Evaluation

Foundation Portfolio Evaluation

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Questionnaire - Our feedback

George Myers

Upon recieving our results back from our questionnaire, we finally decided to go with a zombie horror film. This was because our key question, that defined our USP, came back positive and almost 90% of our volunteers would pay to see a zombie film that promised to diverge from the average zombie flick. In terms of what emotions to try and trigger in our film, we chose suspense, panick and fear. This was the three most commonly raised answers from our feedback and so we thought it was key to implement these emotive targerts into our final piece of film. Another aspect of our questionnaire that we decided to use in our film was blood... A lot of blood. When we asked, through our questionnaire, what was looked for in a horror film, perhaps the one thing that came through in almost 95% - 100% of responses was blood!

This was what we chose to implement in our final piece of film upon feedback from our questionnaires.

Update: Title of film confirmed!

George Myers

We've finally decided on a title for our production...

The piece of film shall be called 'Infection: 2010' and this was the result of long group descussions and an overall agreement. We decided upon this title because we thought it had a good link with the whole zombie sub-genre as zombies are portrayed to be created through a form of infection.

A Nightmare On Elm Street - Textual Film Analysis - George Myers

By GEORGE MYERS

A Nightmare on Elm Street was first screened on November 16^th, 1984. It was written and directed by Wes Craven, commonly known for directing the SCREAM franchise and is widely regarded as one of the pillars of the horror genre.

The intended audience of this film is adult, which is clearly referred to in the films Restricted/18+ rating. The genre takes to role of the famous, world renowned horror-sub genre, the Slasher!

The opening sequence to this film is roughly three minutes long. Throughout the course of this opening sequence, we are introduced to two characters. The first of the two characters being of the male gender, the other female. The male character is seemingly, a lot older than the female character of whom has been introduced.

The costume work found in this introductory sequence is very distinct and unique; it really sets the scene and compliments the mise-en-scene. The male character of which we are introduced to, is wearing the distinct red and green striped jumper and the young, distressed female character is wearing a white night gown. The male character is also immediately seen to be wearing a knife-fingered glove, seemingly handmade. In addition to the white night gown worn by our newly introduced female character, it looks worn and tattered. This indicates that it has experienced some form of damage, possibly meaning the wearer has been in danger recently.

Throughout the introduction of this film, there is not actually speech used. There is the occasional moan and groan, as well as a blood curdling scream towards the end of the sequence. I feel this acts to the fear factor of which the film is trying to achieve as it leaves the viewer in both suspense and mystery.

The soundtrack to this section of the film is used tremendously and uses simple eerie noises such as the dripping of pipes and the sharp whisper of the wind. It also implements an electronically created soundtrack to its title sequence and occasionally present throughout, which sounds abnormal and strange, adding effect to the film’s scare value and packs a punch unexpected.

In terms of the sequences cut rate, the cuts are rather frequent, especially in the beginning, and shots are changed almost in the space of several seconds throughout the entirety of the introduction sequence.

Now, moving on into the key aspect of camera work. There are a wide variety of angles, shots and movement used in the introduction sequence of A Nightmare on Elm Street.  There is a strong use of the high angle shot which is used to almost make the female character seem inferior and small. This adds effect in that it creates the impression that the female character is helpless. Other shots used in the sequence include the over the shoulder shot (used from the male character’s, Freddy Kruger, perspective), close-ups, long shot as well a good use of composition (handmade knife-fingered glove and tools used etc.)

The mise-en-scene of this piece is very eerie and really sets the scene for the rest of this chilling piece of filming. The eerie boiler room setting, the sounds and music that is enough to make your hair stand on end and the clever and effective camera work all add up to create a great fearful mise-en-scene.

With reference to text use, the font used for the title banner is very distinct, bold as well as being presented in a sharp, red colour. This font type is carried out in order to present the introductory credits and additional information such as cast, characters, and production members such as the writer, director, screen writer etc.

Overall, this film introduction makes great use of technical features such as a great mise-en-scene, good camera work as well as a chilling musical score. This introductory sequence really sets the pace for the film ahead and is created to a very high standard for its time, and even more so today.

Questionnaire

George Myers

Here is the questionnaire I devised in order to show our USP. It also poses questions that really question the readers interest about the horror genre and ask them what a variety of questions such as what they expect from a horror film as well as what emotions are triggered.

QUESTIONNAIRE

1. What do you look for in a horror film?

2. What emotions are triggered in you when you watch a horror film?

3. What sub-genre of horror would you prefer to experience? Supernatural, Slasher, Zombie, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Apocalyptic... Other?

4. Do you like horror films to be built around a strong story, or do you care more for the scares, thrills and infamous death scenes?

6. Would you pay to see a film containing zombies that, however, bragged to diverge from the average zombie-flick? Why?

6. Do you think the horror films of today lack the ‘fear factor’ it once arguably had? Why?

7. What age group do you think the horror industry is aiming towards today?

Thank you for completing this questionnaire!