Creative Task: Remake of a Coming of Age Opening Sequence

The Breakfast Club

         

What I have learnt:
This is was my first experience of creating an opening sequence and I believe that it went well. The reason that it went well was because we carefully planned out the sequence by drawing a clear storyboard, printing off a script and identifying locations to film around the school. This shows if you have a clear plan, you can focus more on the acting a small details that make it look more professional. Personally, I think that the first sequence that features lots of shots is very much like the original and looks realistic. However, the audio of the voice over is quite quiet and not very clear so it could have been better if we recorded it again in a louder and clearer fashion. The car scene is also good as we stick to the 180 degree rule and apply match on action as I exit the car. However, we experienced audio problems again as it is a struggle to hear the actors. This is because we had the windows open to film the sequence whilst it was windy and the people in the car were not confident enough with their lines to act the scene passionately. In the original the music fades out during the car scene whereas in our remake the music still overpowers the speaking of the actors. One camera angle that we used which was effective was when the camera pans down on the locker and up on the car. This helps the audience know that they are in a new setting and allows the film to flow. I will therefore use this when I start to create my own projects. Although this is an effective film opening for a coming of age film I think that I will base my opening on one subject rather than three as I do not want to reveal the narrative to the audience straight away and I want to be able to create some enigma codes.

Checklist For My Opening Sequence:

• Don't reveal too much of the narrative.
• Use a catchy soundtrack to engage my audience.
• Correct institution information used.
• Make the main character the focus of the narrative.
• Film the video in landscape and not portrait as it will make it difficult to edit.
• Make the actors speak clearly and slowly to make it easy to edit and understandable.
• Stick to the 180 degree rule unless I am braking it to add effect and demonstrate confusion.
• Use close ups.
• Think about costume to represent a social group.
• Make a clear plan/storyboard.
• Make transitions seamless.
• Use Film 4 as my institution company as they are usually low budget films and bring up encouraging actors. 
• Try to include some animation in my sequence.
• Produce a script for my actors.
• Use pans to demonstrate motion.
• Create some enigma codes that will make my audience watch on.