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Opening Title Sequence: A Bronx Tale

·         0-21 seconds: ‘Studio Canal’ (production/distribution company) logo presented in animation form

22-27 seconds: screen fades to black

·         28 seconds: ‘Focus Features’ (production/distribution company) logo presented in animation form

·         29-35 seconds: Screen fades to black

36-39 seconds: ‘A Savoy Pictures release’ (production company) presented in bold italics/capital letters/white font in the centre of a black screen

40-42 seconds: ‘Price Entertainment’ and ‘Penta Entertainment (both production companies) presented in bold italics/white font in the centre of a black screen

·         42 seconds: music begins – low/sad tones, which is likely immediately implemented to convey a tragedy that is to unfold in the story. Audience will have an emotional engagement, as a result since they will be intrigued to understand the reason for the sense of anguish established at the beginning. 

42-45 seconds: screen fades to black
Exterior:

·         46 seconds: screen fades to shot of New York city at night (establishing shot used to set the location) – camera continues to pan across the city. The fact that the opening sequence is at night, perhaps reinforces the perception that there will be some form of animosity with a saddening outcome that is entirely relevant to the story. 

·         1.13 seconds: screen fades to another area of New York, whilst the camera pan continues – still an overlook of the city. Famous landmarks such as the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building can be seen in the distant, again ensuring that the setting of New York is established. The main character begins his voice over: "This is the forgone section of the Bronx, my home. A world onto itself."

·         1.27 seconds: screen fades to a shot of a church. Voice over continues: "That's the church and the sound of the bells would fill the neighbourhood."

·         1.29 seconds: screen fades to another street  - there is a high shot with characters singing down below (singing plays over the original music). This could portray their vulnerability, implying that anyone, even an innocent bystander is at risk. 

·         1.40 seconds: screen fades to another street corner with a close up of the street’s sign post. The voice over continues: "It was 1960 and doo-wop was the sound on the streets." 

·         1.48 seconds: tracking shot of a car comes into frame. Voice over: It felt like there was a doo-wop group on every corner back then. What a time it was. The New York Yankees were playing the Pittsburgh Pirates in the world series and Mickey Mantle was like a God to me."

·         2.06 seconds: screen fades to another shot – reveals other characters by a café – tracking shot of the character closest to the screen. Voice over: "My Dad would take me to Yankee stadium and we would watch the Yankees win. That's the Chez Rigby. That's where all the guys hung out, but I'll tell you about them later. "

·         2.20 seconds: screen fades to main character’s home (exterior) – establishing shot used here, but the camera is also slighted at a canted angle, suggesting the audience should be wary of the character and follow him closely. Voice over: "That's my building. I live right there on the fourth floor. 667 street. There's my stoop." 

·         2.34 seconds: screen fades to a couple romancing. Voice over: "and on warm summer evenings, all through the neighbourhood. You would hear the sounds of young Italian men romancing their woman. 

·         2.41 seconds: camera quickly moves across the street to show an altercation between a man and woman (dialogue between them is a brief argument) - "Will you get in the car! Come on baby, you know I love you". There is a tracking shot of the car. The argument between the man and woman may act as an indication towards the general animosity throughout the film, implying that there will be various altercations between characters. Therefore, there is a sense of conflict, which may be synonymous to the film itself. 

·         2.54 seconds: screen fades into another shot – another car comes into frame – shows several characters together. The lead of the group is followed by a tracking shot. This goes into a mid-shot of him standing waiting. This identifies his formal appearance (suit, tie) and he is greeted by everyone, suggesting he is important and superior. Voice over: "There stood the number one man. The man with all the power. Sunni. Everybody loved Sunni and treated him like a God. And in my neighbourhood he was a God. And I would sit on my stoop and watch him all day and all night, but he would never even look at me. Never. Until one day". The voice over serves as a hint towards the direction of the film, suggesting that the character of Sunni will be very influential towards the events of the film. 

·         3.28–3.33 seconds: ‘A Tribeca Production’ (production company)  - name presented in bold italics/ white font in the centre screen  - It is now day time and the city of New York is full of working people  - dramatic change in music (much more lively and jovial now) – the music and titles are played over the action that occurs in the scenes. A close up of a woman is seen dancing, reflecting the peace of the story at this point.

·         3.37-3.41 seconds: ‘Robert De Niro’ (Actor 1)  - name presented centre screen in bold italics/capital letters/white font. There is the use of mid shot on the three actors, showing their working class status as they are wearing vests and navy workmen trousers. 

·         3.44-3.47 seconds: ‘Chazz Palminteri (Actor 2) - name presented centre screen in bold italics/capital letters/white font. A long shot is used, detailing the full profile of several men. They are also wearing workmen clothing, but are bright colours, suggesting there is a calm and tranquility about the current scene due to the normality of it. The men are playing baseball on the streets. 

·         3.58-4.01 seconds: ‘A Bronx Tale’ – title of the film presented centre screen in bold italics/capital letters/white font. The camera used a mid shot showing several food sellers, which generally conveys a working city (the music compliments this). 

·         4.03-4.07 seconds: ‘Lillo Brancate’ (Actor 3) - name presented centre screen in bold italics/capital letters/white font. Mid shot used to show business men talking. The men are wearing formal shirt and tie suits, suggesting the area consists of various different people with various different backgrounds - different classes. 

·         4.10-4.14 seconds: ‘Francis Capra’ (Actor 4) - name presented centre screen in bold italics/capital letters/white font. Consistent us of mid-shots used with a focus theme of money, suggesting that the wealthier members of this society have the power and control. 

·         4.17-4.20 seconds: ‘Taral Hicks’ (Actor 5) - name presented centre screen in bold italics/capital letters/white font. A two shot is used with the camera at a mid level, showing two individuals dealing with money. Again, this may emphasise the importance of money and being more powerful as a result of possessing such money. Additionally, the man counting the money is wearing a suit, whereas the one who gave the money over is simply wearing a working standard white shit. This may be an indication of the difference in classes of this society; upper class dominate the lower class. 

·         4.22-4.25 seconds: ‘Original Music by Butch Barbella/ Music Supervisor Jeffrey Kimball’ - presented centre screen in bold italics/capital letters/white font. We see the previous young men playing baseball again. Each of them are wearing working class clothes - trouser, shirt/vest, boots. 

·         4.27-31 seconds: ‘Casting Ellen Chenweth’ - presented centre screen in bold italics/capital letters/white font. Within each second, the camera quickly cuts to a different person hitting the baseball each time. 

·         4.33-3.36 seconds: ‘Associate Producer Joseph Reidy’ - presented centre screen in bold italics/capital letters/white font. The camera pans around a market area, displaying a vibrancy among the people as they move hastily. 

·         4.38-4.42 seconds: ‘Costume Designer Rita Ryack’ - presented centre screen in bold italics/capital letters/white font. We see tracking shots of men and women at the market stalls, which perhaps identifies the variety in business. The market men are dressed in lower class attire with t-shirts and trousers. 

·          4.45-4.59 seconds: ‘Edited by David Ray and R.Q Lovett’ - presented centre screen in bold italics/capital letters/white font. There is a close up of a pizza being cut into slices, which is synonymous to the characters within the story who are Italian. 

·         5.09-5.11 seconds: ‘Production Designer Wynn Thomas’ - presented centre screen in bold italics/capital letters/white font. A long shot is again used. Match on action used here, with several boys jumping on each other's backs. First the boy jumps from behind, then the camera moves to the right of them to show that they've completed the jump. This again confirms the more jovial atmosphere created here. 

·         5.13-5.17 seconds: ‘Director Photography Reynaldo Villalobos’ - presented centre screen in bold italics/capital letters/white font. Long shot, then mid shot used on a group of young girls and boys, who can be seen playing cards. This suggests that there are a range of different demographics within this area. 

·         5.25-6.06 seconds: ‘Executive Producer Peter Gatien' - presented centre screen in bold italics/capital letters/white font. Tracking shot of a bus, before medium close up of the bus driver who  looks a little uneasy. There is then a close up of the character through a mirror, as he spots teenagers jumping onto the back of the bus. There is a close up of his foot slamming the breaks, before a tracking shot of him leaving the bus and telling the boys to leave.   

·         6.07-6.38 seconds: Voice over begins again: "That's my Dad. Lorenzo Alleno. His bus route was 187 street and I used to love to ride the bus with him". Camera then pans towards the boy sitting behind the bus driver. Medium shot of the boy, shows his baseball cap (supporter of the New York Yankees) and his smile, suggesting a love for his Father as they look at each other.. Voice over: "That's me. Calogero".
-     6.39-6.44 seconds: Tracking shot of the boy as he leaves the bus and says "See you later" to his Dad, who responds with "Okay. Go straight up stairs". This particular scene initiates the idea that the Father is the main authority figure.
6.45-6.48 seconds: Low shot of the Mother waving from the window upstairs. This type of shot may serve as a subtle hint that the Mother is another influential figure and the story very much revolves around her family.

·         6.57-7.00 seconds: ‘Screenplay by Chazz Palminteri based on his play’ - presented centre screen in bold italics/capital letters/white font – music fades out and voice over stops speaking. 

·         7.01-7.04 seconds: ‘Produced by Jane Rosenthal/Jon Kilik/ Robert De Niro' in the centre of the screen with bold and white italics.. Tracking shot of the boy as he goes down the steps. The camera is also slightly of a low angle, again potentially emphasising the significance of the boy as he is the main character. 

·         7.05-7.09 seconds: ‘directed by Robert De Niro’ placed centre screen in bold and white italics. 

Group Roles;
Written and uploaded by Ismail Khwaja

Planning - Pitch

Title:

Genre:

The genre we selected was drama/thriller – we chose this genre because we intended to create an opening which incorporated a suspenseful series of events that would ensure that the audience would immediately be captivated and believe in the continuation of the narrative. Also, we felt that we could include familiar conventions from within our youth targeted audience, as well as conventions which have a direct association to the genre of thriller, in order for the audience to have a clear understanding of narrative and type of film we produced. This therefore would enable us to establish an identity for our main character and potential relationships with the targeted audience.

Form:

The form is a two minute opening to a feature film that will ensure that the audience has a focused interest in the remainder of the film.

Location:

Our opening will include several different locations:

·         A house in which Peter’s family resides.

·         Neighborhood area – streets behind a park, where the scene of the murder is. The reporter will stand by the scene, reporting live.

Time:

The time of day will be preferably late afternoon, when the sky begins to darken. This is to create an atmosphere, which ultimately transmits a darker tone to the film, especially to even act as a representation of the main character’s mental state, which suggests he is becoming detached from his world and beginning to lose himself.

Characters:

·         Ismail Khwaja – Plays the role of the main character: Peter Mulberry

·         main characters wife

·         2 children

·         Main characters friend

·         News reporter –Fraser Harrington?

·         Detective/ police officer – Fraser Harrington?

Plot

The story revolves around the main character, Peter Mulberry, who is an ordinary man, with an ordinary job and has an ordinary loving family. However, the very foundation for his life and what he perceived to be the glue that held his life together is completely destroyed, when Peter learns of the murder of his brother. Peter’s inability to comprehend what he has just learnt and the undeniable fact that he will never know who or why his brother was murdered haunts Peter and ultimately drives Peter to his breaking point. As a result, Peter reaches a stage in his life where he is suffering from a deep depression and must attend frequent sessions with his psychiatrist Mr Smith, but the loss of his brother has formed a scar on his mind, which he cannot overcome.

-       Film opens with a news report on the death of Peter’s brother.

-       As the opening credits appear, the reporter’s speech becomes voice over

-       Then the picture fades and becomes just a pure voice over

-       Whilst the screen is black, sirens can be heard in the background, signifying the recent death

-       Then we see the main character Peter in his home, who then discovers that his friend has been killed as his wife watches the news

-       Peter reacts by running out of the house – piano music plays in the background as he wonders the streets

-       Peter arrives at the scene of the murder, but is moved away from the scene by a police officer (or detective)

-       As Peter walks away, then the title of the film appears

Key Micro Features (camerawork, editing, sound, mise-en-scene)

Editing:

·      - Titles and credits will be included during the editing

-       - The main title of the film will appear during the establishing shot, as it will be positioned above the character

-       - Credits will appear on screen beside characters, when they are first introducing the characters

-      

Mise-en-scene:

·         Reporter – will wear a suit

·         Police office – in traditional uniform OR Detective in a suit (grey)

·         Family members (including main character) will wear casual clothing

·         Television – which will display the live news report

·         The scene of the murder will be near a park

·         The dead body will have been covered with a by white cover with blood stains

·         The scene with the family will take place within a kitchen – typical homely environment

    

      Sound:

·         Piano music

·         Sirens

·         Emphasis on footsteps

Camerawork:

Some of the important shots will include:

·         Point of view shot – this would occur as the main character walks towards the dead body

·         Establishing shot – this would occur in conjunction to the title of the film appearing on screen

·         Mid shot – this would be during the scene when the reporter is delivering the news

Target audience

·         The target audience would be mainly older viewers, from the age range of 18 upwards.

·         Some elements, however may appeal to the teenage bracket of 13-17.

Audience appeal

This would attract our targeted audiences because the story relates to scenarios, which occur in people’s lives, but are not heavily publicised from the perspective of the victims. Therefore, we want to create the foundation of a much more grounded story, which the audiences can identify themselves too.

Influential films

·         The Green Mile – it opens with piano music to create a more suspenseful atmosphere, similar to what we intend to create – we will compose piano music

Unique selling point

It will be a British film, which incorporates more realistic tones that will therefore create a believable experience for the audiences.

Group Roles:
- Co-Written by Ismail Khwaja/Bibianna Fasogbon/Fraser Harrington
- Uploaded by Ismail Khwaja

Roles

Producer - Ismail/ Fraser 

Manages the team.  Completes: budget, action planning, time management, risk assessment and progress updates.

Director – Bibianna
Is in charge of the shoot.  Completes: call sheet and works closely with the Storyboard Artist on the storyboard, shot list and shot schedule.

Writer – Ismail
Writes the idea for the film.  Completes: pitch and script.

Editor – Ismail         
Edits the film on the editing software.

Sound Editor – Fraser / Ismail       
Responsible for finding sound effects (including foley sound) and re-recording any unclear dialogue or sounds.

Cinematographer – Bibianna         
Responsible for filming.  Works closely with the director and storyboard artist during planning.

Composer - Bibianna
Responsible for finding copyright-free music or composing/ recording original music.

Storyboard Artist – Ismail / Fraser / Bibianna
Completes: animatic or photo-storyboard or drawn storyboard; shot list and shot schedule.

Location Scout - Fraser
Responsible for finding suitable locations for the film.  Locations are photographed and a presentation is prepared to show the rest of the group.

Technical Director – Fraser / Bibianna / Ismail
Completes: equipment list and organises all technical equipment required for the shoot.

Set, Costume and Prop Design – Ismail / Bibianna / Fraser
Responsible for mise-en-scene, including props and costumes.  Completes a list of the same.

Preliminary Task - Audience feedback on film

After presenting our film to our peers we received plenty of useful feedback which we can use to improve our main task, General feedback showed us that our film was very good overall but did have a few issues which can be sorted.

The first improvement that was shown to us was regarding our extreme close up shot, we were told that we had zoomed in for the close up rather than moved the camera, Many people were able to notice that the zooming made the clip out of focus and slightly blurred. In our main task we should be sure to move the camera rather than zoom in order to maintain a high quality.

A second improvement was that the framing of the camera was unstable at times, mainly when moving, the camera was shaky at times causing the camera to need to refocus occasionally, most of the filming for the task was filmed using a hand camera so one improvement we could make is to use a tripod to stabilise the shot.

Another improvement is regarding something that we could not control, at the start of the video there was some audio popping, the only thing that we could do to prevent that is use a pop filter which can be expensive, what we can do is try to edit the popping out during editing or record the video and the audio separately.

The dialogue was slightly unclear in parts which can be corrected be the actors speaking clearer or rerecording any unclear sections of dialogue and editing it back in. Also there was some background noise from the camera operator.

Preliminary Task - Film

Follow the link below to watch our preliminary film:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2R0gUHDVp8&feature=youtu.be

Roles:
Ismail Khwaja - Actor/Writer/Co-Editor/Co-Producer
Bibianna Fasogbon - Camera Work/Co-Producer/Director
Fraser Harrington - Co-Editor/Sound Editor

Preliminary Task - Self-Assessment

Does your film use continuity editing so that the sequence of events are clear and easily understood by the viewer?

In our preliminary task our short film did transition smoothly as a whole. However due to lack of knowledge from the person operating the camera there where a few mistakes. For example, the camera is seen to push away from Ismail ever so slightly. However it was hardly noticeable. Overall our editing was quite clear and all flowed correctly.  This now allows the audience to gain an understanding of the entire story.

Have you followed the directions in the brief? (A character opens a door, crosses a room and sits down in a chair opposite another character. An exchange of dialogue occurs.)

In the initial footage did follow the directions in brief. However when it came to the editing, we realised that some of the dialogue was too long and, it would bore the audience. So we choose to shorten it. As a whole we did follow the brief everything was included. For example, we include dialogue.

Have you used match-on-action?

Yes, we used the match on action. This is seen when the boss throws the newspaper at Ismail. We successfully created this shot by positioning the camera facing the boss. He then proceeded to act as if he was going to through the newspaper but we quickly ended that shot to then do another shot of him actually throwing it. Then Ismail edited everything together to provide us with this shot.

Can you explain what a match-on action involves?

Continuity editing smoothes over the inherent discontinuity of shot changes to establish a logical coherence between shots. Even within continuity editing, though, the match cut is a contrast both with cross-cutting between actions in two different locations that are occurring simultaneously, and with parallel editing, which draws parallels or contrasts between two different time-space locations.

Have you used shot/reverse shot?

We used the shot when the two characters were held in a deep conversation. Shown with an over the shoulder shot.

Can you explain what shot/reverse shot involves?

These types of shots are often used to express dialogue because they involve one character looking at another character (often off-screen), and then the other character is shown looking back at the first character. SRS also represent the idea of continuity editing. SRS are often used within dramas or soaps because they enforce their conventions.

Did you observe the 180-degree rule?

Yes, we ensured that we followed the rule successfully. We did this by making sure we recorded any shots on the left side of the characters.

Can you explain the 180-degree rule?

Is a basic guideline regarding the on-screen spatial relationship between a character and another character or object within a scene. An imaginary line called the axis connects the characters, and by keeping the camera on one side of this axis for every shot in the scene, the first character is always frame right of the second character, who is then always frame left of the first. The camera passing over the axis is called jumping the line or crossing the line.

What role did you play in the making of the preliminary task? (E.g. filming, acting, editing, equipment organisation etc.)

Within the preliminary task my role was director. I was in charge of the filming and making sure that all the camera shots and movements were executed correctly. I was also co-producer so I and my group member had to find locations and other actors etc. also I was a part of making the final decisions for our story.

How would you assess your contribution to the group?

I believe that I contributed a fair amount towards our project as I played towards all of my strengths. So I know that all of my contributions were valued. As I directed the entire video. I was also filming; and lastly together I and Ismail consulted together on each of our final cuts. Overall I believe that my contribution was relatively good however I could have done more.

What have you learned from the process of making your preliminary film?

From the preliminary task I learnt a lot which I can take into with the main task. For example, I now know how to handle the camera. This will enable me to master all of our camera shots and movements  for our main task. Also know that time management is key so that me and Ismail can access and advance film. I also know the steps in which I need take for the main task. For example the genre in which we choose I know that I need to research by watching different movies. Overall I believe that I have learnt the key aspects to advance my main task video.

Preliminary Task - Self-Assessment

Does your film use continuity editing so that the sequence of events are clear and easily understood by the viewer?

We were able to successfully maintain continuity through the sequence of events because we ensured that when editing, each event follows the previous. This therefore means that the sequence is correctly established. Also, before publishing our film, other members of the class viewed the film and all agreed that the sequence is very clearly laid out and they could follow the narrative with ease.

Have you followed the directions in the brief? (A character opens a door, crosses a room and sits down in a chair opposite another character. An exchange of dialogue occurs.)

We successfully followed the directions provided in the brief because the film begins with the main character opening a door to enter an office, then he crosses the room after shaking hands with his boss and takes a seat. The boss also takes a seat and as result, the two characters are sitting in chairs opposite to each other. The two characters then go onto exchange dialogue throughout the remainder of the film.

Have you used match-on-action?

Within the film, we ensured that we included match-on-action. This is presented in the scene where the boss throws a newspaper towards the main character. In order to create this type of shot, we firstly positioned the camera facing the boss and the actor then threw a newspaper towards the main character, but at this point, the audience cannot actually see the newspaper reaching the main character. However, we then shot the main character receiving the newspaper. In order to maintain continuity and create this specific shot, the scene showing the main character receiving the newspaper was shot separately. Then through editing, we merged the scenes together to create the allusion that it was all in one transition.

 Can you explain what a match-on action involves?

In order to make this shot, firstly the camera will display an action on the verge of taking place or in the process of it being completed. So, for example, one actor will pick up a newspaper and throw it out of frame. Then, the shot will suddenly cut to another shot where it shows, for instance (like in our film), the other character receiving the newspaper. Therefore, when the two shots are edited, the two separate showing will be merged together and create one smooth transition.

Have you used shot/reverse shot?

This was used when the two characters are exchanging dialogue, so the camera would consistently switch between shoulders when either character spoke.

Can you explain what shot/reverse shot involves?

When this is shot, firstly, the camera is placed over the shoulder of one character to show what that same character is viewing. For example, they may be watching another character speaking to them. Then, when the original character begins speaking, the camera will switch sides and be positioned over the shoulder of the other character who is now observing original one speaking.  

Did you observe the 180-degree rule?

Yes, we observed this rule successfully because we ensured that the camera remained on one side of the characters as they exchanged dialogue.

Can you explain the 180-degree rule?

This rule entails the camera quite simply being positioned on one side of the characters in a scene. Firstly, you need to establish where the characters are set and then imagine that there is an invisible line positioned on that one side of them. Either side of this line is a 180 degree arc. Then to observe the rule, whenever the camera is positioned, it must remain on that same side (or line). This will prevent then impression that the characters are both in the same spot and maintain the perception that they are on opposite sides to each other with them looking at each other’s eye line as they converse.

 What role did you play in the making of the preliminary task? (e.g. filming, acting, editing, equipment organisation etc.)

I played several roles in the making of the preliminary task. Firstly, I wrote the script for the film and co-produced the film alongside my other group member. So this involved us deciding on a location and also agreeing on events of the film, as well as being responsible for finding another actor.  Then, I also acted as the main character, Ismail. After the filming was complete, I edited the footage in Sony Vegas. So, this entailed all of the cutting, adding titles/music and of course implementing the scenes that were shot to maintain continuity.

How would you assess your contribution to the group?

I believe I contributed significantly and well because my other group member agreed with my input – Bibianna was happy with the script and direction of the film. She was also satisfied by the editing and the final cut of our film. In addition, I think that because of my contribution, along with her contribution, we were able to work effectively as we managed our time efficiently and completed all areas of the preliminary task with relative ease.  

What have you learned from the process of making your preliminary film?

Even from the opening task, I learned a great deal that I believe will be crucial for delivering the main task. First of all, it was important that I and my partner agreed on the direction we wanted to convey and was able to assign ourselves the roles, as a result. I was therefore able to focus on what I needed to do, in order to contribute and ensure we were successful. Another important factor that I learnt was how to actually produce the various shots required for our film. So for example, the two shot, which involved having two characters in the same frame. Furthermore, during the actually filming, it’s imperative that this is done quickly and accurately because there is a lot of time that needs to be managed - other time could be uploading and editing the footage.  This can require a good amount of time because it’s the final stage and where the film is ultimately polished.