Implementation - Adding credits

After planning how our credit sequence would appear within the dating app interface, I began implementing the visual design using Canva. At this stage, my focus was solely on constructing the credit screen interface rather than filming the footage

I started by opening Canva and selecting a blank poster-sized template. Using a larger working space allowed me to design the layout clearly before resizing it later to fit the phone screen proportions. To replicate the dating app structure, I inserted a rectangle shape provided by Canva and positioned it where the profile picture would normally appear. I changed the color of this rectangle to black in order to create contrast and clearly separate it from the light background of the interface. This black box acts as the main credit panel.

Under the rectangle, I added two circular shapes to replicate the swipe interaction buttons commonly seen in dating apps. I adjusted the color of the circle to grey so they would contrast with the background while reminding. Subtle. Inside the circles , I inserted a red X and the other a pink heart. Resizing them to fit proportionally within the shapes. 

After adding my group member and actors names/roles it was complete. Through this design I realized the small visual details significantly affect realism. The position of shapes, color, contrast all contribute to whether the credits scene will be believable and realistic

This is the finished credit scene and dating app interface

After talking with my group, we all decided it would be best if we made our own name for the dating app instead of using "Tinder" so I also made corrections to that.

This is the finished dating app interface

Planning - Making credits scene

 Following my research into thriller credit conventions, I began planning how our credit sequence will be constructed within our own film opening. 

Since our opening scene shows Lena scrolling through potential matches on her phone before showing Claire Michael's profile, we decided that the credits will appear directly on the phone screen during this over-the-shoulder shot. This allows the credits to feel integrated into the narrative rather than appearing separately on a black screen. 

I plan to use a clean font that resembles text commonly seen in mobile apps. This supports the setting of our film and avoids drawing unnecessary attention away from the action. Using a simple grey font color will be most effective, as it will contrast clearly against the darker tone of the phones interface.

Designing process : 

This is a screen shot from Canva, showing the template I chose

To design the credit scene, I plan to use Canva. I previously used Canva to design the dating app interface which would later be shown, so using the same platform will ensure consistency in layout, font style, and the visual structure. 

Note : This will allow the credits to blend seamlessly into the existing interface design, making them appear as though they are naturally part of the dating app.

In terms of the placement, instead of displaying each actor’s names as individual profiles, I plan to design a single black profile box positioned where the profile picture would normally appear on the dating app interface. Inside the box each of the cast members names and roles will be listed vertically, similar to a traditional credit layout. This will clearly signal to the audience that this section functions as the credit sequence while still remaining embedded within the apps structure.

To keep the realism, I will also include the familiar heart and “x” buttons at the bottom of the screen, similar to the layout used by dating apps such as “Tinder”. Keeping these recognizable features ensures the interface feels authentic. 

Note : Lena will swipe past the credit scene in a casual manner, allowing it to look and feel seamless. 

Key factor :

One thing I am slightly worried about is the pacing. The credit must stay visible long enough for the audience to read the names and roles clearly, but not so long that it disrupts the natural scrolling rhythm. 

Research - Making a credit scene

 In order to design an effective credit sequence for our thriller opening, I researched how professional films use opening titles to establish tone and support narrative themes.

Example 1 : (45) Se7en (1995) title sequence - YouTube

Se7en (1995 ) title sequence

One of the most influential thriller sequences I analyzed was from Se7en. In this opening, the credits are layered over fragmented close-ups and unsettling imagery rather than appearing on a blank screen. Since it’s distorted it reinforces the psychological tension of the film. This demonstrates that credits are not simply informational and can visually communicate genre before the narrative unfolds. 

Through further research into thriller conventions, I found that many films use :

- Minimalistic fonts to maintain realism

- Dark or muted color palettes to reflect low-key lighting

- Slow pacing to build suspense

- Integration of text within the scene rather then separating it

This is important in modern thrillers when maintaining immersion is key. When credits appear disconnected from the narrative, tension can weaken.

Application to the film opening :

This research is especially relevant to our film opening because our story begins in a seemingly casual and modern environment. Two teenage girls scrolling and talking on their phones. But for this specific scene they happen to be scrolling through potential matches on a dating app. Unlike traditional thrillers that begin dark or visibly dangerous, our opening presents normality at first. Therefore, the credits must subtly support the genre without disrupting the realism of the scene. 

I found that embedding credits within a realistic environment, allows the audience to remain immersed while still establishing tone. Since our opening focuses on online interaction and hidden motives, the way the credits are presented must reflect this theme of digital modernity and concealed danger. 

Note : My group and I aim to seamlessly add the credits into our film without interrupting the atmosphere. And since the girls are using their phones, ads are very likely to pop up on online websites so this wouldn’t interrupt anything. 

Implementation - Importance of lighting

 In my previous planning post, I explained that I wanted to experiment with chiaroscuro lighting using a single light source and a Lego figure against a black background. My aim was to test how different lighting angles would affect the mood and whether this technique would be effective in creating a thriller feeling in our film opening. 

# 1. Top lighting

This is a picture I took of Lego's with lighting from above

When placing the light source directly above the figure, the shadows fell underneath the chin and slightly under the facial features. While this did create some depth, the face remained mostly visible and evenly lit. The effect was slightly dramatic but not strongly threatening. The top lighting created dimension, but it did not change any major facial features, keeping the Lego looking friendly rather than intimidating. 

Note : This showed me top lighting can create shadow, but may not be intense enough to communicate “danger” within my thriller. 

# 2. Front lighting

This is a picture I took of Lego's with lighting from the front

When the light source was placed directly in front of the figure, the shadows were significantly reduced. The Lego appeared flat and more two-dimensional. Because the entire face and torso were evenly illuminated, there was little contrast between light and dark areas. The lighting made the Lego look neutral and almost cheerful. In terms of our genre, this would not be effective for our thriller because it removes the mystery. The lack of shadow means there is nothing hidden from the audience, reducing the tension. 

# 3. Side Lighting

This is a picture I took of Lego's with lighting from the side

The side lighting created the strongest contrast. One half of the figures face was illuminated, while the other half was partially covered in shadow. The immediately created a more dramatic and visually striking image. The division between lighting and dark emphasizes mystery and could represent duality. Perfectly describing one of the characters in our film, Michael. At first, he appears kind and harmless during the park scene, but later reveals a darker intention when he drugs Lena. Using side lighting in the car scene could visually reinforce this dual natural by partially hiding his face. 

Application to the film opening

From my results, I learned that side lighting is the most effective techniques for creating tension and unease. In our film opening, this will be particularly useful in the park scene, when foreshadowing danger. As well as the car scene before Lena passes out. 

My group and I also plan to use low lighting in the car so Michael's face in not fully visible, positioning the audience to feel uncertain about him even before the final reveal. While Lena is meant to be slightly more illuminated because of her visibility, emphasizing vulnerability. 

Implementation - Building tension

 In my previous planning post, I explained that I wanted to experiment with shallow depth of field and selective focus as a way to build tension. Rather that relying relying solely on dialogue or music, I wanted to use cinematography to visually restrict what the audience can clearly see . Through my research, I found that limiting visual clarity creates unease because it forces that audiences to question what is happening beyond the focused subject.

This is a picture I took of Lego's

What happened ?

So, I recreates a shallow focus setup using two Lego figures placed at different distances from the camera against a black background. The figure positioned closer to the camera remained in sharp focus, while the figure placed further back became blurred. By adjusting the distance between them, I was able to control how distorted that background appeared. 

When the foreground Lego was clear and the background Lego was blurred the image immediately created tension. Although the second figure was not fully visible, its silhouette could still be identified. This partial visibility is important because it creates uncertainty rather than complete concealment. The audience becomes aware that something is present, but can’t fully interpret it.  

Purpose to the film : 

This experiment directly links to our film opening, especially in the moment where Lena begins to feel unwell after drinking from her cup. When she says, “My head kind of hurts” we plan to subtly introduce a blur effect to represent her disorientation. Instead of cutting immediately to something dramatic, the blur will gradually increase. This progression mirrors the way the drug takes effect, aligning the audience with Lena’s perspective.

In the car scene, as her breathing slows and her eyes begin to close, the blur can become more intense. Michael, who is in control of the situation, may remain clearer in frame while Lena’s perspective becomes increasingly distorted. This contrast reinforces the power imbalance between them.

When implementing shallow focus in this way, cinematography becomes a storytelling device rather then just a visual choice. The blur effect is not random but motivated by Lena’s physical and mental state, strengthening the thriller conventions or uncertainty and unease

Research - Credits

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJjal1Wpo1M

5 Best End Credits of All Time

Top five end credits of all time 

1. 1. Coda credits, these grabs on to the final emotional note and let it ring out in a sustain letting the audience hold on to the final feeling and carrying echos of it out with them as the credits roll 

2. 2. Classic epilogue this is when the story is over but the author gives some extra footage to fuel your imagination as the credits pass along down over, through editing 

3. 3. When credit sequences take up the characters mantle of a secondary character or plot line. One that may have gotten lost and then returns to the story in a tangential manner as the credits roll 

4. 4. When credits roll as they invite you behind the scenes, fracturing the narrative illusion, inviting you to consider the story as just that. A story. Pushing the audience back into the world outside of the movie screen. 

5. 5. To show the audience how to say goodbye to the story, with a final bonus check or invitation to imagine a bigger world that’s still there and even after the audience stops viewing it. Again, as the credits roll behind 

 

These are all amazing ways to add credits and after discussing, my group and I decided to use coda credits. We felt using the coda credits would be best because we can emphasize the main point of suspense in our story and also keep the audience engaged as the view the ending. 

Implementation - Dating app

Design process

To begin, I started by using the “poster” sized base in Canva to act as the background. This gave me a clean layout that closely resembles Tinder’s interface. Then I imported a photo of our actor from his instagram and used it as the profile image. 

I then started resizing the image carefully, constantly comparing my work to the reference photos I have of tinders interface. Ensuring the proportions were correct and the scale felt realistic. I felt maintaining accurate sizing was important so that the layout would immediately be recognizable to the audience. 

When I finished positioning the profile picture, I added the characters name and age on the bottom left corner of the image. The placement was very intentional, as this mirrors the typical structure of dating profiles, which helps the audience quickly identify the information. 

Designing the interactive elements :

After I finished positioning the photo to my liking, I started designing the “like” and “pass” buttons. I inserted two white-ish gray circles beneath the profile image and spaced them evenly to replicate the standard layout of swipe-based dating apps. These circles will function as the base for the buttons. 

Then I added the heart icon and the “X” icon, which were both provided by the Canva app. I layered them on top of the white-ish gray circles I previously mentioned. Careful alignment ensured the symbols were centered and visually balanced. I then readjusted the spacing of the bottoms closer together so it’s easy for the actor to interact with it. 

Final outcomes :

Once I was satisfied with the proportions of the picture, I saved the design. I felt the completed layout clearly resembles a tinder-style interface, making it instantly recognizable to viewers. By constructing the picture instead of relying on a pre-made template, allowed me to be in full control of the sizing and spacing of each part. 

This is the finished product of my groups “tinder” interface.

Implementation- Storyboard completion

 Storyboard Development

For the last three scenes for my groups storyboard, I followed through with my decision to move away from stick figures and draw full human figures instead. After completing my first storyboard frame, I realized that stick figures didn’t communicate my desired body language, framing or emotions. Since this is the visual pre-production, I chose to draw more detailed characters. This allowed me to plan each scene more accurately.

Challenges :

While creating these frames, I encountered some technical challenges in translating my ideas into visuals. These mainly involved framing proportions, positioning within the shot, and keeping the consistency with the previous three storyboard panel.

While making scene 4, the goal was to clearly establish the setting while showing both characters comfortably interacting together while on their phones. The main challenge here was drawing the characters to be the perfect size while making sure they don’t look too big for the type of shot, or too big. After adjusting their general positioning I was able to fit them perfectly. But this leads to the other issue I had while making this scene. Drawing their body language to look visibly ‘relaxed’ was also a challenge. Exaggerating posture and how close they were to each other helped me solve this issue. Ensuring they weren’t awkwardly far or close in my drawing is beneficial to the creation of my film opening as I saved time. 

In scene 5, this frame focuses on a close up of actor 2 pressing the heart button on actor 3’s profile. The purpose of this shot is to isolate her and emphasize the importance of this moment in the storyline. A challenge I faced is cropping my drawing perfectly. Too much background would reduce the intensity of this hot but if it was drawn too close it would cut off important facial features. 

Lastly, scene 6 was a car scene, filmed from the front perspective. Which is contrasting with the left side camera angle from the other car scene, highlighting the different emotions in the scene and the focus of the audience. A challenge I faced here was drawing the car interior from this angle. Since I only had previous experience from drawing the side angle, as I was drawing I realized it was starting to look like the other storyboard ( angled to the left ) instead of centered.

Note : To solve this I also searched a car interior from the front perspective, and used this as a reference as I was drawing the storyboard. 

This is a picture from the internet, which I used as my reference photo

Planning - Story board

 Storyboard development

This is my next 3 scenes that I’m adding to the storyboard. These will be drawn the same as the other 3. Although my intention was to use stick figures, after drawing the first scene I realized it was very hard to understand by just looking at it. I also knew I could do way better then just drawing stick figures, so I decided I’d draw actual people and their bodies. Which will also help me get comfortable with the framing and composition. 

Number 4 - Wide shot

This shot will take place in a bedroom, consisting of actor 1 and 2 hanging out together. They’ll be sitting next to each other, talking and being on their phones. This will be filmed as a wide show to clearly show both characters in this setting. The framing will also focus on their relaxed body language, highlighting the girls bonding.

This event also helps show the audience their friendship and comfort with each other before the story progresses. 

Number 5 - Close up

This scene will be a close-up of actor 2’s face immediately after she presses the “heart” button on actor 3’s Tinder profile. The purpose of this shot is to capture her facial expression and emotional reaction. I chose a close-up because it isolates her face from the background and draws the audience attention to her expression. This shot highlights her emotions and shows the significance in the storyline.

Number 6 - Wide shot (car scene)

Lastly, this scene will take place inside the car. Similar to the scene 3, except this time it will be filmed from the front, unlike the last car scene which would be filmed from the left side. It will also be a wide shot that shows both actor 2 and actor 3 in the front seats. 

This scene will show actor 2 and 3, both aware and engaged. The wide framing will establish the setting clearly while also capturing their interaction and energy before the tone shifts. I chose to do this scene and the scene where actor 2 was passed out, to help picture how dramatic my group and I want the tone shifts to be. 

This is the picture of a car interior that I got off the internet, which I used for reference on my storyboard.

Implementation - Story board

 Storyboard 

As I began creating my storyboard, my focus was translating our written script into hand-drawn, clear, visual moments. My goal was to accurately show blocking, camera angles, framing and character positioning. This would allow anyone who is looking at our storyboard to easily understand how the scene will look. 

Challenges : 

During the making of scene 1, I framed the shot tightly to focus on actor 1’s hand holding the phone in the foreground, with actor 2’s face visible in the background. I adjusted the spacing to make sure the phone screen was angled towards actor 2 while still allowing her eyes to show, capturing her changes of expression. I also added the shot type directly next to the pictures. 

For scene 2, I positioned actor 2 sitting with her shoulder just below the camera and the phone screen off centered in the frame (as the phone is facing her). I structured the frame so the audience can clearly see the dating app layout while keeping the over-the-shoulder perspective. 

Lastly, scene 3. I created a wide frame that shows both front seats of the car. Actor 3 is positioned in the driver’s seat as the primary focal point, while actor 2 is shown passed out in the passenger seat. I used spacing within the frame to establish distance between the characters and clearly indicated the left-side camera angle. 

Note : I also labeled the shot as a wide shot to emphasize the setting and full composition. 

When creating the car shot, I had to search up the interior of a car to ensure I was making the spacing in the drawings as realistic as possible. Doing this will also help me and my group decide if the camera angle we chose for this would suit the scene best. 

This is the reference picture I used when creating the back row of the car scene

This is the reference picture I used when creating passenger seats of the car scene

Planning - Story board

Storyboard development

For our storyboard, I am going to create a visual that maps out key scenes from our script. This storyboard will consist of hand-drawn stick figure characters that are placed in each of the main settings to show, blocking, camera angles, and composition. Even though the drawings may be simple, they will show case our desired framing.

Note : Right now, I am planning out 3 scenes to add in my groups storyboard.

Number  1 - Medium close-up

The first scene I will be making will show a medium close-up of the back of actor 1's hand as she is holding a phone faced towards actor 2's face. The point of this is to show how actor 1 is pushing the idea of the guy (on the phone screen) into actor 2's face and to show actor 2's facial expression to the audience.

Number 2 - Over the shoulder

This scene will be an over-the-shoulder shot of the actor 2 sitting down on a couch, holding her phone and pressing the "like" button on the guy her friend, actor 1, suggested to her. Through the dating app layout I created. 

I chose this angle because it aligns the audience with the actor's point of view and lets viewers clearly see the phone. It also creates involvement, letting the viewers feel as if they're in the scene. 

Number 3 -  Wide shot ( car scene )

This final shot will include a left angles wide shot of the front seats in a car. In this scene actor 2 is seen passed out in the passenger seat. I chose to use a wide angle shot from the left side because actor 3 will be in the driver seat and during this time he will be the main focus. And I wanted to use a wide shot for this to establish the setting clearly as well as create physical distance, emphasizing vulnerability.  

This is a picture from the internet of long construction paper, which I plan to use

To go about this I plan to draw this on long white construction paper. This is because drawing on paper is easier for me, rather than using a drawing app online. I chose long construction paper because the last time I made a story board on regular sized printer paper, it was way too small and I had to squeeze the pictures in so they could fit. 

Planning - Dating app

 Creating a fake Tinder match screen :

For our film opening, I am going to create a Tinder- style "match" screen, using Canva rather then just using the real Tinder app. 

What I am going to do :

I plan to use Canva to design my own Tinder- styled layout. I will insert a photo of our actor and use it as the profile picture. After this, I will add the elements that resemble Tinder's structure such as..

- A heart icon ( like )

- An "X" icon ( pass )

- White background

- Name and age

To effectively go about this I am going to combine these two sample pictures I found on the internet that resemble Tinder's interface.

From this picture I am going to copy the size of the profile picture, as well as the name and age on the bottom right corner of the picture

From this picture I am going to copy the heart and x buttons which are placed under the profile picture. Doing this will help the audience clearly understand what is going on. 

Why am I doing this ? 

I'm going to design Tinder's layout so it will be instantly recognized by the audience and to quickly communicate the idea of our actors matching with each other through an online dating app. It will support our film's theme, which involves romance. 

Expectation :

By creating this layout myself, I will have full control over how it looks without having to compromise with Canva's templates and be left with something I'm not satisfied with. This should also be easy for the actors to pretend to press "like" and match with the other actor. Helping it look more realistic. 

Research - Dating Apps

 Designing a dating app Interface Using Canva :

For our film opening, I researched how we could realistically create a dating app "match" screen without using the actual Tinder platform. After talking it over with my group we decided not to use the real app due to the age restrictions and safety concerns. So I explored whether Canva offered pre-made templates that resembled a dating apps interface. 

In my research, I searched through Canva's template library using words such as :

- "Dating app

- "Mobile Interface"

- "Phone screen layout"

- "Social media"

- "App"

Result :

After searching on Canva, I was unable to find a template that matched, or was even similar to Tinder's layout. Most of the results were media posts, posters or news article layouts, but none accurately captured the recognizable layout of a dating app that I wanted. 

So I decided I'd be better off designing the interface from scratch rather then relying on a pre-made layout like I planned. 

Researching dating app layouts :

To see is this was even a good idea, I continued my research by searching up dating app layouts. From this I learned the key visual features through observation.

- Large centered profile image

- Name and age displayed near bottom of the image

- Small amount of texts

- Swipe indicators such as a green heart ( like )  and red X ( pass )

- Modern font

Why was this necessary :

This was necessary so the layout looks realistic on camera. I wanted the audience to instantly understand what was is going on in the scene. If the interface is poorly made then it will be confusing or reduce the realism. 

This research has helped me and my team determine that creating custom layout inspired by a real dating app layout will be most effective for our opening film. 

Planning - Importance of lighting

Planning :

Through my research on the importance of lighting, I learned about a technique called chiaroscuro, that is used to "make" a thriller. I found that strong contrasts between light and shadow can add depth and dimension to a two-dimensional image. Allowing the subject to pop out from the background. 

Note: This technique is often times used in horror and thriller films to create mystery, tension and unease.  

What I plan to do :

- Use a small Lego placed infront of a black background

- Experiment with different lighting angles (top, front, side)

- Create contrast between the light and shadow

Note : These are the Lego's I plan to use

This is a picture I took myself of Lego's I plan to use

Why did I chose this setup ?

I chose to use Lego's rather then a stuffed animal because it has clear edges and structure. This will make the shadow more visible. I also chose to use the black background as this will isolate the subject, helping it stand out better.

For this I also chose to use one light source because this will allow me to recreate the chiaroscuro effect, replicating what I researched. 

Using one light source should help : 

- When building tension through shadows

- Create depth in the image

- Look more dramatic

What do I expect to happen ?

When applying my research, I expect:

- The top lighting to create harsh shadows and make my subject look threatening. This should happen because the light will only lighten the top of the body, leaving dark shadows covering certain parts of the face and body.

- The front lighting to minimize the amount of shadows, and make the subject look 2D and less dramatic

- The side lighting to create the most amount of contrast, as it will only lighten half of the figure. leaving half bright and half dark. This could symbolize mystery or danger. 

Expectation :

I expect the side lighting to be most effective when creating a thriller as it emphasizes the contrast and is key to the overall genre. 

Planning - Building tension

 Planning :

Using my research on building tension, I plan to explore how shallow depth of field and selective focus can be used when building tension in thriller films. In my research, I discovered that limiting what the audience can clearly see is an effective way to create unease. rather than showing everything in sharp detail, blurring parts of the frame forces the audience to question what is happening outside of the focused subject.

What I will use :

- Use 2 Lego figures ( one in the foreground and on in the background )

- A black background to place behind the Legos 

Note : This is a scene from a movie called "The Strangers" that I plan to replicate

 A still from the movie "The Strangers"

Purpose of this setup ? 

The purpose of this framing is to create tension through uncertainty. This allows the audience to be aware of something or someone behind the main subject, but they will not be able to clearly identify it.

  Note : Because the background isn't fully hidden it allows viewers to notice the silhouette, creating suspense. 

What is my plan ? 

I'll experiment with the distance between the two Legos to control how blurred the background appears.  If I place the second Lego farther back, the blur should increase, making it even more difficult to make out what is happening. Taking the lighting into consideration will help keep the figure noticeable while also not revealing too much. 

Expectation :

I aim to demonstrate how cinematography is used as a story telling device. I expect for this to be fairly simple since I have experience with this from other films I've been apart of. I think the hardest part of doing this will be getting the lighting right. This is because the Lego will be placed infront of a black background, which tends to capture the light and not reflect it, dimming the surrounding area. Although, with the right lighting position, I can work around this. 

Research - Dating apps

In the script for our group's film opening, we incorporated the use of a dating app. So to ensure we were planning this realistically, I did some research into how dating apps function, which helped us present it accurately. 

How to use Tinder : (35) *NEW* How to Use Tinder Dating App – Full Beginner’s Guide - YouTube

*NEW* How to Use Tinder Dating App - Full Beginner's Guide

It seems the "make an account" process is fairly simple. An account can be created with an email, number or apple ID. Although I'm not sure if there is an restriction as of yet.

 In order to get others matched for our character, we have to make a profile. According to the video, it says, there needs to be a clear picture of someone for the profile picture. For this, we will most likely use a stock photo or a photo of someone of age (with their permission). For the public profile, the video says 3 to 5 pictures is best. Since we're only using the app for a few scenes, I don't think this part is necessary. Now, in order to get people recommended to our account, we must list our characters interests. We might just put something common like "dogs" and "movies" for this part. 

Lastly, the account should be finished and ready to go. From here we are now able to swipe left and right on people. 

Note: Swiping right means yes, swiping left means no. If both individuals swiped right, it's a match. But we aren't going this far with our scene. 

Research - Thriller Film openings

Example thriller film openings :  (35) film openings thriller examples - YouTube

Film openings thriller examples 

Why did I choose to watch this?

I wanted to watch an example of a thriller film opening and get ideas from different movies for our script. At first, my group and I wanted to do a comedy, but after some thinking we started leaning more towards the thriller genre. 

What stood out from the film opening? 

-Visuals and Sound

After watching the film opening, I noticed the mix of pictures and videos being used while displaying the credits. It seemed to be the setting of where the film is going to start. I like this idea because it helps the audience become familiar with where the characters will be and gives them additional context. Another thing I picked up on was the music. The music used during the credit scene felt serious and almost 'mysterious'. It gave a serious mood, already setting the tone of the film. The sudden screams and screeches help create the mood of the film as well. Because, now the audience expects a death or pain to happen.

I also liked the short shots during the credits, it gives the audience information but not enough for them to understand what exactly is happening. This allows the audience to engage in the film and builds curiosity. 

-Editing

In some parts the credits would glitch out and then reappear. I liked this a lot because it hinted there was something strange or weird happening. Something, out of the norm. This gives the audience feelings of unease and creates tension as they don't know what happened or why. Some parts of the opening are overlapped. This could be inferred as symptom's of stress, when the brain is spiraling. Lastly, the different filters being used creates an imbalance. Some parts are in, color, black and white, red and monotone/dull. Using these different filters separately can indicate feelings of their own, but back to back can cause confusion and tension.

Research Genre - Thriller

Research of what is a thriller : (35) 7 Key Elements of Thriller Stories (Writing Advice) - YouTube

7 Key Elements of Thriller Stories (Writing Advice) 

What is a thriller?

A thriller is a story where a clever hero has to foil evil. 

The word "clever" being used here is very important, as in means someone who is quick to understand, learn, and devise/apply ideas: intelligent: skilled at doing something. 

Note: There needs to be someone that can out smart the villain in a thriller.

When going about this, I learned it is important to include high stakes. Creating tension is most effective when the villain faces the loss of something major while the hero is on the verge of achieving an equally significant goal. 

Often times thrillers have seemingly impossible odds, always make the audience believe the hero will fail. Leaving them to think something terribly bad will happen will heighten tension and draw in audience engagement. This also increases suspense. 

For example :

A way I can do this is by making the villain seem like a very dangerous character. Making the villain seem unstoppable or impossible to defeat will allow more of an impact on the audience when the hero actually does defeat the villain.

Lastly, most thrillers have a "ticking clock". This means there is a deadline (or multiple) that is used to build tension by whether or not the hero will be able to complete the mission in time. 

For example : 

Some ideas for executing's this technique is "If the hero doesn't deliver a certain amount of money to a drop-off point by midnight, a family member will die" 

Research - Building tension

 Building tension : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ss-dEGn05g

Filmmaking Basics : 8 Ways to Build Tension in a Scene | PremiumBeat.com

From this video I learned 8 ways tension could be built during a scene, but I plan to focus on these 4 listed in my film opening. 

1. Background, this is when the cinematographer or director shows something in the background that the viewers can see but the subject isn’t yet aware of. This puts the audience in a position of superior knowledge. With them not being able to warn the subject it can lead to them feeling uneasy or tense.

2. Blur. By taking a shallow depth shot, it creates selective focus. Blurring the foreground and the background forces the audience to only look at part of the frame. With theses parts blurred but not covered, it leaves the viewers to notice movement or important details but not clear enough to understand what they are looking at. In a 2008’s film called “The Strangers” we can see this technique being used. 

Example from 'The Strangers"

   A still from the movie "The Strangers"

3. Sound effects/ music. Using music in thrillers is very effect. The high pitched frequencies that sound unnatural gives the audience an uneasy feeling. This is because they break the normal expectations of music. Subconsciously the audience will associate these strange sounds with danger, building fear and anxiety. Often times just the sound is enough to build tension, without visuals. 

4. Camera movement, is used to control how the audience feels. For example, with a handheld, shaky camera, it can create feelings of unease. This is because the scene isn't "smooth" or still, making that off-balanced feeling. This also builds anxiety because it closely mimics the shaky feeling tied with it. 

Research - Importance of lighting

Importance of lighting in thrillers :  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzCXVfzQ-EI

 

Chiaroscuro Lighting in Film - Balancing Cinematic Light & Darkness

Main point: This video explains how image-makers use light and shadows to create visual depth and contrast.

This is called “Chiaroscuro”

This word is translated from Italian to “chiaro” which means brightness, and “oscuro” which means darkness. The definition of chiaroscuro is, an effect of contrasted light and shadow created by lighting falling unevenly or from a particular direction of something.

Note: It is important to understand, some shots are best captured in the light or darkness. But when combining the two, it can give a third dimensional appearance to the shot. 

This video also shows examples of many famous artists demonstrating chiaroscuro in their paintings. For example, Caravaggio used this technique in many paintings. Highlighting how chiaroscuro can make a 2d image look three dimensional. This technique helps the subject pop out from the background. 

      

This is an example of one of Caravaggio’s paintings that demonstrate chiaroscuro

Example 1 of chiaroscuro in thriller movies :  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1sF-Ue3nx4

This is the interrogation scene from the movie “Prisoners” 

 I researched the lighting in thriller films and came across the movie Prisoners, a film released in 2013. I was focused on the interrogation portion of this film, as it used low lighting and deep shadows, which increases tension. The shadows in this scene, seem to dominate the frame. To add on, the lighting doesn’t feel happy or cheerful but rather intentional, also extending tension. 

Example 2 of chiaroscuro in thriller movies : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdZ_BdITJfA

This is a scene from the 2017 movie “IT”

In the movie IT, I focused on the sewer scene as it demonstrates the essence of chiaroscuro. In this scene, Pennywise is mostly hidden by the darkness of the sewer, with the exception of the bottom half of his face being lit. This contrast of light and darkness is chiaroscuro.

Note: With the lighting only on certain features like the eyes or smile it can make the subject look “unnatural”. But with enough lighting it can help draw the audience in. 

These examples clearly show how chiaroscuro is used in thrillers as they help 'form' a scene.

How it applied to my film    vb