CHARACTER PROFILE:
SHOOTING TIMETABLE
storyboard
EVOLUTION OF THE ACTION/SPY
the evolution of action and spy is one which has developed and evolved hugely from the past to the current action/spy movies we enjoy today. Things like blockbusters and world events have shaped the "common theme" associated with a thriller/spy. at the beginning during the 1920s- 1930s the common ideas was thatchers would battle villains and be victorious using swords and were mainly set i western Europe in the period between the renascence and the age of reason with costume. During the 1940s-50s there was an alter from sword fighting to western style films due to a culture change. This sis due to spy being sen as more realistic than sword fighting. Also costumes became ore common to the audience. In the 1960s the creation of James Bond helped shape the action, spy thriller. A more detective/urban crime approach was taken place and also a creation of a "one man army". well as this futurist gadgets, weapons or fights, martial arts and car crashes took place. The 1970 took a different approach with no more western themes as there were now the modern world and the old west. Also detective and urban crime dramas were re frequently used. The classic old cow boys them was ten changed a new superhero with was cops. Due to beliefs cps turn into hero for people. Bond also helped created a new development of authority and undercover villains.
STORY LINE:
The basic story line is a man in a gang is captured by mi5 and has to betray his leader to save his own life and has to fight though the whole gang to get to the leader.
Costume and make-up
codes and conventions
narrative:
- The narrative of a typical action spy film is usually a hero or a group of heroes fighting against an enemy whilst completing a quest or an objective.
- There will always be a danger or death threat in an action spy film. A twist in the plot is often seen to trick the audience about whats going to happen next.
- The narrative of an action spy film will also cover up important information from the viewer to suggest secrecy.
- Excitement suspense, adventure and tension is normally created in a spy genre to thrill and captivate the audience.
- Action spy movies generally include institutions such as the police, the government, secret agencies or the army.
- Clear binary opposites are often represented.
- Action spy movies are generally 12/15 certificate , which enables maximisation of youth audiences.
SOUND:
- Sound is very important in a n action spy film as it gives the film more meaning, helps to build up suspense and can also set the mood for the film.
- Long and fast paced non diegetic sound is used to build up suspense. Original action spy films start slow and gradually turn fast pace to build up a dramatic scene.
- Ambient sound is sometimes used to create a panic situation.
- Spy thrillers also contain voice overs to build suspense.
- Sound bridges throughout the scenes.
SETTING
- Dark colour schemes are used to suggest mystery.
- Settings of a normal environment are often seen as this creates suspense because the action is unexpected.
lighting:
- Low key lighting is used a lot in thrillers as this creates an eerie atmosphere and darkness so the audience are unaware of the audience.
- Back lighting is used to show the more dominant character in a scene or to create a silhouette.
editing
- Fast-paced cuts are generally used to draw the audience's attention.
- The editing used in Skyfall's trailer helped bring tension and excitement to the audience.
- SHort shotsand
common conventions of an action-spy trailer
- Prologue scene: AN introduction to the events and conflicts of the film. This scene helps the action of the film set into motion.
- The Villain: Most action movies showcase the enemy of the protagonist. The enemy holds a symbolic role of evil or immortality.
- Certain action films portray the sidekick of the spy. These sidekicks are seen throughout the movie working alongside the protagonist. Bond Girl is one of the chief sidekicks in Bond films.
- There is generally a face-off between the villain and the protagonist.
South Bank Undercroft:
We selected this location to film the face off between the protagonist and antagonist of our trailer. We wanted the undercroft to be a hide-out location for our antagonist. The undercroft was dark and sprayed with graffiti and thus created an impression that it was used for criminal purposes.
We selected this location to film the face off between the protagonist and antagonist of our trailer. We wanted the undercroft to be a hide-out location for our antagonist. The undercroft was dark and sprayed with graffiti and thus created an impression that it was used for criminal purposes.
Lampton Park:
We thought that Lampton Park would be a good location to film the opening scene of our trailer. We decided to film at a time where the park was empty. This helped provided our scene with a sense of seclusion. This scene would form the basis of our narrative, wherein the protagonist decides to betray his gang for his release from prison.
We thought that Lampton Park would be a good location to film the opening scene of our trailer. We decided to film at a time where the park was empty. This helped provided our scene with a sense of seclusion. This scene would form the basis of our narrative, wherein the protagonist decides to betray his gang for his release from prison.
MI6 Building:
For our trailer we wanted to include a short take of the MI6 building located near Vauxhall underground station. We planned that this short take would cut to the gym where our protagonist training. This would help us establish a flow of continuity within our trailer. The shot of the MI6 also helped us link to the codes and conventions of an action-spy movie. We also thought that it would help our audience understand our storyline in a better manner.
For our trailer we wanted to include a short take of the MI6 building located near Vauxhall underground station. We planned that this short take would cut to the gym where our protagonist training. This would help us establish a flow of continuity within our trailer. The shot of the MI6 also helped us link to the codes and conventions of an action-spy movie. We also thought that it would help our audience understand our storyline in a better manner.
TZVETAN toderov theory:
Toderov in 1969 produced a theory in which he believed could be applied to any film. Tzvetan Todorov simplifies the idea of narrative theory while also allowing a more complex interpretation of film texts with his theory of Equilibrium and Disequilibrium His narrative theory states that most narratives follow a similar pattern by going through stages called the equilibrium, disequilibrium, acknowledgement, solving and return to equilibrium.
Here are the five stages the narrative goes through as proposed by Todorov:
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VLADIMIR PROPP
Vladimir Propp is a russian critic that has analysed over 100 russian fairytale of the 1920. Vladimir Propp developed a narrative theory and he concluded that character roles - Hero seeking something and the villain who opposes the hero.
3 KEY FILMS OF THE GENRE:
KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE
"Kingsman: The Secret Service" is a British Action/Adventure/Comedy Spy-Fi film. The film was directed by Matthew Vaughn. The production companies of the film were "Marv Films" & "Cloudy Production" and was distributed by "20th Century Fox".
In the trailer we see that the hero's are dressed in a more sophisticated manner which shows them to be more responsible. Where as the villain is dressed in casual clothing and is more relaxed which shows that they are more careless and up to no good. In this trailer we see a lot of fast jump cuts that give a fast pace setting to the film, which also included many weapons that would most commonly be found in a action spy film.The film can be seen as a "everyday spy film" as it contains all the connotations that you would find in any other spy film which makes it an ideal film for us to use for our research and planning.In the beginning of the trailer there is a narration over looking the scene telling us the plot of the story and the basic information of who the main character is. This helps the audience to get a good idea of what the film is about and what type of film it will be allowing the audience to have a choice on whether to watch the trailer again to go over any details missed or to just go and watch the films once released.
In the trailer we see that the hero's are dressed in a more sophisticated manner which shows them to be more responsible. Where as the villain is dressed in casual clothing and is more relaxed which shows that they are more careless and up to no good. In this trailer we see a lot of fast jump cuts that give a fast pace setting to the film, which also included many weapons that would most commonly be found in a action spy film.The film can be seen as a "everyday spy film" as it contains all the connotations that you would find in any other spy film which makes it an ideal film for us to use for our research and planning.In the beginning of the trailer there is a narration over looking the scene telling us the plot of the story and the basic information of who the main character is. This helps the audience to get a good idea of what the film is about and what type of film it will be allowing the audience to have a choice on whether to watch the trailer again to go over any details missed or to just go and watch the films once released.
SALT:
Salt is an American action thriller spy film released in 2010. The film received many good reviews owing to the action scenes. The genre of the film could be easily established after watching the trailer. In terms of mise-en-scene, costume was very useful in portraying the genre. Most of the characters in the trailer were seen wearing black suits. Hence, It could be identified that they worked as Federal agents for a secret organisation. Most of the props used in trailer are hand guns. However, one prop that stood out were the boots which had special blades attached to them. In terms of location the beginning of the trailer is set in a questioning room. This location is perfect for an action spy film as it gives the audience a hint of events to come. In terms of makeup, the lead actress Angelina Jolie can be seen dying her hair. This form of makeup tells the audience that she is taking measures to remain undetected which is often the main objective of an undercover spy.
With respect to camera there are some high angle shots portraying Angelina Jolie. An example of this is when she jumps onto a lorry. This shot may have been used to show her vulnerability as she is been chased by armed police officers. Such high angle shots can be used to create suspense or fear which are key elements of an action thriller. Otherwise the rest of the shots used in the trailer are midshots with occasional close-ups. The Midshots are used to effectively portray a majority of the stunts and action scenes. Establishing shots are also used to showcase prominent locations throughout the trailer. Finally there are many short takes which gives the trailer a smooth rapid flow. Short takes are generally prominent in a number of action films. In terms of editing there is a shot reverse shot which is used to portray the discussion between Angelina Jolie and the man in the interrogation room. This editing technique helps the audience figure out that there is a link between the two.
Numerous jump cuts have also been used which showcase her life as a spy.
Sound is plays a crucial role in setting the tone of the film,. Right at the start of the trailer the captured Russian Spy claims that Salt (Angelina Jolie) is a secret spy. Hence, the audience may question whether Salt is leading a double life like most spies. The Soundtrack used in the trailer is fast paced and upbeat which creates a sense of mystery and thrill.
With respect to camera there are some high angle shots portraying Angelina Jolie. An example of this is when she jumps onto a lorry. This shot may have been used to show her vulnerability as she is been chased by armed police officers. Such high angle shots can be used to create suspense or fear which are key elements of an action thriller. Otherwise the rest of the shots used in the trailer are midshots with occasional close-ups. The Midshots are used to effectively portray a majority of the stunts and action scenes. Establishing shots are also used to showcase prominent locations throughout the trailer. Finally there are many short takes which gives the trailer a smooth rapid flow. Short takes are generally prominent in a number of action films. In terms of editing there is a shot reverse shot which is used to portray the discussion between Angelina Jolie and the man in the interrogation room. This editing technique helps the audience figure out that there is a link between the two.
Numerous jump cuts have also been used which showcase her life as a spy.
Sound is plays a crucial role in setting the tone of the film,. Right at the start of the trailer the captured Russian Spy claims that Salt (Angelina Jolie) is a secret spy. Hence, the audience may question whether Salt is leading a double life like most spies. The Soundtrack used in the trailer is fast paced and upbeat which creates a sense of mystery and thrill.
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE:
THE BOURNE ULTIMATIUM
The genre which i looked at was action and sub genre spy. For this i looked at the trailer of Bourne ultimatum trailer to see what they use to help the genre be clear. By focusing on the mis-en-sent, editing, camera angle and sound i was able to find some points which helped me see clearly and disguise this particular trailer as a action. To begin with was mis en scent in which i found a range of helpful tools that e ad my group will be trying to implement into our trailer. For example the use of prompts like microphones, guns, hi-tech gadgets , snipers helped my understanding and helped me automatically think it was an action. This prompts help create a mysterious yet violent image which is likely to occur with a action especially nowadays.
For sound, in particular quotes or short lines i the trailer were very effective to me. For example "they cant stop me" is a simple one which helps the audience in some way to understand some ind of chase happening which also fits nicely with the genre. Also for this the music played a huge role especially since multiple different soundtracks were being played which really help define this genre. These soundtracks included mysterious music when the main character was walking slow to build up tension and upbeat hyper music while the main character was on the run which helped us understand more about the character which linked with the genre as the main character was attempting to run away from the police which were planning to kill him. The diegetic sound was also crucial for the success of these action- spy trailer. The sounds of cars crashing, beeping, guns shooting all helped impact the trailer and show us what kind of film these was going to be.
The editing for this trailer was really common for a action spy movie which was good as we saw some kind of repetition which we noted down to try and use for our trailer. Things like slow mo, panning, fast cuts were used very well in the film for different reasons. These were very good at matching with the music when it was being played which helped me create links to try and use for our trailer. Foe example a obvious one is slow motion and music which build tension. These usually occurs when the spy is walking down a mysterious path. Nevertheless we found that a great combination to try and use for our trailer.
Lastly was camera angle in the trailer i looked at. Some basic camera angles included: close ups, establishing shots and crosscutting were all used very well to help the trailer be successful. I found some links with these section in particular crosscutting as i seemed to find that it was normally used with the same character but in a different place, most likely the main character because with a thriller- spy the spy is usually in multiple locations at different times for different purposes so we made a note of that and will be trying to implement that when we begin our filming.
For sound, in particular quotes or short lines i the trailer were very effective to me. For example "they cant stop me" is a simple one which helps the audience in some way to understand some ind of chase happening which also fits nicely with the genre. Also for this the music played a huge role especially since multiple different soundtracks were being played which really help define this genre. These soundtracks included mysterious music when the main character was walking slow to build up tension and upbeat hyper music while the main character was on the run which helped us understand more about the character which linked with the genre as the main character was attempting to run away from the police which were planning to kill him. The diegetic sound was also crucial for the success of these action- spy trailer. The sounds of cars crashing, beeping, guns shooting all helped impact the trailer and show us what kind of film these was going to be.
The editing for this trailer was really common for a action spy movie which was good as we saw some kind of repetition which we noted down to try and use for our trailer. Things like slow mo, panning, fast cuts were used very well in the film for different reasons. These were very good at matching with the music when it was being played which helped me create links to try and use for our trailer. Foe example a obvious one is slow motion and music which build tension. These usually occurs when the spy is walking down a mysterious path. Nevertheless we found that a great combination to try and use for our trailer.
Lastly was camera angle in the trailer i looked at. Some basic camera angles included: close ups, establishing shots and crosscutting were all used very well to help the trailer be successful. I found some links with these section in particular crosscutting as i seemed to find that it was normally used with the same character but in a different place, most likely the main character because with a thriller- spy the spy is usually in multiple locations at different times for different purposes so we made a note of that and will be trying to implement that when we begin our filming.
james bond casino royale:
In this James Bond movie the first part of the trailer is in black and white and then the rest of the trailer is in colour. But in the first half the characters are speaking and with not much action but then in the second half it is mostly action with a lot of stunts happening to attract the audience to the film and to make the film look like it has a lot of action and explosions. So the audience has escapism and feel like they are in the movie and escape reality. James Bond is mostly in a smart suit even when he is fighting and running away he is always dresses smart. If he is not in a suit the clothes he wears is smart and not scruffy so his look is always clean. The first part of the trailer is slow paced and when most of the dialogue is finished the pace picks up and a lot of action happens in a short period of time. The soundtrack is not playing in the beginning of the trailer as the characters are speaking but soon after when some action happens a new James Bond soundtrack is playing smoothly in the background but when some action happens or an explosion happens the soundtrack rises and the soundtrack pace picks up as more goes on in the trailer. The trailer also has a lot of close ups of the characters faces so the audience can identify who are the main characters are.
hitman agent 47
The next movie is called hitman Agent 2 which is action movie which had huge implementation in relation to mis-en-scne, editing, camera angles and sound. To begin is mis- en- scent. For this examples include the lighting which is very dark to begin with which helps give an indication already for what the genre is. secondly you could speak about the costume, the hitman wears a solid black suit with a red tie which clearly cannotes blood, this really helps participate to the overule image. Also the changes in the costume of the same character helps to show the Hitmans identity.
Next is sound which helps tremendously in the overuse trailer. The use of a fast songs really helps to build tension and help fit in which the action taking place with the hitman which is normally violence. Also the constant use of diegetic sounds which include gun shots, cars racing and guns reloading. Also the speech used in the trailer
is intense and normally showing clear emotion which helps represent the genre. Most of the time you can tell that a character is scared or angry which helps show its a crime film.
Editing is used very well in this trailer. One of the stand out editing techniques used is the slow motion affect which happens when the hitman pulls out two pistols in slow mo before killing the swat team. Also when he arches his back towards the ground to perform a stunt which helps him gain his balance and shoot more of the swat team. The use of the shot which flickers when the girl senses the people coming tow`reds them is very good as it shows a sense of the supernatural which is normally liked with a spy/hitman. Lastly the use of scene being increased which also helps when the lady is tide up and she unties herself quite fast.
Next is sound which helps tremendously in the overuse trailer. The use of a fast songs really helps to build tension and help fit in which the action taking place with the hitman which is normally violence. Also the constant use of diegetic sounds which include gun shots, cars racing and guns reloading. Also the speech used in the trailer
is intense and normally showing clear emotion which helps represent the genre. Most of the time you can tell that a character is scared or angry which helps show its a crime film.
Editing is used very well in this trailer. One of the stand out editing techniques used is the slow motion affect which happens when the hitman pulls out two pistols in slow mo before killing the swat team. Also when he arches his back towards the ground to perform a stunt which helps him gain his balance and shoot more of the swat team. The use of the shot which flickers when the girl senses the people coming tow`reds them is very good as it shows a sense of the supernatural which is normally liked with a spy/hitman. Lastly the use of scene being increased which also helps when the lady is tide up and she unties herself quite fast.
amature trailer analysis
We changed up the type of trailers we were reviewing to a amateur one done by an ex Lampton student.We felt this would help us in many ways for example we could distinguish between what the professional trailer had done well compared to the amateur one. Also we could spot the really good parts of the trailer which we can use or hep influence us as we would feel more confident in doing it as a student previously accomplished it so well. We had also been in touch with few ex students of Lampton who had doing these amateur clips and asked them some question in association to how they were able to do a certain thing and what did they use.
To begin with a will be discussing mis-en-scent, in this the use of the costume was very good as it helped us to understand who each person was. For example the man in the beginning who was wearing a suit, this worked well with the camera shot which zoomed into the edge of the man which also helped us understand who he was. Also the use of prompts help us guess what kind of genre the film trailer would be. The props including brief cases and a gun. Lastly they created a bbc green screen room for when the had gotten news about the death which we found really unique and interesting.
For the editing the explosion on the building was really good as it helped make the idea more believable and added more of an impact for the viewers as they actually saw the building blow up in front of them, reducing the amount of confusing for the part after with the bbc news update. Also the bullets that flew out after the gun had been fired had helped make the scene more believable which we loved and decided to use as we needed to make our action movie more believable too.
In terms of camera shot there was a good use of establishing shots of London to help us gain an idea of where and when this was set. Also helps to set the scene and with the type of music help us to understand this was going to be a sad movie. We really liked the idea of a establishing shot of London in the beginning of the trailer to instantly give the views some knowledge as to where the scene would be and so decided to use it in our film trailer.
The sound played a major role in this film trailer as it helped to set the mood. With the beginning being slow and depressing with a slow pace and then changing to a fast pace non diegetic sound while they were fighting, it really helped the audience. Also the speed of pace helped build up the tension between the two right before they begin fighting. My group really liked this and we noted down that we wanted quite a few different sound clips to help with the different scene we are going to have.
To begin with a will be discussing mis-en-scent, in this the use of the costume was very good as it helped us to understand who each person was. For example the man in the beginning who was wearing a suit, this worked well with the camera shot which zoomed into the edge of the man which also helped us understand who he was. Also the use of prompts help us guess what kind of genre the film trailer would be. The props including brief cases and a gun. Lastly they created a bbc green screen room for when the had gotten news about the death which we found really unique and interesting.
For the editing the explosion on the building was really good as it helped make the idea more believable and added more of an impact for the viewers as they actually saw the building blow up in front of them, reducing the amount of confusing for the part after with the bbc news update. Also the bullets that flew out after the gun had been fired had helped make the scene more believable which we loved and decided to use as we needed to make our action movie more believable too.
In terms of camera shot there was a good use of establishing shots of London to help us gain an idea of where and when this was set. Also helps to set the scene and with the type of music help us to understand this was going to be a sad movie. We really liked the idea of a establishing shot of London in the beginning of the trailer to instantly give the views some knowledge as to where the scene would be and so decided to use it in our film trailer.
The sound played a major role in this film trailer as it helped to set the mood. With the beginning being slow and depressing with a slow pace and then changing to a fast pace non diegetic sound while they were fighting, it really helped the audience. Also the speed of pace helped build up the tension between the two right before they begin fighting. My group really liked this and we noted down that we wanted quite a few different sound clips to help with the different scene we are going to have.
directors
Christopher Nolan is a big filmmaker that is created scripts and directed some of the biggest and best films in the world such as Inception, Interstellar , The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises and many more. Christopher Nolan has made his audience wonder and think more about the films he creates because the films he creates are films that need to be watched more than once because the film has too much information to get the first time someone watches the film and that is why he is one of the biggest filmmakers in the world.
Martin Scorsese is a film-maker, director and screenwriter that has directed a lot of Hollywood films most of them being modern crime and gang conflict and lots of his film are notable for having a lot of violence and profanity. Martin Scorsese has received a lot of awards for making notable films that people recognise around the world.
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SURVEY:
Bellow we have our survey which we designed on survey monkey to get a real understanding of what people think of our ideas. This also helped us understand what kind of prompts we should add. Also character descriptions and what type of sub genre we should have.
survey analysis
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YNJ76L6
https://www.surveymonkey.com/create/?sm=hUYqcL5OWmclcrj_2F9vz54LF6yFvUdaqRpd8ceaqghXE_3D
https://www.surveymonkey.com/create/?sm=hUYqcL5OWmclcrj_2F9vz54LF6yFvUdaqRpd8ceaqghXE_3D
The codes and conventions an of an action film were very useful for us as it gives us a structure and possible traditional elements we implement to try and make the trailer clearer as a action spy. Therefore we tried to incorporate it with our poster, magazine and trailer.
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