We have decided to use Essex Road train station as our second location. It fits with our theme, and the low lighting would provide an ideal atmosphere
However, there are a few issues:
It's a busy station, so we would have to go at a quiet time
We wouldn't be able to use a tripod, only a fig rig
It would still be worth going and getting a few shots (we only want 2 shots in the final) as long as we had carefully planned what we wanted. Due to the issues, we need to have a backup plan.
Found through website somewhereto.com, The Bussey Building Warehouse Space is a perfect fit for our thriller film opening sequence. I have gotten in contact with them through email and the online booking system, and hope to hear back soon. In the meantime, I am looking for a back up option in case of issues with this one.
I think this thriller title sequence uses a wide variety of sound well, for example:
The ominous background music creating suspense
The sound of the camera shutter, fitting in with the main theme and also adding a sense of mystery - the audience wonders why the man is photographing them
the digetic sound of the car rolling up and the door slamming - it helps suspend disbelief
The added sound effects of birds which helps to establish the natural location
What was not so good was:
The speech from the radio was mostly unclear so although this added to the atmosphere it was harder to understand what was going on. Also sometimes the audio from the radio did not match up with the actors speaking
My least favourite
What I thought went well includes:
The background music which really helped to set the suspenseful tone
The added in sound effects of the birds which helped to establish the location and added to the atmosphere
The kettle boiling
The noises made by the actor, including the heavy breathing even when she was not in shot - it helped to suspend disbelief and set the scene
What did not go as well:
The splattering sound from the knocked over cup did not match up with the video
There was not as much variety with sound, so it was not as interesting nor attention grabbing
As we have just finished our final sequence, I am now able to appreciate the difficulties of editing sound. With that in mind, I am now going to analyse the use of sound in a previous student's work, using "EMBERS" as the example.
Opening moments:
The titles crackle, loudly. This is jarring, startling the audience, which sets a precedent for the rest of the sequence and the tone of the whole film.
Introduction of the character:
Loud droning in the background juxtaposed by unrealistically loud weeping and breathing from the lead character creates a sense of claustrophobia and distress. It's immediately clear to the audience that something has happened and it has placed the character into a situation of fear and confusion, as well as shock. He's unable to think clearly.
Running through the forest:
Adding very quiet sound effects of the enivornment (twigs snapping, brushing past leaves, etc.) only adds to the above atmosphere - the character is in an environment but seems oddly disconnected from it in his mind.
The fight:
The boy who is attacking the main character is shouting at the top of his voice, yet the audience (who is viewing the moment subjectively through the eyes of the main character) doesn't hear it like that. Instead the shouts are muffled, and echoing in the background, suggesting that our main character is unfocussed, shocked, struggling to think.
