Preliminary Task

Preliminary Task

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IsEDzhUrp4

For my preliminary task, I decided the genre of film I wanted to do was thriller. Together as a group, we came up with several ideas which we thought would suit this genre. We decided that a kidnapping scene would be interesting and something that we could recreate quite easily. I thought that this would be filled with mystery and tension, and leave the audience wondering what will happen next.

In order to create a tense, eerie scene, we needed the correct costumes, props etc. to ensure that this was portrayed.
The preliminary task was filmed at a member of my groups house. I thought that this would be a good place to film, as it had everything we needed in order to create our scenes. Some of the props we used were: knives, scissors, a cloth, a pillowcase, tape, a mallet and a borrowed car. We wanted to make our piece sinister and mysterious, so by using things like knives and mallets, it created the atmosphere we needed.


A main problem we faced as a group was that we ended up laughing in between scenes, as we struggled to stay serious. We had to repeat several scenes in order to get them right, and this prolonged the process (although, we did get there in the end). Another problem that we faced was that we had to wait to a specific time of the day to film certain parts. We wanted our film to be mainly set outside, however we often struggled to get the right lighting, as we didn't have a budget or any form of professional equipment that we could've used. Also, an additional problem that we faced was that everyone had to be home for a certain time, which limited the amount of filming we could do, especially outside.

However, I thoroughly enjoyed creating this preliminary task, as I found it interesting to try out the filming and also to act out within it. We will take all of the skills and techniques we learnt from this task and put it into our main task, where we will create a post-apocalyptic film opening scene.
From our preliminary task, we have learnt that if we got straight to the task, rather than laughing at it first, we could focus better and therefore create an even better piece. However, I think that it went quite well and our end product turned out well.


If we were to do this again, we would use a voice over for our scenes, as we found that whilst we were filming outside, it was difficult to hear the things we were saying. This is something which we will consider using for our main task.

Mise en scene: stills & own version

For our own mise en scene piece, we wanted to create something which would represent the vulnerability of our character prior to a post-apocalyptic happening.

We decided that the lighting for our piece would be better if the photograph was taken outside to represent that the character was presumably lonely or homeless. Although the facial expression on her face represents that she isn't happy, the lighting contrasts with this as it is very bright and light; you could guess the time of day.

Additionally, the positioning of our character represents that she could be bored and fed up. Her isolation could portray that she has to go miles in order to find supplies to keep her going. Her arm rested on her knee, and hand to her face could show that she is tired both mentally and physically and would do anything to live a normal life again.

The costume, hair and make up of our character was important to get right to portray the vulnerability. We wanted her clothing to look old, torn and worn to represent that she had been living a life on the streets. Her make up has ran, which could portray that she had been crying whilst looking at the picture she has in her hands. Although most of her hair is tucked inside her hat, it could represent that she hasn't had any where to go to freshen up and keep herself clean.

The main props in our images are the picture, can of food and the dog. These represent that she doesn't have a lot of supplies upon her person, therefore representing that food and supplies are scarce. The image in her hands could be of her family or a loved one, who she wishes would return and see again. The can of food beside her shows that food is in very short supply and therefore has to eat things sparingly. The dog in the first image could be her only companion, and only has him to keep her company. 

Women in Film

Women in films are generally shown as the vulnerable, weak, maternal characters. However, in some films, they are shown as strong, powerful leaders.

For example in the film 'The Book of Eli', the character of Solara is shown to be quite weak to start with, however, becomes strong as she follows the ways of Eli.

However, in a film like Wonder Woman for example, the main character is a woman and is shown to be powerful and strong. Her costume is sexualised, as this is something which perhaps would attract a male audience.

Mise en Scene

Mise en scene
There are 5 different elements to mise en scene, these include:

• settings and props
• costume hair make up
• facial expressions/ body language
• lighting and colour
• positioning of characters/objects within the frame

These are used throughout films to create different atmospheres and effects. 

For example, a low key lighting scene can create the effect of mystery and tension, whereas a high key lighting scene creates an upbeat, happy mood to the scene. 

Costume and props are a major feature throughout movies, as these make things seem much more realistic. They are specific to the genre of the film and depend one when the film is set. 

All five elements are key and directors think very carefully about how these things are added to create a phenomenal film.

Film Websites

Why do companies use websites to promote their films?

Companies use websites in order to advertise their movies. These websites give the audience more information about the film. They are able to reach out to a wider audience.

This is so the films are much more popular in cinemas, and therefore, the companies can make more money. They usually give an insight of what the film will be about.
For example, the Star Wars films generally have their own websites, giving the audience information prior to their release. I think that this is a good idea, as it enables the viewers to see whether they think they will enjoy the film or not.
Many new and upcoming movies, like Wonder Woman or Moana, have their own websites so that the film can be explored. The Disney film Moana has a website designed for a younger audience; things like games and printable colouring pages attract young children to their website, and will often watch the film after seeing these. Additionally, a store is often advertised on their websites so that people can buy official merchandise, therefore creating the company more money.


The Star Wars film Rogue One has its own website, which enables the viewer to have a preview of the film. The website enables you to see behind the scenes and introduces the audience to new characters. This is important for not just a fan, but also a critic or a general viewer, as they can experience and see the different things about the film. It enables the company/film producers to gain a bigger audience and helps them to spread the information to many people. This then helps them to attract more visitors to the cinema and gain money.

The website offers extra information to the viewer. It guides them through the webpage but also introduces the audience to the characters.
It also enables the viewer to follow the films pages through links, for example Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Codes and Conventions in Post Apocalyptic Films

Codes & Conventions:

• There's always a villain and a hero.
• The characters have to things in order to survive.
• Something catastrophic has usually happened beforehand, and the narrative is that the characters have to live in a destroyed world.
• Death and violence is something commonly represented throughout.
• The places where the characters live in are usually derelict or abandoned.
• Zombies
• The main character is usually a male, and often finds a female who needs help.
• Both non-diegetic and diegetic music/sounds are used throughout the films.
• There is always something significant which the characters have or need to find.
• Their supplies are very low, and often have to trade or kill for supplies in order to stay alive.
• Dark, low-key lighting.
• Flashbacks are often used throughout the films.

The ending of post apocalyptic films are generally similar and represent a happy ending. For example in The Book of Eli, the two characters find where they're supposed to go; Eli recites the words from his book to a man in Alcatraz, and this is known as the bible. The female character (Solara) then goes on to listen to Eli's every word on her music player; he wants to be like the next Eli.

Furthermore, in the film I Am Legend, the main character (Dr Robert Neville) finally finds way to cure the zombies. However, he sacrifices himself by making sure that he had killed the zombies; he helps to protect the female and son characters in the film. This cure then lives on under his name.

In the film The Road, a father and his son are fighting for survival. Sadly, at the end, the father dies and the son is left to fend for himself. However, he is approached by another man, who at first looks suspicious, but offers to help the young boy. The man, his wife, their children and dog all gather together to persuade the boy to join their family. In the end, he takes up their offer and decides to travel with them.