Codes & Conventions

Titles:

The opening titles of the films I studied have many similiarities in their titling, creating a conventional style that I feel would benefit our work, provided we keep to the style. In each of the 6 openings I have examined the titles are often presented in either the simplistic stlye of a plain black backround and bold white font or in a way that connects to the urban theme and setting of the film, e.g. graffiti art, depending on the target audience. It was apparent that in the films aimed at younger audiences the titles were more detailed and animated, whereas those aimed at older audiences were less of a spectacle and more boldly simplistic.

For example, the opening titles to The Krays are simple, bold and to the point, targetting older audiences.

The order of the titles is often similiar, first the distribution and production companies, the director's name is sometimes seen after this, depending on their success and popularity. For example Guy Ritchie's name is always one of the first titles to be shown as he is a well known and popular director.

After the director, production and distribution companies come either those in charge of costume, makeup, sound and production or the names of the actors. The actors names tend only to come first if there are big stars or recognised actors in the film.

Sound:
Similarities can also be seen between the genre of film, the music that can be expected to accompany the footage and the target audience. Fast paced, adrenaline and enegetic music tends to be included in the titles of newer films, aimed at a younger audience. This is done in order for the audience to recognise the music and maintain interested as a result of this.

This music is also representative of the wreckless, fast paced lives of the characters, who are always involved in some form of organised, semi-organised or un-organised group/gang crime. In older films, once again, such as The Krays, the musical accompaniment is softer, less energetic with an eerie feel to it. This music will appeal to the targeted older audiences as it has classier connotations, contrasting to the music used in newer films, such as Drum and Bass or Alternative music, that is linked to the youth culture of today.

Camera Angles/Editing:

Each film involved a large variation of camera angles in their opening titles that was accompanied by rapid editing from one shot to another. Once again this links to the hectic, fast paced lives the characters lead and the action on screen, which is often either a fight or some act of violence. By cutting rapidy from one shot to another, filmed in a different angle, a sense of chaos is provoked. Close ups are used to this effect, for example in Green Street there is a graphic fight scene which is distorted and the chaotic atmosphere heightened as it is filmed predominantly in either close ups or extreme close ups of aggressive expressions or acts of violence.

Mise-en-scene:

Mise-en-scene was used effectively in all of the films studied to successfully portray the working class or criminal lifestyle that is being presented and is key to the British film genre. Setting in all films is in an urban, working class area. Items such as litter, barbed wire, boarded up buildings, graffiti and warehouses complete the look, all of which audiences will associate with the working class. Coloring is often dull, muted tones coincide with the urban areas associated with the film.

The costumes of the characters tend to be clothing that our audiences will recognize: Brand names such as ADIDAS, Nike, Stone Island, Burberry etc. are worn by the characters, the clothes themselves often tracksuits, jeans, trainers and jackets. This style of clothing is stereotypical to the working class and football fans, in particular Stone Island clothes.

Audiences will be aware of these connections and will therefore understand the type of character they are watching, their lifestyles and the setting of the film.

Target Audience

Our original target audience ranged from 15+, but after researching certification and classification a better understanding of what is expected of each film certificate was gained. We were therefore forced to reconsider our decision if we wanted to keep the themes and language chosen involved in our film.

Due to strong language, scenes of extreme violence, possible use of illegal drugs and sexual activities or references our film better met the conventions of an 18, as opposed to a 15. We therefore decided it would be more beneficial and less offensive to audiences if it were aimed at an older audience and had a higher certification.


Taking into consideration that our film is now to be rated an 18 as a result of the content and themes involved, our target audience is adults aged between 18-35, mainly male as men will be most interested in the violent themes and football references. Although, in order to potentially attract some female audiences, we have taken a more personal approach, focusing in places on the personal lives, emotions, background stories and the relationships of main characters DAN and TOMMY.

Classification & Certification

The British Board of Certification (BBFC)

The BBFC is a non-governmental organization, funded by the film industry that classifys films within the United Kingdom, allocating them a certificate age that allows audiences to determine whether videos, DVDs and some video games are suitable for viewing for themselvs and those in their care.

The certificate ages allocated to UK films range from suitable for all ages, to strictly for adults and those aged 18 or over based on their content.


U (Universal):
A film that is classified as a 'U' is suitable for audiences aged 4+. Films under this certificate are set within a positive moral framework, meaning that there is no distressing images of violence, threat or horror that may upset the child audience.

PG (Parental Guidance):

PG rated films are understood to be general viewing, suitable for most, but the film may contain some scenes that are unsuitable for young children and parents are advised to take this into careful consideration. PG films are suitable for most children aged 8+, include only mild bad language, discreet nudity and sexual references, no prolonged horror references and no reference to drug use.

12A/12:

12 or 12A films are suitable for those aged 12 and over, although if a film in a cinema is rated 12A no child under 12 can watch unless accompanied by an adult and provided the adult in question has deemed the film suitable for the child to watch. Strong language is rare, sexual implications may be made and nudity with refernce to sexual activity is brief or discreet, violence is not sustained or detailed, use of soft drugs must be justified and the dangers indicated.

15:

Films that are rated 15 are suitable for those aged 15 and over, no younger. No-one younger than 15 can view or rent a 15 film. Films given this rating may deal with ideas and topics that are not suitable for younger audiences, such as frequent use of strong language, mild sexual activity and nudity, no clear use of drugs and violence or horror is mild, focusing on the infliction of pain is unaccepted.

18:

Films rated 18 are suitable for adults and those over the age of 18 only, no-one under the age of 18 can watch or rent a film with this rating. There are no constraints on language, horror or nudity, although the board can cut or reject any detailed dangerous or violent acts, explicit images of sexual activity and illegal use of drugs without justification.

Conclusion:
After conducting this research on film classification it became apparent that we had to consider the certificate of our film carefully in order to keep to the acceptable contents of the allocated certificate ages. We decided to rate our film an 18 as a result of the strong language used in the opening 2minutes. Although some strong language is permitted in 15s, we have included stronger words such as "cunt" in order to fit our genre and therefore this exludes a younger audience immediately. Although strong violence is not included in the opening two minutes of the film, it is a re-ocurring theme throughout and is intended to be relatively detailed as one character is murdered during a mass scale fight. It was decided that this footage may distress younger viewers or encourage negative behavior and is therefore better suited to a responsible adult audience. Some instances of drug use and sexual activity may also appear throughout the film, justifying our choice to rate the film as suitable for those aged 18+.

Narrative Questions

Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels:

Who is the villain and who is the hero? How can you tell?

In the opening to this film it is relatively easy to determine who the villian is and who the hero is, if you are examining the first two minutes on a basic scale : we are introduced to two men that are selling 'moody' (stolen) goods in a market, the police then arrive and a chase scene begins, where by the police make attempts to capture the men.

Fast paced music and slow motion shots emphasise the intensity and chaos of the chase. From this technique of musical accompaniment alone we can understand the two men to be the villians for obvious reasons, they are being chased by police men -generalised as 'good' for selling stolen objects, making the men 'bad'.

However, I find that we cannot generalise the characters in this way as we are made to sympathise with and support the two criminal men. We are introduced to them first, they are the first on screen characters, immediately informing us of their importance and allowing audiences to form a familiarity with them.

Coinciding with this, when the chase begins, the camera follows the two men with a panning shot, leaving the police men out of view until they walk into the shot. This again represents the two criminal men's importance to us and the police men's insignificance.

Another way in which we are made to sympathize with the criminal men is through dialogue and costume. We hear the men speak, one man in particular speaks to the crowds waiting to buy his products, joking and encouraging them. This combined with his casual costume that audiences will be familiar with, presents him as an approachable character. In contrast to this the police men don't speak and are dressed formally in a police uniform, including a low hat that covers their eyebrows and face making them seem less approachable and arguably more villain-like.

Where is the story set? What does this tell you about the film genre?

The story is set in an urban, relatively working class area in England. The audience are informed of this as a result of the set: garage doors, graffiti on the walls, boarded up pubs, low key lighting, isolated and littered streets, ware-houses and the accent of the characters that speak: all characters have an common British accent. All of the above are associated with lower/working class urban areas, once again linking us to the setting and how it links to the film genre. As a result of the use of Mise-en-scene we are able to make connections with this isolated, working class setting of the story and other films of the same genre with similar settings and make generalizations in order to understand what can be expected from the film.

How many principle characters are there?

From the first two minutes of this film we can establish that there are two principle characters that are the focus of the footage. The first principle character is made apparent as he is one of the first charcters on screen and although he is behind a crown of people the camera zoomz through the crowd focusing on him, signifying his importance to the audience. The next shot of him is a close-up, he is also the first and only on-screen character to speak at this point, he addresses the other characters with authority and they compliantly listen to him, once again drawing audience attention to his relevance.

The second principle character is introduced to us roughly 1.20 into the footage, he addresses the first principle character directly, warning him of the police approaching and they begin to run together, this informs the audience that he is on the same level as the first principle character and therefore of equal importance.

The principle characters are finalised when the camera captures the two men running down a set of stairs in slow motion, as a voice over (recognisable as the voice of the first principle character) introduces them on a more personal level, with names and characteristics. The slow motion effect gives the characters more on-screen time communicating their significance to audiences and the fact they are introduced personally, by name, allows us to become familiar with the characters meaning that they will be present throughout the following footage of the film.

How is the story told? Chronologically or does it switch between present and past?

The story is told in chronological order, we see things as they happen without the footage cutting to a flashback or a fast forward. This style of storytelling is simplistic and does not create complications, making it easier for the audience to understand the occurances on screen. This chronological order allows audiences to witness the two principle characters being chased by police for selling stolen goods, co-inciding with the voice over that informs us that their days of "selling moody goods were numbered".

Once again aiding audiences in understanding what is happening in the footage and allowing them to predict what is going to happen -the two men were selling stolen goods, were nearly arrested and we were the informed that this career was soon to end.

What questions are you left with?

We are left with many questions that encourage the audience to watch on out of curiosity. The film places audiences directly into the action of the footage, there is no establishing shot to confirm where the story is set and who the characters are. We are left deprived of this baic information and will watch on in order to find out who the two men are, where the story is set, what they are going to do if their days selling stolen goods are coming to an end as we were told and why they were doing it in the first place. Also the film does not bring closeure to the police chase we do not know what happens to the men and we feel inclined to watch on in order to find out what happens to them? Did they get caught? etc.

Analysis of Opening Techniques

Rock 'N Rolla:

Titling: The initial titles (production and distribution companies alongside the directors name- 'A Guy Ritchie Film') appear on the dark, grotty walls of what we make out to be a wear-house. It is important that the directors name is mentioned at the very beginning of the titles as audience's make connections between the British film genre and director Guy Ritchie, as he has produced some of the best know and most successful films in that genre. The text and logos appear slowly and are sprayed onto the surface in white, as though from a spray canister. This style is similar to that of graffiti artists and allows audiences to make connections as to the urban setting of the film. There are no further titles until after a small section of footage that introduces us to the theme of the film. The titles that we see later display the actor’s names, alongside a graffiti style image of the actor/character, once again this relates to the setting of the film, as well as the time period in which the film is set as this stenciled style of urban art work is relatively modern and associated with our streets in today’s society. The titles are surrounded by other graffiti art, although in black not white making the text stand out, the images of city buildings and urban areas, once again informing the audience as to the urban areas we will see in the film.

Camera Movement: As we are shown the first titles in the wear-house the camera swoops and spins erratically, stopping abruptly to focus on a wall where the title will later appear. This wild movement of the camera installs a sense of excitement and energy, perhaps even adrenaline, informing us that the film will be filled with fast paced action and drama. We later move to a shot that zooms slowing in on the only on screen character, his back to us. The camera moves from one room and through a doorway, bringing us closer to the character, stopping when we are placed directly behind him. The gradual, effortless movement of the camera reflects the slow paced, sexy music and monologue that is being played over the shot. This camera movement creates a contrast as we move rapidly into sharp, jerking, fast camera movement in the following shots and titles, making the later footage more animated and exciting.

Camera Angles: Few angles are used in the opening of this film, most footage being shot either at a medium close up or medium long shot, allowing audiences to recognize and become familiar with characters or actors and to allow them to gain a better understanding of emotions via facial expressions. This can be seen in particular when we the actors are introduced to us via titles, the majority of the images are medium long shots or medium close ups allowing audience/actor familiarity. A long shot is used when we are introduced to the first on screen character that is stood with his back to us, this causes him to appear mysterious enticing audiences. Also as a result of this long shot we can make connections between his surroundings and the character himself –the untidy, broken down room he is standing in suggests to us a physical representation of himself. This connection is later verified when the camera angle moves to a close up shot of the characters lower half and it is made apparent that the character in question is a drug addict, from the large pipe, or bong, that he is holding and lighting.

Mise-en-scene: Colour: The colour scheme seen in these opening titles involves dark, dull shades of grey, black, teal, brown, beige, blue and other muted colours. This colour scheme can be related to the urban setting of the film, as dull, muted colours are often associated with the dirty, soiled streets of industrialized areas and large cities. The dark theme may also be linked to the shady businesses that the characters are involved in (crimes, corruption etc).

Lighting: lighting is used with particular effect when we are introduced to the first on screen character in the run-down room. Bright white light pours through gaps in the wall in streaks, casting an eerie atmosphere over the room and causing elaborated shadowing the emphasizes the destitute state of the room in which the character is stood. This form of lighting also expands upon the mystery of the character as it causes him to become a silhouette, making it difficult for audiences to gain a clear view of who he is, therefore intriguing them and maintaining their interest/curiosity.

Props: props are used in order to convey messages to us as an audience as to what we can expect from the film as it progresses, the themes will will be confronted with and the nature of the characters involved. Firstly there is a reoccurring theme of weapons, such as baseball bats and in particular, guns that many characters hold throughout the first 2 minutes of the opening titles, this suggests to the audience that violence can be expected from the movie and when further analyzed can be linked to the organized gang crime that the characters are involved in.

Also, we are shown a large pipe (bong) that one character has lit and is smoking from. By including this prop the director is informing us that drugs and drug abuse are themes that are involved in the story line of the film and that important characters are connected to this -the man smoking from the pipe is the first character on screen, symbolizing his importance and the pipe connecting him to using drugs.

The Football Factory:

Green Street:

Titling: Opens with plain black screen, titles are written in thick white font on top (production & distribution companies etc) There are no more titles after this.

Camera Movement: Over the shoulder shots are used during the conversation between the two opposing groups. The camera is unsteady and shaking (hand-held) giving the audience the effect that they are involved and present during the action. Camera remains unsteady and hand-held for the rest of the opening and through the opening fight. The camera moves with the on screen violence –fast and jolting as it follows the fight. The camera zooms in and out of focus and moves erratically. This movement indicates and emphasizes the chaos on screen.

Camera Angles: Long shots are used to begin with in order to establish the setting and where our characters are, here being a train station. Over the shoulder shots become involved when the two groups face up to each other, making the footage intimate and the audience feel involved.

This intimacy also emphasizes the distance between the two opposing groups- shows our audience that they are on opposite sides. Close ups are used during the fight scene, the actors move in and out of frame, often slightly cut out giving the footage an unsteady and chaotic feel. Extreme close ups are also used, distorting the footage occasionally as the camera looses focus, again this links to chaos.

Mise-en-scene: Setting: long shots used in the immediate opening of the footage allow the audience to establish where the characters are. Here the setting is a train station, the logo for ‘Transport for London’ can be seen indicating that the film is set in London (England). The area is also very urban and grimy.

Costume: the men/boys on screen wear jeans, trainers (most of which are white), anoraks, zip up jackets, coats, much of the clothing is of a designer make e.g. Burberry, Stone Island and ADIDAS. All of the lads on screen also have short ‘masculine’ hair. This use of costume will allow audiences to familiarizes themselves with the characters as the costumes they wear are urban and recognizable. These costumes also drastically emphasize the characters masculinity.

Colours: no bright colours are used, all tones are muted and all colours are neutral, dark and dull. This coincides with the urban setting.

Props: there is a can on the floor of the station, one of the lads kicks the can about the station as though it were a football. This indicates the theme of the film and what the lads interests are. It also once puts emphasis on their masculinity, making them appear as typical ‘blokes’. Objects from the street are significant as they are not only used in the fight, but also allow audiences to identify that the film is set in London once again as a red telephone box, that is associated with London town, is used in the fight. This perhaps suggests a connection between London and violence.

Editing Directions: Cutting from one shot to another is of a standard, necessary speed at first. There are no real complicated editing techniques used. We cut from shot to shot, following the dialogue between the two groups. As the fight between the men becomes apparent, the cutting becomes more and more frequent, almost hasty. The editing follows the action of the fight footage, cutting manically in order to increase adrenaline.

Sound Techniques: Opens with the lads singing a faint football chant from off screen –connections and hints to theme of film. Before fight begins the two teams each begin a different football chant that increases in volume as a train passes. The two sounds clash horribly creating a loud aggressive noise as the two groups defend their teams. As fight erupts heavy metal music fades in- Down With the Sickness by Disturbed. The guitar is heavy and fast. The drumming and base is rhythmic and powerful. The music creates an atmosphere, is energetic and aggressive.

Snatch:

The Krays:

Titling: Opens with a plain black background and bold white font, although contrasting to the other opening titles examined, the font style is not bold and rounded, it is thin and angular with connotations of class. The credits continue this way for the first two minutes of the opening, without any footage or colour, except for a flash of red underneath the title. The use of this colour in particular is effective as red has connotations of danger, and the slashed shape it forms underneath the title resembles a bleeding wound. The production/distribution companies, names of the actors, directors etc are displayed in this way, roughly 5 seconds apart.

Sound Techniques: The only sound used in these opening titles is a piece of piano music. The music has a sinister tone to it, this creates an eerie feeling of anxiety and suspense. As the music progresses a lower tone is introduced that coincides with this. Later a high pitch, wailing, I assume is a violin, is introduced emphasizing the suspense and installing a sense of panic.

Camera angles, camera movement, mise-en-scene and editing techniques cannot be applied to the opening of this film as the only on screen action is the credits, with no footage. Although 'They Krays' is a British film focusing on gang crime, it is completely contrasting to the other films studied. This may be a result of changes in target audience and the generation in which it is set. Films such as 'The Football Factory', 'Green Street' and 'Snatch' are more modern films and aimed at younger audiences (18+), therefore their opening titles are made with the intention of grasping their audiences attention immediately, reeling them in and keeping them entertained with fast modern music and energetic, exciting shots. 'The Krays' on the other hand is aimed at a more mature, older audience, that already have an initial interest in what the movie is about and therefore do not need to grab and maintain their attention with fast camera movement, exciting music and flashing images. This opposition in style can also be connected to the time period in which the films are set and made -older films portraying class and simplicity, while more modern films are vivid, violent and energetic.

Preliminary Task Evaluation

Shot Quality:

All clips were filmed with a handheld camera, by hand. Although the majority of the footage is relatively steady there are moments of shakiness or times in which shots cut out the action of the clip slightly. We had to film the shot in which we see the interviewer walk into the room several times, as in our first few takes the footage was jolting and unsteady. I feel that to avoid this problem in future filming using a tri-pod to make sure that work is steady and smooth would be most effective.

Framing Quality:

Good, a variety of framing was used when appropriate, from close ups to long distance shots. I feel that we should have captured the footage from a few more angles in order to provide further variety when editing. Also in some shots the actors or action of the clip is cut slightly, it would have been beneficial to re-shoot or have more than one or two takes. The same example as above can be used here: as the interviewer walked into the room the camera was unsteady and did not follow his movement at the necessary speed, cutting him out half way through.

We re-shot this in order to get the desired footage. In future we need to ensure that all shots are framed well, capturing the necessary footage in future make sure that the camera man has a run through with actors and gains the approval and opinions of other team members before actually recording the material.

Quality of Shooting Material (appropriate to task set):

The content of our footage is appropriate to the task set. I feel that we met the requirements with our initial ideas and planning. When we came to shoot we followed our set plan and had all necessary clips, angles and shots needed when the time came to edit the clips together. We made sure to retake the majority of our clips from different angles so that when we came to edit we had a variety with which to experiment and work. We must continue to meet set goals and achieve the appropriate footage. Further research my chosen film genre and make notes on what requirements need to be met so that everything we film will be appropriate.

Quality of Mise-en-scene:

Mise en scene was problematic as we only had a refined space and small amount of time to work with. Appropriate props were used, for example the clipboard, desk and chairs. Some aspects of the mise en scene were less than satisfactory in my opinion, such as the costume of certain characters and the setting. For example the costume of the interviewer did not suit the character, as it was too casual: as you can see he is wearing a leather jacket and trainers.

Although I feel that the costume of the interviewee was more appropriate. The setting was found at the last minute, by chance and although was relatively fitting, I know that if we had been given the opportunity a better set would have been found. To avoid problems such as inappropriate costume or setting as a result of bad planning or lack of time, I think that we would benefit from planning all filming in advance, perhaps even creating a time table. Also allocate particular costumes to specific characters to make sure that their dress is suitable for the role they are playing. Finally, it may even be worthwhile to scout for locations in advance and gain any necessary permission to film there before we go to shoot.

Quality of Editing:

I feel that the editing was successful in portraying the meaning of our text to the audience. We were able to express that the two characters on screen were having a conversation as we cut from one to the other when dialogue became apparent. Character emotion was revealed to audiences by showing them what was happening privately off screen. For example we revealed to audiences that one of the characters was nervous by cutting away from other action and showing that he was tapping his feet uneasily and agitated. (Shot can be seen below)

We must maintain successful and relevant editing that indicates the desired meaning to audiences by taking into consideration what needs to be shown to audiences, when it will be relevant and what type of editing may be necessary. Also make sure that the footage flows smoothly and that no clips look odd.

Quality of using Sound:

No additional sound, such as music or sound effects was used in this piece, as they were unnecessary to the task. The dialogue is the only sound used in our footage; the advantage of this allows audiences to focus on what the characters are saying without distractions. It is important that we only involve additional sound when and if it is necessary to the text.

Quality of Group:

Despite meeting our target as a group, I feel that better organization and planning will be necessary in the future for a more successful piece as with this task we planned very little aside from the script and camera angles/shots. We would benefit more from ensuring that all plans are made and that each member of the group is aware of our targets in advance before we go to film. I also feel that I worked well with those in my group and we were compatible. Each person made efforts be involved with each task, even if they were not completing the task themselves they offered help, opinions and support. Work was divided evenly between those involved. I intend to continue to support the team members in my group accordingly and receive the same support in return, split the work loads evenly and be honest with one another while working.