Audience Questionnaire

As a group we have made a questionnaire to ask the general public what they think that a 'horror' film should consist of. The information we gain from this questionnaire will hopefully help us to see what the audience would like to see within a 'horror' film. This will help our group to make decisions on certain aspects of our film opening.

To create this questionnaire we used Microsoft Word. This was the easiest and simplest way to make the questionnaire. For this particular questionnaire we printed 20 out and handed them to people in our media class to fill out then give back to us once done.

Question 1:
 What gender are you?
 

 

We began by asking the gender as it was a a general question that you would expect within a questionnaire. We have asked more girls to fill out a questionnaire as we did not have a wide selection of people to ask meaning that we had to ask the people that we could. However, this could work out well as boys generally tend to not be more "brave" and not as easily frightened, so is a good idea to find out what is scary and females will get more scare by a 'horror' generally. Although some males may tend to prefer the more gruesome horrors therefore giving us fairly varied results.

Question 2:

What age range do you fall into?

The age range which we asked was mainly between 15-18 years as we had a limited selection of people to fill out our questionnaire. We asked people in our media group meaning that they were around the same age group as us. by doing this we have probably asked the right age group anyway as we would aim our film at this age range and they would then become our target audience.

We have noticed that the younger generation do generally enjoy horror themed films and enjoy the supernatural or scaring themselves. This is good for us as our film will have an audience already as well as other audiences.

Question 3:

3. Would you watch a Horror film?

 The results of this question show us that a vast majority of people would watch horror films within the age group we had selected. This means that it is a good idea that we produce this genre film as it has demand and would be successful. However, if only a few people chose the option yes, then it probably wouldn't be a good idea to produce the film as not many people would watch it..

Question 4:

The majority of 'Horror' films you watch are rated what age?
  

 We used this question to see what the average age rating was that people watched, this was age 18. This means that we will rate our film at 18. This is good as the age rating is higher it means that the film can contain more graphic scenes and can be made to be more frightening. This means that our target audience will be around the age of 18 and the film shall be made to suit this age group.

Question 5:

 5. How often do you watch 'Horror' films each month?

The results from this question show us that people will watch horror films every month and some people watch them up to between 16-20 times a month. This is good as our target audience will watch this genre fairly regularly, although, not every day it is regular enough for us to produce the film with our chosen genre. 

Question 6: 

What are your favourite elements of Horror films?

We asked this question so that we could find out what our target audience believe makes a successful horror film. we gave a wide selection of elements for different horror films to make sure that we got more specific answers. The results show that physiological horror films and blood/gore horror films, this makes these horror films the most preferred ones out of the elements. So we should use these features within our film to gain a successful horror film for our target audience.

Question 7:

Which age group do you think horror films are aimed at?

This question shows us that most of the people think that horror films should be aimed at people aged between 15 to 18 years. This is a good age range for us as our target audience are around this age group anyway and will most probably be rated 18. This reassured us that the target audience we have chosen the right target audience for our film.

Question 8:
What is your favourite horror film?


We decided to ask an open ended question to find out our target audience what their favourite horror film is so that we can look at the features they used to make a successful horror film and to also compare these features to ours of our own.
The results of this question were:

Saw - 10

Wrong Turn - 3

Paranormal Activity - 3

 Dorian Gray - 1
Sweeney Todd - 1

The Crazies - 1

Amity ville Horror - 1

It is clear that our target audience's favourite film was Saw as it gained half of the votes. This suggests that out target audience like films with plenty of gore, violence and contains a lot of shocking scenes and suspense. It also has some features of weird/creepy elements. 




Question 9:
What do you expect from a horror film?

We asked another open ended question, this is because we wanted to see what features our audience expected and wanted from a horror film. This will help us make our film more successful and easier to plan out in order for our target audience to enjoy it.
The results of this question were:

The results of this question were:

Sickened - 1

Unexpected - 2

Tension - 1

Blood/Guts - 5

Supernatural - 2

Scary - 3

Jumpy - 1

Suspense - 2

Death - 2

Realistic - 1

As we can see from these results, our target audience expect to see 'blood/guts' and 'scary' features meaning that we will have to include this within our horror film to make sure it is successful. It also shows how we don't have to concentrate on features such as jumpy and sickened as it was less popular. 

Question 10:
What emotion do you expect from a horror film?

 

We asked this question to find out exactly what emotion our audience expect to feel whilst watching a horror film. We can then meet these expectations and make people feel the emotion that they expect.
As we can see from the results a majority said that they most expected to feel fear. We can then create an atmosphere which will make the audience feel fear. However, many people also said that they would expect to feel shock. This means that we should also try to add shocking features to our film and events which will make the audience feel shocked.

Deconstruction of 'Superbad'

We have decided to deconstruct the film 'Superbad' as it is a comedy film which means it is the complete opposite to the 'horror' genre we have chosen, making it a good contrast to compare with and will help us to learn the different types of openings for different genres.

First Still Image

This image shows which company the film was produced by. The music of the opening scene starts here as it then makes us get ready for the film to start from the very beginning. The song is quite loud and has an up beat to it and lets the audience know that this is going to be a happy film compared to all the other films we deconstructed. The song in this opening is by the Barkays (Too hot to stop).

Second Still Image

The music still continues, and this shot is showing yet another company involved in the production of the film. This may be to show the audience that they had successful companies involved in their production rather then just small companies, meaning it is more likely to be a good quality film, which might make the audience have a positive view on the film before it begins.

Third Still Image, Forth Still Image, Fifth Still Image and the Sixth Still Image

I have grouped these four still images together because they are very similar to each other and link together. These shots are of the main character's silhouette dancing to the same music, it is more comical then the other openings i have deconstructed and has a much more cheerful feel to it, making the audience realise what type of film to expect and  so that they are happy from the feel of the opening before the film begins. When the title 'Superbad' appears on the screen in the third still and is black making it stand out against the colourful background so that it is clear and easy to read. The colours involved in these stills/shots are very vibrant and colourful giving the impression that the film will be happy and light. The colours change from one to another showing a change in moods maybe or just to make it interesting for the audience as the title and producers/ actors names appear on the screen. Through these shots the music never changes and it stays loud.

To view this clip click the link below:

'Superbad' opening scene

Deconstruction Of 'The Secret Window'

For the next two deconstructions we have decided to use different genres to the theme we have chosen 'Horror'. This is so that we understand how different genres open. This way we will have something to compare our 'Horror' opening to. We have decided to deconstruct 'The Secret Window' this film is a 'thriller' which can often be much like a 'Horror' however, a 'Horror' tends to be more extreme then a 'thriller' which is meant to build more suspense and be less 'horrific'.

First Sill Image
The very first scene of the film begins with a man driving in his car, the character is played by the actor Johnny Depp. The eye-level camera angle means that the character is face to face to us, allowing us to see the characters expression and letting us into his emotions and mind. We here a non-digetic sound as we here the thoughts in his mind and this shows how the story will be told. As this clip is happening and we are concentrating on the sound of his thoughts we can also hear the sound of the rain falling and the window wipers which is kind of blocked out by the sound of his thoughts making it more of a background sound. We can see that the character is tense and unsettled making us feel a sense of worry or stress.

Second Still Image
At this stage of the clip we see the previous main character burst into the room where we see two people together in bed, it is unsure what the situation is here but it could presumably be his partner cheating. during this scene we can hear the sound of wind but not much else, then we see the startled people jump out of bed and we assume that arguing is happening by their facial expressions and gestures. This scene builds up tension for the audience as it isn't clear what is happening making the audience eager to find out and the darkness of this part gives it a more negative feel.

Third Still Image
This shot shows us the setting and the home of the main character very far in the distance. This image is very bright and colorful, contrasting with the previous scene. Johnny Depps name is shown on the bottom center of the screen also, as he is a very popular actor, people are more likely to watch the film if it is staring good, popular actors. Also this lets us know that the main character is played by him, the font is in white which is also a bright colour unlike the previous negative scene we just saw.

Forth Still Image
In this still image we see an example of a wide shot, of the house.We can also see the title of the film 'The Secret Window' at the bottom of the screen, this means that the film is about to start. The colour of the font turns from white, which we perceive as a pure colour and innocence, but can also represent peace and death, then the colour changes to red, representing danger that could possibly happen ahead. The music is still the same here.

Fifth Still Image
This zooms into the window from the last couple of scenes showing the audience a close up of the window which fits in with the title of the film as it is called 'The Secret Window' using imagery to make people think about what the film might be about and to make the title reappear in our heads. This shot also shows names of people involved in producing the film as it progresses the same music fades away into the background.

Sixth Still Image
This next clip takes the audience 6 months into the future, and it states this at the bottom of the screen to make sure that the audience understand what is happening and what is going on so that it doesn't get confusing. Also, we see the main character again but this time with his back to the camera, which is a contrast between the first shot as he was facing the camera making it easy for us to see his emotions and expressions, this time it is very solitude and as if he wants to keep everything including his feelings private. The surrounding noises of this scene are the sounds of nature and birds which gives the audience a calm feeling and peaceful, which isn't a very thrilling sensation even though this film is a 'thriller'. However, there is the sound of somebody knocking at the door repeatedly and he crankily opens the door eventually.

To view this clip click the link below:
'The Secret Window' opening

Deconstruction of 'Saw VI'

We decided to deconstruct 'Saw VI' because it will compliment the deconstruction of 'The Grudge' as they are both very well known 'horror' films, however with a slightly different theme as 'The Grudge' is more of a physiological film, 'Saw VI' contains much more gore and blood.

First Still Image
At the very beginning of the film we see the companies which were involved on producing Saw VI (Lionsgate). The font of the title is set against a dark background, and red clouds, which makes us think of blood straight away, and also it is black and very dark, resembling the dark/bloody things that the audience now predict will happen within the film. the sound in this scene isn't very comforting and is the sound of the gate opening and what seems to be gears grinding.

Second Still Image
Once again, this still image shows a company which was involved with producing Saw VI, this time it is called 'Twisted Pictures'. The text however, is in white, but the background still remains dark and is totally black creating a negative feel. the barbed wire around the title starts to wind around it, making a grinding/scratching making the audience uneasy. So, after the showing of the companies, the audience have already gained knowledge that this film will be a horror and will be dark.

Third Still Image
Although this still isn't very clear, we can see a cockroach crawling up a girls arm, this may make the audience think about why she is being so still, perhaps she is dead or unconscious. Also, the background is blurred and the shot is very dark, making it difficult to make out. This makes the audience very tense as they have no idea to what will happen next or what is in the girls surroundings. This scene's main focus is the arm, as it stands out more against the dark, unfocused background. The high pitched sound in the background also helps to set the sense of tensity.

Forth Still Image
This still image sets the scene in an eriee atmosphere while showing more credits for the film. There is a ghostly background which creates a mysterious feel. Once again this scene is dark, making the audience on edge and informing them of the dark content again. Here we can here a high pitched noise once again, creating tension for the audience and makes them uneasy as they watch this dark image and hear the screeching sound.

Fifth Still Image
This is where the main part of the film begins and it's starts off with a man and a woman trapped in a cage like building. We then hear the sound of the 'killer' on a video explaining the 'game' that he is making them take part in, this gives the audience an idea of what the film will consist of, and to why they have to take part in the gruesome events as the audience learn that they will die if not. So after this the two trapped people race against each other to win the 'game' and to cut of as much flesh as they can before the time runs out. This scene is very disturbing and may make the audience feel very weak and uneasy as it is a very graphic scene and is realistic, the sound within the scene matches this as we can hear the screams of the people suffering and the sounds of bones crunching, the flesh and the hacking of the skin with the saw - linking with the title, so this effect makes the audience feel the pain of the characters. At the end of this scene, it has to be the end of one of their lives, and the audience know this and know what to expect, all the same it is a graphic scene as we hear the sound of the screws cracking into his skull. Making the audience wonder what will happen next.

Sixth Still Image
This still comes up with the title of the film again with a dark background and the same white font, giving the film a dark feel to it and drawing that first scene to and end before continuing the rest of the film. During this scene we hear the sound of drumming and the same machinery sound from before but this time it is faster, building up the tension after the previous dramatic scene.

To view this clip click the link below:
'Saw VI' clip

Deconstruction of 'The Grudge'

 

We decided to use the opening scene from 'The Grudge' as it is a fairly popular horror film which fits in with the genre we have chosen and will help us learn the effective techniques and features of a gripping opening to a horror film.

A horror film generally needs to be gripping and must create a great deal od suspense for the audience, so this is a good choice to present this. 

First Still Image:

The first still image gives an the audience some knowledge to what is happening and an overview. This is so that it is easier for the audience to understand the film, but also to grip the audience as they will want to know the rest of the story. Straight away it sets the scene. The writing is simply white placed on a black background, making it clear and easy to read, the audience may not understand what is happening in the film if they do not take in this piece of informtion, but also gives a great sense of negativity as the colour black gives a sense of death and danger, which is relevent to the story. The noise in the background is intended to make the audience uneasy and on edge, drawing them into the film. It is a creepy suttle noise, slightly as if someone is heavily breathing. This also sets the scene for the audience. 

Second Still Image

This scene sets a new scene of relality, of a busy city which sets the scene for the film, we can hear all the sounds of the bust city and see all the crowds of the city. This gives the audience a different emotion to the previous scene, however still on edge from the strange first scene. This slightly reasures the audience as they feel everything is back to normal, however, will still be catious of the dark story they are aware is ahead of them. Although, very softly in the background the sound from the previous scene is still there, giving the audience a mix of emotions.

Third Still Image

This scene presents a very dramatic scene that is very unexpected, making it a thrilling scene for the audience, it shows a man commiting suicide, which leaves the audience wondering why and will make them eager to watch the rest of the film to find out. Just before we see the man go over the balcony we hear a woman talking to him, in a calm reasuring tone of voice, making it even more unexpected. She says to him "Are you okay?" and "you're up early today?". She is attempting to communicate with him but he does now reply, giving the audience a sense that something isnt right. during this scene we hear the mans name, bringing the audience closer to his character before the shocking event of him commiting suicide. 

Forth Still image

The forth still image then becomes quite disturbing considered to the second one, as it shows the man who has just comitted suicide dead on the ground below which broken and twisted bones with blood sorrounding his head, making it a very vivid image that stays in your mind. The sound during this scene compliments the unsettling image as we can hear a high pitched noise that adds tension to the scene and is very disorted and uncomforting for the audience, this noise is mixed with the sound of someone whispering, which is more creepy then disturbing, the mix together creates a very unsettling scene. 

Fifth Still Image

The fifth still image is introducing the title of the film 'The Grudge' the writing is in black which again gives a sense of negativity, even more so as it is against the blood-red colour which generally represents danger, anger and blood/gore. This fits in well with the previous scene. As the the writing 'The Grudge' is on the screen there is a sound of water, as this happens teh text on the screen ripples, giving the audience some feel that the film will involve water and death. It fits in well with the events of the feel and makes the audience tense and nervous.

Sixth Still Image

This still once again goes back into a reality scene eerie sounds are fading away. It shows a young carer and an elderly lady sitting in a new setting of a house, this sets the scene for the audience again. We still see the credits appearing in the same blood-red colour, which still gives the audience that uneasy feeling that something bad will happen even though now set in a normal, reality based setting. We see that the elderly lady is very lost and not very aware of her surroundings, making the audience unsure of the setting and the character.

To view this film clip click the link below:

'The Grudge' - Part 1

Deciding on the Genre

To start off on our main task we had a group discussion to decide on what genre to use. We have as a group concluded to use the genre "Horror". to come to this we looked at what makes an interesting and exctitng opening to a film and used some internet research to help and watched a few clips to see.
reasons for choosing a Horror:

• It is easy to make very effective and experiment with special effects
• experiment with the use of camera angles and shots
• experiment with the use of sound
• gain a better reaction from the audeince, a more shocking reaction from creating tension
• We as a group are more imterested in "horror" so will have more knowledge on the genre

We will have to overcome many challenges to create a successful opening scene and do plenty of research and team work to achieve our goals, and create a tense atmosphere and feeling.

AS Media - Main Task

The people within my group are Myself, Emma Uddin, Heather Lappage and Sarah Whitehouse. We have decided to stay in the same group from our preliminary task as we worked well as a group and got along well and like the same things so making decisions is easier for us rather then having too many disagreements.

other member's blogs:
http://www.emmamediablog.blogspot.com/
http://www.heathermediablog.blogspot.com/
http://www.sarahsmediaas.blogspot.com/

Brief: The opening and titles of a new fiction film, to last 2 minutes