Thriller Film Focus Group

 FOCUS GROUP PART 1

FOCUS GROUP PART 2

Summaries of Responses from Survey

Summaries of Responses from Survey

1) Which thriller films do you like?

Most of the films the responders answered with, the thriller films belonged to action, supernatural, and psychological genres. Examples of films suggested were The Hunger Games, American Psycho, and The Mist. With this feedback, we can see that our thriller film is going to be quite different in terms of the amount of action/psychological elements; whereas supernatural plays a main role with the film idea.

2) what type of thriller films do you like?

3) Why do you like that genre?

4) What do you think of the idea of a Turkish supernatural-comedy thriller?

5) What culture would be the funniest in a thriller film?

6) Have you ever watched Turkish films/series, if so which ones and why did you enjoy them ?

7) Do you think a supernatural, Turkish comedy is suitable for the age range of 15+ when it involves black magic?

The majority of the audience agreed that it should be suitable for people over the age of 15; only one person had a different opinion. This suggests that it is appropriate for a thriller film and does not overplay the horror genre (despite the presence of a significant supernatural component), as thrillers are frequently mistaken for horror when they are actually subgenres of other genres.

8) Which following settings do you think is the most appropriate for our thriller film?

9) Do you think the three Turkish girls should end up the protagonist or antagonist? (heroic or evil)

The responses shown were quite surprising; with 10 people suggesting the girls be evil for their role, while 7 chose for a heroic role, and 3 being both. This makes it quite interesting yet optimistic for us to keep the original plan of keeping the three main characters as heroic; even though evil was chosen the most. This is because heroism was still quite popular.

10) Do you think our idea will be successful and why? 

The answers shown on the survey clearly connotes that the film will most likely become successful; with 15 people saying yes as the idea is interesting, and unique, and has potential. Only 1 person has said no as they have said the idea is bad; whereas 4 people have said maybe; with their reasoning being depending on how well the film is executed with such an idea like this. This clearly shows that our thriller film is capable of being intriguing enough to watch with just the details on the storyline and this survey.

Thriller Discussion videos

 Meri, Fajar & Raima Initial Ideas video

Meri, Fajar & Raima SWOT Analysis

Response to the Client Brief

 Explanations of Demographics:

What information do you have about your audience?

The audience is aimed at 16-24 year olds; which in the UK, would have the film rated 15. However in the US, the rating would be PG-13. In the thriller there will be blood included in certain scenes; mild swearing to bring more emphasis on emotions; and humour to make the audience feel amused. These specific choices will be included as the target audience find violent humour and scenes appealing for a thriller film.

What are the advantages and disadvantages in making your thriller for this audience?

The editing software along with the cameras provided, we are able to edit lighting in scenes to fit the appropriate mood; such as filming in the daytime then having to edit the scene to be more cinematic and dark. There will also be fake blood used in order to have a similar effect to real blood, effectively making the audience curious yet disturbed. The ability to get the audience to understand what`s going on visually will allow the audience to connect the dots themselves - which may be a struggle with. On the contrary, editing needs to be accurate and realistic to make the film be the best quality. If the scenes do not flow visibly, you can tell as an audience that it is unrealistic, thus giving the urge to not continue watching as its not appealing at all.

Conventions:

What are the Thriller conventions you will have to include in your work?

The enigma will be who was involved in the black magic activity and will the protagonists successfully banish and cleanse of the black magic. The suspense is built with creepy visuals and only one protagonist sees visions that trip them all out.

Each convention will include trippy visions, key scenes, the enigma that builds within all the suspenseful scenes and unsettling visuals leading up towards the investigation of the protagonists.

Industry Requirements:

What institution is your Thriller being produced for?

The institution our thriller is being produced for is Blumhouse Productions and 21st Century Fox. Blumhouse Productions is well-known for its iconic horror films such as Happy Death Day, and Get out. 21st Century Fox is also a very famous institution known for its various, popular films. With this combination, we are certainly able to produce an incredible thriller film. 

Considering your target audience, what regulatory issues must you consider in the UK?

With our target audience being 16-24, the regulatory issues considered will be ASA, OFCOM, BBFC in the UK.

What institutional information must your text include?

The information our text must include will be age rating; as there is a specific target age range for the audience and film. We must make sure the customers are of that age range. If they happen to be below, they must be accompanied by an adult.

Medium:

What medium are you working in?

The medium we are working in is the film industry. We are producing a two minute opening sequence to our thriller film. The genre our film fits into best would be a comedy/supernatural thriller.

SWOT Analysis

 

Initial Idea Mindmap

 

Opening Sequences

THRILLER OPENING SEQUENCES

TRAINSPOTTING INTRO:

Why is the protagonist so careless?

How did he get into the chase situation in the beginning and why?

What problems will the protagonist face?

The point of having a film opening sequence is to create a captivating entrance to the film, as to attract the audience to continue watching while introducing the characters, and narrative. 

Conventions of Opening Sequences:

Introducing Themes/Ideology - With the use of introducing themes; the audience gets a hint of a vision of the symbolism of the film. It also helps with introducing the narrative.

Introducing Characters - When introducing characters in an opening sequence, it is significant for the audience to know what the roles are in the film (protagonist, villain, helper, etc).

Introducing Narrative - Introducing the narrative is the whole point of an opening sequence. It`s what introduces the film and informs the audience what is to be expected.

Engaging Music - One of the most significant conventions of an opening sequence is engaging music. It`s what helps emphasise each scene; from tense plucked strings to a dramatic orchestra, the audience will become tense each second from the build up of the music.

Non-Linear Start - By using a non-linear start for an opening sequence, the audience watch the scenes without proper context of what is really happening before the first proper scenes begin. This helps attract the audience to wonder how the characters have gotten into the situation shown.

RESERVOIR DOGS

One by one, the main characters are introduced to the audience with the use of mainly editing while they walk slow-motion. Especially by being dressed formally in suits, we can only assume from this scene that they are quite an established group. However, that idea could be defied as the ending scene consists of one of the characters being horribly injured; while the other man tries to find help; quickly bringing curiosity and suspense for the audience.

The opening sequence helps foreshadow the narrative as we are able to get a glimpse of the sudden problems the group of suited men may face later on. With the theme of violence shortly shown, an enigma is clearly created.

SE7EN

There isn`t much of exposure for the narrative. There were names of the cast and directors/producers shown, until after was an abstract montage focusing on the hands of someone sewing fabric, writing in a book and shaving their dead skin. 

We are immediately told here that the film won`t be as literate as others, with the lack of typical telling of the narrative or characters; effectively bringing tension. This opening sequence ultimately creates an enigma from the eerie montage.