Mind map

Character list and primary settings

Primary settings and character list of our film

We are going to set the beginning of the film at tommy’s house. We will all be round his house playing Xbox his parents are out of town. We will all be talking to each other just the three of us, me, tom c and fearg when things start happening. Tom h will be visible to the audience but not to us which would create some confusion. However then we would have a flashback of tommy dying, which would allow the audience to understand why we are ignoring him because he is actually dead.

Character list

Tom Clark

Feargus Denny

Tom Harty

Fred Baggs

Age rating 15

What does the 15 symbol mean?

No-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the cinema or buy/rent a 15 rated video. 15 rated works are not suitable for children under 15 years of age.

Are there any limits on what sort of theme a work can have at 15?

No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds.

What might I see in a 15 rated film or video?

Any of the following:

•   strong violence
•  frequent strong language (e.g. 'f***').
•   portrayals of sexual activity
•   strong verbal references to sex
•   sexual nudity
•   brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence
•   discriminatory language or behaviour
•   drug taking

How much strong language is allowed in a 15?

There could potentially be a great deal. At 15 there is no upper limit on the number of uses of strong language (e.g. ‘f***’).
Occasionally there may be uses of the strongest terms (e.g. 'c***'), depending on the manner in which they are used, who is using the language, its frequency and any special contextual justification. However, continued or aggressive use will not normally be passed 15.

What about discriminatory or offensive terms?

There may be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory language, and the work could explore themes relating to this.
However, at 15 the work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour.

How much sex and nudity is allowed at 15?

At 15 sexual activity can be portrayed, but usually without strong detail. Some sex scenes can be quite long at this category.

Though nudity may be allowed in a sexual context there will usually be no strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.

There can be strong references to sex and sexual behaviour, but especially strong or crude references are unlikely to be acceptable unless justified by context.

Sex and sex references are treated the same irrespective of sexuality

Can there be strong violence?

Yes, at 15 violence may be strong. It should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury, however, and the strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable.
Strong sadistic violence is also unlikely to be acceptable.

What about sexual violence?

There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence (for example descriptions of rape or sexual assault in a courtroom scene or in victim testimony) but any portrayal depiction of sexual violence must be discreet and justified by context.

What about horror works?

At 15 there can be strong threat and horror as long as there is no sustained focus on sadistic or sexualised threat.

Can you see drugs in a 15 rated film or video?

At 15 drug taking may be shown but the work as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse (for example, through instructional detail).
The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances like aerosols or solvents is unlikely to be acceptable at 15.

What about dangerous behaviour or things teens might copy?

We consider the risk of potential harm to impressionable teenagers. For example, dangerous behaviour such as hanging, suicide and self-harming should not dwell on detail which could be copied.
Whether the depiction of easily accessible weapons is acceptable will depend on factors such as realism, context and setting.

How can I find out more about a specific 15 film?

Please check the BBFCinsight for the film or video you are thinking of watching. You may find BBFCinsight on this website or on our free App as well as on film posters, DVD and Blu-ray packaging, and on some listings. You will also find it attached to some film and video content which is available to download. It provides comprehensive information on exactly why a film or video has been given a particular category. All the issues are discussed in detail and parents in particular can use this information to make informed decisions when choosing viewing material for their children.

Age rating 12

What does the 12A symbol mean?

Films classified 12A and video works classified 12 contain material that is not generally suitable for children aged under 12. No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. Adults planning to take a child under 12 to view a 12A film should consider whether the film is suitable for that child. To help them decide, we recommend that they check the BBFCinsight for that film in advance. Watch our video about 12A.

What's the difference between 12A and 12?

The 12A requires an adult to accompany any child under 12 seeing a 12A film at the cinema. This is enforced by cinema staff and a cinema may lose its license if adult accompaniment is not enforced for children under 12 admitted to a 12A film. Accompanied viewing cannot be enforced in the home, so the 12 certificate remains for DVD/Blu-ray, rather than the 12A. The 12 is also a simpler system for retailers. It means they cannot sell or rent the item unless the customer is over the age of 12.

Is there a lower age limit for a 12A film?

No. However, the BBFC considers the content of 12A rated films to be suitable for children aged 12 and over, and we would not recommend taking very young children to see them. Works classified at these categories may upset children under 12 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them.
Adults planning to take a child under 12 to view a 12A film should consider whether the film is suitable for that child. To help adults make this decision, we provide BBFCinsight for all films.

How important is the tone of a film at 12A or 12?

The overall tone of a film or video, and the way it makes the audience feel may affect the classification. For example, a work which has a very dark or unsettling tone which could disturb the audience would be less likely to be passed 12A even if the individual issues in the film were considered acceptable under the BBFC Guidelines. Similarly, if a work is particularly positive or reassuring this may stop it being pushed up a category from 12A to 15.

Will there be uses of strong language in a 12A or 12 work?

The BBFC's Guidelines state that strong language (e.g. 'f***') may be passed at 12 or 12A, depending on the manner in which it is used, who is using the language, its frequency and any special contextual justification. Aggressive uses of strong language may result in a film or DVD being placed at the 15 category. There is some allowance for puns on strong language at this category.
There may be moderate language (e.g. uses of terms such as ‘bitch’ and ‘twat’ at 12 or 12A).

What about discrimination?

Any discriminatory language or behaviour will not be endorsed by the work as a whole. Aggressive discriminatory language (for example homophobic or racist terms) is unlikely to be passed at 12A or 12 unless it is clearly condemned.

Do 12A films contain sexual behaviour?

Sex may be briefly and discreetly portrayed at 12A or 12. Verbal sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. Comedy may lessen the impact of some moderate sex references or innuendo but frequent crude sex references are unlikely to be accepted at this category. There may be nudity in 12A films but nudity in a sexual context should only be brief and discreet.

Sex and sex references are treated the same irrespective of sexuality

What sort of violence can I expect in a 12A or 12?

At 12A, moderate violence is allowed but it should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if they can be justified by their context (for example brief sight of bloody injury in a medical drama).

Action sequences and weapons may be present at 12A or 12, and there may be long fight scenes or similar. Weapons which might be easily accessible to 12 year olds (such as knives) should not be glamorised in 12A and 12 works.

Sexual violence, such as scenes of rape or assault, may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated at 12A and 12. Such scenes must also have a strong contextual justification.

Can horror films be passed 12 or 12A?

Yes, some horror films are passed at this category. Moderate physical and psychological threat is permitted at 12A or 12A as long as horror sequences are not too frequent or sustained and the overall tone is not disturbing.

What about other issues like imitable behaviour or drugs at 12A or 12?

Dangerous behaviour (for example hanging and suicide) may be present in 12A or 12 works but will not dwell on detail which could be copied or present those activities in a manner that children are likely to copy.

Anti-social behaviour should not be endorsed.

There may be infrequent sight of drugs misuse in a 12A or a 12 but the portrayal should not be glamorised or provide instructional detail.

How can I find out more about a specific 12 or 12A work?

Please check the BBFCinsight for the film or video you are thinking of watching. You may find BBFCinsight on this website or on our free App as well as on film posters, DVD and Blu-ray packaging, and on some listings. You will also find it attached to some film and video content which is available to download. It provides comprehensive information on exactly why a film or video has been given a particular category. All the issues are discussed in detail and parents in particular can use this information to make informed decisions when choosing viewing material for their children.

Age rating PG

What does PG mean?

PG stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. A PG film should not unsettle a child aged around eight or older. Parents should consider whether the content may upset younger, or more sensitive, children.

Are all PG films made for younger audiences?

No. Some films are given a PG certificate but have not been made with a young audience in mind. A recent example of a film mostly enjoyed by grown ups but passed PG would be Saving Mr. Banks. However, the certificate means that any issues in the work are appropriate for the majority of this age group and nothing should upset a child of eight or over.

What sort of themes are passed at PG?

A PG film will not contain any theme which is inappropriate for a child. PG works can explore challenging issues such as bullying, bereavement or racism.

Will there be bad language in a PG film?

There may be mild bad language (such as ‘shit’ or ‘son of a bitch’) in a PG film, but the context and delivery are always important. For example, if the language is used aggressively or if there is a great deal of bad language, a work may be passed at a higher category.

What about sex?

Sex references are unlikely unless they are undetailed and infrequent. In addition, if a child is unlikely to understand a reference, we may allow it at PG. Comedy can also often lessen the impact of sex references and innuendo.

Sex and sex references are treated the same irrespective of sexuality so there could be mild or undetailed references at PG.

What about violence or threat at PG?

Violence will usually be mild. There should be no detail of violence in a PG work, so while there might be some blood, we would not see how the injury was inflicted in strong detail. Violence is generally more acceptable in a historical, comedic or fantasy setting, because of the distancing that this provides. It isn’t uncommon for PG films to feature ‘roller-coaster’ action or set pieces, where the emphasis is clearly on the adventure or journey of the main characters rather than the detail of violence or fighting.

As far as threat and horror goes, we allow some 'jump' moments and frightening sequences as long as they are not prolonged or intense.. Fantasy settings may again be a factor in the treatment of such content.

What about behaviour children might copy?

In a PG work, potentially dangerous or antisocial behaviour which young children are likely to copy, such as bullying, or playing with electricity, will not be condoned or seen to go unchallenged, especially if it comes across as safe or fun. Realistic or easily accessible weapons, such as knives, will not be glamorised or focused upon in a PG work. Smoking and drinking will not be promoted or glamorised and if child characters are seen smoking or drinking, there should be a clear message that this is bad. If drugs are mentioned or seen, a PG work should either represent them in an innocuous manner or emphasise that they are harmful.

Will there be any drugs in a PG?

There might be innocuous or passing references to illegal drugs or drugs misuse in a PG work, although there should be no strong focus on this. In addition drug references may be permissible if there is a clear anti-drugs or educational message likely to be understood by children eight or over.

How can I find out more about a PG film or DVD video?

Please check the BBFCinsight for the film or video you are thinking of watching. You may find BBFCinsight on this website or on our free App as well as on film posters, DVD and Blu-ray packaging, and on some listings. You will also find it attached to some film and video content which is available to download. It provides comprehensive information on exactly why a film or video has been given a particular category. All the issues are discussed in detail and parents in particular can use this information to make informed decisions when choosing viewing material for their children.

Age rating U

What does U mean?

The U symbol stands for Universal. A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. However, it is impossible to predict what might upset a particular child, especially at this lower end of the category range.

What about works for children younger than four?

We rate films and videos aimed at very young viewers, such as Chuggington or Tinga Tinga Tales, U. However, we give them special BBFCinsight stating they are ‘particularly suitable for pre-school children’. Films or videos with this BBFCinsight should raise no significant issues in terms of discrimination, drugs,, imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, threat or violence.

Will there be any bad language in a U film?

At U we only allow infrequent use of very mild bad language (e.g. ‘damn’ and ‘hell’).

Might U works contain any sexual behaviour?

Characters may be seen kissing or cuddling and there may be references to sexual behaviour. However, there will be no overt focus on sexual behaviour, language or innuendo.

Sex and sex references are treated the same irrespective of sexuality so there could be mild or undetailed references at U.

Is violence or threat permitted in a U film?

Violence will generally be very mild. A U film may include brief fight scenes or moments where characters are placed in danger. However, moments of emotional stress or threat will be quickly resolved and the outcome will be reassuring.

There may be brief scary scenes and moments where the characters are placed in danger. As with violence, however, these scenes will be balanced by reassuring elements, such as comic interludes or music.

‘Baddie’ characters may carry or use weapons, but there will be no emphasis on these. Child or ‘hero’ characters are unlikely to use any kind of weapon outside, for example, historical settings.

What about behaviour which children might copy?

Potentially dangerous or anti-social behaviour which young children may copy, must be clearly disapproved of.

What sorts of films are usually passed at U?

A U film can explore a wide rang of themes, as long as the treatment is appropriate for a young audience. This doesn’t mean that all films rated U are children’s films.

A children’s work at U will generally contain positive messages about loyalty, honesty and friendship, particularly amongst children. The film or video may well have a happy ending for the child and the overall tone should be one of reassurance.

U films are unlikely to contain discriminatory language or behaviour unless it is clearly disapproved of.

Will there be references to drugs?

At U there will not normally be references to illegal drugs or drugs misuse unless there is a very clear anti-drugs or educational message which will be understood by a younger audience.

Drugs references which are unlikely to register with young children and are brief or passing may occasionally be passed at U – for example a verbal reference to ‘the Opium wars’ in an historical documentary.

How can I find out more about a specific U film?

Please check the BBFCinsight for the film or video you are thinking of watching. You may find BBFCinsight on this website or on our free App as well as on film posters, DVD and Blu-ray packaging, and on some listings. You will also find it attached to some film and video content which is available to download. It provides comprehensive information on exactly why a film or video has been given a particular category. All the issues are discussed in detail and parents in particular can use this information to make informed decisions when choosing viewing material for their children.

Research institution

Institution research 

  My groups’ opening is going to be a horror film. The film “The Ring” was distributed by the institution
DreamWorks. Dream works is an American institution. It was founded in 1994, Katzenberg one of the three founders left The Walt Disney company in 1994
 and approached Steven Spielberg and Geffen. They agreed to start the animation company on three terms no more than 9 films a year, they could work for other company’s if they wanted to, and they must be finished before tea time so they could return home for dinner.

Sound

my group and i have concluded that this piece of non copyright music is fitting and most appropriate for our opening two minutes as it builds tension and creates suspense for the audience. as our genre is horror, is is a vital part of the construction of our film as all good horrors have an enticing beginning.

Research and Planning Targets

Your film, which needs to have been filmed by the end of term, needs to be planned thoroughly and every element needs to be written about and evidenced online. Your own research into film openings could be a lot more thorough and you need to do some more analysis using key terminology to explore mise en scene, camera, sound, editing and conventions of genre. Use the following links and upload and analyse. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCTgUq6hzUk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOLgGA-Yqc8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xPYHygck6o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OYBEquZ_j0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLeix0ZYSCE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JfS90u-1g8 Your research and planning doesn't yet showcase the independence and detail of analysis you are capable of! Push yourself!

Setting of our horror film

The pond right in the center of the above picture is where the main setting of our film will occur. It is set in Ashtead common as we think the woods with a river is an appropriate place and will be effective for our film.

Mood board for our film

Mood board

Targets

Complete your oustanding posts asap. If other group members have the work ask for it and post it on to your blog.

You need on your page as soon as possible: a moodboard of images, questionniare research and findings, actor interviews and the script.

You need to complete your research and planning and start your filming. You can create a diary of your filming and editing.

Shot rules

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4wX_dmh8_g


The 180 degree rule is used to make sure the viewer does not get confused and disorientated. It is an imaginary line which connects characters and the camera should not go over it.


  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZdGH5TJDcU


Match an action: an editing technique which cuts from one shot to another quickly portraying the subject of action in the first. It creates tension and draws the viewer away from slight cutting.


Reverse shot: used in conversations or simply characters looking at each other or something else. It ties in with 180 degree rule as its used to not disorientate the viewer as well. The shot is  when it shows what the character is meant to be looking at then a re=verse angle to them actually looking at it.    

Primary settings and Charecter list

Primary settings and character list of our film

We are going to set the beginning of the film at tommy’s house. We will all be round his house playing Xbox his parents are out of town. We will all be talking to each other just the three of us, me, tom c and fearg when things start happening. Tom h will be visible to the audience but not to us which would create some confusion. However then we would have a flashback of tommy dying, which would allow the audience to understand why we are ignoring him because he is actually dead.

Character list

Tom Clark

Feargus Denny

  Tom Harty

Codes and conventions of opening scene

Codes and conventions of our opening scene

Creepy/mysterious music

Death

Ghost

Dimly lit setting when tom h is present

Group of teenagers as they’re typical characters in horror films

Enigma codes and puzzles teasing the audience as they wonder what has happened to tom h and who he is

Close up shots to show emotion of the characters faces

Narrative for our opening scene

The Narrative

The narrative of our film is 3 friends plan to go fishing but one of them mum has made a family friend come along who he doesn't like. The family friends make a number of mistakes and forgets things. This may seem like a small reason to harm him however one one the friends, robbie, is a psychopath. He takes things too far and gets his gun, he thinks he can sort him out that way. 

Preliminary task short films

Preliminary task evaluation

Evaluation of preliminary task

In our preliminary task there were a number of things we did well. For example we were able to use match on action, shot reverse shot and the 180 degree rule effectively. It was good we managed to use the main ones as they are key aspects in many films to make them successful. We could add them to our short film and they all look smooth and made the film better for the viewer. We were also able to edit successfully and change our initial clips to make them look the best; we cut and rendered our clips to get the exact clip we wanted and to make the transitions better. We used different shots for example close up and low angles to get more effect and so that the audience can relate to the character and see his emotions. Another positive in our short film was the transitions as we made them look very smooth and as if it was all one clip.

If we were to do this task next time there are a few things we would do differently, including using a tripod to make sure the filming is steady so it looks more professional. Also on the shot reverse shot instead of showing the persons shoulder in the scene we could film from the person’s point of view to make the viewer feel as if it were them. To improve on our film we may need specific skills for example improving the level of accuracy when filming to get the best shot.

Cliches in an action film

Main clichés in an action film

The main clichés of action films are:

World-weary assassins.

There happens to be a suicidal mission in action films

The CIA and ‘the firm ‘would also feature in an action film

 The villains are heavily accented Russians, Serbs, or unidentified, cigar-smoking thugs

The women in action films tend to be promiscuous femmes

 There is visual panache on men wearing weird headwear.

Also unpleasant men with their faces painted blue runs a close second to bloodthirsty slobs with horns on their head.

In action films there would be fall from a great height with reasonable amount of torture

Nobody drives a car in action films: off-road vehicles only.

Analysing romantic comedy

Analysing an Opening Scene to a romantic comedy film the (holiday)

•       Sound:

•       Sound is very important within a romantic comedy to help set the tone mood and atmosphere.

•       Non-diegetic music is used to reflect the narrative events such as the characters showing emotion and connecting with others.

•      Camera Angles:

•      A close-up shot is used to show the character and what she is like with her facial expressions so people can straight away tell what she is feeling.

•      An establishing shot is used of the setting so we can quickly see where it is set and the first events will take place.

•      A tracking shot follows the character and what she is doing. Also another medium shot is used to show other character’s that she is talking about and how she is in love with a man.

•      Characters:

•      The main characters are introduced in the opening scene when Kate winslet is talking about her life and her crush she is in love with. The audience recognises that they are the main characters through the use of the dialogue/camera shots/events that they are involved in.

•      Enigma codes:

•      Enigma codes are used to tease the audience and engage them in the narrative so they carry on watching the film. Certain enigmas are included in the opening such as puzzles about how the character is so in love with this man and what has happened previously between them. Questions are left unanswered about why she wants love so much and why she is in a kind of depression about love.

•      The audience want to know what will happen to the character in the future of the film and see their happy ending.

•      Clichés:

•      Noticeable clichés are used in the opening scene such as the main character talking deeply about love and her life problems. This engages the audience as they recognise these features and can predict what is going to happen in the narrative.

Analysing action film end of watch

Analysing an Opening Scene to an action film (end of watch)

•       Sound:

•       Sound is very important within an action movie to help set the tone mood and atmosphere.

•       Non-diegetic music is used to reflect the narrative events such as the police chase to make it feel intense.

•       Diegetic sound is used in the dialogue between the characteristic reveals the main actor as he is the first voice you hear and throughout the film you will know he is main character as you can easily recognise his voice.

•      Camera Angles:

•      An establishing shot is used of the setting to show where the action film is based around and in the film it shows it is based in a rough area this establishes where the narrative is going to take place.

•      A two shot is used of the characters to show their connection with each other. In the film it shows the relationship between the two police officers is strong as they are forced to kill to men and they check on each other to see if the good.

•      A tracking shot follows the action of the police chase to reveal to the audience that the film is going to be an action as there is a fast police chase this engages them because the target audience wonders what is going to happen and wonder why they are chasing the two bad men.

•      Characters:

•      The main characters are introduced in the opening scene when they jump out of the police car and shot two criminals with guns. The audience recognises that they are the main characters through the use of the events that they are involved in.

•      Narrative Events:

•      The opening scene features certain narrative events such as a police chase these conform to the genre as other openings such as James bond feature similar events.

•      Enigma codes:

•      Enigma codes are used to tease the audience and engage them in the narrative so they carry on watching the film. Certain enigmas are included in the opening such as puzzles about why are the chasing the two criminals.

•      Symbolic codes are shown in the mise-en-scene:

•      In the opening the audience would identify symbols such as guns are used within the first 2 mins of the film. These could make the audience think that it is going to be a good action as there are guns being shot which is exciting.

•      Props/ costumes:

•      The audience can see that the character is wearing police uniform this shows that the main characters are police and they are going to fight crime this is typical of the genre because police are always mostly in an action film because the police are there to protect.

•      Props are featured such as police cars this is common in the genre as it shows that the police are trying to get to the crime fast.

•      Clichés:

 Clichés are used in the opening scene such as guns this engages the audience as they can see these features and can predict what is going to happen.