Research And Planning

Introduction to Equipment:


(May 2011)


In lessons we practised using the Sony Digital Camcorder (pictured below) and practiced doing a variety of different shots which we had learned previously in lessons e.g. panning shot, crash zoom. We used the Sony Digital Camcorder on a tripod and handheld. We practiced executing a suspense sequence which was filmed just outside the classroom.

After-school Tutorial: 

(May 2011)

The Year 13's introduced us to iMovie on the Apple Macs to prepare us for the tasks that will be expected of us in the coming year. We were showed how to import clips from a camcorder, chose which clips we will be using and how to drag them together to form a short film, add sound effects and cut/crop clips. We also viewed their finished short films and gave feedback in the form of a questionnaire.

Viewing and Analysis of Suspense Sequences:


(June 2011)

In class we viewed several pieces of suspense sequences from well known films such as:


- Jaws                                        

- Alien

- The Shining

- Don't Look Now

We also viewed some suspense sequences from students' films one of which included a students interpretation of "Don't Look Now".

Summary of Common Elements:

From watching these suspense sequences we were able to pin point the common elements:
- Non-diegetic sound (e.g. Jaws OST)
- Not seeing threat in its entirety
- Cut aways increase when approaching climax
- Tracking shots, high camera angles, P.O.V shots, cross cutting
- Colour and graphic matching
- Closed setting to give the feeling of being claustrophobic (e.g. The Shining)
- Dialogue (e.g. "Come play with us" - The Shining)
- False climaxes
- Enigma codes (e.g. Jaws - only dog's stick is found)

Storyboarding of Suspense Sequences:

We then pinpointed places in the school which could be used for our suspense sequences:
- Greenhouse (near Science labs)
- 'Forbidden' corridor
- Junior Staffroom corridor
- Grange rooms
- Downward staircases

Then we individually thought of possible storylines for our suspense sequences. After deciding which storyline we wanted to film we were devised into groups (Stephanie, Charlotte and myself) and placed the story onto a storyboard. This included vital information such as shots and angles.

Process of Production:

After establishing which shots we were going to use with our storyboard my group and I began filming. We filmed in chronological order. We initially decided that Stephanie would be our protagonist and Charlotte would be the 'monster' that would eventually be encountered in the toilets. However, we changed our plan and this meant that I was the protagonist and Stephanie was the 'monster'.

Process of Post-Production:

After filming we uploaded our filming onto the Apple Macs on the software iMovie. We then chose which clips we wanted to be in the suspense sequence and placed them in chronological order. After doing so we reviewed the clips and decided which should be shortened and where should we input effects, such as a dissolve. We executed the cropping and the input of effects. We then reviewed if we needed to rerecord any sounds (e.g. footsteps) or add any default music which was already available on iMovie. We completed this by each section at a time and played the section to ensure we were satisfied with our work. We inputted the title of the short film at the beginning and the credits at the end.

Youtube Link:

Using the iMovie software it was easy to upload our complete film onto YouTube by selecting the 'Share' button at the top of the screen and selecting 'YouTube'. After doing so, I had to input my YouTube login details and selecting the 'Finished' button. The short film was then uploaded directly onto YouTube.

Below is our complete short film entitled "Revenge of the HRABOWYCH"