, I love it there. I’ve always been completely obsessed with interpreted dancing so it’s pretty exciting. It’s like my dream come true! *Jamie laughs* but what about you? What are you into?

R: *enthusiastically* “I’m into sport but football is where it’s at!”

J: *supportive* “Oh that’s pretty cool. So what team do you play for?”

R: “Oh well, I’m not in an actual team, its just a few of us meeting a couple times a week, you know..”

J: “Oh, ok.”

*A few more seconds of silence*

R: “How’s your food?”

J: “I think there’s a hair in my sandwich”. *Jamie begins to pick the food and laugh nervously.*

R: “Should we get out of here?”

J: *Jamie smiles and nods*

Jamie and Ruben walk together down the cobbled path

J (VOICEOVER): I could easily admit that this was not the happiest day of my entire life but it definitely led to them. For the next two years, I was completely in love. And for a while, I thought we were going to spend the rest of our lives together.

Script (draft)

Script (Final) – Never Ending

The first scene is shot in the ‘present’ and this shows the audience that something is wrong in the relationship. It’s set in either a kitchen/ bedroom. They’re arguing and they feel upset about each other. Ruben wants to mend the relationship but Jamie’s too stubborn to apologise.

*Shouting and screaming at each other in the other room*

*Jamie storms into room angrily*

*Ruben follows after her*

R: *in a demanding tone and grabs her arm* “come back here” *pulls Jamie closer by the arm*  

J: *offended* “get your hand off me”

R: “I don’t understand why you’re getting upset about this”

J: *sarcastic facial expression* “Upset?” *slight pause* “I’m not upset” *smiles*

R: “I can’t deal with this right now”  *storms off* “I’m going out, I’ll see you tomorrow” *exits*

J: *watches him leave*

    *Anger builds up, picks up picture frame and throws it at the door*

J: (VOICEOVER) “It was never meant to happen like this. It started out really good”

The picture in the frame was actually taken on their first date. This takes us to the second scene which is a flashback to the ‘past.’ It is set in a café and the two characters are having a conversation, trying to get to know each other.

R: *attempts to compliment her* “You look really nice today. I’m glad you returned my call.”

J: *smiles*

R: *smiles back* “So… How was your day?”

J: “It wasn’t too bad except this morning I accidentally spilt coffee on myself” *nervous laugh*

J: (VOICEOVER) “I tried my best to spice up the conversation, but fortunately so far he seemed like a nice guy.”

R: “What are your interests?”

J: “Interpreted dancing, art and culture. What about you?”

R: *enthusiastically* “I love sport but mainly football”

J: *supportive* “Oh that’s pretty cool.” “So what team do you play for?”

R: “(Insert team name)”

J:

For the final script we changed the script by adding only one voiceover and making the conversation flow by adding lines which made them seem interested in each other. 

Synopsis

Jamie (Aoife Hogan) and Ruben (Ralph Adeniyi) meet in Elephant and Castle for their first date. Despite the cold weather, dirty food, and awkward conversations, these characters are still able fall in love. For the next two years, we follow the relationship between Jamie and Ruben, witnessing the highs and lows of their romance. Throughout this dramatic journey, both Jamie and Ruben have to decide if their love is strong enough to keep their relationship together. Jamie catches Ruben with another woman, and as she is trying to figure out what to do, Jamie thinks back to both the painful and joyous memories she holds of her relationship. Is their love worth holding on to?

Locations

The images below are pictures of potential locations that we could film in. These are all hotels/motels because what we need is a bedroom/ kitchen or some place that looks like a young couple is living in. We used a hotel searching site called trivago to find some of these places.

Canary Heights 

This looked like a good place to film because the room's theme looked good enough and it looked like where a couple would live. It also has that 'Home' vibe too.







Metro House

We picked this Hotel because a bedroom was all we needed for the first scene. Its a place where a couple would usually fight in and just like Canary Heights, it had that 'Home' vibe.





Ibis Hotel

This would've been perfect to film at because it included both bedroom for the first scene and a restaurant for the second scene. However, it looked more like a hotel than a couple's home. In addition, it would've been hard to be allowed to film in a busy place like this Hotel.