Analysis of film reviews - Research -

Before I write a review for My Brother Leon, I need to know how they are written and any codes and conventions I need to follow. I have looked at 3 different articles on 3 different films to compare and contrast them. I will need to choose which layout to use for my own article.

Firstly, as Kidulthood has the same theme of gang crime I looked at reviews for this film;

This Kidulthood article was placed on the Music Omh website which houses the latest reviews on music, film and theatre. The audience of the article is for people interested in film. It was very descriptive, using such phrases as;
- “Brazen young individuals”

- “Fear driven”
- “Blunt and often harsh”
- “Ruthless bullying”
- “Stunning cast”
The language isn't very typical for people in the film industry as not many film ideologies were used. The review also brang out the good qualities of the film and didn't really have a biased opinion. I also liked the phrase; “woven so seamlessly” as it summed the film up in being not all together which is exactly what it was trying to represent.
The structure of the review was;
- the first paragraph introduces the news around the film. Knife crime is a big issue in the UK, which they pointed out.
- the following paragraphs are the synopsis of the film, including sections about the cast and their characters.

- It then compares in to another film; Trainspotting.

- The author then makes a point to say that the film "works" as it is made by Londoners who have dealed with the experiences in the film first hand.

- It then goes on to distinguish the themes and morals.

- Which ends the article about the director, stating elements which made the film successful.

Johnny Mad Dog

This review of Johnny Mad Dog by Trevor Johnston is from the Sight and Sound website. I decided to look at sight and sound as the site and magazine are aimed at people either interested in film or a part of the film industry so the people reading the articles would be interested in seeing new material.

The review states you can choose to view Africa as a “dark continent” or as a normal place with normal people, putting the continent into a new different light/view. The author believes that the film is allowing us to look at poverty without engaging it. Although it does state that there are always films made in this genre.

The structure of the film is that he speaks about the filmmaker, subject of film, characters, comments on treatment and techniques filmmaker has used. Throughtout the review it includes the story.
It mentions about setting and the impact of it, the context of the film and the sound and states that there is no happy ending.

New Moon
I then went onto look into a review in a newspaper. I used New Mood from The Guardian for this as it is a big leading newspaper England.

It was placed in the Friday paper which is a night for going to the cinema. Although it was a bad review as The Guardian doesn't have the same target age group as New Moon does. The review used a very sarcatsic tone and is biased.

The review introduces the film before the review starts and again tells the story throughout. It also talks about the characters and actors.
The language used is aimed at middle class readers, as that is who reads The Guardian.

Film reviews codes and conventions
There are no set codes and conventions for film articles but these are some I've found to be similar in the film reviews that I have looked at;
- Strong opening and ending line.
- Powerful adjectives.
- Sentences to describe.
- Description/synopsis of film.

I then decided to compare and contrast two of the reviews I looked at.

The New Moon article from The Guardian and Johnny Mad Dog from Sight and Sound have two very different audiences. The New Moon article was placed in The Guardian to target middle class culture vultures on a Friday. Not many of these aged people would be interested in a teen movie such as New Moon so it is perfectly placed in The Guardian as a “gimmicky” and “worn” film. On the other hand, Johnny Mad Dog, is aimed at film enthusiasts who like researching about up and coming films. The review focuses more on the technical issues of the film than the New Moon article does. People who read publications such as Sight and Sound and Empire are more interested in the way a film is made rather than the actual storyline.

The two articles use very different language. New Mood review has a very sarcastic tone to it. It is a very one-sided article that picks out all of the negative points of the film and exaggerates them. It lacks the technical side of the film and just informally comments on the characters and storyline. He states rhings such as “campest hair extensions” and “real macho gym bunny” which is simple yet effective language. However, the Johnny Mad Dog review uses more informative words and leaves you to decide whether to like the film or not. It describes the film from a technical point of view rather than just his personal opinions. The article uses such quotes as “morally repugnant” and “implicatory manner” to describe the treatment and context of the film.

The structure also differs between the two articles. New Moon’s article starts off with a long introduction which states and tells the story about the whole new Twilight Saga. The author then goes onto introduce the characters and storyline. The next paragraph goes into detail about one character and makes a sarcastic remark about his body. It ends with a round-up of the film and a little about the actors. The structure is very simple and shows a picture of an innocent girl stuck in a forest looking at something. The author of the article obviously does not like Twilight and is not afraid to make readers feel the same. The picture makes sure that people are on his side as it is simplistic and doesn’t give much away about the story. The review for Johnny Mad Dog has a clear layout and doesn’t just talk about the storyline but starts off with n introduction about the filmmaker and comments on the treatment. It gives a short synopsis of the film and then goes back to the technical die of the film, the context and setting too.

Layout of film reviews

As both the reviews from magazines were off of the internet, I decided to research into the layout of reviews in paper magazines. I looked at Empire magazines for this. The title is bold and in capital letters with a short background of the film underneath which includes the directors name, cast list and running time. The layouts change on different pages as there are some that take up half of a page horizontally and some vertically. There is also a big photo of a shot of the film included.

Film Festivals

As mentioned previously, film festivals are effective when promoting a short film. I will research into which festivals would accept and screen our film this year.

The first festival it could be screened at is Portobello Film Festival, which takes place in September in London. The entry is free, which is to our advantage as we are a no budget film. Although they offer places to a wide range of films, there is an award for Best Youth Film. The downfall is that people submit permission forms from all over the world so we would have competition with alot of people. They are constantly looking for new talent and show independent films only.

To the left is a application form which if the whole group was interested in attending we could fill out. It accepts all kinds of themes and genres.

Raindance festival is another festival that we could attend. We could enter this for free if we got our submission form in by May 7th, after then we would have to pay between £25 and £35. They guarantee that they will look at our film. Although, we have to attend another festival before we are accepted at Raindance. On the other hand, if we were to take it here, they are well-known and have a high reputation, which may get us into higher levels of festivals.

They accept short films as well as other types of films including documentary and aim at the frist time directors. When we submit our film, if we got a place, only two of our team could go to see it, which is a bit disappointing but at least someone could go and give the other two feedback. They also hand out awards such as Best Short that we could be nominated for. It takes place in the West End, London.
They require a press kit which should include the following; names of the director, producer, writer, DoP, main cast, the country of origin, original format, print source and website (if we have one). Also a short synopsis, two stills and which format we are in.

The last festival that we could enter is The Student Film Festival Awards. It is set in Brighton so we would have to use our own money to get there, but as we drive we could split the costs of petrol and also it is £15 to enter the festival, again we would have to use our own money. The festival accepts DVD format which is the format our film is in. Also they say we all have to be over 16 which we are. We would be competing with other people from other schools, universities and colleges. The requirements also state that the film has to be less that 2 years old which our film is. In addition to this, the film must be between 1-20 minutes long, as ours is around 5 minutes it is acceptable. They accept all genres and themes of films. When we submit the film we will have to include the name of film, running time, contact information and a short synopsis. There is an award for best short film, which we could be nominated for. The judges include award winning directors such as Howard J. Ford and Antony Thomas which could get us recognised in the film industry.

We would be more successful if we were to enter a student film festival as everyone would be at around the same levels of expertise. If our film was made more professionally, it could be taken to different festivals that are more well-know and have more people from the film industry included.

Our marketing strategy - Individual -

As we need to promote and market our short film after it is completed I need to research to find out ways to promote a short film.

The “Short Film Distribution Guide” by Nigel. R. Smith was a source of research to find out ways to distribute and market a short film.

After reading this, I brought together the ideas that have been an inspiration and methods that we could use to distribute our short.

He states thaat there has never been more opportunities to show a short film. By getting on the international festival circuit, through DVD sales, on-line streaming or downloading.

People that we could show the film to, to get feedback and create word of mouth, would be friends, families, enemies and industry figures. We wouldn’t just have to show immediate family, we could give it to the extended family who could pass copies on to their friends. When handing out the copies, we could ask for a contribution towards the film.

Taking the short to a festival would attract attention to the four of us involved as well as the film. With this attention, we could even be nominated for awards which could even result in cash.
We could place the film on the internet either using YouTube, a short film site or even create our own website.

Festivals are a major part to the success of short films. A short film usually has a festival life span of around two years and the net span can be endless depending on the efforts put in to promote the film. The guide states that festivals don’t usually tend to give money but supplies the most appreciative, committed, adventurous audiences who are looking for fresh material, which would be us and the film. We would have to prioritise which festivals to go to; ones that would be most suitable for our genre of film.

People attending the festivals include; producers, distributors, sales agents, talent agents, development executives and other industry personnel who are all in search for new talent with potential. We should have copies on the film with us at any festivals to give to anyone in the industry. Some festivals may even reduce or cover our entry and shipping costs.

If we were to produce our own website, we would have to take into consideration that there would be no financial gain and industry figures may see it. This method of distribution may disinterest sales agents, festivals and DVD compliers as it would be available to people free to watch. It would be a cheap but time consuming way of advertising. Although, we could charge a small amount to view the film.

Other places we could promote the film are through chatrooms, special interest websites, blogs or newgroups. This will allow us to get feedback.

A disadavantage of placing the film on the web would be that it then becomes unappealing to film festivals as if it is on there for free why would people want to pay to go and see it at a festival?

We could screen the film in a set location for people to come and view the film. We would have to consider where to screen, who to invite, how many people are likely to attend and at what time and date. We could either have free entry, charge a small fee or run on contribution from the viewers. To get feedback from the audience we could do a Q & A session or have a book at the back of the location and request any opinions.

The sales of DVD’s could be placed on sites such as eBay and Amazon, through a secure payment method. If we sold DVD’s independently, although it would be cheaper to bulk order the DVD’s, we wouldn’t be sure how many would be sold. If we added extra’s such as interviews with the cast and crew and outtakes, the DVD would have a higher value.

I then went on to research the promotion and distribution of East is East to see how a British film was distributed.

East is East was a British comedy-drama film and was produced in 1999. It had a varied popular cast including actors such as Linda Bassett and Archie Panjabi. The film was about the changing culture within the different generations. It was marketed as a British film and was intended for a wide range of audiences. In the UK, it was distributed by Channel 4 films and in the USA by Miramax, an art-house, independent film distribution company. The film used a low-budget of 1.9 million and including the UK and USA, collected over £10 million. The UK is well-known for doing British comedy and being good for it as other countries are really interested in watching it.

Trailers
A trailer was placed during the breaks of comedy/drama programmes such as Hollyoaks, Frasier and Brookside which was aimed for the younger generation. This was because East of East was of the same genre so the producers felt that this would entice people to go and watch the film.
Another location that a trailer was placed was on ITV, during breaks of soaps as the film included different generations and their opinions on culture. East is East imitated soaps as it was about real life situations like programmes such as Coronation Street.
As our film isn’t a professional production we wouldn’t be able to get a trailer on such channels as where these programmes would be shown. We wouldn’t have the money to place a trailer on TV. Also, as our film is only five minutes long, the trailer would show half of the film, so people wouldn’t come to festivals or such to watch it, loosing viewers.

Banners
Banners were placed on the internet which targeted the keen internet users and gamers. This grabbed the attention of another group of people that the producers thought would be interested.
Advertisements were placed on radio stations such as Capital FM at peak times so the biggest audience possible could hear them. They included 30 second comedy clips.
As a production company with no budget, we couldn’t use these forms of marketing as we wouldn’t have the appropriate money for it. Although, if our film was at a professional standard and we had the money to do it, broadcasting on Capital FM would be a benefit as it would reach all the people listening to the radio at peak times such as when they are travelling home from work.

Articles and adverts
These were placed in magazines such as More, Look and Sugar which was aiming the film as girl teens again getting the younger generation involved.
To gather more middle aged women to watch the film, adverts were placed in OK! magazine which was for the women who like to gossip about the world. East is East would be suitable to this generation as it was a light-hearted film and they could take their friends and families along with them.
To those who liked watching soaps, articles were location in Inside Soap and Time Out.
Promotion also was included through daily national newspapers which were page dominant making people take note of them.
If we wanted to advertise in a magazine we could post it online as it would be free/cheaper to. Ads were shown a week in advance before release which was a reminder for people to book and go and see it.
East is East promoted their film through billboards and bus stops for passing people. We could market a similar way which would be free of charge and would be to put posters around school and on street lamps and posts inviting people to screening. Posters would have to be bold to stand out.

Although East is East had trailers we could only do this if we created a website.

Website
With a website we cost post all the latest news, video clips of the film and making of, interviews with the casts and crews. A disadvantage of this would be again that it would take a lot of time up which we as students don’t really have much of.

Interviews

Linda Bassett who was also in Darling Buds of May was interviewed on GMTV and in the Daily Mail newspaper. As nobody famous is in My Brother Leon, we can’t get attention through this method.

Reviews

An advantage that East is East had was that only good reviews were released. Unfortunately, we couldn’t stop the bad reviews from being made, although posters and the website could include quotes from good reviews.

Soundtrack

A soundtrack including Supergrass’ tracks was released just before the film was shown in cinemas. We only have used 3 tracks in our film, but we could make them available to download through iTunes or the website, maybe even for a small charge.

Festivals

The film was also taken to festivals such as Cannes and premiered at charitable events. We would have to research into which festivals would be most suitable for the film. Although, taking the film to charitable events would be free or have a little charge which we give us a bigger audience in return.

Advanced Production Techniques

I decided that I would need to research into basic elements for camera, lighting and sound that we could use in our film.

Camera
Coverage is the amount of film footage shot and different camera setups used in filming a scene.
We would need to make sure that everything (characters, set design etc) that needs to be in a shot, is in the shot when filming.
Jump cuts is a cut in editing that are shots of the same subject but vary very slightly in the camera position. This makes the shot appear to jump position.
We could use this instead of following characters, we could jump position.
The 180° rule is a rule in film making which is an imaginary line that cuts through the middle of the screen that states that two characters in the same should always have the same left/right relationship to each other. If the characters pass over the line it is known as crossing the line.
When filming and discussing shots we need to make sure that where the camera is placed is within these rules.
The rule of thirds is when the frame is split up into 9 imaginary boxes which act as a guide for the shot.
Exposure is the total amount of light allowed to fall into a shot.

Lighting
3 point lighting consists of three lights; Key light, fill light and back light.
Key light is the main light which is normally the strongest. It is placed on one side of the camera or the subject so that that side is well lit while the other has the shadow.
Fill light is placed on the opposite side of the key light and is used to fill the shadows from the key. It is usually a softer light and the further it is moved away the softer it will be.
Back light is placed behind the subject which provides subtle highlights for the outlines of subjects. With lighting we will have to figure out where to place it and which type of lighting to use.

Sound
Positioning the microphone:
Distance; The microphone should be as close to the subject as possible without gathering unwanted sounds. It needs to have a good balance and be suitable for the situation in the scene. For example, if the scene requires background sound, the microphone should be further away, but if it’s a conversation between two people, the microphone should be closer to the subjects.

11th January 2010
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camera_coverage
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jump_cut
14th January 2010
http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=define%3Aexposure&meta=&aq=f&oq=
http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/microphones/placement.html

Job Roles - Research -

Although we all had an influence in aspects, my job was the Mise-en-Scene director. This meant that I had to decide on all the hair, make-up, costume and set design.

I researched into the jobs that each of us in the group had to do and what skills that had to have so that we all knew what needed to be done and what was expected of each of us.


Directing
Directors have the overall responsibility for the creative vision and overall style of the film. The main responsibilities include; casting, script editing, shot composition, shot selection and editing.
They can either write the script themselves or assign someone to do it. They must have an idea of what they want the film to look like and achieve and will come up with a plan of how they will get to the finished stage. They then direct rehearsals and performances and manage the technical aspects including camera and lighting. They are responsible for encouraging the team to work to their full potential.
Directors must have the skill to communicate well with others and have a strong passion for creating films. They must also be able to delegate jobs within their team and to make worthy decisions. They should have motivation and belief in themselves and the film itself.
Directing does not require any specific qualifications as they can learn from experience. Starting as a runner for a film is usually an adequate place to start in the film industry.

Camera
The camera operator has to ensure that they carry out the correct instructions about the shot composition and development from the Director. They usually assess how all the elements of performance, art direction, lighting, composition and camera movement come together to create the cinematic experience that the Director is trying to create.
They have to decide where to place the camera and what lenses and supporting equipment to use. They must be able to think quickly and adjust to any last minute changes. Camera operators need to be able to notice problems with lighting and angles of the camera.
Skills include; having a close attention to detail, working as a team, ability to combine creativity with technical skills, physical co-ordination and strength.

Lighting and sound
Lighting operators ensure that the appropriate lighting and power supply are being used. They have to decide where artificial lights need to be used and when the natural lighting would be adequate. With the lighting they are required to create a variety of moods, atmospheres and effects.
The sound department either film the sound on-set or add it in during the editing stage. They must ensure all the dialogue is clear and that there are no unwanted sounds. Also, the microphone should be placed the correct distance from the characters. Sound produces a particular atmosphere, period or location. Sound Designers source different kinds of sounds, and often create and record original new material.

The Costume Department
Costume designers
Costume designers start working with films at the pre-production stage. Their job is to design, create, search for and hire out costumes for the actors and extras. They have strict budgets and tight deadlines. As the head of costume design, it is their job to staff and manage a team. They have to break down the script and see which costumes would be most suitable for the characters. The costumes have to highlight the character’s emotional journey throughout the film and the designer does this by varying the intensity and depth of colours.
Costume designers must research into the time period which the film is set in to make sure the style, design and construction methods are mimicked. They show the Director several of initial ideas which include fabric samples and sketches. They have to make sure that fittings are correct for the actors and extras and also complete deadlines. They produce the fabric research and purchase the clothing. When the filming has finished, designers are required to return any hired costumes and are to sell or dispose of the remaining costumes.

Wardrobe supervisor
Wardrobe supervisors are on set from day-to-day and are required to make sure that the shooting runs smoothly with the costumes and equipment. They have to look at the schedule book to ensure that they have all the costumes prepared for each scene for the day of shooting.

Hair and make-up designers
They are essential in creating a look in relation to social class and time periods. Make-up and hair effects include the design and application of wigs, hairpieces, hair extensions, facial hair, bald caps, tattoos, body paint; as well as medical effects such as cuts, scars, bullet wounds, burns, bruises, blood and the physical symptoms of various diseases. Ageing and death effects are also the responsibility of the Make-up and Hair department. The designers assess make-up and hair requirements, set up their department, employ staff, prepare budgets and ensure that they reach the deadlines set.
During pre-production they need to break down each scene of the film and make detailed notes on many factors including; the effect the story will have if the make-up and hair is done a specific way. They need to assess the creative and technical requirements. They also check if the actors are comfortable with their look and check for any allergies. They must carry out a full risk assessment which identifies potential risks and how the cast will control them.
Prior to shooting, they give their team the brief and make sure the characters look is kept consistent which will show continuity. The designers then set call times for the actors to get prepared for shooting. They then work closely with the camera department to ensure the make-up and hair is suitable in different lighting. After shooting, the designers are responsible for returning any hired items and for the final monies spent.

The Art Department
Production designer
Production designers have to read the script and construct sketches of how they would bring the story to life and help create atmosphere. They decide whether to use backdrops or actual locations; what should be built and what should be adapted, where CGI should be used; whether there are any specific design elements that should be included to give an emotional depth to the film. They then deliver these sketches (detailing mood, atmosphere, lighting, composition, colour and texture) to Art Directors who then build the sets and adapt locations. Props buyers and set decorators manage their teams who find the props and organise the manufacturing of specialist items. They are assigned to complete all special effects, the hiring of vehicles and organising the cast of animals. After shooting they are required to clear all locations and to ensure that all Art Department bills are paid for.

Set Decorator
There are two types of props: action props which are stated in the script; and dressing props, the ones that create atmosphere or add a sense of reality to the character. Small details often describe the character’s personality or their lifestyle. Such things as, the pictures on the walls, the contents of their fridge or cupboards, their books, the items kept in the drawers of a bedside table.
Set decorators research into feature films and they design and prepare every set and adapted location for the film. They go out and visit several of Prop Houses where they can choose and book which props are going to be used for the film. A list is created which states which props are going to be used in each scene, in which they can then check the items for any missing props. Prior to shooting, set decorators photograph all items and take measurements when necessary. After the shooting, any items that have been hired have to be returned on time due to the expenses involved.

Graphic Artist
Graphic artists are the people who design and make the props. They are responsible for making sure such items as cash and credit cards are believable to the audience when in fact they are just copies. They have to make sure that the props fit the time period and the characters personalities to create a realistic film. It the actor or actress is required to work closely with a prop then the graphic artist will show them how exactly to use it. They often design props using freehand drawing then transfer the picture onto Photoshop or Illustrator.

Draughtsman
Draughtsmen draw up set designs. The drawings supplies a technical template which includes the construction, measurements and materials used. They create models of the sets and show them to the Art Department to get clarification. They are often required to work to tight deadlines and either work in an office using drawings and scanning them into the computer or they go to the locations and help out the carpenters with the construction of the sets.

As there is only four of us in the group we will delegate jobs between us:

Camilla Braine will be the Director. She will make decisions towards the treatment, shot composition and the script. Camilla will also make up the shooting schedule and make sure that we as a group all contribute to get the tasks done on time. On set, she will be making sure that all the cast and crew are present and in the correct positions and will also decide when the take will start and finish.

Danah Hussain will be cameraman. This means that he will make decisions towards the shot list and storyboard. He must make sure that he uses the correct shot sizes and angles for each shot to create the right atmosphere. On set, he will make sure that the shot is adequate for the storyline while also making sure that the actors/props and set design is all included in the frame.

Sam Cunningham will be in control of the lighting and sound. After looking at the shots and storyboard, he will have to create the right mood for each scene through lighting. He will be required to make decisions on whether artificial lighting or natural lighting can be used.

I will be the production designer which requires me to make decisions on the hair, make-up, costumes, props and set design. I will need to make sure that all the decisions I make create the right ambeince for the film. I will also be required to

After gathering all this information, I watched Kidulthood and pulled out all of the set design, costumes, props and hair and make-up. I did this because Kidulthood is a drama about youth culture like My Brother Leon. I presented it in a table so that it was clear. This is my influence when choosing the set design, hair and make-up and costumes for the filming of My Brother Leon.

Pre-production documentation

This is all the pre-production documentation completed by all of us as a group. We were set individual tasks to do.

After several ideas, we came up with this storyline as a group.

The Plot
The film goes through a 5-day sequence of the boy's gang crime behaviour gradually getting worse, through a child's perspective, including the breakdown of the relationship between him and his mother.
Starting with the first day, the boy grabs the items on the side and leaves the house, saying little to his mum. The sister quietly watches TV to blend into the background.
On the second day, the boy shuts his sister out from looking into his room and argues with his mum. Again, the sister sits there quietly then turns to her brother as he leaves the house slamming the door behind him.
Then on the third day, the son's door is closed, but when he comes downstairs there is a big argument between the mother and him. He storms out leaving his sister by the front door watching him walk away. The mother then tells the daughter to go to bed. When she does, she walks past the closed door again.
On the fourth day, an inspector visits the house. While the mother is talking to him, the sister tries to listen to what they are saying. After he leaves the mother and daughter catch eyes and go seperate ways.
On the last day, the sister and mother both sit on the sofa together occasionally catching each others eyes for support.

The film treatment was discussed as a group and typed up by director, Camilla Braine.

Shooting Schedule

This piece was discussed by Danah and Camilla, and written up by Camilla.

Script

The script was writted up by Camilla Braine.

Shot List
The shots were discussed as a group but drawn up by cameraman, Danah Hussain.

Location Recces

The location recce's were created by Camilla Braine and myself.

The Kitchen

Sources of light: Big front window. Spot lights on ceiling.

Sources of power: On the wall above the surface.

Permission: Mary
Best to film: When the family are out of the house. Depending on the scene we are shooting, either night-time or during the day.

Downstairs hallway

Sources of light: a lamp. We will need artificial lighting in this room as it lacks light.

Sources of power:
Permission: Mary

Best to film: When the family are out of the house. Depending on the scene we are shooting, either night-time or during the day.

Leon's bedroom

Sources of light: Spotlights in the ceiling and big window.
Sources of power: in the room or use the hallway

Permission: Mary
Best to film: When the family are out of the house. Depending on the scene we are shooting, either night-time or during the day.

Sources of light: a lamp, four spotlights

Sources of power: A double socket with a four socket extension lead. Two other double sockets.

Permission: Catherine Horton
Best to film: When the family are out of the house. During the day.

The living room

Sources of light: a lamp and spotlights

Sources of power: Plug sockets

Permission: Mary
Best to film: When the family are out of the house. Depending on the scene we are shooting, either night-time or during the day.

Upstairs hallway

Sources of light: a lamp. We will need artificial lighting in this room as it lacks light.
Sources of power: Permission: Mary
Best to film: When the family are out of the house. Depending on the scene we are shooting, either night-time or during the day.

Set Design

As Production Designer I made decisions on the set design.

Risk assessment

The risk assessment was done by Sam Cunningham. Before shooting, he visited the locations and made a note of all hazards in the rooms and made sure he prevented them. On set he will make sure all cast, crew and equipment are safe from being damaged.

The following; equipment list, props list, hair and make-up and costumes were decided by myself, the production designer.

Equipment list
Camera - Sony PD150, tripod, lighting (lamps), batteries (for camera), filters, diffusion gel, recording tape.

Props list

Costume list

Sketches of costume

Make-up and hair
Boy
The boy will not be wearing any make-up throughout the scenes apart from the one where he is beaten up.
The hair will be shaven to show masculinity.
Beaten up look - research
Face paint
o Flesh tones
o Reds
o Yellows
Fake blood.
Red
o Around the lips and eyes.
o Going through the eyebrow.
o Forehead.
Deep pink eye shadow around the edges.
Complexion is greyish/pale.
Using the deep pink rub it into all round the eye, from just underneath the eyebrow to the circles under the eye. Round the bridge of the nose and the edges of the pink softly blend blue and or purple for good bruising effect, making sure to smudge in well. If you can find a dark red that looks like old blood and can possibly bear to then dab a little into the inside of the nostrils (not all the way up of course, just in the opening). Have a pale complexion and pale-ish lips as well as no blush, look shocked and maybe put some blue and purple on your cheek bone with some pink for added effect.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20091102091117AALzSUp

The make-up for the boy when he has been in a fight will be visible but not too major as we needed a clip of the boy beginning to get into trouble. He will try to hide that he has been beaten up as he embarrassed when he gets home and doesn’t wish to worry his family.

Girl
Mascara
Foundation
Powder
Blusher
We will give the girl natural make-up to create a sense of innocence as if she’s still young and vulnerable.
Hair is tied up in ponytail at the start but then on Day Four and Five it is left down and naturally wavey to show that she hasn’t cared about the way she looks.

Mother
Darker foundation
Dark circles around the bottom of the eyes. (Little bronzer under the eyes.)
Different shades of powder.
Light eyeliner on upper lids.
Uncombed hair.
The mother will have make-up around her eyes to create a worn out and tired look as if she has been up all night worried and waiting for her son to come home.
Mother’s hair isn’t seen as it is under the hood of her dressing gown.

Permission slips

It is a requirement that we have permission slips from people's houses we use, the actors involed and any music that we use.