Risk Assessment

Probability - The likelihood of me and/or the participants involved in shooting my opening, realistically encountering the subjected risk.

 1. Very unlikely 

2. Unlikely 

3. Possibly 

4. Likely 

5. Very likely 

Health Risk - The scale at which the outcome of the subjected incident would effect your physical, mental or psychological health.

 1. Very low danger 

2. Some danger 

3. Relative danger 

4. Substantial danger 

5. Very substantial to fatal danger

Risk: Tripping over an object. - I will minimise this risk by searching the filming area before hand and marking out larger objects with bright tape. Probability of this would be 3/5 and I think there would be a 3/5 health risk.

Risk: Being hit by a car - I will minimise this risk by filming in below 30 mph areas for the most part. I will make sure I bring an extra person to observe and warn us for oncoming traffic on the main roads, when filming. Probability of this would be 2/5 and the health risk would be 4/5.

Risk: Being attacked by stranger with a weapon - To minimise this risk I would make sure we film all scenes in the morning in full daylight, make sure I have the ability to contact the emergency services and have an adult fairly near to where we are filming. Probability of this happening would be 1/5 and the health risk would be 5/5.

Pitch for my Ideas

What is it?

'Great allegiance'  

Genre - Crime/Thriller (British Gangster adaptation)

Context - Modern day Bristol. Corrupt estate with low economic status and class.

Target Audience - Primary: Men and Women aged 18 - 30, preferably working class, that are able to identify and relate to the circumstances in some cases. Secondary: Men and Women aged 40 - 50 from a middle class background, who are interested in seeing a much different culture.

Budget - Low to Medium

Synopsis - A young police officer from Bristol, Jamie Carter, is scapegoated into a last-throw, undercover operation, in one of the most dangerous, gang-dominated estates in the UK. Risking everything, this breath-taking urban experience follows his relationship with the ruthless, Ade Freeman, who is desperate to maintain his legacy.

Pitch - This film is guaranteed to excite, shock and entertain our target audience. It is set to be one of the truly defining Crime/Thriller films of the 21st century; with unrivaled uniqueness, edge and character. I believe this film both plays up to the traditional British Gangster conventions, with aspects like a voice over and British quick-witted humour, and also pushes the boundaries once set by the tiresome jokey undertone, most directors seem so desperate to cling on to.

The opening would sell this film to the most pedantic of critics. It is an impacting chase scene which will feature an array of empowering and exciting shots. The honesty of the location will allow my target audience to identify strongly with the setting, and not to mention the protagonist, who being an undercover police officer, will add an element of uniqueness to the storyline. From the off your audience will be captured by the effective Mise en Scene we will convey in our scenes. The opening will be perfectly balanced, intantly intreguing and undeniably unique.

One word to describe this film? Fresh. This is reflected in our primary audience, but I also believe this has the potential to be an extremely versatile film at the same time. It is not only a thrilling piece of drama, but also a look into a very much real reality many people face. This project is 100% worth your backing in my opinion and I believe it could be a major opportunity to create a leading British film which will be talked about for decades.

Film/Edit Schedule

Initial:

December 2014

Week following Monday 8th...

Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th (AM - 4pm) = around 4 to 6 hours - First filming. I will try and get most things right however I think that after review I will be likely to need more filming sessions.


Week following Monday 15th...

Monday 15th and Thursday 18th AM lesson time (5 hours) - Editing time. If lesson time is able to be utilized for just coursework, I will look to get the majority of my editing done then.  

Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st (AM - 4pm) - Second film slot. Will be used for improvements and finer/extra details.

Extra
- On Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, I will be able to stay after college and do extra editing - between 3-6 hours edit time.

Plan 

When it comes to editing, I plan to use 'Adobe Premier Pro' to do it. As I'm on my own I will try to manage my time as effectively as possible, dedicating at least 3 afternoons for extra edit time. Hopefully this will allow me to get the opening finished relatively quickly, and to a good standard. I will keep looking at previous students' more successful work as influence, looking specifically at their editing techniques, and also the resources available to improve the opening. I will also look at real Crime/thriller openings again to see how they are effective. Hopefully all this will increase my final grade.

Storyboard

Scripting/Drafting

*Voice over*

Rob: If you ask me whether I'm an easy-going sort of guy, I would reply yes. In fact, I'm the nicest man you'll ever meet. In many ways I'm your best friend. Matter of fact, (beat) I'm the only one you got.
- If you ask me whether I'm fair, every single man, woman and dog will have the same answer, and why wouldn't they? They all deal with me, because I make them my business. I look after this estate because I care about them all, they need me to, ya know, (changing tone) keep things ticking over. Obviously with this commitment to them, it's only right that I'm duely paid for my services.
- 20 years ago Marxfield was a shit-hole. Guns, violence, rape and drug abuse rates were at their highest ever. I watched my own Mother be brutally beaten to death in the corner of my maggot-infested room, while those cowards walked free on our streets. What did our majesty's beloved justice system do about this? Fuck all is the answer to that one, (changing gear) so now when we see a police officer on my streets, we use their life as a commemoration to my Mum's. It's only fair really.
- But let me ask you a question. What do you do when a no-good, back-stabbing copper gets on your nerves one too many times for your liking? You remind him just who he is, and who you are.
- The rest takes care of itself.

*End Scene*

Rob: (laughing at the start and not giving Ethan his full eye contact) It's funny really... How ya know (pause) people like you and me always seem to end up in these situations.

Ethan: They're coming for you Ade. You better leave now before...(interrupted)

Rob: (shouting now) People like you, don't beat, me.


Ethan: You know what... Fuck y...(Ade signals and a bag is placed over Carter's head)

Shot List

1) Establishing shot of estate. High angle. Crane Movement.
2) Long shot of wall and hedges. Low angle. Tracking movement. (T1)
3) Mid shot of first building. Low angle. Tilt up to reveal full scale. (T2)
4) Extreme long shot of boss character. Tracking in.
5) POV shot of boss walking down road. Mid angle.
6) 3rd person, over-shoulder shot of (C1) with phone to ear. Tracking movement.
7) Extreme long shot of protagonist.
8) Long shot of (C2) against garage door. Track in. (T3)
9) Mid shot of (C2). Tilt down.
10) Close up of (C2) face waking up.
11) Extreme close up of phone.
12) Close up of watch face.
12) Close up of face in realization of his mistakes. (C2)
13) Long shot of (C2) getting up and sprinting away. Tracking movement.
14) Long shot of (C1) standing still with phone to ear.
15) Close up of (C1). Panning shot which rotates around his head.
16) Close up of (C1). Tilt down to phone in hand.
17) Mid shot of (C1). Track out as he begins to walk off.
18) Long shot of (C2) running. Tracking movement.
19) Close up of (C2's) feet. Low angle.
20) High angle. Long shot of (C2) running. Arc movement.
21) Long shot of (C2) going around corner. Stedi-Cam.
22) POV shot from (C2) running.
23) Close up from the back of (C1) looking left.
24) Close up from side angle (C1) looking right.
25) Close up of (C1's) facial expression.
26) Extreme close up of eyes (C1).
27) Extreme close up of eyes (C2).
28) Long shot of (C2). Tracking movement.
29) Mid shot of (C3and4) grabbing (C2) from round the corner.
30) Panning movement as all 3 struggle.
31) 3rd person over shoulder shot (C2). (C1) walks into view.
32) Side angle. Long shot showing all characters as (C1) approaches.
33) Shot reverse shot for duration of dialogue between (C1 and 2).
34) Close up of (C1).
35) Close up of (C2).

Footage of Locations

Costume Planning

Protagonist

• Blue Trainers
  - Blue jeans
  - Dark Hoodie
  
  

  Boss

  - Grey Suit
  - Coat
  - Watch
  
  
  
  
   
  
  

Planning of Music - Soundtrack

Main Soundtrack

https://www.freesound.org/people/day_tripper13/sounds/126401/ - This soundtrack will be played on a loop throughout most of the 'wake up' scene. I felt this sound was edgy and effective which allows me to convey my genre well. When finding a film score soundtrack, I took a lot of inspiration from crime dramas like Luther. What I noticed was that a lot of the time they would use bassy, looped beats that left the viewer feeling nervous but unaware as to what could happen next.

Secondary Ideas...

• https://www.freesound.org/people/DirtyJewbs/sounds/125364/ - This soundtrack could lend to a more confrontational scenario. Depending on how my filming develops and eventually ends up, this could be an interesting non-diegetic backdrop. In terms of keeping to my genre it fits well, it is urban and on-edge which fits in well with my location and storyline.
  -  https://www.freesound.org/people/Flick3r/sounds/48489/ : To be honest, I doubt I'll use this. It's got more of a Sci-Fi feel to it. The reason I even am considering it is the possibility of using it for a small part building up to the climax of the scene, as it is a very good example of how suspense can be created through non-diegetic sound.
  - https://www.freesound.org/people/davidthegreat14/sounds/245381/ - This score is very dramatic and not nesessarilly right for my opening, however when I heard it I thought it could be good in places. For example at the very beginning alongside some establishing shots.
•  https://www.freesound.org/people/TheTunk/sounds/213275/ - This maybe isn't in fitting with my genre but I feel it would be a possibility in a get away scene I am planning on doing.
  

Photgraphs of Locations

Filming Locations on PhotoPeach

Props List

- A Mobile Phone.
- A watch
- Plastic bag
- 2 Knives

Structure of the narrative

Actor 1 (protagonist): Ethan Miller
Actor 2 (Boss) Robert Rowe

Narrative: The scene will open with the protagonist waking up on the street (at time of writing it will be in Park st.) He will be awoken by the piercing ring of his phone, before looking at his watch and jetting off in sudden realization. It will essentially turn into a get-away scene, in which I will cover a few of Bristol's locations. The opening will culminate in the Protagonist and the Boss meeting up before being covered with a bag over his head. The last scene will be the Protagonist waking up in a completely different location having been captured.

Sound: Predominately, there will be a voice over which will introduce the themes and possible story line. Synchronous sound will feature at points, for example when the phone rings at the start. The more I include this, the more it will add to the edgy mood and atmosphere I'm trying to create. I think a key aspect of the opening will be the non-diegetic soundtrack as it will set the tempo in a get away scene.

Preliminary Task

Planning of titles

Moodboard

My moodboard on PhotoPeach

Initial Planning Ideas

Crime/Thriller/British Gangster 

Through research and looking into previous videos I have decided I will go down this sort of root. I feel it adds a much newer and more fresh look on a British Gangster genre (which in my opinion, is slightly too comical for what I want to try and create.) The reason I was influenced to add this element into my opening is because of my research into British dramas. For example, 'Top Boy'. This is an edgy, London based crime drama which would fit well into an element of what I am trying  to produce...



Another T.V drama with that edgy element I am looking for would be 'Luther'...

Ideas

Location

I will use both more urban and also sophisticated areas within Bristol. Some of my initial possibilities would be; Bristol Docks, Temple Meads train station, Park street or Clifton suspension Bridge. As I further look into my planning I will be able to look at more specific areas.

 Costume/props

Protagonist: Hoodie, jeans, chain, high top trainers, coat. I will mainly use dark clothing to keep a defined edgy look to the actor. In terms of props, I won't have any guns. Being set in England I feel it would be much more realistic to include a knife or something along those lines. Other props will probably include;
A phone
Keys
Wallet etc.

Music 

 There are a few options that I've considered which vary slightly, and ultimately it will be a choice when I've fully decided what root I want to go down:

• Deepest Shame (Andy C remix) - Plan B (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUPH6_I-Qsk)
• Flashing Lights - Chase and Status (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbsjY4vfbcg)
• End Credits - Chase and Status (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXIHXQjbtl8)
• War Rages On (Etherwood Remix) - Alex Clare (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqX4-tKdxWs)
• Run - Kill it kid ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PN86htoSrpg)

To be honest, a final decision will only be possible when I have more idea into mainly who my actor will be and secondly how it will be story boarded.

 Actors (Protagonist)

Variety that would be most effective depending on what root I go
down...

Will Roberts

Rob Rowe

Ethan Miller 

Tom Maggs

Shot Types 

I will look to include a lot of close ups or even extreme close ups for intensity and drama. Long shots of the protagonist walking or running is also something I will look to utilise. Obviously to create a setting I need establishing shots, and all other necessary shots for professionalism. I think pans out and in will really change the mood and atmosphere of the scenes likewise with tracking movements. I will also try to incorperate POV shots into the intro as it creates a stronger link between how the audience will feel and the protagonist.

 

 

Sound

I aim to have my non-diegetic soundtrack in the background quite a lot of my opening. With my opening being filmed in public areas, ambient sound will inevitably be a feature (if not over-powered by the music or dialogue) and it will also add to the realism. At the moment I'm really considering the idea of having a voice-over as it is a common theme in most of the British Gangsters I have enjoyed. Asynchronous sound will add to the edginess and intensity of what I am planning, and I will look to really emphasize some of the key moments. Direct address is something I may test out, but at the moment I'm not entirely sure how well it would work.

Analysis of Previous Students' Work

(AS) Film Openings 2014

Video 1: Toby and Lewis

WWW:

• This opening plays up to all the conventions of a typical British Gangster. ;It includes non-diegetic quirky music, working-class attitudes and humour. This adds to a good realism they were able to create.
• The use of parallel sound with the banging on the door also shocks us and adds more intensity to the opening.
• I also thought the use of panning movements in the opening stages was very effective because it gives us as a viewer a sense of character profiling from the out-set.

EBI:

• They were able to have a smoother tracking movement, I felt at times it made it look a lot less professional
• I also feel that better accents or acting could have made the opening scene look even better.

Video 2: Marcus and Luke 

WWW:

• The sound bridge right at the start smoothly puts us into the opening and i feel this reflects the rest of the video.
• Shot selection is consistently good and goes well with their BG/Crime-Thriller genre. It looks very professional and I felt as though I was watching a real life opening.
• The lighting and location choice is brilliant, it is very good to watch and the location is clearly well thought out and planned.
• The non-diegetic music is intense and gritty which escalates the mood and atmosphere that we feel. It starts to make you anticipate what the next scene will be.

EBI:

• The accent chosen on the voice-over doesn't really fit with the genre in my opinion.
• There was more consideration put into the very last scene, because I feel when you compare the quality of that location to the others it brings the quality down.

Video 3: Casey

WWW:

• It fits completely to the Film Noir conventions. For example the props and lighting are dim, setting looks old-fashioned. It also conveys this theme with the classical-esque instrumental to Lana Del Ray's song.
• I think the use of a few extreme close-ups is very effective as it portrays a level of intimacy between the two lead characters. This fits in well with the sinister nature of the girl we find out about at the end.
• The addition of synchronous sound, especially with the footsteps, also heightens our alertness and we look for finer details when watching.  

EBI:

• At points the camera is shaking slightly, this takes away the realism of those particular scenes.
• \In the background you are able to see modern appliances in parts. This takes away from what is otherwise a realistic, old-fashioned opening.

Analysis of Gangster Films

Analysis of Gangster Films from jo3lgriffiths

Overall, I feel tahtsthis task really helped develop my analytical skills adn also allowed me to focus more specifically on the the British Gangster sub-genre

Companies That Produce and Distribute Gangster Films

Goodfellas (1990)

Production: Warner Bros.

Who are they?..   

Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (commonly referred to as Warner Bros.) is an American producer of film, television, and music entertainment. One of the major film studios, it is a subsidiary of Time Warner, with its headquarters in Burbank, California and New York. Warner Bros. has several subsidiary companies, including Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Animation, Warner Home Video, New Line Cinema, Castle Rock Entertainment, TheWB.com, and DC Entertainment. Warner Bros. owns half of The CW Television Network.

Just some facts...

• They are an American studio who introduced their first talking picture in 1927
• Company was founded by 4 brothers; Harry, Albert, Samuel and Jack Warner.
• Initially, the brothers started off showing moving pictures in Ochio and Pennsylvania whilst travelling. However in 1930 they began to buy out movie theatres before moving on to film distribution.

They also produced...

The Departed

The Godfather (1970)

Production: Paramount Pictures

So who are they?..

Paramount Pictures Corporation (commonly known as Paramount Pictures or simply Paramount, and formerly known as Famous Players-Lasky Corporation) is a film studio, television production company and motion picture distributor, consistently ranked as one of the "Big Six" film studios of Hollywood. It is a subsidiary of U.S. media conglomerate Viacom. Paramount is a member of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).[2] It has distributed several successful film series, such as Transformers, Mission: Impossible, Marvel Cinematic Universe (2008–11), Indiana Jones (1981–2008), The Godfather, Star Trek, Jack Ryan, Jackass, The Bad News Bears, Beverly Hills Cop, "Crocodile" Dundee, Paranormal Activity, Friday the 13th and G.I. Joe. It's the world's fourth oldest continuously-operating major film studio, the third being Universal Studios, the two oldest being the French studios Gaumont Film Company and Pathé.

Their History?

What they say: 'A legacy begins'

Adolph Zukor

Founded Paramount Pictures as Famous Players Film Company in 1912

From our humble beginnings in 1912, The Studios at Paramount (the longest operating and only major studio remaining in Hollywood) has been on the ground floor of every major development in film - from the advent of motion pictures, to the emergence of television and onward through the digital revolution. Through it all, our passion for excellence has kept us on the forefront of movie making and leading the pack in innovation and technological development. This obsession was evident from the very beginning when we won the very first Academy Award for Best Picture in 1927 - only a year after moving onto our current studio lot.

'The Creation of Legends'

Throughout our history, we’ve nurtured and aided the industry’s most legendary movie talent. Directors like Cecil B. DeMille, D.W. Griffith and Alfred Hitchcock as well as stars such as Rudolf Valentino, Mae West, Bing Crosby, the Marx Brothers, Bob Hope, Elvis Presley and Audrey Hepburn graced our lot in earlier years. In more recent times, the star power has only grown brighter as we’ve worked with Steven Spielberg, Harrison Ford, Meryl Streep, Tom Cruise, Angelina Jolie and many more. Our passion and experience combined with such talent has resulted in the production of countless iconic films, including the highest grossing blockbuster of all time, “Titanic” (1997).

'From the Big Screen to the Small Screen'

Movies aren’t the only driving force behind our success stories. It was in the mid-1960s that we dove head first into the world of television when new owners began to steer the studio down new paths. In 1967, the lot was expanded when we purchased Desilu television studios from Lucille Ball. We immediately put the lot expansion to good work, creating memorable series like “The Odd Couple,” the original “Star Trek,” “The Brady Bunch,” “Mission: Impossible,” “Taxi,” “Happy Days,” “Cheers,” and the record-breaking “Frasier.” Since our start in television, The Studios at Paramount has become the place where quality shows are continually produced alongside world famous pictures.

'Making History Today'

As the longest operating major studio in Hollywood, The Studios at Paramount has almost a century of experience providing the finest production services from development through post production. Along the way, we’ve only become better at everything we do. Today, we’ve emerged as an international leader in the production of film and TV entertainment. We engineer partnerships with projects large and small in a ceaseless effort to create celebrated movies, television shows, and commercials.

Scarface

  

 

 

Produced by: Universal Pictures

                                                                   What is Universal?..   

 

Universal Studios Inc. (also known as Universal Pictures), is an American film studio, owned by Comcast through its wholly owned subsidiary NBCUniversal,[1] and is one of Hollywood's "Big Six" film studios. Its production studios are at 100 Universal City Plaza Drive in Universal City, California. Distribution and other corporate offices are in New York City. Universal Studios is a member of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). Founded in 1912 by Carl Laemmle, Mark Dintenfass, Charles O. Baumann, Adam Kessel, Pat Powers, William Swanson, David Horsley, and Jules Brulatour. It's the world's third oldest major film studio, after the French studios Gaumont Film Company and Pathé. Three of Universal Studios' films—Jaws (1975), E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982), and Jurassic Park (1993) (all of which were directed by Steven Spielberg)–achieved box office records, each becoming the highest-grossing film at the time.

Common Production companies:

The Gangster genre consistantly throughout it's history has had producers such as Universal Pictures,

I feel that this task has vastly increased my understanding on distributors in general. It was interesting seeing how different companies' history differs and to be honest I expected them to be a lot different. It was the sort of thing that I used to overlook but now I realise the importance big distributors have, especially in the Gangster genre. Through this I can now make an educated prediction on what type of company would distribute my film.

 

 

Inspiration and Influences

My Opening Inspiration/Influences on PhotoPeach

 

I also draw inspiration from...

Inception (2010)

Personally, I feel that this psychological thriller is one of the best films ever made. It has all the components of a great film and combines that with an engaging draw which never lets the audience feel like they've got to the bottom of it all.
In this particular intro, it introduces us to the idea of dreams and reality. It is a simple concept that is unique to this film so it's instantly more interesting for us as viewers.


I feel that overall this task has helped to develop a wider sense of creativity. All the films in my Photopeach collage have differences both in style and genre, this will go a long way in making my opening as unique as possible. Watching some of the films shown in my collage has allowed me to further appreciate the differences in style between different directors, this was interesting for me to observe and compare. Specifically looking at Inception, I was able to look at a different approach to an opening sequence as opposed to the standard chronological one, this is something I am really considering doing. This task has also made me consider how I will challenge some of the conventions of the stereotypical British Gangster.

Narrative Structure Theorists

Tzvetan Todorov 

"All narratives follow the basic structure of Equilibrium-Disequilibrium-Equilibrium."

 Or more specifically...

1) Equilibrium

2) Disequlibrium

3) (Acknowledgement of disruption)

4) (Attempt to repair disruption)

5) Equilibrium

For example 'Bad Neighbors' (2014)


Equlibrium: New couple move into quite estate. They have a newly born baby, happy together, steady job. All is well as they see potential buyers of another house for sale next to theirs, they see for example and old couple go to buy the house and aren't at all worried about the future.









When they finally meet the new buyers, it is a ferternity house. Although at first cautious, they go over to greet them and everything is fine. The students are very nice welcoming the baby and the couple, and they also importantly promise to keep the noise down. Peace is maintained at least for the time being.

 









Disequilibrium: The new family soon realize that the students have no intention of 'keeping it down' and start being disturbed by wild parties all night long with no regard for their situation.

 The disturbance culminates in them calling the police, which they were specifically told not to do by Freddie. This breaks their short friendship and leaves the Frat house seeking revenge.

Acknowledgement of Disruption: Both sides of the dispute acknowledge that there is now a war and it is just a question of who drives who out. 







 Attempt to repair disruption: A series of plans, pranks and tricks start from both sides in an effort out ultimately win their battle with neither willing to budge.



Equilibrium: The protagonists being the family, come out on top in the end as the Frat house is made to move. However, the antagonist, Freddie, accepts his wrong doings and makes up with them forming a friendship once again. Everything is peaceful and the situation is resolved.

Vladimir Propp's and Tzvetan Todorov’s Narrative Theory from SathMan1

 Vladimir Propp

His Theory essentially stated that in any story you will only ever have 8 types of character.









1) The Villain - Fights the hero in some way.
2) The Dispatcher - Character who makes the villain's evil known and sends the hero off.
3) The (magical) helper - Helps the hero in the quest.
4) The Princess or prize - The hero deserves her throughout the story but is unable to marry her because of an unfair evil, usually the villain. The hero's journey is often ended when he marries the princess, thereby beating the villain and resulting in a 'Happily ever after' moment. 
5) Princess' Father - Gives the task to the hero, identifies the false hero.
6) The Donor - Prepares the hero or gives the hero some magical object.
7) The hero or victim/seeker hero - reacts to the donor, weds the princess.
8) False hero - takes credit for the hero's actions or tries to marry the princess. 

Vladimir propp's and tzvetan todorov narrative theory from Branahvan Rajasooriar

Claude Levi-Strauss 

He suggested that all narratives are based around conflicts of binary oppositions. 

For example...

Good vs Evil
Black vs White 
Peace vs War
Democracy vs Dictatorship
Man vs Woman 
East vs West
Man vs Nature
Protagonist vs Antagonist

Claude levi strauss[1] from Raj1992

This is a brief verbal look further into is theory.

Roland Barthes 

Codes Theory

"Text is a Galaxy of signifires, not a structure of signifieds; it has no beginning; it is reversible; we gain access to it through several entrances..." etc. etc. 

So pretty much, in English, what Barthes means is: 

•  The text is similar to a tangled ball of threads 
•  Naturally, the thread needs to be unraveled
• Once unraveled, we encounter a wide range of potential meanings
• You could start by looking at a text/moving image in one way. But there will inevitably be another interpretation or viewpoint to see it from
• This raveling and unraveling process is endless

Or alternatively we can look at a brief, but more in depth view of the theory...  

This task has given me a good insight into just how I will structure my narrative. I found it really interesting researching into what these people had discovered about the majority films. A lot of them being fairly accurate almost encourages me to it very differently, but having looked into some of the successful films that use this structure I'm fairly sure I will follow it for the most part.

British Gangster Research

The More Successful Gangsters

The Conventions of the Openings
Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels:

Here is an example of how they utilise the key British Gangster conventions in this film...

Opening Sequence Analysis - Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels from AStamatiou

Get Carter:
 (Focus on the 'Get Carter' section)

Get carter, layer cake and the italian job from lgettings

Costumes

  
Original 'Gangster look'
In terms of the stereotypical gangster look, this is it. In the majority of films made between the 30s and 80s, the top hat, full suit and long coat are all prime factors that make up the type of costume we all recognize.The clothing is one of the main conventions of the genre, it symbolizes power, style and material wealth. All three being on the forefront of any gangster's mind.

 Modern day Gangster look
Nowadays, the old-fashioned smart style we know and love is virtually non-existant. Instead we have become used to seeing city/urban based film with 'snap back' hats, baggy clothing and jewelry. It's as if the way the modern day gangster is portraied is more laid back. In my opinion this is down to a cultural shift which has seen smart clothing to be viewed as too 'old fashioned.


My Approach
In my costumes I will be a lot more like the modern gangsters of today (being set in a modern day Bristol) but I will consider using hints of the more old fashioned look. For example I could feature an older 'boss' character with the conventional clothing of an older MOB gangster. However the modern style will be most relevant to my British Gangster genre."> Gangster moodboard on PhotoPeach Gangster moodboard on PhotoPeach

Audience Research

A visual example of my target audience:

My Opening Questionnaire:

 

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.

What is the BBFC?

1. The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), before 1985 known as British Board of Film Censors, is a non-governmental organisation, founded by the film industry in 1912 and responsible for the national classification and censorship of films within the United Kingdom.
2. In English, they are the ones that rate our films U, PG, 12a, 15 or 18. It essentially stops children of a young age from being exposed to scenes of sex, violence, drugs, bad language or any other content of an explicit nature.
3. 

1. The majority of gangsters however are rated 15 and 18. This is because the conventions of Gangsters is generally materialism, in which drugs violence and sex are main themes. For example, a film like Goodfellas has extremely graphic, racist and offensive language used throughout. As a result of this there is no way younger audiences can be advised to watch them.

Conventions of a Gangster Film

Conventions of gangster films from jo3lgriffiths

I think that my understanding of Gangster conventions has improved because of this task. Some of the key ones being; materialism, loyalty, betrayal, appearance vs reality etc. I have noticed through watching various Gangster films that these themes are very apparent and will be a key thing to remember when making my own opening. Also by watching and analysing real British Gangster openings I was able to appreciate some of the areas to concentrate on most (e.g. the mise en scene).

Influential Gangster Director Research

Martin scorsese gangster history from jo3lgriffiths


I feel that I have a much deeper understanding of the style that Scorsese adopts when making films, this will influence me greatly when I'm making my own opening. By seeing some of the genre's leading gangster films were made by him I have been encouraged to use elements of his style to improve my own work. I especially like the way he incorporates effective soundtracks into his films and I hope to do the same in my opening.

The History of the Gangster Genre

Gangster basic history from jo3lgriffiths

Through this research I was able to really get an idea of how the genre has changed over thee decades since it first started. For example how details like the clothing has evolved. Consequently I have a better understanding of what is expected in the today's gangster movie. I will take what I have learnt through this process into the planning stage of my own Gangster opening.

Thoughts on previous work grading...

I feel this process has been very benficial as I've gained valuable knowledge through watching their videos and also looking at their planning and research. For example, this has encouraged me to use multiple resources to present my work (e.g. video clips). Another valuable lesson I learned through this past work was the survey aspect of the audience research which I hadn't previously considered. Hopefully thus will improve my mark as a result. The presentation of some of the higher candidates' work was very good and I will look to match this standard in my blog. I was also