AICE Media Studies Blog

While our group watched the “How to make a short film” video, we took some notes below that we found useful:   Do the opposite of what you think is conventional. In essence, you want to trick the audience or take them by surprise. You do not want the film to be too predictable. By going against your instincts as well as going outside the box, we could add that real mystery factor to our film.   Let t he theme and genre guide the story. We learned here that we should resolve our whole story around our genre. This would make sure that it fits and flows correctly, giving us the mysterious result that we hope to obtain.   Use proper shots , camera angles, lighting, props, etc. This relates to “building around your genre”. We need to select all of the above to fit our genre and theme correctly. This allows the story to flow p roperly and make more sense. We do not want to confuse the audience with contrasting lighting and props that may connotate different themes.   Wri...

12 Monkeys has a more complex narrative structure, with multiple storylines and characters since it is a longer film. 12 Monkeys also features more traditional cinematic techniques, such as live-action footage and special effects . 12 Monkeys has a more action-oriented plot, with several exciting set pieces and chase scenes . On the other hand, Le Jetee is more focused on character development and exploration of philosophical themes , but the two films differ in their approach to storytelling and their use of special effects. While Le Jetee relies on still photographs to tell its story, 12 Monkeys uses more traditional film techniques and has a larger budget for special effects. After comparing these two, we saw a lot of things that could help us in the short film process. We saw that it is possible to conden s e a larger storyline into a shorter one, and still deliver the same message throughout. We need to make sure that we do not add to o any characters and “side paths”....

The short film really grasped my attention for the short amount of time it was. The plot was quickly developed. It wa s easy to see the setting and context right from the start. We were able to see how the characters were developed and  what their purposes were. The conflict was introduced almost immediately. This was what should be expected from a short film, getting straight to the point. There were special e f ects spri nkled in, but the main focus was moving from one phase to another and completing the “full cycle”.   As so the full-length film, “9” and other stitchpunks have distinct personalities and roles within the group, and their relationships with each other evolve over the course of the film. This is made possible due to the fact that it is a longer film. This would not be p ossible otherwise. The film's special effects are notable for its use of motion capture technology, which was used to create realistic movements and facial expressions. The director’s s...

  After we researched everything together, we were able to come to a consensus decision. We decided to choose the mystery genre to base our film around. The mystery genre really fits our chosen pitch. Our pitch is based upon leaving the main protagonist and the viewer guessing what is going to happen, right until the end. We have also looked at example films that fit into the movie genre. We are really taking inspiration from these films. This leads to choos ing the mys tery genre over the other two genres.   At the end of the day, it was an easy choice to make on a consensus of 3 “ yays ” on the mystery genre.    

  The last genre we are considering is mystery.     Common Camera Angles: High and low angled shots are used most commonly in these types of films. They help establish the film's power dynamic. For example, a low angled shot establishes authority and power to the individual(s) it faces. A high angled shot accentuates the vulnerability of the victim(s) and establishes LACK of authority.    Common Costumes: Detective and or work attire is common clothes that are worn and seen throughout mysteries. Things like suits, ties, and trench coats.    Common types of editing are fade in, dissolve, and cutaways    A common type of lighting is dark lighting. There will be multiple pitch-black scenes and light and/or dark scenes. Silhouetting is a very common lighting technique used in mysteries.    Common types of makeup is little to no makeup. Occasionally, make-up is made to look like blood and bruising is used.     Comm...

Horror is a film genre that seeks to elicit fear or disgust in its audience for entertainment purposes. Horror films often explore dark subject matter and may deal with transgressive topics or themes. CAMS in horror films go as such. For camera angles a high angle makes the characters look vulnerable. Movements used in this genre are pans. A slow pan may reveal something scary. For shots a handheld camera shot. This is used very often in horror films to add a sense of reality. CLAMPS in horror films go as such. Costumes should be detailed and scary for obvious reasons. Lighting may be dim and lots of shadows are created to build fear. Acting in horror films includes a shock factor. This means acting calm then suddenly acting scared. Makeup in horror films should be very detailed on the actors that represent something to induce fear. Such as a clown. Props in a horror film may vary. Weapons for the inducers may provoke fear from viewers. The setting also may be in a secluded area, perha...

Thrillers are characterized and defined by the moods they elicit, giving viewers heightened feelings of suspense, excitement, surprise, anticipation, and anxiety. The CAMS in thriller movies go as such. A slow tilt may be used to unveil a character slowly. An angle such as a high angle shows that the character is being looked down upon. Movements such as a tracking shot can follow a character. Different shots such as over -the-shoulder or POV shots show what the character(s) are seeing and doing. The specific camera angles build suspense in thriller movies. For CLAMPS it goes as follows. The costumes in the thriller genre may consist of many things. They may be scary to build suspense. Or the outfits can be conspicuous. This may build fear and uncertainty in viewers. The lighting in the thriller genre varies. A specific one used is low-key lighting. a sharp contrast between light and dark areas on the screen. This creates distinct and deep shadows, often a common technique used wi...