2. IN WHAT WAY DOES YOUR MEDIA PRODUCT USE, DEVELOP, OR
CHALLENGE FORMS AND CONVENTIONS OF REAL MEDIA PRODUCTS?
Throughout our Crime Thriller title sequence we have used many common generic conventions which has been used throughout many
scenes. For example we used the idea of the ‘Catch me if you can’ title sequence. This inspired us as we thought we could use this idea and
incorporate it into ours as if it’s a blue print with the titles being revealed from this. One reason why we decided to have our titles displayed in
this way was because it challenged the conventions of a real media product.
Catch
me if
you
can
See (0:05-0:08) See(0:41-0:45)
In our thriller we have used many
other conventions which have helped
us to explore the genre and also
develop the generic conventions.
Another common generic convention
in which we have used is a sequence of
action, then the title sequence and
See (00:33) See (0:17)
then action again. We have
incorporated this into ours between
our scenes. From our research we
found out that this is quite common.
See(01:30)
3. Another convention in which we developed was
the use of close ups. We felt that it was
important to use this type of shot as it allows for
the audience to see the facial expressions of the
certain character helping them to establish more
about them. This generic convention was noticed
when watching the opening of Memento. Here a
close up of the mans face has been used.
See (01:36) Memento-See(1:20-1:24)
Another convention in which we started to develop and change was the use of
lighting. We wanted to break the typical stereotype of having the character
within a dark room. Instead we choose to film in a brighter room than what
you would usually see and also a bright area where daylight was visible. This
allowed for us to break the typical stereotypes and conventions of a crime
thriller.
See (00:24)
From our research in different crime thrillers, we
noticed that the common colours used for the titles
were a black background with either white or red text
over the top of this. These colours do connote the
theme of blood, death and also mystery. When
planning ours we wanted to challenge these
conventions. As you can see from the image we stayed
with the white writing as this stood out although we
used blue in the background. One reason why we used
this was we felt even though it wasn’t the typical
colours used it still suited the genre as we incorporated
the blue background as a blue print with the titles
coming on.
4. See (00:12) See (00:15)
See (00:17)
When watching our opening there are some conventions within this that might have affected the genre of the crime thriller. This
happened within the opening scene where the audience see the two criminals running out of the building. Here we have
developed and challenged the conventions. When the two criminals stop right in front of the camera and the case is thrown
between each other the slight smile when the criminal looks at the case and looks back up has created a comic effect which we
weren’t actually intending to create. Although when watching the opening overall, this doesn’t particularly effect the general
outcome, as I believe this has helped to challenge the conventions and has also developed them.
5. HOW DOES YOUR MEDIA PRODUCT REPRESENT PARTICULAR SOCIAL GROUPS?
Throughout the process we focused extremely hard on how we could portray typical stereotypes that are conveyed in most
crime thrillers.
One of the areas in which we wanted to present social groups was in our
café scene. Here we decided to use a café as it’s a social area. However we
selected a café which we thought would portray the higher class and show
the criminal to be of a wealthier status. We also believed that by using a
café it would juxtapose with the status of the criminal as we haven’t actually
shown an establishing shot of the cafe to help present this. This also
juxtaposes with the MI5 scene.
See (01:52-01:54)
Here, we have used the location that would See (00:03-00:17)
portray the criminals to be of a wealthier class. This
juxtaposes with the criminal as generally people
See (01:21)
We also used an establishing shot of MI5. We choose this location as it would think of criminals to be of a lower status and class.
create a sense of power within our scenes as this is an iconic place. One reason Alternatively, these colours are not something that
why we choose to use this location was because we wanted the female you would expect to see in a crime thriller. From
protagonist to have a sense of control and authority within the scenes and this research, we found out that most crime thrillers
also to break the typical stereotype of females. are set in a dark area where there is not much light
about.
6. When planning how we wanted our characters to be dressed and portrayed we thought carefully about the stereotypes and what
traditionally men and women would be portrayed like.
In our opening we have represented gender in stereotypical ways. The female
protagonist who is a worker at MI5 has been dressed in a black blazer with a black
skirt and a cream coloured top. We choose for the female protagonist to be dressed
in this way as we believe it was smart and also showed her as being intelligent.
The female is wearing a skirt, instead of trousers. A skirt was chosen for the female
protagonist to wear as we believed it portrayed femininity.
This is the image in which we were working
See (01:43) from to get an idea of what we wanted our
female protagonist to be wearing. From
For our male character, this is
looking at our opening I do believe we have
the image we had in mind. We
portrayed females in a stereotypical way.
wanted him to be wearing a
However this links in with the target
black suit as it signifies to us
audience as we see this is what women
the ‘criminal’ look.
might dress like if they have a well paid job
We also decided upon a purple
and are of the higher class.
shirt being worn. The colour
purple signifies royalty and
richness. In this case it helped
to portray our character well
as the male protagonist is
stealing money. Furthermore
the idea of a male wearing a
suit, we are hoping will
illustrate a more grown up and
sophisticated man. This is also
a stereotype which we have
touched upon as men do
generally wear suits.
See (01:50)
7. WHAT KIND OF MEDIA INSTITUTION MIGHT DISTRIBUTE YOUR MEDIA PRODUCT AND
WHY?
I believe that our media product could be distributed around cinemas. One reason for this is because it isn’t specifically focused around
one gender which means that its not to niche either. Additionally the narrative has some room for expansion so that it could be created
into a proper film.
When saying our media product could be distributed around cinemas, I think this could be a Hollywood movie which would then be
distributed. Our title sequence has the room for expansion as the narrative isn’t to confined to one specific area. Within our title
sequence there are some conventions which are similar to media products out their which have already been produced. However as we
have challenged the stereotypical conventions of a crime thriller, I do think there is room for expansion.
Our product would be released as it offers something different that not many other media products offer at the moment. In most crime
thriller films there is always something that is going to frightened or scare you. However as we have challenged the conventions we have
changed the way that audience might see a crime thriller in the future.
Overall I do believe that the mise-en-scene links in well with the genre of our product. In most crime thriller there is usually someone
getting murdered or injured. This tends to happen within a dark area when someone is by themselves. In our product we have used the
woods to show the criminal opening up the brief case to find a sum of money inside. This has challenged the conventions as the woods in
most crime thrillers would be used for an action scene to take place.
I do not believe that our media product would be suitable to be an arthouse film, internet only release or a TV movie. I have decided
upon this as the narrative of our text is unique. Commonly in most TV series for example they all follow the same sort of narrative. With
out text, we haven’t followed a narrative and have created a unique title sequence which I believe our target audience would find
engaging.
After carrying out research into the different production companies, I have come to the conclusion that our media product would be
distributed by the company of DreamWorks. From the researching stages we took and interest into the film ‘Catch me if you can’. This
inspired us to create something along the lines of what they created. This is why I believe DreamWorks would be the best production
company for our media product in which we have produced.
8. BOURNE ULTIMATUM
Bourne Ultimatum is an Action Thriller. The production company
for this is Universal Studios. Universal studios is a massive and
well-known production company. From looking at the image I can
tell that instantly this is a crime action thriller. This is due to the
Mise-en-scene.
The gun is symbolic as it symbolises a sense of aggression and
violence within a person.
The man in shot is wearing a t-shirt which shows him as
wearing casual clothes suggesting that he's not a member of
the police force or an investigator
Additionally along with the mise-en-scene, there are other features
that help to establish that this is a crime action thriller.
The use of the soft focus also makes it seem like he is in a
rush, suggesting that this is an action thriller. Furthermore from this
image it shows he is the main character as the audience are clearly
drawn to him as he is the main focus of this image. To add along with
this the lines over the top make it seem like the idea of him being
watched. Another convention which has made me believe its an action
thriller is the use of colours used. For example the colours blue and
white have been used which are quite plain. This doesn’t give much
away about the film. The only part which actually does is with the
male protagonist who looks like he is looking at someone or something
else.
9. CATCH ME IF Here the Mise-en-scene of the hat has been The white background doesn’t give anything
used to connate that maybe he's part of a away about the film and therefore leaves
YOU CAN cruise line or airline. the content of the film a mystery.
The production company of ‘Catch me if you can’ is
DreamWorks. ‘ DreamWorks Animation SKG creates
high-quality family entertainment including computer-
generated animated feature films, television specials and
series and live entertainment properties’. This relates to
this film as it has computer generated animation of a
high quality. This was taken from there website. From
looking instantly at the catch me if you can theme, it is
obvious that it is a DreamWorks production. One of the
aspects which highlights this within the animation of
there title sequence is the animated characters. The
audience will also be able to tell that it is a comedy
because of the animation again. From the title
sequence, I believe that this film would be targeted to a
young age group. This films target audience would range
from the age of 12 onwards.
Mise-en-scene: Men in suits. This connotes a professional and smart
look. This suggests that he's of the upper class. Furthermore linking this
into the film, it could suggest that he's part of an agency who is looking
for the other man.
