History of Genre

 Detective and mystery films originally stemmed from the general crime film genre. Initially detective and mystery were in the form of literature, from the famous British ‘Sherlock Holmes’ novels to Raymond Chandler’s famous ‘Marlow’ series. The first films to be released in this genre were short silent films it is stated that the first recorded detective film was “Sherlock Holmes Baffled” the famous British detective who is still portrayed today. 


As film developed so did the genre, and in the 1930’s known as the ‘Classic period’ this unleashed a how knew development in how film was captured. Creating the British gentlemen who unravels the mystery step by step, this has been deeded so popular the idea has been made in to, books, games and of course films. “The 1930s was the era of the elegant gentleman-detective who solved drawing-room whodunit murders using his wits rather than his fists”- wiki, this is stereotypically related to the genre and I'd like to take and develop this idea. 

Ever changing the genre develops with the new advancements allowing new possibility fore the medium. The ‘Prestige’ is a modern Detective Mystery film; it shows a clear example in how new effects can transform a film. Although the film was released in 2006 it still keeps to the ‘Victorian era’ when mystery and puzzles first became popular in an age where anything seemed possible. The film opens out with introductory charters then with in the first 5 minutes a horrific death occurs, with unclear causes adding to suspense and the longing to know how it happened.  I plan to use this in my own production, as I believe it is an effective technique. Looking at both modern and old takes of the genre I would like to bring the two as done in ‘The prestige’. I would like to make my film as it stick to the classic elements of Detective Mystery but also takes advantage of the technology we have to day.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_film#Period_piece_films
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0482571/





Institutions

An independent film is normally a low budget film, produced with a small crew who normally do more than one job such as the producer my also act as the director. The pay will be small, if any, such as London to Brighton the actors and cast, were not paid because of budget meaning first time actors would have to play the part rather than Hollywood actors like brad pit. However it still gives them good publicity and experience by doing it. Sometimes actors will take shares rather than direct pay. An independent relay on the internet to advertise as producing TV adds or billboards would be way over budget and internet is a good way to advertise at small price (YouTube). Another way they would get good advertising is reviews thus the quality must be high standard to get noticed, proving large budget does not mean good film as The Kings Speech a small budget of £8 million came out with an outcome of £250 million. Independent films are not normally released to the main cinema lines such as Odeon or VUE, but in Art house or independent cinemas, for instance the little theatre in Bath. It is harder for independent film to be shown on TV, as broadcasters tend to show their own financed productions or choose a film which would be more ‘main stream’ as it would increase viewings.

The comparison between an independent film release and a major conglomerate is a major conglomerate has the power and money to make a much larger scale film. As conglomerates normally have links in more than one county it is easier to get a worldwide awareness of a film release, through all sorts of mediums aka: radio, TV, billboards, Premieres, adverts and more. The actors have massive wage bills for instance Johnny deep earned $10 million plus %10 of the gross profits for the pirates of the Caribbean film showing much contrast to independent films. Conglomerate films have the funding to employ the specialist technicians working in teams and who are highly skilled and trained in their area meaning special effects and camera quality is extremely high standard. Showing of conglomerate films come in high demand and major showcase complexes show them as they are high money earners. Conglomerates are able to broadcast there productions on TV as many own their own stations such as Fox, Sky or Disney.

A Detective Mystery could land into either of these institutions; however the process in doing so would be considerably different. If the film were to be made under a conglomerate there would be a large team available for each sector such as, cameramen costume and sound. There would be less creativity involved and a director would have to follow strict instructions in keeping to the script and the storyboard. As the main result of the film is in the intention of making a large profit, an example of a recent conglomerate film within this genre would be ‘Sherlock Holmes’. A Warner Bros, production which has grossed a total of $209,028,679. In comparison an Independent film company ‘Heartwoods films’ produced their own version of the British detective, ‘Sherlock’. This was only realised in the UK considerably limiting the audience and focuses on story lines and acting compared to the vast resources Warner bros, enabling them to vastly develop the film visually. Also making the film aware to audiences though advertising as they have the money to do so un like independents.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0988045/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1475582/

                                                                    

Media Research

Idea one: Butterfly Manor.

For my first idea would be the introduction to a detective mystery style of film.
Aimed to be no longer then 120 seconds long, working with the brief.

The main body of the piece would be an eccentric
Billionaire, who has just inherited a large sum of money. However in his jubilation he is murdered, by poison. How ever the murderer is unknown leaving three likely suspects for the audience to suspect.

I would like the millionaire would to be lordishly sitting out side his family estate, in which he just inherited. Ideally he would be sitting in a leather bound winged chair, adding to the conventions of his wealth and self centred nature. Beside his chair I would place a small side table, with a cigar and whisky’s placed, highlighting his lifestyle. Correlating with the other conventions of wealth, he shall be dressed in suit.

I have two ideas for where the location could be. First of which is Marston house (a near by county estate), I know a member of staff who works at the location and could assist in acquiring it for me. The second Is Orchairdleigh house (another privately owned estate) this is local and would be easily assessable Frome where I live, however I would need to acquire permission, which may cost in doing so.

There would be four characters with in the piece, theses would be:

The Billionaire- He would be a portly man, shown to have had a life of luxury and comfort. I would like him to be some acting experience would be preferred; I have a few ideas who this could be.

The Butler- The Butler would be a clean-cut man, either wearing a tailcoat or waist coated, portraying a stereotypical butler. However he will show signs of fatigue and stress.

The Maid- I would like the maid to look, ‘dolled up’ and wearing a tightly dressed uniform. On demand of the Billionaire, I want to give the impression she was haired for looks rather then professional qualification.  

The Body Guard- The bodyguard would be a well-built man, with stern facial expressions, showing menace and a threatening posture.  He to will be suited but it will be well worn and ‘tatty’.

I would like to use a total of four characters in the cast; this would allow me to use varied angles showing their position and status with in the piece. For example I would be able to show the Billionaire as arrogant and powerful though a mixture of low angled shots.  In contrast I could show the belittled butler through the basic high angle. 

Idea two

Genre: Drama

My second idea is set on the coasts of Cornwall at the break of down; a solitary surfer is walking down the beach towards the surf. The sunrise would be rising over the land behind him lighting the shot. I would want the mood to be natural and peaceful to watch.

The surfer would be a young male adult and holding his surfboard. When he enters the water there would be many points of view shots highlighting his skill.

There would be a voice over saying how the character had always been a surfer and how the ocean was his natural home. However he later goes on to say this was the day his life changed. The end of the two minutes would be the beginnings of what looks like a horrific accident.

Pros:

• I would be able to take a range of shot types along with editorial skill I could make the into flow nicely.

• The location and props would show good detail to mis-en-scene.

• I would be the only one acting and doing the voice over, as well as this I own the props. Meaning I would only need to relay on my self and a camera, plus a competent cameraman.

Cons:

• The location is a long way away and it would be hard to get there, with all equipment and crew.

• It would heavily depend on the weather, if per chance it rained whilst I were there or there weren’t any waves the trip would be pointless.

• It would as be at a high cost, as I would need to find accommodation for my self and a cameraman as well as transportation.

I have decided to go with my first idea as practically It would be achievable and at minimal cost. Yet I would still be able to hit the right criteria to achieve the highest grade.

Video

Contextual Research

No matter what genre a film is, it will always be produced to fit a certain criteria, using moving image forms and conventions to hit the target audience and in the interest of their producers.  The titles are still the first thing to be shown during a film, this is to allow the viewer to see how produced the film. This technique works effectively as blockbuster conglomerates are household names; such as Fox, Pixar, New line Cinemas, Paramount Pictures and Warner bros. Also shown during modern day film, would generally be the main cast, director and the films title. This is done because it makes a name for the actors to make a name for them self’s, or if they are already famous it encourages the audience on the quality of film. Such as if Tom hanks is featured in a film it is likely to pull crowds, as he is a well-known popular actor. However older films used to show the main amounts of credits at the beginning of the film, including cameramen, soundmen and minor cast actors. The reason for this was because it allowed audiences to settle as; adverts were not around in that period thus the film would start.

Other conventions, which all genres of films normally apply, is establishing shots, this gives the viewer the time period, or location. Also helping to establish what genre it may be such as the modern adaptation of ‘Star trek’, which straight away sets out to be an action packed Si-Fi.. Other then establishing shots, are typically star shots giving the audience a clear idea on who will play the lead role, for example If a famous actor such as Tom Hanks in ‘Saving private Ryan’ there is a clear low angle as it holds on him for a lengthy period of time. Music is also key in the opening to films as a fast pace opening could imply action, or for example sound motifs used straight away to establish a character for example the famous jaws piece, or the titles to ‘James Bond’ sequence.  The Mise -en- scene in Films important because as a person may have an item, which is important for the rest of the Film, the same principle is for locations, for instance ‘The Lord of the Rings- The fellowship of the ring’ makes a clear reference to its importance and what the rest of the film will evolve around. The lighting with in the opening of film each hold different conventions, for example green refers to, fear and a sinister atmosphere typically used in horrors such as the ‘Saw’ series. Another colour used to create atmospheres or emotions is the red, which has multiple meanings, as love is referred to the colour red, mise en scene can be correlated with colours and lighting, as the prop of a red rose shows strong loving emotion, as in ‘Beauty and the beast’. Red can also show blood and dominants, even used in Nazi propaganda showing power and highly used to represent death.

Analysing a specific film in detail I can see many of these conventions have been used to create effect. Edward Zwicks Blood Diamond an adventure thriller, typically the very first thing you see is the production company ‘Warner Bros. Pictures’. The beginning is extremely informative as it straightaway informs the viewer what time period (1999) and where it is located in the world (Sierra Leone). It are brief titles describing the country’s condition and welfare, if I viewer was unaware of the film they would be able to make an educated guess on what contents may include within the film, The music is fast paced African music, consisting of drums showing powerful and tempo is steadily increasing, giving the suspense and thinking something will happen. The First character shown is the Solomon Vandy he is opened out with what I known as a star shot, the camera is held on him for a long period of time, with a low angle. The lighting is very minimal as he only has a match to light his room the light gives a golden glow on his face, the convention for the Colour gold is wealth purity and honour, as he is living in a shack he is clearly not wealthy but the next shot is one of his son and the rest of his family showing his family is his wealth. The next few shots consists of establishing shots, all of which have the same colouring of deep gold, showing the pureness of the land and riches it holds. You can tell that the film will be an Adventure thriller as the beginning the titles said how much death and poverty is in in Sierra Leone, as well as the political unrest, and rebels taking the land by force.

Another film of with similar genera type is the Coen Brothers ‘No Country for Old Men’ as predicted the first things shown are Paramount pictures and Miramax films once this was shown the film’s title was shown (No Country for Old Men). Correlating with ‘Blood Diamond’ as the production company want to show the audience it’s their artefact being viewed. There is no music of any sort played during the beginning, and the only sound is the voice over and the subtle sound of wind. The voice has a strong Texan accent; this informs the reader of where in the world the film is located (Texas) also he uses typical American dialect such as; Sheriff. Highlighting this point is that there are multiple establishing shots showing waste land Texas, by doing this the audience is aware of where in the world the film is without any physical land mark or prompt. The establishing shots are slow paced allowing the viewer to take in the surroundings showing how vast and baron the land is with no obvious life shown any ware, giving the viewer a sense of unease. The sound of the wind also adds to the feel of unease as nothing has been shown to be comforting but rough and wasted. The viewer is then given the subtle conventions of how the film will pan out. The dialogue heard is of the Texan sheriff talking of crime at its ugliest. For example a14 year old girl’s murderer being sent to the electric chair and how he is going to hell, this subtly prepares the viewer for the events that unfold. As later shown when not three minutes into the film a police officer was brutally murdered. The murders face was not shown until he had the police officer on the floor while strangling him, introducing what seems to be the villain of the story.