Suspense

 New project

Film noir

Film noir is a cinematic style that emerged in the early 1940s and became prominent in American cinema during the 1940s and 1950s. It is characterized by its dark, moody visuals and themes that often explore crime and existential despair. Also, the film has very low contrast and it's black and white with shadows, but the perspective is always to put people's attention to the person's face and their facial expression. They use dramatic music and

Key terms: 

Visual Style - Film noir typically features high-contrast lighting, known as chiaroscuro, which creates deep shadows and stark lighting contrasts. This visual style contributes to the overall sense of unease and tension in the films.

Themes - Common themes in film noir include crime, betrayal, and the darker aspects of human nature. The narratives often revolve around anti-heroes, femme fatales, and characters who find themselves in perilous situations.

 Setting - Film noir often takes place in urban environments, showcasing the gritty, seedy underbelly of city life. The settings frequently include nightclubs, dark alleys, and shadowy rooms, contributing to the overall atmosphere of danger and intrigue.

Some examples of film noir.

The Third Man: Producer is Alexander Korda , released in 1949.

Here they used cinematography. 

Cinematography is a crucial element that helps create the genre's distinctive mood and atmosphere. Also, they used camera angles such as low-angle, close-up shots, or high-angle shots to create a sense of unease or tension.

Mise-en-scene 

Refers to the arrangements of everything that appears in the frame of a film, including settings, props, actors costumes, and lighting. I noticed in The Third Man that they showed a lot of the background . 

Sound

The sound is the most important thing to make the films more dramatic and horror. In The Third Man, they put a haunting melody that is associated with nostalgia and loss.

Editing

They didn't have much editing only continuously shot, there is just only a bit at the end.

Narrative

In The Third Man, the narrative is complex and engaging, they combine elements of mystery, and a unique setting to create an interesting story that captivates the audience.

SUSPENSE IN FILMS

Camera techniques

1. Framing and Composition: The way a shot is framed can create a sense of unease. For example, using close-ups can highlight a character's emotions, making the audience feel their anxiety. Conversely, wide shots can show isolation, making characters appear vulnerable.

2. Camera Movement: Slow, deliberate camera movements can build tension. For instance, a slow zoom into a character's face can heighten the drama, while a shaky handheld camera can create a feeling of chaos and urgency.

  

Mise en scene

Mise en scène creates suspense in films by carefully orchestrating visual elements that evoke emotions and build tension. 

1. Props: Objects in a scene can foreshadow danger or create uncertainty. For instance, a seemingly innocuous item might take on a sinister significance, leading the audience to wonder about its potential impact.

2. Costumes and Makeup: The visual appearance of characters can signal their emotional state or hint at their motivations. An unsettling change in a character's look can raise questions and create tension about their next move.

Editing  

Editing plays a crucial role in creating suspense in films by controlling the pacing, rhythm, and flow of the narrative. 

1. Pacing: Quick cuts can create a sense of urgency and heighten tension, especially during action or climactic scenes. By rapidly switching between shots, the editor can make the audience feel the adrenaline and anxiety of the characters.

2. Juxtaposition: Cutting between different scenes or perspectives can build suspense by creating a contrast. For example, showing a character in danger while simultaneously cutting to another character unaware of the threat can increase tension as the audience anticipates the impending danger.

Lighting

Lighting is a powerful tool in filmmaking that significantly contributes to creating suspense. 

1. Shadows: The use of shadows can create a sense of mystery and fear. When characters or objects are partially obscured by darkness, it leads the audience to feel uncertain about what might be lurking in the shadows, heightening tension.

2. Low Lighting: When visibility is limited, it can make viewers anxious about what might happen next, as they can’t see everything clearly.

3. High Contrast: Using high contrast lighting can emphasize certain elements while hiding others. For example, a bright light on a character's face against a dark background can draw attention to their emotions, while the surrounding darkness can suggest danger.

4. Color Temperature: Different colors can evoke different emotions. Cold, blue lights can create a chilling atmosphere, while warm, yellow lights might feel more inviting. By manipulating color temperature, filmmakers can set the mood and elicit specific feelings of suspense.

Sound and music

1. Foreshadowing: Specific musical cues can signal that something ominous is about to happen. Composers often use particular motifs or themes that hint at danger, preparing the audience for a suspenseful moment.

2. Silence: The absence of sound can be just as powerful as music. A sudden silence can create a tense moment, making the audience hyper-aware of what’s happening on screen and building anticipation for the next sound or action.

3. Rhythm and Tempo: Fast-paced music can increase heart rates and create a sense of urgency, while slower tempos can build tension by prolonging moments of uncertainty. The rhythm of the music can guide the audience’s emotional response.

4. Sound Effects: Strategic use of sound effects, like creaking doors, footsteps, or whispers, can enhance the feeling of suspense. These sounds can make viewers feel like they are part of the scene, increasing their anxiety about what might happen next.

Audience expectations

1. Established Tropes: Filmmakers often use familiar tropes or clichés that audiences recognize. When viewers see a character walking down a dark hallway, they may expect something scary to happen, which builds tension as they anticipate the moment.

2. Character Development: When audiences become invested in characters, they begin to care about their fates. If they expect a character to be in danger, the suspense increases as they worry about what might happen to them.

Character identification

1. Emotional Connection: When viewers identify with a character, they become emotionally invested in their journey. This connection heightens the stakes; if the character is in danger, the audience feels that threat more acutely, creating suspense.

2. Perspective: Films often use point-of-view shots or focus on a character’s reactions to situations. When the audience sees events unfold through a character’s eyes, it can create a sense of immediacy and urgency, making the suspense feel more personal.

4. Character Flaws: Flawed characters can generate suspense because their decisions may lead to dangerous situations. If viewers identify with a character's struggles, they may feel anxious about the character's choices and the potential consequences.

The Strangers 

In "The Strangers," Bryan Bettino effectively uses camera techniques like tight framing and slow pans to create a sense of claustrophobia and tension. The acting is raw and believable, which adds to the realism and emotional impact. The mise-en-scene features isolated settings that heighten vulnerability, while the editing includes long takes that build anticipation. Lighting is often shadowy, enhancing the fear of the unknown, and sound design uses silence and sudden noises to startle viewers, all contributing to a deeply unsettling atmosphere that keeps the audience on edge.

Suspense scenario

PRACTICE WITH AFTER EFFECTS

For this experiment, I used Adobe After Effects. The first thing I did was insert the video I wanted. I searched for effects, but I only liked the rain. I chose the effect and dragged it to the video. I really liked the part where I was playing with the effects.

I feel like this practice was easy and I will definitely do it again.  

Green screen practice

I experimented this on Adobe After effects. I had two clips and I inserted them together and for the cat I pressed keying . And I took the drop colour on the green screen.

This practice was pretty easy and I know this will help me in the future with many projects for example if I am doing a short film I know how to put any background with screen screen.

Industry roles 

Actor

As an actor, your role includes job seeking, networking, and working with an agent. You prepare for auditions by learning lines and researching your character. Collaboration with the director and cast is key for effective performances.

You perform in various settings, manage costumes and props, and may handle touring logistics. Salaries vary based on employment type and location, with minimum wages set by Equity, the performers' union. Working hours for actors can be long and irregular. During tours, they often travel and set up scenery during the day, then perform at night. TV and film work usually requires early starts and late finishes. You'll need good communication and listening skills, punctuality, and reliability.

You'll also need to interpret roles, work well in teams, take instruction, and handle criticism. Tenacity, confidence for networking, self-discipline, stamina, resilience, and possibly additional skills like singing or dancing are also important. 

To get this job you need to:

1. Training (acting classes).
2. Experience (theatre or film).
3. Audition skills (prepare monologues).
4. Networking (meet industry people).
5. Resilience (handle rejection).
6. Headshots and a resume.

Broadcast journalist 

Broadcast journalists are professionals who gather, investigate, and present news and information to the public through various media channels, such as television, radio, and online platforms. Their role involves several key responsibilities: To be a broadcast journalist, you need:

1. A degree in journalism or a related field. 2. Strong writing and communication skills. 3. Experience through internships or reporting. 4. Ability to work under pressure. 5. Knowledge of current events.

Game designer

A game designer creates video games, focusing on gameplay, story, and mechanics. Their responsibilities include:

 Designing game concepts and levels.
 Writing scripts and dialogues.


Salaries for game designers vary but typically range from £25,000 to £50,000 per year in the UK, depending on experience and the company. Senior designers can earn even more.

To get a job as a game designer, you need to:

1. Obtain a degree in game design, computer science, or a related field.
2. Build a strong portfolio showcasing your game projects.
3. Gain experience through internships or entry-level positions.
4. Learn programming languages or game development software.
5. Network with industry professionals and attend gaming events.

MISE-EN-SCENE TASK

Scenario Film 

Storyboarding and planning

Scenario: murder

Location: Green Screen studio

Title: The Outsider

Synopsis: a foreigner in a small town becomes a suspect after a dead body is found

We looked at each other's stories and decided on one of them. All of our stories were similar with horror and murder. We decided on who would be acting on each character. We made a storyboard by looking at the scenes.

Props: Binbag (for the body) and a plastic tool.

Group production 

The planning is going excellent. We decided that the first shot would be wide to show the person and the background and then focus more on suspense, close-ups, and extreme close-ups.

We are going to focus on creating suspense by filming the murder and the crime, and by adding sound.

Media Key Concept

Representation

Representational media refers to how different media forms depict or represent reality, ideas, or concepts. This includes how images, videos, and texts convey meanings and messages about people, cultures, and events.

Denotation

Denotation in media refers to the literal or primary meaning of an image, word, or symbol. It's what something directly represents without any additional interpretation or emotional associations. For example, a photo of a tree denotes a tree; it shows the object itself without any deeper meaning or context attached to it.

Connotation

The connotation in media refers to the secondary meanings or associations that an image, word, or symbol carries beyond its literal definition. It involves the feelings, emotions, or ideas that are suggested by something. For example, a red rose may denote a flower, but it connotes love, passion, or romance.

Narrative

Narrative in media refers to the way a story is structured and presented through various forms of media, such as film, television, literature, or video games. It includes the sequence of events, characters, and the overall plot that conveys a message or theme. A narrative helps to engage the audience and guide them through the story, shaping their understanding and emotional response to the content.

Genre

Genre in media refers to the category or type of content that shares similar characteristics, themes, and styles. Common genres include drama, comedy, horror, action, and documentary, among others. Each genre has its own conventions and expectations that help audiences understand what to anticipate in terms of storytelling, tone, and visual style. 

Practice with After Effects

I experimented again with After Effects. I chose the text tool, and then I created a solid layer and chose a colour. I selected both of them and I pressed pre-composed. To make the shapes I used the pen tool . 

To make the mask, I chose the shape I wanted to rotate, and then I move it a bit to make movement. 

I liked this practice and the result was really cool.

Adobe audition scary sounds practice

This was done on Adobe Audition. First thig was to choose the sounds that I wanted to make a suspense sound. I put a playground sound which its like for the children and then a man that is breathing heavy. At the and I put a door opening with a creaking sound and after this a scream.

Analyzing sounds in film clips

Dexter series

Origin of diegetic sound- Diegetic sound refers to any sound that originates from within the film's world, meaning the characters in the film can hear it. The term "diegetic" comes from the Greek word "diegesis," which means "narrative." This type of sound includes dialogue, sounds made by objects in the story, and music that the characters can hear.

Diegetic sound- The sound of Dexter's knife slicing through flesh when he is preparing to kill. This sound is part of the film's world and can be heard by the characters.

Non-diegetic sound- The background music that plays during tense moments of the show, which the characters cannot hear. This music enhances the emotional impact of the scene but exists outside the narrative.

Trans-diegetic sound- The voiceover narration by Dexter, which he hears in his thoughts but is not part of the dialogue that other characters can hear. This sound bridges the gap between diegetic and non-diegetic, providing insight into Dexter's internal monologue.

Creative exception - An example of a creative exception could be the use of sound effects that are exaggerated or stylized for dramatic effect, such as the amplified heartbeat sound that Dexter hears when he is in a high-stress situation. This sound may not be realistic but is used creatively to convey his psychological state.

Analysing title sequence

Inception by Christopher Nolan

- Imagery: "Inception" is known for its stunning visual effects, particularly the dreamscapes that bend the laws of physics, such as cities folding in on themselves and gravity-defying action sequences. 

- Animation/movement: The film features dynamic and fluid movements, especially during action scenes. The slow-motion sequences and rapid shifts between different dream levels create a sense of urgency and disorientation.

- Text: The use of text is minimal but impactful, such as the "kick" concept that is explained visually and through dialogue. On-screen text is used effectively during the dream levels to indicate different environments.


- Colour: The color palette varies between dream levels, with cooler tones in the more controlled dreams and warmer tones in chaotic environments. This helps viewers understand the emotional tone of each layer.

- Pace: The pacing is intricate, with a mix of slow-building tension and rapid action sequences. The film's structure, with multiple layers of dreams, creates a complex narrative pace that keeps viewers engaged.


- Sound: The score, composed by Hans Zimmer, plays a crucial role in setting the tone. The iconic "braaam" sound effect enhances the emotional weight of key moments, while the sound design immerses viewers in the dream world.


- Atmosphere: The overall atmosphere is tense and suspenseful, reflecting the high stakes of the characters' mission. The blending of reality and dreams creates a sense of unease and intrigue throughout the film.

 The Grand Budapest Hotel by Wes Anderson.

- Imagery: The film features meticulously crafted visuals, with symmetrical compositions and vibrant, pastel colors that create a whimsical and storybook-like quality. The imagery reflects the quirky nature of the story and its characters.


- Animation/movement: The movement in the film is often stylized, with characters moving in a deliberate and exaggerated manner. The use of stop-motion animation for certain scenes adds to the playful tone.

- Text: Text is used creatively, with on-screen titles and chapter headings that give the film a storybook feel. The typography is carefully designed to match the film's aesthetic.


- Colour: The color palette is rich and varied, with each scene featuring distinct color schemes that enhance the mood. The use of pinks, purples, and yellows creates a nostalgic and whimsical atmosphere.

- Pace: The pacing is brisk, with rapid-fire dialogue and quick cuts that maintain a lively rhythm. The film's episodic structure allows for a mix of humor and drama.

- Sound: The score, composed by Alexandre Desplat, complements the film's whimsical tone with light-hearted melodies.

- Atmosphere: The atmosphere is charming and whimsical, with a touch of melancholy. The film balances humor and nostalgia, creating a unique ambiance that draws viewers into its fantastical world.

Planning and story board title sequence and its audio

Audio for the suspense video: tension sound , scary sound and crows , heartbeating and heavy breath.

Audio for titile sequence: For the firts photo sound of wind and crows and a suspene audio, second picture whispers and cracking leaves and the last picture an ending sound like a piano.

Development of title sequence and audio and final piece

My own edit 

Final Evaluation

Group scene and own edit 

From the shoots they took , I see that my group was quite successful at working together. The only problem is that I wasn't able to work with them and do the work together, but I managed this by talking to them and their explanations put a imagine in my mind about how was the process. 

One of them handled the filming , and one the acting and I see that they needed the green screen. 

Compared to professional extract my edit wasn't good at all, the editing was really bad because it was my first time trying to edit and I did not had any good skills, but on the other hand I managed to evoke suspense by adding the soundtrack I make with suspense music .

What inspired me to do the edit was the research of many films with greenscreen , I saw it was fun to do it and I really wanted to try it. 

I used Adobe After Effects. The software was quite tricky because it kept doing this thing where it only showed on shot of the filming and you had to put again every file because one by one. I liked the keying tool and fade effects because you can play with them as you like. 

The most successful part is the cutting and the soundtrack . I think I did a good job by choosing the good sound and how I cut the parts from the videos to make them smooth.

To add the sounds track to the film I decided to do it on Adobe Premiere Pro because I have better skills there and it was an easy job.

The difficulties I encountered was trying to think how to choose the perfect images for the greenscreen and how to make them work, but I solved this by trying different techniques like cutting the pictures a bit smaller or adding darker ones.

To improves this I think I need to do more practice on the software and more research on skills like editing and what's the best technique for greenscreen edit.

I would like to change the images I put on green screen to make it look more professional.

I don t like the result that much, but it was worth trying because in the future I will know how to make the perfect one .

Title sequence and multitrack audio

My title sequence suit my film through the sound and the story that the photos is evoking. The visual links are that from the photos you can tell that this is about a man who's story is starting by the woods. With the audio I decided that if I put suspense and scary sound it will link it to the film by creating a creepy atmosphere.

The software for title sequence was Adobe Premiere Pro and I used the razor tool to cut the part I didn't want. I think I need to develop the editing skills more , after all this time I feel I need to do more practice on editing and adding effects. The main research to inspire me to do this was looking at some scary films and I got some ideas how intriguing this is. The audio provokes anxiety and this enhance my title sequence in a way to make the person feel uncomfortable and afraid. I chose my sounds because I want my video to transmit fear. I've done this on Adobe Audition

The most successful part was choosing the right audio and the images, I feel the images are perfect for my film. This is the part that makes me so happy .

The difficulties was to find effects for the images, but I managed to do some easy ones by moving the pictures. To improve this I need to add more effects on the pictures.