Zombie Make Up Research

Today I went to a shop in Hastings called Substance to look at make up accessories for my trailer. For characters that are zombies I thought they would need -

• White/Grey face paint as the main layer.
• Black paint for around the eyes and to mix with the main layer.
• Fake blood for on face and body.
• Contact lenses?
• Plastic, pretend cuts/scars? 

I was interested to find out about the contact lenses. I was more interested in finding out whether they're all safe to use and mainly that there's no danger to eyesight. They're just like usual contact lenses and need to be taken out at night etc. They stay in a pot of liquid to preserve the quality. I will not be buying these as accessories for my trailer as they were quite expensive  but if people already have them or want to get them in my trailer, they're welcome to use them. 

The fake blood and face paints I will get online from the same places as I've had experience using them before. 

I watched a video on zombie make up on Youtube, using the plastic pretend cuts/scars. It looked quite realistic and in research looked in budget, so I may use them on close up shots of actors in the trailer.

Zombie Shots Editing Practiced

After shooting some scenes at the seafront today I edited them together on Sony Vegas. I've found some details such as people that aren't zombies creeping into some shots which I will crop out in my final trailer. It's allowed me to practice changing the lighting and colour effects, using a more green/yellow scheme. I also feel I will alter this slightly when it comes to the final piece. I'm pleased with some of the shots as it has allowed me to gain parts for my trailer without organizing people to acts as zombies. I will obviously be filming zombie parts at a later date. One large problem I've found is when I uploaded the video Youtube asked if I wanted them to edit it as it noticed some of the shakes from the handheld motion. I clicked yes but I personally think it's reduced the quality of the video and eliminated the handheld feel in some shots. I may re-upload it without them editing it at a later date. But in the meanwhile, here's my rough edit of some of the shots I took today, accompanied by All Washed Up by Dead Harts -

Hastings Zombie Day

Today I filmed some shots along Hastings seafront at the Hastings Zombie Walk. Some of the shots came out well, and I will use some in my trailer. I have also learnt on Sony Vegas how to change the colours of the video shots, for example I have given some I have practised on a more yellow/green overlay. Here are some of the still shots -

Non-Copyright Sound Effects

In my film trailer I've found that I will need to use extra sound effects to layer over my footage. When I can't make the sounds myself I have found a website where you can download sounds for free which aren't copyrighted. The site is http://www.freesfx.co.uk/. Today I downloaded some such as Zombie style moans and sounds of bones breaking.

http://www.freesfx.co.uk/sfx/zombie

Film Trailer Pitch 1

I had to present my Film, Poster and Magazine Cover Ideas with all my ideas and plans for my project. I have screenshot each slide on my Powerpoint Presentation. I will be revceiveing feedback on my pitch in the next week so I can improve my research techniques and add more ideas to my project.

Note from yesterday - I did not manage to film new footage for my trailer yesterday. I will story board my new ideas in the next few days and film as much as possible in settings outside of college over half term.

Conventions Of Horror Movies

After re-thinking through scene ideas for my trailer today, I went back to simply researching the typical conventions of a horror movie. This allowed me to gain new ideas for to add to my project but on the other hand reminded me of the typical horror lay out so I can tweak it, making the film my own.

Preliminary Footage A2 Media

This evening I have downloaded Sony Vegas Pro 11.0 and edited some of the footage from earlier as a preliminary experiment -

Even though I will not be using much of the footage shot today, it has allowed me to correct my mistakes and given me shots to practice editing together on Sony Vegas. 

Day One Of Filming

I started filming the first parts of my trailer today. The setting used was in a science lab at my college. Some of the shots came out okay and I will use in my trailer. Looking back on it, I consider it more as a preliminary as not all the shots turned out how I originally planned. I also had trouble with the tripod as part was missing, therefore having to film it all handheld. Some of the shots really needed a tripod so I will need to re-shoot them. It also allowed me to decide whether I will use the scenes and shots for the final project and I've since thought about changing quite a bit of it. It's been successful as I have started filming early, allowing me to correct these faults with plenty of time. I will hopefully use the Sony Vegas editing program at some point tomorrow to refresh my memory of it and put some of today's shots together, either as part of the project or just a practice. Here are some screen shots from the videos -

Filming Equipment

Tomorrow I will be filming the first part of my trailer. For this I will be using the following equipment -

(Panasonic HDC-SDC600)

I have been getting used to/refreshing my knowledge of using the camera this evening. I have tested it in different light conditions and speed conditions so when I come to film tomorrow I will be prepared. I also have various memory cards to back me up if I run out of space while recording. The battery will be charged over night.

(Velbon DF-40 Tripod)

For when I'm not taking hand held shots I will use my tripod which I'm used to using during past video shooting and photography.

Magazine Cover Idea

My magazine will be a specialist product. It will focus on films but on mainly Horror branching out into the many sub-genres of Horror. It will include the more independently produced films along with the mainstream ones. These films will be reviewed on a monthly basis and news on upcoming films will be included. 

Film Trailer Setting

After college today I went to one of the science labs to ask permission for usage in my trailer. They agreed and were happy to participate in the filming. I will be buying the necessary props tomorrow and hopefully filming the first part on Thursday.

(Organization evidence)

Cast And Props On Trailer Section 1

I have thought about the cast, props and setting I need to film the first part of my trailer.

Cast

• (There will only be a group of scientists in this scene)
• Myself
• 2 Adult scientists which I am hoping will be teachers in science at the college who will be happy to participate.
• Jonny
• Rachel
• Livi
• Natasha
• Matt
• Jonno
• The aim is to have between 8-10 in this scene plus a camera man? I will be or Arron?

Setting

• Science Lab - I hope I can use a lab at my college, I will be asking permission to after college tomorrow.

Props

• Test Tubes
• Syringe
• Papers (As if it's a book) - With a title Eg. Cure to... Something along the lines of.
• Beer bottles
• Wine Glass
• Glasses
• Science Coats/Jacket
• Party Poppers
• White Board
• Pens
• Banner?
• Music/Ipod Player
• Lamplight
• Chopping Board
• Dissection Knives
• Saw
• Fake Blood
• Fake Gun
• Broken Kids Toy
• Open Can Of Food
• Animal Heart

I will add to this list if there's any changes.

Film Trailer Storyboard

Over the weekend I did a rough sketch of the storyboard for the first section of my trailer. I have annotated it on a Prezi -

Film Trailer Storyboard Part 1 on Prezi

First Film Synopsis

Late 2012 and a team of highly advanced scientists find the cure to (…). After millions around the globe queue for the vaccination, patterns start to occur seeing those become sick and deteriorate into critical conditions. Patients start to awake into a zombie like manner, killing and converting the few survivors of the planet. Is there a cure to this flesh eating massacre and who can stop it?

Magazine Genres

Near the start of my magazine research I brainstormed a list of magazine genres. Here I've created it into a Prezi and added examples to some of the genres I came up with.

Magazine Genres on Prezi

When I am designing the front cover for my magazine, advertising my film, the obvious choice would be to include it in a film magazine. However, you sometimes see film features in magazine genres such as Kids, Lad-Mag, Music, Consumer and Health. I thought that as my film will be based around Zombie Horror, it could be a magazine based around just the Horror genre, including the many sub-genres inside.

Empire Analysis

It's obvious that my project would be advertised in some sort of film related magazine, so I analysed the key elements of another Empire Magazine front cover in detail.

Empire Magazine 271 uses very similar design features to the other recent cover I analysed. Cover Lines give a clear indication of what's going to be included in this issue. The Batman logo fits onto the cover and adds to The Dark Knight Rises being the main feature with this use of Iconography. The pose of the main focus; Bane, is difficult to judge. His pose is very much straight and with his mouth hidden it's difficult to see a lot of his facial expression. This leaves only his eyes which are very bleak and show little emotion and then his size which mainly shows his dominance and negative character. 

It's quite clear that Empire is mainly aimed at a male audience. I'm sure that girls also read the magazine but even from looking at the adverts inside, you can tell that it's mainly aimed at guys. This is reinforced by the dark colours on the front. Also one of the cover lines tells of an article inside on the "years best fights, sex scenes and in jokes", perhaps stereotypically popular things in a male's life. Ages could range from late teens to adult. The use of lots of exclamation marks emphasises excitement that perhaps a male would seek. Also the use of the magazine being "ultimate" makes viewers believe they are buying the best. 

The magazine's selling points clearly bases itself around exclusive news and up to date film reviews for readers who are looking for more details than just what's on the screen. It reinforces this in ways such as saying they have the "first official pics" of the new Batman film and revealing the "secrets of Skyfall". These statements suggest that Empire are one of the first film magazines to receive up to date information. It clearly would appeal most to film enthusiasts.

As discussed yesterday, Empire uses convergence by having their magazine and their website.

This issue of Empire can be bought with 2 different covers. One with Batman on and the other with Bane. This gives this issue more of a collectors item feel and would perhaps even persuade some people to buy both editions. It also enforces the binary opposite of the characters in The Dark Knight Rises. 

The mast head - EMPIRE, is in red. The name Empire suggests it's well known, forceful and strong. A magazine that is popular, dominant and confident in its sales.

Project Progression

• I have decided that I will be following the outlines of a Horror/Zombie genre for my project combined with some of my original and unique ideas.
• I have recently found some great examples of camera shots used in trailers that I can use similarly in my own. Eg. Season 2 Walking Dead shot.
• There will have to be some reason for a zombie/infection outbreak which I have yet to conclude on a final synopsis.
• In the next week I will also be thinking of who to cast and whether I will want to act in the trailer or just direct.
• Other people such as help with make up and costumes has also been taken into consideration.
• Such props and costumes/accessories will need to be bought, eg. fake blood etc.
• I will try to change parts of the trailer to perhaps cater to a few more audience groups than some other Horror/Zombie films do by changing some stereotypes, but I will find myself using the classic conventions of the genre. These usually gain a more male audience, ranging from late teen to middle age.
• I want to emphasise dark colours in a lot of the trailer.

Magazine Terminology

As creating a front cover for a magazine advertising my media product is part of the brief, I thought that a refreshed range of terminology was great towards helping me create my personal cover.

• Audience Expectations -  What an audience would expect to read after seeing the front cover. For example, you would expect NME to contain information on upcoming bands and live music reviews.
• Convergence - In which different media mediums (TV, Music, Internet etc.) can link to a magazine. A great example is Kerrang! which has its own magazine, TV channel, radio station and internet site.
• Cover Lines - Smaller references/details to the features inside.
• House Style - The particular style of writing used.
• Iconography - How logos and fonts are used. Such as if a band such as The Black Keys were featured, their name on the magazine may be written in the font they use in their logo.
• Ideologies - A set of ideas and values. A music magazine that is more based on the genre of Punk may have a more anarchistic edge with language to compliment.
• Mise-en-scene - This is simply what else is in the frame. For example, a footballer may be seen in public wearing a pair of "Dr. Dre headphones", with a connotation of wealth and unnecessary spending.
• Mode Of Address - The ways in which an audience is addressed. For example, a lad mag may use language suited to the culture and be of interest to them.
• Pose - The position the person is in the picture.
• Representation - The way in which a group is portrayed in the media form. For example, the Daily Mail newspaper, may represent Muslims in a mostly negative light.
• Sell Lines - A short tag line, showing the main marketing point. 
• Superlative - An adjective/adverb that expresses the person or thing spoken about in your contents. 
• Target Audience - Simply who your product is aimed at.

Magazines on Prezi

Application Of Audience Analysis

I applied some of the audience analysis techniques to video game Battlefield 3 -

• Gender - Male
• Political View - Either? Enjoys violence?
• Age - 15 - 30 (HOWEVER, this is just the age the creators claim it's aimed at, it's often clear with games similar to Battlefield that audiences range from as young as 12 years old, or even lower).
• Race - White, British, American.
• Religion - Atheist? Not as relevant.

Audience Relation

Whether viewers will choose to watch my product and enjoy it was very dependent on certain factors. I did some research and found this was very important in how they relate to the product and make the decision to if they like or dislike the media -



In a discussion a good example was mentioned that wasn't based just around film or tv shows. A class member bought up musician Bruce Springsteen - They enjoyed his music and obviously gained entertainment from watching or listening to him. It satisfied them socially as they were able to attend a Springsteen concert with their parent and having a musical admiration in common with someone from another generation has perhaps become quite rare with the introduction of music that's become engineered intro the latest generation as being the "correct" music to listen to, defeating such common musical interests. They were able to interact with going to the concert and enjoying the experience. Lastly, Springsteen's songs are very much open to relate to as a working class listener and relates to many of his prime time, these values can then be passed down to later generations.

Another debate that was brought up was that "does boredom encourage exciting media content to be viewed" and "does stress encourage relaxing media content to be viewed". On one hand I could agree; for example, I would perhaps be in more of a mood to watch a film like Lock Stock and 2 Smoking Barrels when I am bored rather than stressed as it's exciting and requires a bit of concentration to watch it (not really available when stressed). While when I'm stressed I would watch LA Ink, as I do not have to concentrate. Even though it entertains me, it's a great background program and I do not have to fully concentrate on it. The themes of it also generally relax me. However, if I'm stressed, I may not choose to listen to relaxing music such as Fleetwood Mac, but perhaps listen to aggressive music such as Gallows or Feed The Rhino etc. The anger and "heavy-ness" of this music would create a sort of outlet for my feelings and in the long term make me feel better, allowing myself to share my thoughts with something of similar themes.

Relating to audiences is also very dependent on factors of their own personality and values, such as - 

• Gender
• Race
• Religion
• Political Views
• Sex

Audience Reception Theory

• Preferred/Dominant reading - The writer/producer's main aim, the viewer will enjoy it and it will fit their age group, gender or the target audience.
• Negotiated - The audience will consider viewing the media form, but perhaps reluctantly. 
• Oppositional - The audience will refuse to watch the media form.

When creating my project I will need to consider who falls in to each of these categories, and perhaps try to accommodate as many as possible, or just stick to the conventions of the genre, keeping the norm audience.

I also thought of programs that I watch that perhaps I do not fall into the aimed category. For example, kids show, Spongebob Squarepants, clearly aimed at a younger audience. LA Ink could be aimed at mainly people with tattoos and artists, but I really enjoy the show.

Trailer Idea

Recently I've been developing more ideas to add to my project of creating a trailer, magazine cover etc. I'm pretty much set on using the genre of Horror which still gives me a lot of freedom to branch into other sub-genres such as Gore, Psychological Horror, Zombie etc. I've been adding to my knowledge more by watching trailers in just the Horror genre to extract essential conventions that I will use in my project. For example, The Walking Dead Season 2 trailer really gave me some inspiration for shot types. The opening shot uses a handheld movement on the character's face where he's obviously running from something. The camera shaking with the running movement creates panic from the first second of the trailer. This is a shot I'd definitely like to use in my own trailer. The shot then pans down his body to his feet showing the pace of the motion while he's running. An over view shot then follows, revealing what is chasing him. However, the figures aren't clear, they are almost blacked out. The mystery of what are they also adds to the panic. I also find the part where the gun is being shot in slow motion, seeing the capsules pop out the barrel, really adds to the action and the near death experience of the scene. Just from this first 25 seconds, there are some brilliant shots which will definitely affect how I film my own.

Audience

When creating my project, I will take into consideration what the target audience would be. Not just including age, but other audience types including gender and perhaps social class.To exercise the choice of age targets I have analysed examples in detail to what their target audience is.

Name of text - The Beano, Dennis the Menace.
Age target - 7-15 years old.
Education - State education.
Economic status - Working class/lower middle.
Ethnicity - White British.
Gender - Male.
VAL'S - Immature, childhood.

Name of text - Watchmen

Age - 16 to adult?

Education - State or private?

Economic status - Working.

Ethnicity - White, Brit, American, Euro.

Gender - Male.



Representation - Male

As well as looking at how females are represented in media forms, I also looked at male, using The Inbetweeners TV Series as an example. While they are all slightly different in the show, they all act immature and in stupid ways throughout the series. I applied some labels/roles to the characters in the program -

Joker - Jay
Jock - Possibly Neil? (Tall gets the most success socially/with girls)
Strong Silent - Neil
Nerd - Will
Action Hero - Will? (Taking control, perhaps making important decisions ) or Simon? (In attempt to be in a relationship with Carly throughout the series)
Buffoon - Neil? (Saying the thickest things) or even all 4 of the main characters?

I don't think I will be using that similar representations to how the Inbetweeners portray males, but I may use hints of characters in a few of my own.

I also thought about the creators intended target audience and what they aim for them to feel. It's quite clear that The Inbetweeners preferred reading is for teenagers to find the comedy amusing and possibly relate to it. The negotiated reading is perhaps audiences feeling the type of comedy may not suit them but they'd watch it to see if it could relate to them or perhaps enjoy it. And lastly the oppositional reading, where the audience would find the show immature and the comedy just a cringe, rather than actually funny.

Representation - Female

I continued to study how different people are represented in various media forms looking mainly at women again. I often found that in the examples given to me and found, they tended to be vulnerable, weak, emotional, "sexualized"and generally inferior to males.

I then focused on looking at females in video games rather than just in films. In video games, the female characters are often shown as skinny and with what girls considered nice hair. This repetitive image of females perhaps reinforces into girls minds what the ideal image of a girl should be.

There are occasionally times where a female character is represented quite differently. With perhaps not such a perfect image, or different attitudes or roles. An example of this could be Sarah Connor from The Terminator films. She very much takes on a more dominant and violent role. However, this could be criticised as just keeping the exact same stereotypes of a male action role but just replacing them with a female actor, giving them no originality or difference to the male role.

I like knowing and studying the general norm of how women are represented in media forms as it's giving me more ideas to how I can make a really original style for my graphic narrative idea.

Narrative Analysis - Scott Pilgrim Vs The World

Since refreshing my knowledge of narrative analysis, applying it to graphic narratives such as The Hulk. Recently I have been reading the series of "Scott Pilgrim Vs The World" comic books. I really enjoy both the comic books and the film, especially the way it uses a fantasy theme but it's not really a superhero styled comic book. I have chosen an extract from the first of the series, "Precious Little Life, Volume 1". The scene begins after the "Sex Bob-Omb" gig (Scott's band), where Ramona's (Scott's new girlfriend) first evil ex-boyfriend enters to fight Scott.

• The extract is set in a music venue, obviously set up by the previous scene. Props such as guitar and bass amplifiers, a drum kit, a stage, a balcony and many others reinforce this. 
• In relation Propp's narrative theory combined with a list of the characters: Scott (Hero), Ramona (Princess), Matthew Patel (Villain, 1 of 7?) and Wallace (Helper) in this extract.
• The obvious binary opposite is based on good and evil, being Scott and Matthew Patel. Others could include relationship being Scott and Ramona. Or possibly sexuality (which isn't clear in this extract) with Scott and Wallace. 
• Scott Pilgrim does have many disruptions between equilibriums. For example, he has his first girlfriend Knives Chau, which is disrupted by his dream of Ramona, set right by ending his relationship with Knives. Following his new beginning of relationship between Scott and Ramona, he discovers he must defeat her 7 evil ex-boyfriends in order to be with her. Between each one, there's some sort of equilibrium restored to then be disrupted by the following fight. In this extract the equilibrium of playing a gig with Ramona in the audience is disrupted by the fight with Matthew Patel, but is then restored when Scott defeats him. 

Grant Morrison

Recently I read an article in a magazine including an interview with comic book writer Grant Morrison answering questions involving his latest project, comic book "Happy". The main character used to be a cop, but after unfortunate events he finds himself working as a hitman for the mob to pay for sex, drugs and eczema. After studying many stereotypes I thought it was great to see a main character in a comic book that isn't admired by any one. However, it isn't all as simple as hired assassinations, the main character has some sort of accident allowing him to see some sort of horse/unicorn type character which guides him on a mission. This strange combination appeals to me adding to my knowledge of graphic narratives rather than superhero/hero based ones. From the previews of illustration I also admire the dark theme to the comic and the detail to some weird images that some other writers/designers/illustrators may not like due to the distance from the norm of comic book illustration. Grant has also built a huge reputation from his narratives and contributions to DC and Marvel comics such as Batman, Superman, X-Men and Fantastic 4. I then researched into more of Grant's work finding the comic book "The Invisibles". The plot follows a secret organization fighting physical and psychic oppression using time travel, magic meditation and physical violence. From the short study and introduction I've seen of Morrison's work, I really like his own projects (briefly scanning across others such as "Doom Patrol", "WE3", "The Filth" and "Flex Mentallo") showing amazing and unique ideas, but also even when he writes for DC and Marvel, there's a great emphasis on him doing it his way and stamping his own independent mark on the work.

 

Main character in Grant Morrison's latest project "Happy".

Grant Morrison's, The Invisibles.

Reading this article has really helped me expand my knowledge of graphic narratives even further. It has allowed me to think of ways to brainstorm more ideas for my graphic narrative, especially emphasising the distance I will try to create from stereotypes. The way in which Grant has a unique style compared to many of the other comic books I've seen was another factor I really liked about his work. 

Representations In Graphic Narratives

I recently looked at the representation of Women in the comic book Watchmen.

I created a Prezi and annotated the comic strip -

Representation on Prezi

Character Stereotypes

I looked at general stereotypes appearing in media forms, focusing more on comic books mainly by Marvel and DC.

Female

• Fitted costume.
• Sexualised.
• High boots.
• Small costume.

(Silk Spectre II - Watchmen)

Black Characters

• Poor.
• Plain.
• Rebels.
• Criminals.
• Aggresive.
  
  

However, some of these negative labels are beggining to fade. For example, the gatekeeper in Thor, Heimdall, is of caucasian origin in the comic book but an afro-caribbean actor was given the role in the film.

As well as steroetypes being attached to race and gender, there are regional stereotypes. For example, in films some American actors in the region of Southern America, films often portray them with a "Redneck" personality.

It's pretty clearly established that there is never a positive stereotype.

Some of these labels won't apply to my graphic narrative as much as some are based on those in the superhero genre. However, I will be not using any of the gender or racial stereotypes in my projects. In my project I would like to move away from the stereotypes to make it as entertaining as possible. Casting characters with diverse roles will make my film more independent from others and fairer to all social backgrounds.

Narrative Theories

Other theories than Propp's narrative model, include ones such as a model by Claude Levi Strauss. His theory looks more at the differences in characters focusing on the 'Binary Opposites'. The phrase is pretty self explanatory and applying it to films and other forms of media just highlights the differences in characters. People quickly assume that it's simply just the good side and the bad side in Binary Opposites. Other differences may include: Youth/Age, Male/Female, Coward/Hero. An obvious example being Harry Potter and Voldermort. Another could possibly be the Living/Dead applied to the series The Walking Dead, being the surviving humans and the "walkers"/zombies.

Another narrative theory is Tzvetan Todorov's. It bases itself around the storyline events following a set theme: Equilibrium, Disequilibrium/Disruption, Solving, New Equilibrium/Restored. This is often really common in films by Steven Spielberg. For example, War of the worlds follows it by there being an equilibrium at the beginning with part of the family being together, disrupted by the alien invasion, partially fought during the film and then ending with the aliens dying and harmony restored. This is very similar in the Jurassic Park films.

Roland Barthes' theory bases around the idea of enigma codes and mystery being developed throughout the film. It's slowly revealed by the characters and the audience discovering more at the same time. He also uses the idea of action codes, hearing a sound which suggests to the audience what is to follow. For example, when people here the Jaws theme tune, they quickly assume the shark is approaching and someone is about to be attacked.

This has allowed me to think about more ideas for my graphic narrative. The ideas I can take from the narrative theories will really help me create the back bone and a strong foundation for the development of the graphic narrative.

Heroes And Villains

As a starter exercise I brainstormed typical characteristics of heroes and villains in films, books, graphic novels etc. This allowed me to decide to perhaps use the stereotypical roles of characters in my project or perhaps venture away from them -

Appearance

Hero - Young? Attractive, Role Model, Easily Admired. Eg. Batman, Spiderman.
Villain - Ugly, Scary? Feared. Eg. Joker.

How They Act

H - Role Model, Morals, By The Law, Intelligently, Trustworthy.
V - Deviant, Violent, Older? Greedy, Causing Suffering.

Locations

H - Rich Environment? Urban, City.
V - Decayed, Poor, Deserted?

Props

H - More Gadgets Than Weapons, Uses Intelligence.
V - Guns, Knives.

Support

H - Family, Friends, Society.
V - Criminals.

Happens In Films

H - Protect.
V - Cause Havoc, Distress, Crime.