Editing

Editing began in the week after filming was completed. We finished a few days earlier than the deadline.

Rendering the film

Selecting a sound clip

Here the sound at the end of this music file (Deep Haze, by Kevin MacLeod) is an oscillating ringing that would fill in a silence in the film without taking away from the scene with overly dramatic music. The problem however, is that part Diminuendos steadily. Looking at the graph above, the In and Out points are matched to patterns in the waves, the theory being that if looped, it would sound the same while staying at the same volume.

Testing sound Clip loop

Several attempts were made, each one tested to see if the loop was complete. Once perfected however, all that was needed to be done was adjust the levels and copy and paste the clip through the needed times.

Loop creates constant ringing

The entire sequence

Sound cut into timeline

This screenshot is a combination of sound to create the scene that we desired. The sounds all contribute to the whole enigma of the scene and emotion portrayed.

Cutting into sound (in point)

Razor blade tool

Razor blade tool used to cut files and insert new shot

Coming up with the title

To begin with, we had the name 'Trapped' in mind and used this name throughout our pre-production and production, but now we are at the post-production point and we chose to get a title with more meaning and research into making a thriller title. To the left is why we chose to change it.


To come up with the new title, we got a range of words and phrases and chose from them.
Our list included:

• Imprisonment
• Absence
• Abuse
• Adversary
• Allegation
• battery
• Bystander
• Capture
• Duty
• Flee
• Goodguy
• Influence
• Lethal
• Loyalty
• Missing
• Qurrel
• Rogue
• Vilgilance
• Unjust
• Vindicator
• Trapped

Our first thought was to go ahead with 'Trapped' but from the audience feedback we chose to change the title and give them an option to help us proceed, which are all the options above. From this (to the left) we came to conclusion that Absence would be the best option.


Absence: We have chosen this title because it represents our whole film's plot. It isn't as blunt as 'Trapped' was but creates slight enigma which was intended by most of the options.

Analysing Thriller Titles - Ben

Rambo: 

I am doing the 2008 Rambo film mainly because I also analysed this film in my Thriller research post, but also because the title sequence is quick and goes by in a flash. Beginning with the institutional info, there are only two. Millenium films and Equity Pictures are the only two shown, with their logos flashing by the in the first few seconds, there is a sound bridge leading into the news report montage that I mentioned in the first research.

 After this montage, there's is the repeat of the institutional info. The font and colour fits someone who is on their way to break all the rules in the Geneva conventions. A dirty and rough Serif font in a deep red symbolising the blood of the East-Asian army the Protagonist is going to spill. As it is revealed on the black background that this is "A Film by Sylvester Stallone" the intro moves on into what I like to call: "This Is The Part Where We Show You The Bad Guy And Show You How Bad They Are" part, or TITPWWSYTBGASYHBTA for short.

 When the scene comes to a close, there is a short moment of total silence as we cut to the bad guy. The several string instrument Crescendos, building up to something that is about to drop jaws in the audience. As the violins and cellos peak into high pitch, the screen cuts to black and the title, 'Rambo' fades in with the red, rough font connoting blood and death. As it the title fades in, the violins are being drowned out by very loud wind instruments such as trombones. This brings the entire build up to a close by showing the audience what the build up was about. What follows is introductions of the Protagonist, Rambo, walking through the rainforest catching snakes as a living. The only text here is the actor's names in the same font seen before, but in white connoting everything is calm right now. The equilibrium before the disruption, according to Todorov's theory.

This is very straightforward intro. Introduce the bad guys and MAKE SURE people know what they are watching. However, it also seems to reminisce in the past as the title font itself looks like an aged version of what was used in the original trilogy. What I do take from it however the contrast with the red and black and how the simplicity flows along in the sequence.

Mr Brooks:

Again going with what I know from my first research project, I am using this movie as a stark comparison against Rambo. A very calm and somber intro, but yet suspenseful and enigmatic. I would say I was very much inspired by this film as I love the use of colours, text, camera techniques and sound. 

The first institutional info is the iconic Metro Goldwyn Mayer lion. A sign of great movies and classics. Followed by 'Element Films' and 'Eden Rock Media', a rather long back screen is interrupted by a thud of what could possibly be am electronic drum kit. The text fades in and out of the screen with suspenseful music playing. I find this a perfect way to create enigma but I am unsure it could be implemented into my intro. What I find interesting is that it is only the one minute mark that the black screen fades away into the bathroom character introduction. The lighting, with limited use of the Fill light keeps everything dark and mysterious but also the orange, saturated tinge gives the film a very serious look with a pretty undertone. If there were stronger shadows I would almost say this is a Film Noir.One stark contrast between 'Mr Brooks' and 'Rambo' is just how much simpler 'Mr Brooks' is. Get all the institutional info out of the way first with no text appearing in the corner of the frame. No. Start with a black screen, show who is getting all the money and done! While the title in contrast with the rest of the intro. We are to introduced to Mr Brooks. A well off man with a few festering secrets. However, when he begins to speak out loud, everything does a U-turn. The edgy, suspenseful music stops and is replaced by calm piano and string piece. Instead of smooth and calculated camera movements (Focus pulls), It's a dissolve to a beautiful night city skyline. Now this change in pace is then used to show Mr Brooks family side. His happy life, open to the world, but this is very methodically planned. The piano is only there for a few seconds, but it calms everyone down. If not, the jump to psychotic murder in plain sight, to happy married, working man would be too much of a jolt. This creates a buffer of sorts, something which I might use, should I continue my story past the intro.

Reservoir Dogs:

Going with something different now that I did do in the original research project, the Crime Thriller, 'Reservoir Dogs'. This is a very long opening sequence. It's only 8:43 that the title shows up and before that it's only two scenes. But begins simple with the institutional names, not logos. This was in 1992 however and there was no fancy CGI sparkles, but Paramount still had stars appear. I believe the logos are not included is not to retract from the film. We can see just as easily who made the film with one line of text on black screen. This also helps to introduce the first scene with a sound bridge. The sounds of a diner or cafeteria crescendos gradually and then cuts into the film soon after the first bits of conversation is heard.

This scene serves to introduce the characters as they have conversations at breakfast looking fine in their suits. Conversations vary but are in general somewhat crude which, along with the suits and smoking, are all stereotypical of criminal mobsters. The camera moves behind the characters and around the table, changing focus as the conversation did. By this I mean each conversation had a leaders that drove it and the camera would focus on them. Camera shots varied from Over The Shoulder Medium Shots to Big Close Ups and Medium Close Ups. This give the audience a very personal start to the characters, as if they are at the table too, among this group of friends and colleagues. Also for most of the shots, the camera is moving around the table, following who speaks, rather than a static frame.

Once the group decides to stop breakfast and character introduction, they walk out the cafeteria with some swinging 70's beats. We discover the film director with a short black screen to transition into the second scene, a badass walk, in slow mo, with music that without the name I could only describe as the slickest Jazz-Rock I've heard. This walking scene goes to every character, showing the actors's names at the bottom of the screen. The title is different from all the other text already shown. That was static. The title slid up from the bottom to the the top. Pandorum has something similar only it moves from behind the camera then away. But as the the Dogs keep walking towards what doesn't look like enough cars for them all, a small credit section for key people who worked on the film and then sounds of a screaming man crescendos until it cuts to a bloody scene.

What to take from this film introduction. Being long can help with character development, especially when the plot is for the characters to solve a mystery. But also placing such long winded credits just to seemingly stretch the song out seems unnecessary. However, a sound bridge like this could be used in the buffer I mentioned in 'Mr Brooks' to help facilitate transfer. This almost seems like a reverse from 'Mr Brooks' where it went from somber to cheerful, this goes from "We're going to do crime" cheerful to "I'm bleeding to death on the leather seats" somber.

Analysing thiller titles - Nigel

Kill Bill:

This title sequence is quite interesting.  Most of the title sequence is text over a black screen, this continues from the colour and lighting from the previous sequence. The previous sequence is practically shown entirely in black and white, creating a gloomy starting scene. Blood almost seemly to be even bolder on her face because it’s black on camera.  So the black background works in synergy with same colour and tone so there isn't too much difference between this and the next shot which is of the woman lying down, also in black and white.  The soundtrack which accompanies the title sequence starts once the sequence before ends (with the gunshot) and continues once the still-like image becomes the background. Although it isn't clear if it’s a moving or still image. It still works in synergy with the black screen. Some of the text in the opening credits represents a list type order. The text’s colour is white so it stands out much easier on the black background and the font is the same throughout. The actual title 'Kill Bill' has its own specific slide which comes after the institutional slides but before the life of stars/character names. The placement of this splits up the sequence and may suggest that time has passed from each part. This is because of the 'faded' like transition of the black screen. The black and white effect is lost once the sequence moves on and more colour is used.There is music which plays throughout the title sequence, starting immediately after the gunshot, not leaving much time for the audience to think before the time between sequences is delayed by the opening credits. The black and white sequence could suggest that the whole sequence is a flashback

Identity:

The opening credits for this film last a few minutes. To start with, it starts with institutional information, ‘COLUMBIA PICTURES PRESENTS’.  This, like the last opening I looked at, is a black screen with white text on it.  There is a voice over which begins near the end of this appearing onscreen. The next slide is a shot of a tape, zoomed in. Suggesting that the voice over is actually a tape playing.  Whilst this happens, there is more institutional text appearing on top of the shot with the same font and colour as the black screen text. The tape creates enigma behind the man’s voice, who is he?  The voice over is shouting ‘Don’t beat around the bush’ which means don’t waste time and get the point. This is creating enigma even more, why is he wasting time? The actual title is placed beside a man’s head, seeming to be a man who is investigating some crime or discovering something even more as there already has been pans and close ups of pictures which link to something. This could also suggest that it is the main character as its the first person you see in this story, the protagonist researching vital information. Although he could also be an insignificant character who isn't getting anywhere with the case. The title has a unique disappearance as it mixes up and fades away. This, as a whole, creates enigma and sets the genre of the film as it is suggested that it is a crime related plot. This is a very effective use opening credits because of the enigma it creates with the choice of shots used.

Fargo (1996):

 
This film begins with two institutional clips, then reveals a slide which says that it is a true story, this could help the viewers feel like this is a realistic tale. Just like Kill Bill. The colours of the background relate to what is to come in the sequence, as shown here, the background is white. This could either be a blizzard or just a white screen at this point you don't know. The text which comes up switches from being white on a black screen to black text the vast majority of the background's white. The title appears on a similar background as before but the lettering is has gaps from each letter, as were some of the institutional slides. After this, the setting is revealed as being a snowy landscape (shown when a car drives passed). This title sequence creates enigma and the snowy background could even be related and compared to mist/fog. The blizzard effect could create a sense of isolation and lonesomeness in a snowy landscape.

Analysing thiller titles- Stephen

Brighton Rock

In the beginning title sequence to Brighton Rock we are thrown straight to the ambience of a thriller genre, with appropriate ambient sounds. The non-diegetic sounds of fog horns and the faint sound of water running create a somewhat ominous feeling; backed up by the black screen. Additionally, the title screens imagery- the studio’s name shrouded in fog- creates a visual effect which further adds to the ominous feeling of the opening. Fog usually entitles a hidden mystery- an enigma- which could have been used to foreshadow a coming twist. Additionally, this edited effect can be seen as an appropriate way to set the setting: A foggy town, shrouded in hidden mysteries and secrets. Finally, in the title screen again, we witness the name of the film show up- but it is being hidden by the fog; only being illuminated by a lighthouse.  The fog is definitely something to consider for our title sequence; and the illuminating title would be a nice added detail. Both would feature appropriately in our plot; some of the film will be taken in a 'cold winter' setting, and other parts in a dark room that needs illuminating.  

 

Europa report

Seconds before we see the title of the film the editing effects relay the atmosphere of the film; frantic. There are several shots appearing then disappearing within milliseconds of one another, contributing to the atmosphere of the film in a very detailed way. The title itself shows a militaristic vibe; giving an idea of the plot and setting of the film. The background is black, done to give a dark contrast- both metaphorically and literally- to the otherwise bright opening. Additionally, the blackness reflects darkness of space. The font of the title also gives a scientific feeling, and through it we understand that this was a very serious mission that the characters were going on. This feeling would make a great opening to a plot- yet it is more than a few minutes into the film when we see it. This placement surprises the audience, who were expecting a title sequence after the institutional information. This effect causes the audience to reflect on what happened before and after the title appears; focusing on the drama that unfolds around the title. If our film was to last longer than two minutes it would be a great idea to place the titles between two dramatically changing points of the plot- causing the audience to actually think about what has happened in the plot instead of just watching it and expecting it to unfold for them. After the title cuts back to the plot; we get a flashback to six months prior. This additional plot information shows the time, something that is essential in thriller films (How quick something happens can surprise the viewer and additionally how slow the opening is can lead to a false sense of security.)


Super 8

The title screen of the film appears straight after the production company's titles. The title appears from darkness; illuminating from the 'pe' outwards. This effect is much like that of the 'Super 8' camera, central to the plot of the film. This effect also leaves part of the title darker than the others- perhaps reflecting that part of the film will be much darker than other parts. The colours contrast perfectly; the white lettering upon the black background which create a sense of clarity- foreshadowing a plot point, perhaps? Furthermore, the sense of illumination can also reflect on that upon the mind- being enlightened- which could also be a direct part of the films plot. The title sequence ends after a few seconds, going straight into the depressing plot. The reason for this could be so not to interrupt the plot; allowing the depressing ambiance to flow seamlessly through the sequence, keeping the suspense upon the viewer.  The shortness of the opening can foresee the restricted narration of the film; how most shots are short and designed to thrill the viewer.





 

Editing our Title

This is the start of our title creation and experiments. Here we have a zoom effect in an attempt to create the effect that we desired.

 

This is our final image; showing how short the title will appear for and a still image of how the title will pass through the frame. 

Due to a change in title name we had to change the title, making it "Absence" instead of "Trapped." We also changed the font, making the lettering more distinct and prominent. The spacing between the letters is also a representation of being trapped and isolated due to the space leaving the letters in solitude. The black background also reflects the darkness of being isolated; while also making the title much more distinct.

 

 We decided to add an ominous fog effect, making the title much more mysterious. The idea of fog is that it hides something, alongside Enigmas, they go hand-in-hand together. The fog creates an enigma- the audience wonders what is being hidden from them.

Finally, we added a zoom effect to make the title much more eye catching. The zoom makes the title disapear into the fog- being hidden by the ominisity of the fog, further enhancing the enigma.

Body Language and Facial Expressions

Geoff: We will initially show Geoff as being weak; mourning and weeping over a grave- not typically a masculine thing to do. His facial expressions will also express said emotions; while his body language is always one of a man at a loss- he will fall to his knees and remain on the ground, clearly not showing the strength he needs to get up. This weakness will gradually disappear later in the plot, but in the opening his body language will display his weakness, whereas his facial expression will show the depth  of his sadness.

Susan: Through Susan's sequence we will see her as being a strong and yet scared character. her body language will show how fast she is running from the Assailant, and also how she fights the Assailant when they come face-to-face.  From her facial expressions we see a variety of emotions; though most reflect her as being independent and strong- not afraid of a fight. At one point we will see a sneer from her, before she is overpowered, which will also show her strength as a character.

The Assailant: We will show the assailant as a very strong character; but only in the physical sense. His body language is tall and proud; thinking he's above other people- again, he is in the physical sense. We will never see his eyes- so his true facial expressions will not be revealed, leaving them to the audience to think about, we will, however, see his mouth and surrounding areas. From this we can see a smirk and how he likes to fight; seeing the corner from a fight scene.

Rachel: Rachel's character is enigmatic; in doing so we will not see any distinctive features- her face, for example. The effect this will have on the audience will be a confusing one; we hope to get the audience wondering who this character is and how they effect the story. Through the rest of the plot we gradually reveal who this character is with clues. Because she is an enigmatic character, and not one we want to reveal too early, the only thing showing for her will be her legs and shoes. The shot with her legs will show her body language being scared, slow and lethargic (almost indifferent to the situation, though we know she is genuinely scared.)