Film Opening Research: 21

21 is a 2008 drama film from Columbia Pictures. It is directed by Robert Luketic. The film is inspired by the true story of the MIT Blackjack Team as told in Bringing Down the House, the best-selling book by Ben Mezrich.

Though not recieving too well by the box office, the stylised shooting and extreme close ups of poker chips, playing cards, and the character's eye movements and expressions could be incorporated into our film opening.

Note; 21 features BlackJack whereas we intend to use Texas Hold'em.

Textual Analysis of first 3 minutes

Camera angles/shots and editing
Production Company logo fades in and out through black
(Digitalised/CGI) Camera travels up coloured lines, zooms out in spiralling motion to CU to reveal King of Spades.
MC Ace of Spades.
Zoom in quickly.
Poker chips LS, zoomed to ECU.
Tilt up Poker chips.
High angle quick pan over table.
Frame moves upwards from left corner
CU on cards
Zooms out slowly on playing cards
CU of eyes – card reflected on glasses lens
Ace of Spade – low angle pan over surface of card
Quick circular pan of table from outside – backs of players and hints of poker table visible.
CU poker chips.
High angle, zoom out spiralling.
CU of protagonist combing hair, putting on costume.
Frame is blurred, and then concentrates on character.
CU of cards changing, (digitalised) suit and number lighting up.
(Digitalised) Low angle camera spiralling poker chips.
CU protagonist.
Free hand, tilt down to folded arms.
CU touch to the eye.
Low angle CU feet, slow motion.
Quick paced, little transitions, lots of digital effects on cards and chips, snappy editing.

(Titles)
Production Company (Columbia) name fades in from black
Slow tilts of the cityscape.
Credits fade in – white Times New Roman text, capitals. Matched relaxed scenery.
Actor’s credits on right side – framing.
Slow pace.

Sound
Beginning – varying buzzing tone of trumpet – long note
Impact of card on table – slamming sound effect – similar to sound of air in a tunnel
40 seconds in – voice over of protagonist
Relaxed, cool and jazzy beat begins (low based guitar and drumming) – suits cool nature of game.
Background music – guitar becomes higher pitched.

Diegetic
Sound of card shuffling out card rack.
Sound of cards flicking.
Men’s feet stomping – resounding sound.

Non-diegetic
Voiceover.
Music.
Background sounds – people laughing, moving in chair, chips being moved when it’s not shown on screen.

(Titles)
Right after protagonist is seen with a panicked expression, first line of music is “I’m feeling rough, I’m feeling wrong in the prime of my life.” – Continuity in some sense.
Carefree, young, happy tune to start the movie – matches scene of person riding bike – “We’ve got the vision, now let’s have some fun.”
Lyrics also match the theme of Poker and the game – “We’re fated to pretend”

Mise-en-scene
Props: Playing cards, Poker chips, Poker table, Cards rack, Watch, Drink.
Costume: Fake moustache, Wig, glasses.
Set: Casino!?

Note: (Will take screenshots of more poker films to analyse!)

Prelim Final Product

TA DA!!~~

"Catch Them All" Draft Script

Written by - Jemma Rowlston

AGENT 1: Jemma Rowlston
AGENT 2: Sonia Wan
THE BOSS: Jack Blinman
THE VICTIM: Jack Blinman
*** SECRETARY: JODIE GLASSENBURY


TITLE SCREEN

(THE VICTIM feet are seen running down a road. Tracking shot.)

CREDIT SCREEN

(THE VICTIM is still running. Shot tilts upward from his feet.)

Scene 1

The Corridor

AGENT 1 and AGENT 2 are walking down a corridor. Other employees are busying themselves with papers, answering phones and tapping on computers. AGENT 1 is worried about seeing THE BOSS as this is her first job. AGENT 2 is more confident as she is more experienced.

AGENT 2
I’m nervous.

AGENT 1
Don’t be.

AGENT 2 gives AGENT 1 a doubtful look.

(THE VICTIM is seen vaulting a fence and carries on running.)

AGENT 1 decides to reassure AGENT 2

AGENT 1
We know everything went down the way it had to. Nothing will happen to us.

AGENT 2
But…but. The other guys…. They were telling me stuff.

AGENT 1 looks at AGENT 2 confused.

AGENT 1
Stuff?

AGENT 2
Y’know…stuff. Like what he does to people if they don’t get a job done. Y’know…the beheading… the disappearing… the electrocuting in a dark room surrounded by robot rats!!!

AGENT 1
The Henry the Eighth style execution?

AGENT 1 laughs quietly to herself. AGENT 2 stops with big eyes; believing AGENT 1.

(Point of view shot of VICTIM running.)

AGENT 2
Henry the Eighth?

AGENT 1 walks into an over the shoulder shot (ready for shot reverse shot), smiling evilly to herself. She nods at AGENT 2, teasing her. AGENT 1 talks jokingly with a smile.

AGENT 1
Yeah! The gutting, the eating your insides, the burning. The whole shebang!

AGENT 2 looks terrified. She gulps.

AGENT 2
Really? Does he really do that to you?

AGENT 1’s smile disappears to s serious face; an incident coming to mind.

AGENT 1
There was that one guy… But nothing to worry your pretty little head about. Come on.

AGENT 1 walks off. AGENT 2 is hesitant but follows, less enthused than before.

Scene 2

THE BOSS’s Office

They walk to THE BOSS’ door and push down the handle. As the handle reaches its optimum point, there is the sound of a gun being fired.
AGENT 1 and AGENT 2 walk into THE BOSS’ office. All is silent. AGENT 1 and AGENT 2 sit down at THE BOSS’ desk opposite him. AGENT 2 looks a mixture of terrified and confused/shocked. Throughout this scene THE BOSS is off camera until the reveal at the end.

THE BOSS
Is it done?

AGENT 1
Yes, Sir, it’s done. A clean job; Done and Dusted.

THE BOSS
Good.

There is silence. AGENT 1 turns to look at AGENT 2 as if THE BOSS has implied a question of AGENT 2s expression. AGENT 2 looks at AGENT 1. AGENT 2 and AGENT 1 look at THE BOSS.

REVEAL.

END- CREDITS

***

AGENT 1 and AGENT 2 walk out of the boss’ office. A SECRETARY walks up to them holding a folder.

SECRETARY
Agents, you’re next target.

SECRETARY hands the folder to AGENT 2 who opens it. AGENT 1 reads over AGENT 2s shoulder.

AGENT 1
Gareth Alverez.

AGENT 1 and AGENT 2 look up into the camera with a straight look.

END.

Prelim Evaluation: 6) What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

The process of constructing this product consisted of various steps that are essential: planning, production, post-production, and getting used to what is expected of a high standard prelim and reaching these targets.

Firstly, planning seemed to be simple. But then I learnt that every step, every thing you are going to do must be though out otherwise there would be consequences during the production. Questions like when, where, what, and how were looked over with every idea that came in mind. Overall the planning done in my first proper production was of good standard as we had a script, story board, locations list, shot list, and much more (refer to project form). Nevertheless, planning still needed improvements as there were continuity and 180-degree rule mistakes.

The process of production also had a lot of though put into it. Despite the planning of locations and shots, when on set there were still aspects that had to be thought through when combining the two. Scenes that included a lot of movement were difficult because the equipment was not the best. For example, tracking a fast-moving object/subject seemed easy on paper. But on set it became evident that with a skate board, the framing would move up and down often and the sound of the wheels powered over the sound of footsteps that were needed. Running along side the subject posed even more difficulty as we found out it was hard to watch the camera framing and running in pace with the subject.
Further mistakes or difficulty included understanding of the 180-degree rule, passer-bys constantly interrupting filming, organisation with booking locations and props (Inman’s office and pin boards), and the unsuspected extra tripping over the tripod – several times. Therefore, for future references ‘do not cross this line’ tape barriers will be bought and booking locations will be done weeks before and if the order is ignored we will chase the order till people will get tired of seeing us.

A skill that has been improved is using a camera. Familiar with the family’s digital camera, I was surprised when I was unsure of how to use the camera’s allocated. However after getting used to the camera’s functions it was easy to film. One particular thing I learnt was to always wear the safety band cameras have to secure it to your hand; especially filming while squatting on a fast moving skateboard. Safety is always first, with actors and equipment.

During post production, I learnt that editing is hard work and surprisingly takes up a lot of time. In essence iMovie was easy to comprehend after some time, and the ‘help’ section was sufficient. However there were many unexpected problems that occurred during the editing that delayed the original editing time planned.
Due to our group using both digital recorder and tape recorder to film footage, it took double the time to upload and import the clips. Victim shots were saved onto a DVD, so there were three pieces of equipment used to upload, and then to import all the clips onto one project. It was necessary but took far too much of precious editing time.
The most time-wasting problem that happened during editing was the sudden loss of sound when the first few seconds of a clip were cut. There was no logical reason for this and no resolution other than to upload the footage again onto a different folder on the system to avoid uploading again.
Most enjoyable part of editing for me is choosing the right soundtrack and sound effects that give the clips a dynamic and professional feel. Searching iMovie and the internet for sound effects and trying them out was fun. From doing this I learnt how to overlap sounds with scenes (sound bridge) for continuity as well as missing them with transitions so that a scene flows nicely.Post production is a very long process but the end result gives a feeling of pride and satisfaction that the work was done to the best possible.

If there were less problems encountered and more time, I would have liked to change the following:

• Correct 180-degree rule mistake
• Add gun shot sound or dead victim shot for more continuity and give film more logic
• Include our hilarious blooper shots
• Add after credits scene that was planned, however it was never used and the prop made was wasted. It would feature a roughly 5 second shot wherethe two agents are approached by the boss's secretary and are handed a wanted poster of their next target - the man picture dis a teacher holding an enlarged yellow-sticker filled in and signed by the boss Pikachu.

In conclusion I feel that the outcome of the prelim was what I expected and a lot was learned from the mistakes made.

Prelim Evaluation: 5) How did you attract/address your audience?

We attracted an easily curious audience by using suspenseful music with quick cut shots where the character’s face and situation is not entirely clear but only implied. The steady beat that drags and has a sequenced bass drum at the beginning, equipped with black and white shots where the victim is not revealed evokes curiosity and the want to know more. Implied information makes the audience what to know more about the film, whether they like it or not. The way the shots are cut reflects how the film is a variety and that you can always expect a surprise.

Working with the black and white colour scheme portrays the serious attitude and nature of the assassins and they’re job, in affect attracting a sophisticated and work-orientated audience. The title screen has a black background with white titles, which then fades into black and into the next scene. This fade is gradual, prolonging the wait and starting the film in a slick way – mirroring the professional theme of a sophisticated audience. The black and white victim scenes compliments with the assassin’s costume, wherein a link between the three characters could be inferred. The serious beginning part of the prelim, although showing different characters in different situations, is brought together by this colour scheme. The genre changes to something more light-hearted as bright colour is brought in with the Pikachu mask as red and yellow are very primary colours, therefore bringing in the primary school children audience into the target market range.

To attract the prelim’s specific target audience, (teenagers from 13-16) the casting ensured that the actors were teenagers too (also due to the fact that we could only find people of our age). As the main characters were assassins and a notorious Boss, casting teenagers for the role would create a sense of escapism and hope that teens could also have surreal adventures such as working as an assassin. It creates an idealistic fantasy world and allows teenage viewers to imagine themselves in action-packed missions such as those portrayed in the prelim, or to aspire to have the cool, independent characteristics that the assassins have. On the other hand, this fantasy-like theme could also come as a humour to teens and attract this audience because of the atrocity of the idea it could be a joke therefore enjoyable to watch.

The credits music is very happy and up-beat, reflecting to the possible laid back and highly-humorous audience. Those who want to try something different with an interesting twist may be lured to the film.

The name itself of “Catch Them All” will be an obvious Pokemon reference to anime fans, and the general teenagers of our generation as the slogan is legendary and widely known. However the link between the title and the Boss will not be patent till the very end. Therefore the title itself can arose curiosity. At the scene where the boss is revealed, the editing is quick paced and un-even, reflecting the surprised reaction the audience will have.

Current audiences of the film are people who enjoy watching films in general, and that is fellow Media Students. Family and friends have also seen the prelim and most feedback has been positive. However there have been comments indicating the problem with continuity as it is not completely clear who the victim was and it was not confirmed that the two agents are assassins as it does not directly say so. Therefore for future reference, to make the film more understandable the target audience, a non-diegetic sound or sound effect such as a gun shot could be synchronised over to give more implication that the victim was the agent’s target. An alternative way of expressing this would be a close up shot of the victim being shot down, but with complete silence rather than diegetic sound for suspense.

Prelim Evaluation: 4) Who would be the audience for your media product?

Gender: Unisex

Age range: Teenagers or older. 13- 16+

Interests: Action films, bounty hunter/assassination films or theme, mystery, witty humour, clever script, anime/manga, cartoons.
The character/spirit of the audience would be a wide range. It would appeal to those who are at the older scale of the age range, such as parents who enjoy watching funny, action films suitable for their children. The spirit of these people would be very family oriented in that they like films that have the kind of ‘Disney magic’ type of feel.
It could also appeal to Teenagers, who can watch films that have some explicitly in terms of language, gore, and plotline, but also enjoy the carefree and humorous side of the prelim. These teens will have a passion for an interesting plot with twists but also enjoy the conventions of a typical film with the themes of assassins.
There is always the potential that those who do not have the interests from above like our film as it caters for many types of audiences.

Prelim Evaluation: 3) What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?

Realistically my prelim would be distributed by examiners as prelim examples. It could also be viewed by the school on the school’s talmos/sharepoint website, on the Media and Photography section.
As a group, we are planning to create our own youtube channel therefore the prelim could feature on that with our future works. As the genre includes comedy and features Pikachu from Pokemon in a different and almost parody-like way, it can class as a spoof. With the examples given so far, there would no charge to see our film. It could also be used at fundraisers for charity, and the price to see it will either be a donation or £1 minimum as it is only a 2 minute video.

Nevertheless, if our prelim were to make into the film industry, or rather the idea of it, companies that may distribute it would be; An animation studio - such as Dreamworks or the Japanese Ghibli productions who often work with Hayao Miyazaki (award-winning Japanese director/animator/producer).